newbie looking for buying advice

[lowrider]

Hello all

I fancy the idea of a hard top convertible and a 206cc is on my list.
Just now I have a mx5 and the convenience of an automatic roof appeals to me.
For advice who better to ask than the expert owners. I don't want to end up with a

1. What are the typical faults I should look out for ?
2. Are the engines reliable, should I only look at cars with service history ?
3. What is the typical mpg ? 1.6 and 2.0
4. How does the car handle ?
5. Are there roof operation faults I should look out for ?

Thanks in advance, Andrew.

[lastvts]

The below is reference to a 2.0 SE model

1. What are the typical faults I should look out for? Check the exhaust. The end silencer coupling tends to go on the mid section to the end silencer and the mid section is expensive to replace as its part of the cat pipe. Squeaky brakes, squeaky window rubbers are common, but correctable. Knocking exhausts are also common because some cars get replaced with incorrect units. Seat runners can play up so check they all move correctly.

2. Are the engines reliable, yes in general, but pollution faults are probably what you hear of most. This is normally due to shite petrol cat, lambda probe- exhaust issues.

Should I only look at cars with service history? Some form of service history is essential, but I wouldn’t necessarily go for one with a full stamped book. I would want to see recipiept. It’s all too easy to get a book stamped nowadays. 20k services are the schedule, but IMO it’s too long for an oil change. The 2.0 models have been known to have sticking tappets hence why I would recommend getting regular good quality oil changes. Note cam belts are supposed to be changed every 5 years and it’s expensive. Too expensive IMO when you can pick up replacement parts so cheaply. All the same it would be better to buy a car that has just had it changed.

3. What is the typical mpg? 1.6 and 2.0. Minimum of 260 miles out of a tank and up to about 360miles. Surprisingly good.

4. How does the car handle ? Not that great. I had to get the suspension upgraded it was the only thing I felt let the car down. I suspect owning a MX5 you will be disappointed. Acceleration is pretty good and overtaking torque is very good.

5. Are there roof operation faults I should look out for? Check boot area for any hydraulic leaks, alignment around the windows, obviously check operation and listen out for any strange noises. I was looking at a late models the other day and noticed the roof rubbers don’t seem that good quality going brittle over time. I expect said rubber can be expensive to change. Check over as any normal car, but if you can try and wash the car to see how leak tight it is. Leaks are not uncommon.

I have owned my car for over 7 years with no major issues so contrary to what most people will say. I would recommend a lower mileage car over a newer car and try and get one that’s been looked after rather than a cheap one that you think you can sort out! Also be aware car tax is currently £210 a year and due to go up to £270 next year.

[revclassic]

Keep the MX5 Andrew

If you really must have a 206cc don't buy privately unless you really know what you're doing or get an AA/RAC inspection and get a bloody good warranty!

I also echo all that Lastvts has said too.

I've got a 1.6 and it's very nice and good on the petrol on a long run, got 41.8mpg recently.

Let us know what you decide

Good hunting!

Rick

[natspeug]

get a 206 nicer motor the 2.0l is a tad thirsty though

[lowrider]

Thanks for the info, keep it coming !

I think I will narrow my search to a 1.6 with service history and leather. I would like to keep my mx5 but the cc would be more practical especially with the huge boot (roof up)
I don't mind spending on the suspension to improve the handling, I don't expect rear wheel drive mx5 handling so am realistic about what to expect. Surely a private bargain can be had with a thorough inspection. Do I really need a warranty with a 206cc, are they unreliable ?

Great info lastvts. Good to find out about the typical niggles, thanks.

[lastvts]

I have found my 2.0 to be fairly economical about 37MPG on average. It's better than my wife’s 1.6 Saxo anyway. If economy is a major factor. I would be looking at the 1.6 HDI diesels CC. It has more low down torque than the petrol so should be pretty nippy and is very economical, well so long as the price of diesel rights itself. It is also one of the cheapest cabriolets to TAX when the new banding takes effect next year and think the cost to TAX will actually reduce in price. However they start from 8.5K. Peugeots are renowned for there diesel engines and I believe they still use the same unit in the 207.

There are only 3 engine variants and I would suggest driving each before making a decission.