mk1 mx5 - frsh import worth a premium?
Discussion
Hi All, this is my first post on PH (any forum, actually). I've decided to take the plunge and buy a mk1 mx5 after a test drive of a nice VR-spec last week. I was wondering what PHer's views are on whether it's worth paying a £1500-£2000 premium for a fresh import mk1 vs. one that's either a UK car or an import that's been in the country for several years. I'm looking to spend max of £4k ish for a really nice example that I can keep for a long time.
The general rule for MX5s of this age is to buy on condition. If it looks mint then it may be worth the premium. If it's a fresh Jap import, it shouldn't have been exposed to salt yet, so should be nice and clean underneath. I'd pay extra for a really nice one. It may not have underseal of any sort, so it might be worth looking into getting that done.
Hopefully someone else will be along soon to point out my errors.
Hopefully someone else will be along soon to point out my errors.
I just did this in March. Paid around that ballpark for a completely mint 1991 V-Special in black.
Absolutely zero rust, very clean underneath and hopefully something I can keep hold of for many years.
Already spent a small fortune, over and above Got Meister-R coilovers then it will be new alloys.
She's got a new mohair roof, uprated brakes, retrimmed interior, etc. and looks braw IMO.
I know I could have picked up one for anywhere between £1k and what I paid but I was happy to pay the premium for a rust-free motor.
P.S> I bought mine from Steve at Goodwood Sportscars - highly recommended.
Absolutely zero rust, very clean underneath and hopefully something I can keep hold of for many years.
Already spent a small fortune, over and above
Got Meister-R coilovers then it will be new alloys.She's got a new mohair roof, uprated brakes, retrimmed interior, etc. and looks braw IMO.
I know I could have picked up one for anywhere between £1k and what I paid but I was happy to pay the premium for a rust-free motor.
P.S> I bought mine from Steve at Goodwood Sportscars - highly recommended.
Sephiroth said:
Thanks for the feedback all, I suppose I'm just trying to justify going over budget for a car I don't even need, I'm sure this is a first on PH 
Buy the best you can afford and it'll still be a bargain. I get 10 times more pleasure out of mine as I ever had from cars costing 10 times as much.g7jhp said:
A good UK car will always command a premium over an import if the condition is equal.
I really don't think that's true. UK cars were generally not specced as well at the factory as Japanese models and the special editions often had parts (alloys, steering wheel) fitted in the UK.Since there's no substantive difference in the two in any other way, I honestly can't see why anyone would prize the UK cars.
Jobbo said:
I really don't think that's true. UK cars were generally not specced as well at the factory as Japanese models and the special editions often had parts (alloys, steering wheel) fitted in the UK.
Since there's no substantive difference in the two in any other way, I honestly can't see why anyone would prize the UK cars.
UK cars are usually more sort after than an import. Understand the Japanese models have their own special editions which may entice some, but all things being equal including condition a UK car will be more attractive to most (IMO).Since there's no substantive difference in the two in any other way, I honestly can't see why anyone would prize the UK cars.
- UK cars are easier to sell as they appeal to a wider audience (some won't buy imports)
- The UK mileage is often easier to verify (with UK MOT's) and service history
- You don't have to change the square import number plate
G7, if your registration is anything like your username then it'll fit correctly in the square aperture at the correct UK font size. Just need the correct width plate, or a hacksaw.
I still don't agree that UK cars are more sought after. Looking at the prices freshly imported Japanese cars are going for, and the value of things like the RS, it seems pretty clear that the original bias against imports has evaporated. They tend to be rust-free, lower mileage, better spec and no more expensive to insure. You might think a UK car is more desirable; I don't, and I'm not sure the market does.
I still don't agree that UK cars are more sought after. Looking at the prices freshly imported Japanese cars are going for, and the value of things like the RS, it seems pretty clear that the original bias against imports has evaporated. They tend to be rust-free, lower mileage, better spec and no more expensive to insure. You might think a UK car is more desirable; I don't, and I'm not sure the market does.
Jobbo said:
G7, if your registration is anything like your username then it'll fit correctly in the square aperture at the correct UK font size. Just need the correct width plate, or a hacksaw.
I still don't agree that UK cars are more sought after. Looking at the prices freshly imported Japanese cars are going for, and the value of things like the RS, it seems pretty clear that the original bias against imports has evaporated. They tend to be rust-free, lower mileage, better spec and no more expensive to insure. You might think a UK car is more desirable; I don't, and I'm not sure the market does.
The rear plate on imports doesn't look right (in my eyes), so I'd have to fit a UK plate which is much cleaner and works better with the cars lines.I still don't agree that UK cars are more sought after. Looking at the prices freshly imported Japanese cars are going for, and the value of things like the RS, it seems pretty clear that the original bias against imports has evaporated. They tend to be rust-free, lower mileage, better spec and no more expensive to insure. You might think a UK car is more desirable; I don't, and I'm not sure the market does.
