mk1 mx5 - frsh import worth a premium?

[Sephiroth]

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.

[Sephiroth]

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

[Sephiroth]

Let's take the UK vs Jap question out of the equation, just for a sec, and look at a specific example. Let's say there's 96 1.8 v-spec for sale privately for £3k, it was imported 10 years ago. The other option is the exact same model, colour etc, but just imported, at £5k. Is the fresh import worth the extra? If the £3k car seems to be rust free is it the better buy?