These days, everybody wants to get a good deal, especially when buying a used car. But how do you know when that price that’s “too good to be true” is actually too good to be true? How do you avoid buying a lemon Mx5 that won’t make it to its first MOT?
These days, everybody wants to get a good deal, especially when buying a used car. But how do you know when that price that’s “too good to be true” is actually too good to be true? How do you avoid buying a lemon Mx5 that won’t make it to its first MOT?
Steps to Avoid Buying a Clunker Mx5
The best way to determine if you’re buying a lemon- before you invest your time and money into it- is to do your due diligence. Here are a few tips on how to begin.
- Check for Flood Damage- In December of 2013, The Guardian reported that increased flooding had become a real threat to England because of the climate change. Believe it or not, this threat affects the next Mazda Mx5 you purchase. If the car has been a flood-damaged area and the water was able to creep inside, you may be able to spot the problems right away. Signs will be a weird smell, silt beneath the floor mats, and dirty water lines in the the boot or under the bonnet. Whether or not any damage has cause immediate problems doesn’t matter; the damp environment can lead to the corrosion of Mx5 parts, electrical connectors, and airbag sensors. It can also cause mould and result in a failed transmission.
- Have the Car Inspected- By a professional. A mechanic will know exactly what to look for when inspecting your potential new Mazda and will be able to tell you honestly what Mx5 parts you’ll need to repair (and how much they will cost) if you decide to go ahead and purchase the vehicle.
- View Service Records- See if the seller took the time to record the service performed on the car, from replacement car parts to oil changes. Look to see if they kept up with regular maintenance or simply did only what was necessary to keep the car running.
- Inspect During the Day- Don’t ever try to inspect a car at night, or even in a dark garage. Shadows can easily hide imperfections under the bonnet and on the body.
- Look for Overspray- Take a look at the tyres, rims, and trim for indications of paint overspray. This often indicates that the car was recently repainted. While this doesn’t always mean there is a problem with the car, it could indicate that the seller was trying to cover damage caused by an accident or visible signs of rust. If you spot overspray or the paint job seems just a bit off, ask for an explanation.
- Modifications- Avoid buying a used Mx5 that has been modified with aftermarket accessories. Not only could some of them be illegal and mean the immediate failure of your MOT, but accessories that are designed to increase the performance of Mx5 parts could indicate that the car has been driven ‘with enthusiasm.’
- Avoid Grandma Cars- Yes, grandma cars are in pristine condition and have very low mileage, but there’s a downside to owning a car that has only been driving once a week to church. When a car is only driven a short distance, the oil doesn’t have the opportunity to heat up properly. This lead to a build up of condensation and acidic moisture in the engine.
Thinking of purchasing a used Mazda Mx5? Be cautious and do your due diligence so you will know your car will last.
