Wheelman

My dad has decided he wants an MX5 after a run in his sisters car. I know they are not held in high opinion round these parts but he is 59 now so speed is no longer a priority. The budget is upto £7k but would prefer to spend £5k, it will be a second car for him. He wants to buy from a dealer. I would like to find something reasonably local (Bucks + 60 miles). Is there anything wrong with an import? Anything in particular to watch out for? Any recommended dealers in my neck of the woods?

Thanks.

Inforcer

Look for ps lewis or go on the mx site is my best reply I can give you mate buy 1 which has been looked after!!!! owners club seller for sure

Luke

mad not to buy an import... AC is a blessing and the tend to be well loked after. Also they are well liked.

Steve Whitehorn

iTrader: (13)

Hi.
Go for a Eunos roadster not an MX5.
Eunos has Air Con, eletric Windows and Headrest speakers as standard. An MX5 dosen't and will probably cost you more.
They are very reliable cars, partly due to them not being that powerful in stock form. (the engine can take up 250bhp ish and many of them are only running at 90 -110bhp ish in stock form)
Go for a 1.6. The difference between a 1.6 and 1.8 is marginal in terms of performance.

On older cars look out for slow or broken electric windows. This is a common fault. Also Roadster headlights are sealed so when they go you have to replace the whole unit. When this happens go for a MX5 headlight conversion as then you will just need to replace the bulb.

Look out for faded peeling paintwork on older cars. Red and silver seem to be the worst colours. The paint dosen't always seem to be as keyed in as well as UK cars. Also check for underseal. Some cars are not undersealed some are however.

Make sure the speedo registers in mph not kph and is calibrated properly.
Thats about it.
Best wishes
Steve

Jap writing on the sun visor and the square back number plate are the easiest ways to spot a roadster. I have also been told that the year of build is to found on the seatbelt labels. I have never checked this so it could be an old wives tale.

Scoobybits

if anyone wants a nice eunos 1.6 auto in silver mail me..its a minter and reason for sale is its been replaced by a newer mx5 ...its my mum and dads car and its in tip top condition..offers round £4,500..its a 1990..

Olly

Agreed, don't be put off by the import tag. Buy on overall condition, mileage and history, and remember that caveat emptor applies on ANY car, UK or import.

I used to have a Mk2 1.8is Roadster and loved it. I paid less and got more (6 speed, LSD, Bilsteins, Bose system) and the car was a gem. I lost £300 in depreciation in almost 2 years and it was 100% trouble free. A great car.

Wheelman

No recommendations for dealers Bucks + 60 miles? Imports def on agenda now.

Pumpkin

My brother has a silver 1.6 which he may consider selling as he's off to University...

Eunos Import, J-reg I think, goes well, new hood and TT roadster style roll hoops (proper roll hoops not style hoops)

Wheelman

Found the car, 1994 import in Vinrouge! Best place to ensure an import MX5 (sorry, Eunos Roadster!) as a second car anyone?

Boarder1

also check out www.webcars.net they have quite a lot of info on MX-5's and other jap cars.

Mark

rickybouy

Tesco insurance very cheap, for imports give them a go on there website, and get even more discount

Steve Whitehorn

iTrader: (13)

Osbournes are good for scoobs and eunos.
0845 330 6001
020 8388 6000

Some Eunos Roadsters have 'MX5' on the V5.

Oh yeh rear brake callipers also tend to stick. Another common fault. Tends to happen when subjected to changes in temp.

Beat wishes
Steve

Steve Whitehorn

iTrader: (13)

yes the year of manufacture is on the seat belt labels. As people do try and pass fast ones V5s don't always match up to year of make on imports. so this seems to be a genuine way of checking the year of manufacture.

Steve