I have made this video so you do not inadvertently buy a lemon MX5. It was never designed to be a short video and covers everything you would want to know about the MK2 & MK2.5 MX5 cars, before and after purchasing one. If you have any questions ask below & remember there is a huge following to these and there are many FaceBook groups that can help. Matt

@FarideLadak

2 жыл бұрын

A very detailed review. Thank you

@davejenvey3598

5 ай бұрын

I just brought a mx5 nb rs 1998. The speedometer was converted for the UK. But there's an argument wether the mileometer was changed to which is digital.

I like how the one that looks like a literal lemon isnt a lemon

As a long term MX5 (NB) owner I suggest don't worry about cosmetic upgrades. NB's are tail happy especially when powering out of slow corners, an upgraded front sway bar will tame this and should be number 1 mod. Number 2 is replacing the rubber door blocks with solid polyurethane which will noticeably stiffen the car. The plastic end tanks on the radiator become brittle after many heat soaks and will fail at the worst time leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere - trust me on that - an aluminium radiator is third mod. All 3 are cheap, and super easy to do yourself.

@curtisducati

2 жыл бұрын

Buy an SLK !

@eddieruddock7014

Жыл бұрын

​@@curtisducatiYou mean that heavy numb feeling expensive to repair car?

Good video. However thing to note is that both MX5 1.6 and 1.8L engines are non interference engines, so neither would be damaged if the timing belt snapped.

@robinforrest7680

4 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you said that. I have a mk1 1.8iS that I brought back to France from the UK 2 years ago. Very little service history, 110000 miles and no record of a timing belt change. It's now up to 128000. I've had a full belt and water pump kit banging around in the boot for several months but not worried because I'd read that they're all non interférence. So this vid got me a bit phased. Thanks for the reassurance! Cracking little motors!

@chayyboi

4 жыл бұрын

Also just nb1 comes 1.8 without vvti

@egeayvala1799

4 жыл бұрын

@@chayyboi i own an mk1 na and i did not know that is that the engine thats 141 hp not 146 ?

@chayyboi

4 жыл бұрын

@@egeayvala1799 the nb 1.8 is rated from factory at 146hp, the vtii does not add power, just adds efficientcy and some more torque low down

@geonauto

4 жыл бұрын

I bought a imported NB1 1.8 non vvt,it has a big plate on the cambelt cover ,asking for replace it every 100.000 km(in Japanese language).So I replaced mine at 65k miles

A couple notes. The 1.6l and 1.8l blocks are physically different, the 1.8l is not a bored out 1.6l. Stock bore on a 1.6 is 78mm, max is 80mm. 1.8l stock is 83mm, max is 85mm. The 1.8l VVT block is stronger due to the support girdle. The best combination for turbocharged applications is a BP4W (NB1) head and a BP6D bottom end (VVT). All can be boosted, all perform well up to 250WHP, the 1.8l will spool a turbo faster than the 1.6l. The 5 speed box is cheap because they break at 300WHP consistently. The 6 speed box is a physically different case, stronger with stronger gears. They did not just make the gears shorter, its a new design with an overdrive gear.

@RagTheNutsOff

5 жыл бұрын

Howdy Daniel, I didn't know that. I'm sure that will be super helpful to someone looking g to modify their car later on. Matt

@MrSunnyBhoy

2 жыл бұрын

Good info, by 300whp, did you mean 300 horse power?

I bought mine getting on for 5 years ago. A 2003 mk 2.5 in red. (It had to be red!) When I told a mate of mine that everything in my price range had high mileage he replied "Don't worry about that, it's the body-work which is important". I looked at a few and this same guy had a look over my choice for me. I drive it every day and it always makes me smile! I love it! Awesome video Matt!

You are 100% correct on rust, regardless of the price.

I may as well be autistic, but I have watched this video at least 3 times in its entirety in the last year. Partly for entertainment value, partly for the information. Now I have a 1.8 NB with LSD and AC. I love the car!

Huge thank you for this, I am looking to get my first Mx-5 and your list of pointers will hopefully make my choice a better one.

