Help identifying a 1.8i S

[JWH]

Hi - having been blown away with how good my girlfriends Mk2.5 MX5 is I'm seeking one out for myself to replace my current fast but dull Impresa STi.
I've established I want a Mk2 1.8i S because as I understand it they had a torsen LSD fitted as standard (can anyone confirm this for me?).

I've found the folowing car advertised locally which is advertised only as a 1.8, however based on the leater, wheels and steering wheel I think it might be an i S model, would anyone be able to tell me which it is? Also, I presume there's a way of being sure by looking at a VIN plate on the car somewhere - does anyone know how to do this?

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MAZD...

I'm seeing the car at 1500 today so any help gratefully recieved!

[Munter]

Well one option is to get an online insurance quote. Then put it's numberplate (S454 DRO) in when asked. And it should tell you the model. Plus you'll have an insurance quote.

And yes the MK2 1.8iS does have the Torsen LSD as standard.

Also there will be a build sticker in one of the door jams. That'll have the Vin on it and a number of other bit's of info.

Edited by Munter on Wednesday 9th December 10:29

[MX-5 Lazza]

If you can find the reg no you can use this to tell you the model.

[JQ]

Is it just me or does that seem really cheap for a 1.8iS? I have an S reg with leather seats and 79,000 on the clock and my seats are in mint condition compared to that one. I'd make sure the mileage is correct before parting with cash.

[MX-5 Lazza]

I can't tell from the pics whether it's a UK car or an JDM import. Tan leather seats are unusual on a UK standard spec 1.8iS so it's either a special edition, had tan leather specified as an optional extra, had a seat swap or recover at some time or it's an import.

[JWH]

JQ said:

Is it just me or does that seem really cheap for a 1.8iS? I have an S reg with leather seats and 79,000 on the clock and my seats are in mint condition compared to that one. I'd make sure the mileage is correct before parting with cash.

That's what I thought, and I think we're right because I called him at 1100 yesterday, agreed to meet at 1500 to view and got a call at 1400 to say it had been sold.
Back to square 1!

[hornetrider]

Linky no worky? Sold already?!

[JWH]

And as if by magic it's now re-appeared on Ebay, for sale by a trader in Peterborough (was sold yesterday in Milton Keynes) for I'd guess about £700 more than it sold for.
If only I'd been there two hours earlier!!!

[JQ]

Ouch. I think I'd be quite upset if I was the original seller I'd be quite upset.

You're obviously able to spot the bargains.

[hornetrider]

Link?

[MX-5 Lazza]

JQ said:

Ouch. I think I'd be quite upset if I was the original seller I'd be quite upset.

If they can buy a car cheap then sell it at a profit that's called good business. It's not their fault the seller sold it at a cheap price.

[hornetrider]

MX-5 Lazza said:

JQ said:

Ouch. I think I'd be quite upset if I was the original seller I'd be quite upset.

If they can buy a car cheap then sell it at a profit that's called good business. It's not their fault the seller sold it at a cheap price.

They are also required by law to warranty the car.

[rfn]

MX-5 Lazza said:

JQ said:

Ouch. I think I'd be quite upset if I was the original seller I'd be quite upset.

If they can buy a car cheap then sell it at a profit that's called good business. It's not their fault the seller sold it at a cheap price.

Agreed. I sold my Mk2.5 for what I'd paid for it 6 months earlier, within 24 hours of putting the advert up on PH classifieds. The dealer advertised it for £800 more than I'd sold it for, but it didn't worry me so much - he's entitled to a profit, we both knew that it needed a service etc.