High mileage MX5?

[cirrusjock]

What would you all say was the maximum mileage for a donor MX5? I have my eye on one but it is just short of 200,000. Is this too much? I dont mind getting stuck in rebuilding the engine etc. if needed but dont want to end up replacing parts as it defeats the object of getting a donor.

[Big Vern]

Originally Posted by cirrusjock

What would you all say was the maximum mileage for a donor MX5? I have my eye on one but it is just short of 200,000. Is this too much? I dont mind getting stuck in rebuilding the engine etc. if needed but dont want to end up replacing parts as it defeats the object of getting a donor.

Is that 200000 miles of kilometers? My jap import is in K's and has cleared 200000k (125000miles) with nothing but routine servicing and a couple of clutches and brake calipers. Still on the original battery it came to the UK with in 2000!
BV.

[twinturbo]

A modern engine will do 300,000M+++ if looked after.

The early MX5/Eunos did have an issue with the lower front pully though.

TT

[cirrusjock]

Its a UK 1990 1.6L MK1 so will be miles I presume.

[Not Anumber]

It really depends on how well the car has been looked after - check for servicing and paperwork if this exists.
The MX5 has quite a different ownership profile to what we are used to with Sierra donors. It's not uncommon to find a high mileage MX5 in the hands of it's first or second owner which has had large amounts of care and money spent on it by an enthusiastic and possibly well heeled owner.

[AshG]

wouldn't bother. remember there is always another one. the one i used for the exocet has 130k on it and even though it ran silky smooth like a sewing machine there were visible signs of the beginning of cam shaft wear, which prompted me to replace them.

[cirrusjock]

Well it disapeared from ebay so someone must have bought it.

If anyone knows of a cheap donor in the south I may be interested.

[Big Vern]

Originally Posted by AshG

wouldn't bother. remember there is always another one. the one i used for the exocet has 130k on it and even though it ran silky smooth like a sewing machine there were visible signs of the beginning of cam shaft wear, which prompted me to replace them.

Ah there you are Ash I thought you'd had something to do with the exocet! I have PM'd you on about the exocet.

BV