EP3 Acceptable mileage EP3

[BossmanAlfie]

Hi all,
not the most knowledgable about these cars so thought I'd ask here. I'm looking to pick up an EP3, seen one for about £3.8k with a good service history, fully repaired rust in the usual spots, stock other than that. Only problem is it has 220k miles, is that alot for these cars? It'll be mostly a weekend car as I have a van for work.

 

[BossmanAlfie]

3 keepers, the guy has had it since 2019, fresh pair of tyres and lots of recent work, said he was going to keep it but a good deal came up on an ND mx-5 he couldn't turn down

 

[Chris.]

The engines and gearbox are pretty strong if well looked after, usually it's the bodywork that lets them down. I'd be wanting to know if and when the timing chain has been replaced as they do stretch, but there's not definitive mileage this happens at and all depends on how well the engine has been looked after.

 

[BossmanAlfie]

The engines and gearbox are pretty strong if well looked after, usually it's the bodywork that lets them down. I'd be wanting to know if and when the timing chain has been replaced as they do stretch, but there's not definitive mileage this happens at and all depends on how well the engine has been looked after.

Cheers for the reply mate
So in theory, if I’m all happy with the rust repairs, service history on the timing chain etc, and all seems okay, it’s a pretty safe purchase regardless of the miles?

 

[Chris.]

I'd think so yeah, anything over 100k I would be buying on condition and history rather than concentrating on the mileage. Maybe arrange for the current oil to be analysed, but good luck trying to get a seller to agree to that!

 

[BossmanAlfie]

I'd think so yeah, anything over 100k I would be buying on condition and history rather than concentrating on the mileage. Maybe arrange for the current oil to be analysed, but good luck trying to get a seller to agree to that!

Yeah, that one was a mess ahah lots of rust, but another much cleaner one. But it was on aftermarket wheels and went to get some new tyres and had a wheel spacer missing!
They are 225/45 R17 tyres on “ce28” wheels
Any idea what sort of spacer I might want?
Other side had one and is fine although tight, am I going to be able to see the size maybe?

 

[Chris.]

If they are genuine CE28, they are worth a bit of money. You can get space savers on eBay, usually £30-50.

Example: https://ebay.us/m/RMCZer

Most don't bother with them to be honest. It's also worth noting these cars are 20+ years old and the rubber on the space savers is probably not safe to use since rubber perishes over time.

 

[BossmanAlfie]

If they are genuine CE28, they are worth a bit of money. You can get space savers on eBay, usually £30-50.

Example: https://ebay.us/m/RMCZer

Most don't bother with them to be honest. It's also worth noting these cars are 20+ years old and the rubber on the space savers is probably not safe to use since rubber perishes over time.

Sorry, I meant the this sort of wheel spacer

5x114.3 66.1 20mm GEN2 Bolt-On-Nuts Wheel Spacers

Give your vehicle some additional stance or clearance with our high quality wheel spacers. Our spacers are all hubcentric to ensure a perfect fitment. Made from the highest quality aluminum, our spacers are both durable and light.

wheelpartsdirect.com

One is missing on the passenger side rear wheel

 

[BossmanAlfie]

Even more confused now, previous owner now said it’s never had any, I’m assuming I can take his word for it, was only a Kwikfit tyre guy that told me this so maybe he just didn’t understand? Not that I know any better lol
It’s on coilovers aswell as the aftermarket wheels if that makes more sense for any reason