Just bought a 1.8 2.5; I cannot thank you enough for this video mate. Really informative. Everyone should watch this before purchasing a mx-5.

@melvinplant8637

2 ай бұрын

What price a rust free model

G'day Matt, thank you so much for this video. I bought a Mk2 yesterday and the knowledge was invaluable. I found one tiny bit of rot behind the boot liner that not even the seller knew was there.

I just bought a red 2004 LS with the 6 Speed and I’m loving it so much. The owner before me babied it and it only has 60,000 miles. Thanks for the informative video. This is going to help a lot of people.

I really enjoyed the video and learnt a lot about my MX5. Even though I've had it 6 years, I didn't realise that the electric windows, central locking and ABS weren't standard on my MkII.

16:27 why is there a dime bag on the floor lmao

Glad to see my old mx5 has been given some love!

Absolute legend.. what a video.. I’m on the hunt for my first ever mx5.. Wanting a NB MK2.5 1.8 vvt Patiently waiting for the right 1 to arrive on the market!

@GoodBlokeOutdoors

2 жыл бұрын

Got my MK2.5 1.8 vvt euphonic edition.. Happy days

I wasn't sure if I had the attention span to listen for over an hour. Glad you proved me wrong. Great job

This video is awesome. Perfect guide for first time prospective buyers like me. Tips are really hurtful !! keep up the good work mate !

Excellent video - watched it before I bought my 1st MX5 Mk2 last year and took notice of the advice - watched it again out of interest and I agree 100%

Just stumbled across your video, I just picked up my first mx5 a couple of weeks ago, it appears that I have been blessed and picked up a good one. I will have to admit that I am looking for a hardtop for the winter. My favourite car so far 😁

Amazing video. I was looking for a LHD Mx5 NBFL and I think I'm much more confident in going forward with this project. Thank you so much !

Great Video and really informative. Thanks for taking the time to make.

This is an amazing video, I am buying my first mx5 this month. Thanks for all the tips

@RagTheNutsOff

5 жыл бұрын

Howdy, I'm glad it's help you. Matt

This vid all be it I am approx 3 years to late is fantastic I have been so so so lucky when buying my mx5 2.5 not knowing all these issues I went out and bought one for my daughter It was in time warp condition NO RUST AT ALL with 40K odd miles Been kept in a heated garage all its life and loved to death I did however pay over the odds which I tend to do for the right car and looking at this thank god I did infact I now think I did not pay a penny over the odds ??? Great vid thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!

thank you very much, tomorrow im going for one. the part at the beginning with the rails was especially helpful. thank you again!

Thanks a ton for this video, I saw plenty buyers guide for NBs, but thats beyond all. Hats off🙋🏻‍♂️

i keep crossing paths with you matt. It started a few years ago watching your understandingE videos with magento, i then got into RC planes and found this channel. And only yesterday i went and bought a mk2.5 mx5. weird. I managed to find a 6 speed with hardtop for £1350. no major rot. Which i thought was pretty good.

Thanks for making this. I try to tell people the main this is ROT! 2 of my friends bought mk1s for £3000+ 2 years down the line I own both of them for less than £300 each. Building a good one out of the two of them. 1 was rotten beyond repair and the other one was not as bad but he crashed it. I'll have an absolute topper for less than a grand by next month after I've sprayed it and finished restoring the underneath of it. I tried to tell them but they both got bent over for them!

ty for such an inorfmative video! currently looking for a mk2 or 2.5 myself and knowing the places to look for rot is invaluable!

Awsome video mate. made me very confident in buying my mk2.5 today

My parents gave me a $5000 budget, I can get a used miata once I have my liscence in a few months, I'll get to learn manual in it, then it'll be for the most part, mine. I'm right at the start of this video and I know this is going to be a great help!

@vali69

2 жыл бұрын

Did you get one?

Hey man, i know how much work you have put into this, i really appreciate it, and you deserve way more views and likes, keep up the good work👍👍👍

GREAT VIDEO. THANK YOU MATE. SOLID STUFF + You're an awesome presenter. Spider senses tell me you're a LEGEND. Cheers

I am buying my MX-5 bb today. Thank you for this video! I’ll keep an eye out.

