Imports or UK Cars - how do you tell?
Discussion
Is there anything that gives them away on the car, or is it just in the log book as imported (i.e. Eunos, not MX5)? I'm looking for a MK2 in about the £5k range, but i see some advertised as UK car, and they seem more expensive than lower mileage examples of the same spec, but the cheaper one's don't mention UK car in the ad, which leads me to think they are imports.... it's getting rather annoying trying to sift out imports.
Also, how much more on average does it cost to insure an import as apposed to a UK car?
Help much appreciated by this frustrated potential purchaser.
Also, how much more on average does it cost to insure an import as apposed to a UK car?
Help much appreciated by this frustrated potential purchaser.
Mk2 imports are actually called Mazda Roadsters. As said before the square number plate recess is the most obvious give away. Look at the sticker in the door slam too, if it says V-Spec, RS-Ltd or S pack etc then it is likely to be an import.
Here is a fairly definitive Roadster (Eunos and Mazda) Model list: http://ox.mx5oc.co.uk/guide_eunos.htm
Here is a fairly definitive Roadster (Eunos and Mazda) Model list: http://ox.mx5oc.co.uk/guide_eunos.htm
He says he's looking for a Mk2 so a Jap spec would be a Mazda Roadster and would have the UK style number-plate recess. On Mk2 & Mk2.5 they have the same size/shape recess that will take UK or Jap shaped number-plates.
The best clues are the spec sheet inside the door-jam and the warning label on the sun-visor.
Don't assume that if they don't say that it's a UK spec car in the ad then it must be a Jap spec car. There are far more UK cars than Jap imports so most people don't bother to say either way if it's a UK car (in fact most sellers of UK cars probably aren't aware of the existance of grey-imports).
The best clues are the spec sheet inside the door-jam and the warning label on the sun-visor.
Don't assume that if they don't say that it's a UK spec car in the ad then it must be a Jap spec car. There are far more UK cars than Jap imports so most people don't bother to say either way if it's a UK car (in fact most sellers of UK cars probably aren't aware of the existance of grey-imports).
Once you get into the groove of looking for cars you can generally tell by reading the spec if they are likely to be imports or not.
Air-con is a big give-away... if a car has air-con then it is highly likely to be an import. That said, its not a 100% cast iron guarantee, but it is highly likely and a good ballpark assumption.
Air-con is a big give-away... if a car has air-con then it is highly likely to be an import. That said, its not a 100% cast iron guarantee, but it is highly likely and a good ballpark assumption.
All the above points very valid to spot the differences. You will also notice that on a hpi check there is an import marker which should not ever be wrong!
In addition, I would mention that an import Mx5 / Eunos / Roadster can actually be a better buy. You will generally find they have a higher spec (aircon for example), will not have suffered from as much exposure to to the damp climate and salted roads and quite oftenwill have very reasonable mileages.
The main drawbacks are insurance costs (although shopping around and registering with MX5 Owners club will be sure to get you a fair deal) and a lack of service history. However in Japan their annual MOT is much more strict than ours and I believe this must also include some sort of service. You are also looking at one of the most reliable and bullit proof cars out there - so a good initial service and check of all the usual stuff will see you in good stead. Take each car on its own merits and make sure you drive a few before you commit!
Hope this helps and good luck with yur search.
In addition, I would mention that an import Mx5 / Eunos / Roadster can actually be a better buy. You will generally find they have a higher spec (aircon for example), will not have suffered from as much exposure to to the damp climate and salted roads and quite oftenwill have very reasonable mileages.
The main drawbacks are insurance costs (although shopping around and registering with MX5 Owners club will be sure to get you a fair deal) and a lack of service history. However in Japan their annual MOT is much more strict than ours and I believe this must also include some sort of service. You are also looking at one of the most reliable and bullit proof cars out there - so a good initial service and check of all the usual stuff will see you in good stead. Take each car on its own merits and make sure you drive a few before you commit!
Hope this helps and good luck with yur search.
The only real problem I've had with an import is the Radio, I know you can get a band with expander for the origanal Jap spec unit but I decided to go for a UK spec Hi Fi system from Halfords (free fitting) I took the car down to them and watched and waited whilst the "mechanic" spent nearly two hours faffing around before telling me it wouldn't fit, he then replaced the original Jap item.
When I got home I phoned a firm called MX5PARTS.CO.UK. located in Portsmouth, They said that it should be an easy job and offered to sell me any parts needed, but they didn't want to know when I asked them to fit it for me.
Finally I did the job myself, took about an hour with no major problems.
I'm still not sure if this is a reflection on import cars or just down to the age old saying "If you want it done properly do it yourself".
When I got home I phoned a firm called MX5PARTS.CO.UK. located in Portsmouth, They said that it should be an easy job and offered to sell me any parts needed, but they didn't want to know when I asked them to fit it for me.
Finally I did the job myself, took about an hour with no major problems.
I'm still not sure if this is a reflection on import cars or just down to the age old saying "If you want it done properly do it yourself".
BenjC said:
Hey Phil....still enjoying the car?
Unfortunatley not! I'm sorry to say... Wet weather+232bhp+B.Road+Serious Lack Of Driving Talent = Write Off
I had some great times in her but was serious money pit! I had done some small mods; lexus lights, hardtop, lightweight racing seats in pale grey alcantara etc and loved it to bits. The car never missed a beat and would recommend an mx5 to anyone, anytime.
I had the option buy it back from the insurance company but the funds wouldn't stretch far enough for me, but I expect she will be back on the road somewhere as the damage was not that bad really.
Did you ever buy anything else?
Good to hear from you.
PS Sorry if this is classed as hijacking the thread - just I dont know how to send messages privatley!
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