Mazda MX5 NA (mk1) Classic? Advice

[Mattcortes]

Hi all not been on in ages, sold the Rialto, and the Kitten and put the Fox up for sale. Replaced with a 1 owner from new Minor that needs near enough everything doing to it. That's the update on me. Lol.

In my quest to get some space in my workshop I have sitting in the corner a 1989 Mazda MX5 Eunos import that needs a new engine (that I've got) put in. What would you do? Dad thinks we should strip for parts. I think we should put the engine in and sell it with an MOT. Interestingly its chassis number 248. I'm wondering if anyone has any info on if any of the 1st batch of cars were publicity or dealer cars? I just think such an early one should be saved and not stripped but equally I'm not sure I have the time to put the engine in. So recommendations anyone...........................

Fanking you all.

[kevin]

I would head over to mxnutz and advertise it there, http://www.mx5nutz.com/
I have an early rust free eunos, and whilst they are a great little sports car, unfortunately their value is still low.
Way too many breakers around to make stripping worthwhile, if it was me I would get a decent engine fitted and mothball it.
I was going to sell mine this summer but for what Id get (prob £1000 tops for a car that has a genuine 50k on it and is totally rust free) I will get it serviced and mot'd at a mates garage then mothball it till next year when I will have a bit more time to use it.

Kev

[TerryG]

I suppose that depends what else is wrong with it. Cars are almost always worth more as parts so if there is less work involved in parting it out than replacing the engine, that is one way to go.
If you want it all gone quickly and easily then assuming it isn't rotten, swapping out the engine, getting a test on it and selling it is the simplest from the "cash quick" point of view.

[tractorman]

The only thing about breaking it is that all the "wanted" stuff sells quickly but you are left with a pile of bits nobody wants (or wants to pay for) and a shell to dispose of (and you are supposed to get a certificate to send to the DVLA when you scrap cars now - so may have to pay to get the shell taken away and "signed off").

Perhaps selling it on the bay as "Spares or repair" might work - but there are plenty of anchors (with a "W"!) who bid daft money and either don't turn up or haggle when they do! However, Kev's suggestion of the MX site may be better - genuine enthusiasts probably won't mess you around!

I'd say get the engine fitted - it shouldn't be a six month project - and either sell it as a runner without MOT or put the effort in and get it tested. The snag with that second option is that you drive the thing to and from the MOT test and fall in love with it!

[Mattcortes]

I do love them as cars and I've had a few! It was the fact it is such an early one that made me think. The best I've managed to sell a mark 1 is for £1250 in the summer and to be honest that's great as the car and engine only stand me in about £500 as is. Its just the time and space that's the issue.

[History]

The MX5 IMO is the best small sports car ever made.

I would not bother fixing the car and avertise the bits for sale. My Shadow is worth 10k but worth 25k in bits.

I can see £1500 worth of parts on a MX5. But its selling the bits. The more popular bits go fast then the rest stuggles.

Try a MX5 specialist.

MX5s are becoming classic.

[kevin]

The MX5 IMO is the best small sports car ever made.

I would not bother fixing the car and avertise the bits for sale. My Shadow is worth 10k but worth 25k in bits.

I can see £1500 worth of parts on a MX5. But its selling the bits. The more popular bits go fast then the rest stuggles.

Try a MX5 specialist.

MX5s are becoming classic.

If you get over to mxnutz you will soon realise that you would be lucky to get £500 out of a breaker. That would include a good engine/box and some decent rims (not the original Daisy's) and leather seats.
Too many rusty examples about at the mo I'm afraid.
Fix it and use it I'd say

Kev

[History]

Kev,
I bow to your expertise in MX5 used parts prices. I would have thought that an engine and box would more than 500 quid.

In that case fit the engine and sell a running car. The engine isn't particularly hard to fit. Or fit the engine and store the car for the future.

How much is a nice eunos worth is the question that dictates the course of action


Regards
Bob

[SirTainleyBarking]

At this time of their lives early MX5's are in the scrappage phase (Bit like Early Disco's at the moment) and most of them are scrapped for rust.
Therefore all the oily bits are in very good supply so prices aren't what they could be.

The big bits are cheap, and are often swallowed up by kit car (locost) builders.

As you've got the bits, I'd say fix, get an MOT (I always value non-MOT'd cars as scrap value unless they are really unique and rare) then decide.
It's a lot easier to move a runner than a pile of bits

[Mattcortes]

The bits are worth quite a bit and I've broken a few in the past as they are used for several racing series. The roofs are easily £100 if semi decent as well but I do think it's a shame to spoil a car that could go again. Might see if anyone fancies a project before deciding.