Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

This is what's putting me off buying a Mk2 MX5 - seems they're all rotten and the only variable is whether or not you can see it.

Yes, it's a worry. In some ways better to buy a confirmed rot-box for pennies and have it fixed yourself, then you know that you're starting from a good foundation.

Better than buying something for strong money that turns out to be a rusty doily covered in thick paint for the sale.

My mk1 is just back from having both sills replaced. I tried to get a good one but it only lasted a couple of years before failing its mot. I'm with dammit on this one. Buy a rotten looking one and have it repaired.

You'd have more luck finding a none rusty MK1 to be honest, the MK2 had a manufacturing faulty with the front chassis rails meaning they will all go there unfortunately. The MK1's are just rusty mainly due to age so you can find ones that have been undersealed and looked after if you're patient.

They’re showing up round here for under £1k, very tempted.

Mk2 MX5 owner here, got properly up close with the underside of my car for the first time a few weeks back. It quite concerning the first time you see it! Currently on the fence as to searching for a relatively mint Mk1/2 or spending 5-6x more on a Mk4.

Buy a mk1 and get the 3 cill parts replaced.