VALUES

Mk I versions of Britain’s best selling convertible make great classic buys. You can get into a worn 1.6-litre import for under a grand, while £2k should get you a good Mk I UK car with decent miles. Budget £3k for a good Mk II while the world is pretty much yours for £5k.

PARTS COUNTER 

• Pads £20
• Discs £35
• Calipers £40
• Westco Battery £75
• Radiator – Mazda £180, aftermarket £80
• Mazda oil filter £5.20
• HT leads £40
• NGK Plugs BKR6E-11 £10 a set
• Water pump £45
• Cambelt kit £70
• Clutch £125

BODYWORK & WHEELS

• Despite their tough reputation, early Mk Is have been known to rust in the sills
• Check for rust at the rear of car where the drain tubes have become blocked
• Rust can sometimes be found on the boot floor, around the rear wheelarches and front wings

To read the complete Buyer's Checklist feature buy the August 2011 issue of Classic Car Mart. Click here for back issues of the magazine.

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