So helpful appreciate the video so much since I have no experience in this cheers mate

This is gold. Much appreciated!

An really excellent and lengthy video. I learned a lot.

Very entertaining. I have an RF, but still enjoyed the clip. Great advice, love the enthusiasm.

So far the best video and information about the MX5!! Thank you so much for your time and help! I am about to buy an NB 2, 2004, 42.000 kilometers, including hard top for 8.000 Euro. It looks quite good, no rot, new brakes 6000km ago. But I will change at least all oils, filters and the time belt system. A lots of greetings from Austria.

Thank you Matthew! I absolutely appreciate all the work you've done on this 1.5 hour video. I think this is one of the best guides on buying a car I've ever seen. Normally I don't "like subscribe and bla-bla-bla" but this time I think it would be absolutely unfair not to do it. I hope your advice will help me soon. I'm from Russia myself (don't blame me on that) but I think all the guys telling British accent is hard to understand are talking bs cause this video proves otherwise despite I know there could be some issues with old school British accent) Everything was clear and helpful. Thank you once again. Love it!

In the States, the location of the ECU is different. It's actually under the driver's side dash, under the steering column. Lucky for me because my 2001 MX-5's passenger side has gotten wet several times due to an ill-fitting window. You scared me to death till I googled it. :)

Great vid mate 👍. Loved it I’ve had a few and you’ve nailed it thanks. 👌

Another car with a bullet proof engine is the V6 Mk 3 mondeo, i drove my last one like it was stolen every single time i got in it for 12 years and the only reason i retired it was the bodywork being battered and i was embarrassed to be seen driving it, was still rust free though. Loved driving that car so much i searched high and low for a clean example to replace it with and now have another MK3 V6 with 68,000 on it which will last me many more years of being ragged senseless :) The Duratec v6 has a chain too so no messing about with cam belts!

Haha! Love the surprise baggy @16:25 :D LOL

Brilliant video; every rust spot you have identified, I have had to weld or replace with panels (readily purchased from MX5 specialists). Done all the undserseal as well (Dinitrol).

Great video, thanks for posting. I used all your advice to make up a checklist that stretched to 2 sides of A4 and used that to help my daughter buy an MX5 yesterday. We found a car with no rust advisories on the MOT history on Vehicle Smart (it was LITERALLY the ONLY car out of about 15 cars within a 50 mile radius that didn't have some kind of mention of rust ) and when we got there I spent over an hour checking all the stuff you advised.... chassis rails, sills, battery bay etc etc and sure enough everything was solid. It was clean and well looked after and drove beautifully and had half service history so we bought it on the spot. Fingers crossed I've not missed anything important but do feel that with your help I've checked the car as well as I could. Thanks again.

@brianq7365

2 жыл бұрын

Hello james, is there any way you could send this checklist to me? And have you found out about anything since you bought it or is she still enjoying the car?

@jamesnolan3634

2 жыл бұрын

@@brianq7365 I can email it to you if you send me your details. The car is all fine...we've had no problems with it at all... no nasty surprises.

@CookieCSGO34

2 жыл бұрын

@@jamesnolan3634 Could you email this to me mate? if your wanting to sell id be happy to buy

@VxDrPepperVX

2 жыл бұрын

Hey, could you email the list please?

@leocheng2728

5 ай бұрын

😅😅

brilliant video - defn things to look out for - hadnt seen this then but bought one in February waited since they came out in 1989 - lucked out with mine was a cat d but about 5 months from new - never driven on before dest drive - got out and bought it immediately - 53 plate - hadnt had a service for a while and tracking was out - besides that ... never been that bothered with driving only as part of my job but i cant keep myself out of the thing - in the garage at the moment to get the sills done - preventative maintenance - chasis rails ok Once again really great advice

Amazing video., great advice thanks for your effort 😊

thanks for this video awesome. I am in the process of purchasing an MX-5 i checked all the rust spots you mentioned all area's were sound, found water in passenger footwell so the dealer will be sorting that before purchase. so thanks again awesome video

@RagTheNutsOff

4 жыл бұрын

Hey Mike, crucially find out why there is water there. Most likely the top catch or seal around the windscreen area/roof is gone. Matt

Great Video! Very informative!

