Convertible for my wedding.

ba_barabus

Right, I may be attempting the impossible but I've freed up a maximum of €2000 to purchase a small convertible for my wedding day and to keep there after. That budget must include it being presentable and roadworthy on the day so no point in getting a 2k fixer upper. I'm also happy to put some time into finding the car and prepping it myself.

Ideally I'm looking for:

1996 or older mx5 Red colour Driving fine Nct to drive home as I've no trailer No major work needed but don't mind a list of niggles that I can solve over a few months No modifications (plain ordinary original car preferred)

Alternatives:
I'd love an MGB but being realistic I doubt I'll find one in budget without needing major work. The other alternative is an MGF but finding a half decent 95/96 reg has proved very difficult.

So given those criteria and budget limitations am I being realistic and can I ask the good folks of boards to help me find it given its a special request from the bride.

CIP4

Does it have to be 1996 it can't be newer as there are plenty of Mg tf 2002-2004 around for 2k and below. I think the facelift makes them look a lot more modern compared with an mgf.

ba_barabus

CIP4 wrote: »

Does it have to be 1996 it can't be newer as there are plenty of Mg tf 2002-2004 around for 2k and below. I think the facelift makes them look a lot more modern compared with an mgf.

Sadly it can't be due to insurance. I have to get a car that is 20 years or older so I can get a classic insurance policy on it.

CIP4

ba_barabus wrote: »

Sadly it can't be due to insurance. I have to get a car that is 20 years or older so I can get a classic insurance policy on it.

Ah ok fair enough. You probably have a better chance finding an mx5 so as there are very few 1996 mgf's going around. Best of luck with the search.

ba_barabus

CIP4 wrote: »

Ah ok fair enough. You probably have a better chance finding an mx5 so as there are very few 1996 mgf's going around. Best of luck with the search.

You never know what'll crop up but I'm not going to hold my breath.

Marcusm

ba_barabus wrote: »

You never know what'll crop up but I'm not going to hold my breath.

Is your fiancée still in the UK; any chance of picking one up over there with little additional cost?

ba_barabus

Marcusm wrote: »

Is your fiancée still in the UK; any chance of picking one up over there with little additional cost?

She is from NI so yes it is an option. I'm going to try locally here first however as the sterling/euro rate is still not great. I'm hoping the overall costs buying here are better.

ba_barabus

Right. I'm viewing my first potential purchase this weekend.

It looks in good condition and has a fresh nct. It does however need the timing belt done . Does anyone know if the 1.6 engine as fitted to the Eunos is a non interface engine?

Truckermal

Knowing your luck it will blow up on the way to the church! !!:pac:

landmarkjohn

[QUOTE=ba_barabus;98470736 Does anyone know if the 1.6 engine as fitted to the Eunos is a non interface engine?[/QUOTE]

Yes, it is a non interferance engine.

For those who don't know this means that should the timing belt break the pistons and valves will not try and occupy the same space when the piston reaches the top of it's stroke and get mashed up. Still recommended to change at correct intervals of course.

MX5 brings a lot of smiles to the gallon, good luck.

landmarkjohn

Marcusm wrote: »

Is your fiancée still in the UK; any chance of picking one up over there with little additional cost?

Jap import Irish car would be the best choice, the UK cars of this vintage could be suffering from salt wounds, the sills can be a weak point. If you are prepared to do the work a UK car with MOT failure could be cheap, getting it back is the trouble.

Some of the insurance companies are getting a bit funny about Jap import Eunos, Roadster etc.

ba_barabus

Truckermal wrote: »

Knowing your luck it will blow up on the way to the church! !!:pac:

Don't even say it!!!!

I'm think it's overpriced but I'll try my best to haggle tomorrow. It needs a belt and service and the alloys have to go. Priced at 2k. I'll see how it goes but looking forward to it. A car I've always wanted.

quadrifoglio verde

First of all its not red but it's the next best colour combo

British racing green with tan leather interior
I saw one of these in town about a year ago and my jaw just dropped in awe
Such a classic looking car in this combo
Tested to November as well

https://cars.donedeal.ie/vintagecars-for-sale/new-nct-mazda-mx5-eunos-mk1/10130345

ba_barabus

No link there in your post but if it's the one that went up on dd vintage section today I'm actually viewing it soon. I had spotted it in an old ad on Monday. The colour combo is great but that needs new seats and a new roof.

Dj

A bit left field would you consider a red1996 Alfa Romeo Spider, uk plates but still on budget.
Hi, I thought you might be interested in this advert http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/Spider/CONVERTI/31713499101725710/advert?channel=CARS

ba_barabus

My regular car is an Alfa and a UK car isn't a turn off. Sadly it's been turned down

ba_barabus

Anyone need a short back and sides?

quadrifoglio verde

ba_barabus wrote: »

Anyone need a short back and sides?

Photos or it didn't happen

ba_barabus

quadrifoglio verde wrote: »

Photos or it didn't happen

I can't upload them but it's real alright.

ba_barabus

Pics now here

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=98563033&postcount=9431

landmarkjohn

Some helpful folks over on mx5ireland.com if you need info.

voz es

Look up a 318i E36 convertable, A beautiful car with the top down, I got insured in mine for 500 last year with axa

unkel

That looks great. Liking the steering wheel too!

Well wear

BTW some insurers let you put these kind of cars on a classic policy from when they are 15 years old, not 20.

unkel

That looks great. Liking the steering wheel too!

Well wear

BTW some insurers let you put these kind of cars on a classic policy from when they are 15 years old, not 20.

Notch000

great buy, ive a feeling it will be kept for longer than the wedding !! eligible for classic tax too in 4 yrs time also , these will rocket in value in the coming years

ba_barabus

Notch000 wrote: »

great buy, ive a feeling it will be kept for longer than the wedding !!

That's currently the plan

ba_barabus

unkel wrote: »

That looks great. Liking the steering wheel too!

Well wear

BTW some insurers let you put these kind of cars on a classic policy from when they are 15 years old, not 20.

Indeed they do.

I've insured it with autoline up north and they cover cars 15 years or older as a second car.

Notch000

ba_barabus wrote: »

Indeed they do.

I've insured it with autoline up north and they cover cars 15 years or older as a second car.

howch was that, I've a 99 mk2 & think of getting something more sensible for a daily driver

Notch000

ba_barabus wrote: »

Indeed they do.

I've insured it with autoline up north and they cover cars 15 years or older as a second car.

how much was that, I've a 99 mk2 & think of getting something more sensible for a daily driver

ba_barabus

Notch000 wrote: »

howch was that, I've a 99 mk2 & think of getting something more sensible for a daily driver

The best thing to do is ring them. I got a very competitive quote however

Notch000

ba_barabus wrote: »

The best thing to do is ring them. I got a very competitive quote however

i will do, when you finished the wedding craic and the missus hates you again, take the MX5 out for a track day,

there good to go out of the box