Reliability for long road trips? ..and Repair query?

[360Matt]

Hi guys,

Looking at an Eunos on the weekend, not knowing much about them is there anything I should be especially looking out for with Eunos' apart from the usual? I'm intending on getting a convertible to drive to Italy over the summer and was recommended to go for an mx5.

I have been informed the backbox and rear discs may need replacing on the one im going to see. Assuming I was going to replace with identical mazda items how much would this roughly cost? (inc labour etc)..just so I have an idea!

Thanks very much guys,

Matt

[NeoVR]

Itll actually be cheaper to go aftermarket for the exhaust!... stock mazda from mx5parts is over 200quid, while a full stainless steel item is only 185

Rear pads are 18quid and disks are 38quid.

all from mx5parts.co.uk

Beware the rear calipers have a special procedure to be wound back in.. brute force and igonrance will work but will probably break the handbrake.

[bluetone]

360Matt said:

Hi guys,

Looking at an Eunos on the weekend, not knowing much about them is there anything I should be especially looking out for with Eunos' apart from the usual? I'm intending on getting a convertible to drive to Italy over the summer and was recommended to go for an mx5.

I have been informed the backbox and rear discs may need replacing on the one im going to see. Assuming I was going to replace with identical mazda items how much would this roughly cost? (inc labour etc)..just so I have an idea!

Thanks very much guys,

Matt

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=185&t=803271&mid=57123&nmt=Common%20MX5%20Faults%20/%20Buying%20Guide

HTH

Also, MX5 parts have some offers on wrt brakes atm.

UK MX5 parts and those for Eunos are on the whole identical btw

[DanGT]

The Eunos if you did not know is the jap import. The only real problem can be insurance if you are high risk eg 18 years old. For older drivers with some NCB this is not a problem.

The relibilty is very good. If you do go for an after market exhast check the one you are getting is not to load. Some are made to be load and some more like the orignal level. If you are driving a long way you probaly dont want to go to load.

Have a nice trip.

[Oldandslow]

Also reliability should be good. Typical Japanese engineering as long as it's cared for it will run and run. A few thousand miles across Europe should be no problem.

[bluetone]

Oldandslow said:

Also reliability should be good. Typical Japanese engineering as long as it's cared for it will run and run. A few thousand miles across Europe should be no problem.

Just make sure it has a good service before heading-off; Oil+filter change, new sparkplugs and brake fluid change at a minimum, unless there is evidence these were done recently. Also coolant if you are planning heading anywhere cold/mountainous.

[Gizmo!]

Long road trips?

London to the tip of the Isle of Lewis and back, by an indirect route. 1812 miles. Best road trip I've ever done.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Pete Franklin]

I did a similar trip a couple of years ago- was about 4500 miles all around europe in 3 weeks (furthest point was probably italy). only thing i had to do was top up the oil as it was using more on the high rpm motorway sections. we fitted enough gear in the boot to live quite happily for 3 weeks including camping and cooking equipment, just have to learn to pack well.

One word of advise though- if you are driving to italy in the summer you may want to consider a car with air con. we didnt have it and I think it would have made things a little more pleasant at times as it was up to about 38dc and humid. I hate to think how much dry sweat is encrusted in my seats now.

[graememac]

NeoVR said:

Beware the rear calipers have a special procedure to be wound back in.. brute force and igonrance will work but will probably break the handbrake.

I wouldn't really call it a special precedure, all it takes is a hex head ratchet to wind the rear calipers in and out. easy job to do yourself

[Furyblade_Lee]

We are off to the Alps again in June, 2,400 miles in 10 days. My mate takes his Mk1 1.8 Eunos, it gets a proper shoe'ing keeping up with bike engined cars, Elises and GTM Libras. All it ever needs in payment are brake pads, tyres and petrol. Just get the car fully serviced with new pads before you set out. Enjoy!