Mazda MX5 (1989 - 1998) - Insurance question

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Sun 17 Aug 2008 09:55
Insurance question - andyp
I am thinking about buying an early 90's MX5 as a weekend toy (though might use it for commmuting to work sometimes).

It will be garaged, be a 2nd car and only cover about 3000 miles a year, so will it quallify for classic car insurance ?

Also, any advice on what to look out for on an early MX5, would be gratefully received.
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Sun 17 Aug 2008 10:21
Insurance question - martint123
You should be able to get classic insurance, but it may be no cheaper than a mainline insurer.
Mine through Bradford & Bingley with Fortis was £115 in June. The Post Office was around the same price.

There is one possible rot spot on an MX-5, the sills, just to the rear of the seam that is below the rear of the doors. It is not a structural problem, unless ignored, as it is the outer wing.

Another I have heard of, but not seen is the lip at the top of the rear wheel arch.

For 18 year old cars they survive extremely well.
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Tue 3 Feb 2009 20:46
Insurance question - Co Down
Footman James are pretty keenly priced. Anything over 15 years' old qualifies (not vans)

Martin is right re sills. There are four tiny slits (drain holes) - two each side of the two jacking points, insert a very slim screwdriver or knife into these and if brown water comes out then there's likely to be a problem. Water is supposed to drain from the hood gutter - back parcel shelf - hole either side. Insert straightened wire hanger in there and see what emerges from the drain holes. Replacement sills are about £70 from Beevers.
ps if you are looking at a car and the windows are very slow to clear condensation it may indicate leaks.
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Tue 3 Feb 2009 20:48
Insurance question - Co Down
One last thing - you will not regret buying an MX5, they are so much fun, very reliable and economical. In fact, everything an MGB should have been.
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Tue 3 Feb 2009 21:17
Insurance question - DP
Fabulous cars - go on do it!

All I would really add to the excellent advice above is to be very careful with security. The locks and theft proofing on these things are an absolute joke (as with most Japanese cars of this era) so consider a good alarm or immobiliser.

Otherwise they're just brilliant. Lots of technical and parts backup at reasonable prices, and as reliable as the tides if they are looked after. Oh, and a grin a minute to drive. Light, agile, chuckable and all the feel in the world.

We miss ours. Just doesn't work with two kids, and no space/cash for a toy!

Cheers
DP

Edited by DP on 03/02/2009 at 21:18

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Tue 3 Feb 2009 22:08
Insurance question - loskie
I insue my MX5 nc through A1 insurance. They claim to specialise in mx5's but also other types so not sure how that works. try www.mx-5.com for an owner based forum with helpful links and info I'm sure. Saves you joining the owners club.
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Tue 3 Feb 2009 22:18
Insurance question - frazerjp
I'm insured with Adrian Flux, I found them a bit cheaper then Footman James when I rang around, mainly because FJ insisted on Fully comp cover.

What cover are you going for Fully Comp or TP&T ?
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Wed 4 Feb 2009 07:49
Insurance question - loskie
Correction: mine is A plan insurance NOT A1. Sorry.
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