Discussion
Hello all hope someone can help
My girlfriend is looking to buy an mx-5 and have found a local garage that sells imported Eunos roadsters.
All the cars seem to be high spec have been converted to mph etc and seem in good condition come with warranty etc.
Is there anything in particular i should look out for or just avoid imports altogerher?
My girlfriend is looking to buy an mx-5 and have found a local garage that sells imported Eunos roadsters.
All the cars seem to be high spec have been converted to mph etc and seem in good condition come with warranty etc.
Is there anything in particular i should look out for or just avoid imports altogerher?
Got two imports here now, one is an MX5.
Imports are generally very good nick, just avoid anything with paintwork usually means they've been repaired (no HPI record!)
Ours all have aircon etc all been reliable etc. Mazda's are fine for imports as they are the same as UK ones except for some tiny differences & a VLSD too on imports.
Imports are generally very good nick, just avoid anything with paintwork usually means they've been repaired (no HPI record!)
Ours all have aircon etc all been reliable etc. Mazda's are fine for imports as they are the same as UK ones except for some tiny differences & a VLSD too on imports.
All the info you could ever need:
www.mx5oc.co.uk/mx5forum/
or
www.miata.net
Get reading! Any specific questions best ask on the uk forum!
good luck
Ben
www.mx5oc.co.uk/mx5forum/
or
www.miata.net
Get reading! Any specific questions best ask on the uk forum!
good luck
Ben
Gazboy said:
or just avoid imports altogerher?
Depends on the model of the car, Unless you cannot get the same thing over here, don't get Toyota's as T.U.K are arses.
Never, ever had a problem with Toyota UK. They're happy to service and supply bits for my import...
...of course, the car was actually sold here officially as well...
Check your insurance first. Some comapanies won't touch them.
We have an import MX-5 as a second car. it has been very reliable with minimal servicing etc. Everything is pretty much the same as the UK cars and there are plenty of specialists around to help at very resonable prices.
Two things to check - the state of the hood (these can cost anything from £200 to £500 to replace depending on the type you go for) and the tyres. Import MX-5s often come over on winter tyres - these are normally rubber studded. These are not suitable for UK roads. Either factor in the price of new set of tyres (probably around £250 for four) and knock it off the asking price or have the garage change them before you pick it up. Don't get fobbed off with 'they are OK for the UK Sir' - they are not.
Chris
>> Edited by scoobybloke on Thursday 4th March 11:25
Two things to check - the state of the hood (these can cost anything from £200 to £500 to replace depending on the type you go for) and the tyres. Import MX-5s often come over on winter tyres - these are normally rubber studded. These are not suitable for UK roads. Either factor in the price of new set of tyres (probably around £250 for four) and knock it off the asking price or have the garage change them before you pick it up. Don't get fobbed off with 'they are OK for the UK Sir' - they are not.
Chris
>> Edited by scoobybloke on Thursday 4th March 11:25
Sorry to move this a teensy bit OT, but what are the running costs like for the MX5? My old man, a confirmed MG enthusiast drove a fairly aged import one a few days ago and was so impressed he wants to buy one! However, he's not exactly loaded so running costs are a big concern.
Servicing and most repairs etc. not an issue as we both do our own, but are parts prices as ridiculous as Toyota's? I'm guessing there are bound to be several specialists/breakers? Reliability as good as most Jap stuff?
Cheers for any info.
Servicing and most repairs etc. not an issue as we both do our own, but are parts prices as ridiculous as Toyota's? I'm guessing there are bound to be several specialists/breakers? Reliability as good as most Jap stuff?
Cheers for any info.
Very reliable, best to buy post '91. 1.6s are quick enough, not much slower than 1.8. I find the 1.8 feels a little more tourqey although a engine sound is not quite as smooth. Post '94 UK 1.6s are much lower bhp and should really be avoided - same for Automatics.
MPG - I get 25-30mpg from spirited, mainly city driving in my 1.8, and I don't think the 1.6 is much better. Servicing costs are very reasonable, and there are lots of independants around for spares and servicing.
Insurance is not too cheap, but not outrageous either.
Hoods need looking after (like MGs) and you can modify them to your hearts content. - My Powerflow exhaust sounds like an old B - very nice.
www.sftmx5parts.co.uk has great prices for parts, and is who I usually use.
for info:
www.mx5oc.co.uk/mx5forum/default.asp
MPG - I get 25-30mpg from spirited, mainly city driving in my 1.8, and I don't think the 1.6 is much better. Servicing costs are very reasonable, and there are lots of independants around for spares and servicing.
Insurance is not too cheap, but not outrageous either.
Hoods need looking after (like MGs) and you can modify them to your hearts content. - My Powerflow exhaust sounds like an old B - very nice.
www.sftmx5parts.co.uk has great prices for parts, and is who I usually use.
for info:
www.mx5oc.co.uk/mx5forum/default.asp
for cheap parts:
www.sftmx5parts.co.uk
for performance parts:
www.flyinmiata.com
for candles:
Ronnie Barker.
www.sftmx5parts.co.uk
for performance parts:
www.flyinmiata.com
for candles:
Ronnie Barker.
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