As I stated all things being equal on condition, spec etc I believe the majority would choose a UK car again all IMO.
g7jhp said:
As I stated all things being equal on condition, spec etc I believe the majority would choose a UK car again all IMO.
Are either of those pics your car? I can't work out what you've been trying to illustrate with your pictures; they're not always worth 1000 words 
All things are never equal when it comes to MX5s; there are certain spec items which you can find on Japanese imports which were never on UK cars (air-con for instance).
It might be your opinion but it's not backed up with any data or facts. Look at more recent buying guides (here's Evo's from 2013: http://www.evo.co.uk/mazda/mx-5/6224/mazda-mx-5-mk... ) and you can see they recommend imports over UK cars. If the worst criticism is the rear panel (which I personally think looks more attractive in the original market form) then it's easily changed and by no means a reason to go for a UK car. And as I said, import prices seem to be flying - people are paying them and that indicates to me that they're more desirable.
Jobbo said:
Are either of those pics your car? I can't work out what you've been trying to illustrate with your pictures; they're not always worth 1000 words
All things are never equal when it comes to MX5s; there are certain spec items which you can find on Japanese imports which were never on UK cars (air-con for instance).
It might be your opinion but it's not backed up with any data or facts. Look at more recent buying guides (here's Evo's from 2013: http://www.evo.co.uk/mazda/mx-5/6224/mazda-mx-5-mk... ) and you can see they recommend imports over UK cars. If the worst criticism is the rear panel (which I personally think looks more attractive in the original market form) then it's easily changed and by no means a reason to go for a UK car. And as I said, import prices seem to be flying - people are paying them and that indicates to me that they're more desirable.
No neither are my car, just trying to show both styles (but it's hard because most cars were modified).All things are never equal when it comes to MX5s; there are certain spec items which you can find on Japanese imports which were never on UK cars (air-con for instance).
It might be your opinion but it's not backed up with any data or facts. Look at more recent buying guides (here's Evo's from 2013: http://www.evo.co.uk/mazda/mx-5/6224/mazda-mx-5-mk... ) and you can see they recommend imports over UK cars. If the worst criticism is the rear panel (which I personally think looks more attractive in the original market form) then it's easily changed and by no means a reason to go for a UK car. And as I said, import prices seem to be flying - people are paying them and that indicates to me that they're more desirable.
We're obviously not going to agree, which is fine. We'll have to agree to disagree.
g7jhp said:
No neither are my car, just trying to show both styles (but it's hard because most cars were modified).
We're obviously not going to agree, which is fine. We'll have to agree to disagree.
It's not about agreeing. It's about facts. Ask steve at goodwood cars if you dont believe us - he sells them for a living!We're obviously not going to agree, which is fine. We'll have to agree to disagree.
HorneyMX5 said:
Join any MX5 forum or Facebook group asking for MX5 buying advice and the first advice is always buy an import that came off a boat as recently as possible.
UK MX5s are worth peanuts as most are rotten and low spec. The JDM cars are just better in every respect.
Sure people advise looking at imports as they're cheaper and it's hard to find good UK cars. UK MX5s are worth peanuts as most are rotten and low spec. The JDM cars are just better in every respect.
Good UK MX5s cars are obviously not worth peanuts. Rusty cars are obviously worth less than cars that are in good condition (whether import or UK).
My point was about like for like spec and condition, but you seem to ignore that.
g7jhp said:
HorneyMX5 said:
Join any MX5 forum or Facebook group asking for MX5 buying advice and the first advice is always buy an import that came off a boat as recently as possible.
UK MX5s are worth peanuts as most are rotten and low spec. The JDM cars are just better in every respect.
Sure people advise looking at imports as they're cheaper and it's hard to find good UK cars. UK MX5s are worth peanuts as most are rotten and low spec. The JDM cars are just better in every respect.
Good UK MX5s cars are obviously not worth peanuts. Rusty cars are obviously worth less than cars that are in good condition (whether import or UK).
My point was about like for like spec and condition, but you seem to ignore that.
I can see that no one is going to change your stance on this but as someone who has been in the MX5 scene for many years and know may of the tuners and retailers I can tell you with utmost confidence people actively avoid UK cars when looking.
As said UK market cars are always more sought after than imports. Unless you are saying the mx5 is the only car that defies this rule?
A UK Evo6 Makinen is usually 5k more expensive than an import, likewise so is a Supra. UK gt4's also always more expensive.
Like for like UK cars are usually more treasured but maybe the MX5 is an exception?
A UK Evo6 Makinen is usually 5k more expensive than an import, likewise so is a Supra. UK gt4's also always more expensive.
Like for like UK cars are usually more treasured but maybe the MX5 is an exception?
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