Today our buyers guide series continues with the third generation of the MX-5, the MX-5 NC. Where are the weak points of the roadster built from 2005-2015? What should be considered when buying? All of these questions are being resolved here and now.
Rust / condition of the body:
As with all models, rust is an enemy of the MX-5. The NCs like to rust in the area of the door on the sealing edges. If you discover rust here in the seller's yard, you'd better look for another car. Rear wheel arches are also very susceptible to rust and should definitely be checked thoroughly before buying. On the trunk one likes to see rust in the area of the license plate lighting, as well as on the sealing seam or the outer edge. Most NCs also bloom in the inside of the side skirts, you can see this when you look at the side skirt from the inside through the wheel arch.
Interior:
The interior of the MX-5 has been insulated better and better from generation to generation. Accordingly, the NC is a very modern and well-insulated car and no unusual noises should occur on the test drive. A bit of crackling and small noises are relatively normal, these noises very often come from plastic parts that are lying on top of one another. This can be heard perfectly in our buyers guide video, which is linked below. Apart from replacing all the clips and then assembling them with insulating material, there is actually no real solution. Since all components of daily use (steering wheel, gear knob, handbrake lever, etc.) are covered with leather, it is quite possible that these components are somewhat worn. Here we offer replacement steering wheels with various customization options in order to freshen up the NC interior and adapt it individually. Be sure to switch on the radio on the test drive and turn it up a bit so you can hear whether the speakers crack or rustle. In this case there is water in the door, which breaks the speakers and should be replaced. With upgraded exhaust systems, the cars are very susceptible to noise, so booming exhaust systems are "relatively" normal in this case. Here, too, insulation material in the interior can help to reduce the roar.
Suspension and steering:
The biggest problem here are the bushings. The screws of the bushings really like to rust in the metal cores of the bushings, which makes wheel alignment or suspension installation absolutely impossible. Here we recommend SuperPro bushes as an exchange. You can usually not get the screws out of the bushes in one piece, they often have to be cut. The coupling rods of the anti roll bar like to wear out and then make rattling noises on bumps. Otherwise the suspension is relatively problem-free.
When it comes to the steering, the only problem with the first models is that the cooling loop of the power steering oil (visible from the front in front of the radiator) rusts through and thus becomes leaky.
Softtop / Retractable Hardtop:
As already mentioned, the interiors tend to crack due to the plastic cladding. The inside of the retractable hardtop is also covered with large panels, which often result in unpleasant noises. As already mentioned, you can replace all clips here and minimize the noise with insulation. As with all MX-5 models, the softtop should be tested for proper function on the test drive and the locks should be checked. These should never be able to be opened without pressing the safety button. The servomotors are relatively insensitive, but should still be tested on the test drive. If the carpet behind the seats is wet, the hood drains are clogged and must be cleaned.
Engine bay and power train:
One of the biggest problems with the MX-5 NC are defective thermostats. During the test drive, you should make sure that the temperature display comes all the way to the middle and does not stop at 1/4 of the temperature display. In this case the thermostat is always half open and should definitely be replaced.
Older engines in particular are prone to bearing damage and piston damage due to the thermostat problems mentioned above. The open thermostat keeps the engine colder than it should. Due to the increased injection quantity when cold, the lubricating film is flushed from the cylinder wall and engine damage is inevitable. In addition, the oil combustion leads to the piston rings sticking, which drastically increases oil consumption. This leads to a lack of oil and ultimately to bearing damage.
Check the oil level directly at the seller's yard. If the fill level is not at the maximum or in the normal range, you should turn on all the warning lights here to prevent a bad buy.
If you have further questions, you are of course welcome to post a comment under this blog or alternatively send us an email.
Your SPS Motorsport Team