Rust Issues: The primary concern with MX-5s. Matt emphasizes inspecting chassis rails, rear sills, wheel arches, and front wings for rust. Extensive rust is a deal-breaker due to high repair costs. Engine Reliability: MX-5 engines are generally reliable up to 150,000 miles. High mileage engines might have issues with oil bypassing piston rings, leading to smoke. Regular maintenance can mitigate many issues. Models and Features: Differences between Mark 2 and Mark 2.5 models are highlighted, such as headlights, central locking, electric windows, and ABS. Understanding these variations is important for informed purchasing. Servicing Tips Regular servicing is crucial. Matt suggests not to overlook brake fluid, clutch fluid, and wiper blades, and to change differential and gearbox oil regularly. Fuel Efficiency: There is a brief comparison of fuel efficiency between the 1.6 and 1.8 engines. Brakes: Check for issues, especially in cars that have been stationary for long periods. Differentials: Various types are discussed, but for everyday driving, the differential type (open, Torsen, Fuji, etc.) is not a major concern unless used for track days. Gearboxes: Both 5-speed and 6-speed gearboxes are discussed. The 5-speed is seen as more reliable, though there's little difference in everyday driving. Roofs: The importance of checking for leaks in both mohair and vinyl roofs is noted. Hard tops should be inspected for cracks. Written Off Categories: Understanding the UK categories (Category N and S) for written-off vehicles is crucial. Category S (structural damage) vehicles should generally be avoided. Modifications and Upgrades: Various potential upgrades like stereo systems, LED lights, air filters, and exhaust systems are discussed. Personal preference plays a significant role in these choices. Buying Tips: Includes checking VIN numbers, doing HPI checks, interviewing the seller, test driving in all gears, and being attentive to vibrations or noises.

Great video, looking for an MX-5 my self, so really great info and help. But saying that the engines are "rock solid", and yet you advise avoiding cars with more than 130.000-150.000 miles....that's is the opposite of "rock solid". My old Saab 900 did more than 376.000 km - 235.000 miles-ish, and the engine was healthy, using no oil at that mileage, and would've probably gone on for quite a while if the rest of the sweet swede hadn't rusted away - THAT is a rock solid engine!

@cdpbrwr

2 ай бұрын

Coworker's experience with Miatas impressed me: engine finally blew on a NA at over 250k miles and his current daily driver NB is around 200k miles. Both bought new, well serviced and never tracked. No major problems- worse was a cam position sensor failure that required a tow. That convinced me to buy two used 2002's, one base model and later a rare yellow special edition I couldn't resist.

Thank you so much for this very informative video, I have learnt a lot from you.

I had a floating crankshaft yet the key way was ok, this appeared at 106,000 miles and appeared to be the thrust bearing so kept going through the crank seals. So look at the bottom of the engine while the engine is running and check the crank wheel is nice and smooth and not wobbly!

Thank you for this video ! I am looking to buy a non lemon and this really helped . Simple to follow , informative and clear 🤓☑️

Awesome video 👍

Hi, gonna look at a mk2.5 1.6 with 104k this is very helpful video many thanks👍

thanks a lot. you did an amazing job. very informative

Videos like this I want to get info from, set a faster play speed, glad I did great video

Great vid very much appreciated thank you for sharing 👍

Well done sir,great informative video.

excellent video, useful for all mx5's. what kind of leather restoration paste are you using?

Learnt a lot from this. Thanks

What's the number one concern with an MX5? Rot, rot, rot...bloody rot! Point well taken.

absolutely brilliant. many thanks for this!

I've watched a few of your FPV videos before, was totally surprised to come across this one. Looking forward to getting a nb one day and this video is on point, exactly what I was looking for :) thanks for the great content.

I got a 2005 icon with 50k on the clock, spent most of its life in a garage so looks and drives mint 👌

This is great video, really helpful. I've got a 2.5 1.8i sport as well. I changed all fluids and filters (not fuel one yet), and brakes, but haven't yet changed the spark plugs. I've no service history so no idea if the plugs are original. Does it really improve the performance to put new ones in? I've put it off as it looks more difficult 😬 Could you recommend good plugs and leads pls? Thank you

It depends on the price. You can get full sill replacement sections, which is doable if you get the car cheap (under a grand) enough.

great video with plenty of info.

This is the type of video that I've been looking for. I am learning about the Miata MX 5. So hearing what to look for was massive. As I am not a technical guy. My next issue is to see if I can dtive a manuel. All the cars that I've driven have been automatic. But I hear from videos that you should buy and learn a manual. Because the engine on an automatis aren't good. Thanks for a great video. Shaun of NYC

@tmo2798

4 жыл бұрын

You have a lot to learn. "Because the engine on an automatis aren't good. " No. Most vehicles that are same model and trim only differ in transmission. They use the same engine in most cases. The automatic transmission itself is weak and unreliable in most cases. Manual transmissions are lighter and more durable. They are a better choice for 'drivers' because 'drivers' select the gear when approaching a hill, curve, or curve on a hill. Although newer automatics are faster than manuals in the same car and trim package, manuals are still preferable among most drivers who want to keep the car for 5 years or more.

@matthiasschuster9505

3 жыл бұрын

@@tmo2798 That all counts only when you mean old transmissions, modern automatics are great, also at Mazdas.

Wow, you gave me a lot of good information.

Great vid. Any thoughts on ecu chips, are they worth it?

What an awesome video even for a long time owner! I’ll be going through my Miata and checking many things pointed out. Those I.L. Motorsport hood lifters are going to my wish list! Talking from experience and you can confirm with a quick internet search: 1. The 1.6 is not an interference fit. Don’t worry about the timing belt. 2. The 5 speed is not stronger than the 6 speed. The 6 speed is preferred for turbocharging as it can take more torque. I’ve broken both 5 and 6 speed on mine and will be putting only 6 speeds in. However, for a stock daily driver, go for the 5 speed. It’s much comfier not have to change so often. 3. Small thing, but anyway the 6th on the 6-speed is actually shorter than the 5th on a 5-speed, meaning with the same diff the 6-speed will actually rev more on highway. Again, 5-speed is nicer for a daily cruiser. These have propably been pointed out already, but putting it out there anyway. :) .... 4. Do turbo your MX-5! Like so many others that have, you won’t regret it.

I have a '91 with 180+K miles, no oil burning at all, I've owned 4 NAs (3) 1.6 and (1) 1.8, all did great. All is needed is regular oil changes.

Great video, tons of knowledge - wondering about the link to the site with MX-5 models though - can't see it in the description...

Brilliant video I'm hoping to get mine soon

@RagTheNutsOff

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Luke :)

Absolutely superb, cheers

Thanks for the great video!

16:21 bag of weed on the floor

@N12Gautam

4 жыл бұрын

elliott it’s empty

@adamrandall9958

4 жыл бұрын

Your weed looks shit

@csmcreative

3 жыл бұрын

HAHA! Gold. Go Woodstock ;)

@denotzgii

3 жыл бұрын

420 on tha clock.. coincidence???

@elliott665

3 жыл бұрын

@@denotzgii i think not!! :D

Excellent video I don't know if you could do one on Mark 3 that would help me out tremendously. I have a 2008 Mark III 1800.Cheers Phil from Newark

thanks so much for these tips!

Can't believe how Rusty UK cars are, here in new Zealand my 91 is completely rust free with over 370 k kms still running fantastic, good video dude

@TribalHARRY

3 жыл бұрын

Soggy weather and salty roads in winter here in UK

Awesome video, and very informative! I've recently inherited a MK2.5 NB 1.6 and had (still has) a lot of the rot you mentioned. I love the car, so I'm slowly repairing it. lol Out of interest do you have any spare parts available?

@RagTheNutsOff

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Roger, yea they can be a challenge. As for parts, no, I got rid of everything here shortly after that video was made. Matt

Biggest selling point for me with mk2.5 is that they come with OBD2. If you get a mk2, you only get the proprietary mazda port. OBD2 makes faultfinding way easier.

Thank you for the great advice .

by any chance would you have any rolling shells?running and driving that have minimal rust ? crash damage whatever aslong as he chassis and suspension is solid?

Hi Matt, I just watched your not buying a lemon video. Noticed you mentioned you have about 14 of them. Do you have any for sale (preferably not a lemon lol) great work on the video, was very informative as I’m looking to buy a 2.5

Great help ! many thanks !

Matt! Please tell me what the little button switch underneath the steering wheel does. It's driving me nuts not knowing what it does. Mine's an NB MK2 1.8 from 2000. And also, might I add this was the best 'how-to-buy-an-mx5' video I've ever seen. I wish I had bumped into this before getting mine. xx

Hey this video is great! I recently bought an MX-5 without doing all these checks and I got lucky... However, I was wondering if you could do a video, or you know of any guides, that would be good for rust maintenance? Thanks!

@RagTheNutsOff

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Freddie, your local garage would be a good start. The videos that are posted about MX5 rust repairs on KZread are generally greatly over exaggerated and chase minor surface rust on inner panels by cutting out whole chunks using an angle grinder, it's crazy. So a local garage would be best as they'll offer you no BS advice normally. Matt

Thanks for this awesome video! I used this before buying my NB, which I am picking up in two days. I'm worried about rust...it looks v clean, as it was imported from Japan. However, it is rainy season. Should I be concerned driving it in the rain? I hear water gets stuck in the frame rail sheets of metal. I plan on spraying Fluid Film inside the crevices.

Hi Matt, Great Video, love the attention to detail etc. My mum bought the MX5 California Limited Edition in 2000, from new when they just come out. Only 500 of these were made. She still has the car but unfortunately due to rot on the nearside front chassis rail and some corrosion to the subframe mounting. The body of the car is not bad for it's age and she wants to keep it. However, I did approached an MX5 restorer in Buckinghamshire who agreed to do the work but due to unforeseen circumstances he unable to commit. There aren't may restorers in the Southeast and they tend to be miles away. Does anyone on here know of any MX5 restorer ? Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks Dee

Seems you could prevent a lot of "rot" by oiling the underside or just not driving it in winter.

I always want a Miata, and this video just entices me to go ahead and get one. But I want a 95 I want the flip lights

Thanks for the video very informative . My 1999 1.6 mk2 is amazingly rust free 47k miles . I would like the cam belt changed but have heard stories of the end of the crankshaft snapping off ! If it is a non interference engine perhaps I should leave it till it goes And I've got to have it done?. Thanks for the video again

I don't know if anyone mentioned it, but I think you could take the spring mechanism out of the center console lid, and it won't pop up on you anymore.

Going to view one sunday. Last minute recap!

@RoxusRemo

3 жыл бұрын

Did you buy it?

@TheEpicMassey

3 жыл бұрын

Matt Dobing i did! 2004 nb 55,000 km on it. This is literally my first car so I brought a mechanic with me; who said the rust on the chassis rails were just surface and no problem. Because of watching this video I got 800 off the asking price (which I hear is the cost of getting both rails repaired). Low and behold a few months later it failed as an inspector hit a hole in 1 of the legs with a hammer. Surprisingly only 200€ to fix (1 leg). Never using that mechanic again. This video saved me a lot

Perfect video pleasure to watch

Having just watched your excellent video, I was interested that you never mentioned the automatic Mk25 which was made for a short while. My late Wife bought an 02 reg 1.8 MK5 auto back in 2005. It is now in my Daughter's possession and has been laid up during the Covid pandemic. It will be put back on the road in the next few months. it has done less than 80000 miles. What do now about the autos and what are your thoughts about them?