Anyone imported one?

[MJO]

Am very interested in a mk1 MX-5 for Sundays and track days, ideally would like to import one from Japan to get the best value. Has anyone done this? Have looked around at various companys that take care of importing one on your behalf but I'm not convinced of their integrity. They usually take the stance of 'tell us your budget and we'll buy one for you' meaning you don't actually know what they bid for it.

Any help much appreciated,

Max.

[fr3n2y]

I bought an import albeit not a straight up import, it had been here a few years.... Dont worry about one thats been here a while..i'm sure there are all good value money...

Any specific model you're looking for?

[MJO]

Would ideally like a S-special for the lsd, don't mind too much if it's not mint as I would be tempted to strip it down as much as possible. I presume the Specials command a higher price, so wondered if it would make sense to start with a more standard model if it's going to be a much cheaper starting point. Was planning to go and watch the MX-5 racing at Cadwell tomorrow but realised it's the girlfriend's birthday, bummer.

[fr3n2y]

MJO said:

Would ideally like a S-special for the lsd, don't mind too much if it's not mint as I would be tempted to strip it down as much as possible. I presume the Specials command a higher price, so wondered if it would make sense to start with a more standard model if it's going to be a much cheaper starting point. Was planning to go and watch the MX-5 racing at Cadwell tomorrow but realised it's the girlfriend's birthday, bummer.

Best person to speak to is Lazza, he seems to know all things Mx5 related..

You could also pop up to one of the MX5 meets and chat to some of the guys there, i'm yet to go but i'm sure they'll happily advise you on a purchase..

Then of course it depends on $$$$

[MX-5 Lazza]

I'm one of a group of 8 people who have teamed together to but an early Mk1 Roadster (jap import). It's just a standard Eunos Roadster but it only cost us £750. It's a very solid car with a good rust free body & chassis and a solid engine. We have since given it a full servicing (including cam-belt & water-pump replacement) and stripped it out. We will be fitting uprated suspension, bucket seats, roll-bars & harnesses but probably not much else. As it's not going to have forced induction it doesn't matter that much that it doesn't have LSD.

See here for a few initial details (it'll be updated in due course)...

[Risotto]

I've imported one or two and had no problems - why pay a middle man to do what you can do yourself? As long as you don't mind doing a bit of paperwork and you've got basic mechanical skills you'll be fine.

Newer cars that need esva tests involve a bit more work on the car, a bit more paperwork (and money) but even then, I didn't find it particularly difficult to get a car registered.

Most of the Japanese auction sheets give pretty detailed (and honest) information on any defects so you shouldn't have any nasty surprised when you collect your car.

[MX-5 Lazza]

If you are looking for a cheap car then I wouldn't bother importing one, there are plenty here already and about as cheap as is possible.

[Risotto]

As Lazza says - while the cost of the cars in Japan may look cheap, by the time you've paid for handling/shipping/import duty/VAT/delivery/parts/MOT/registration/etc the figures aren't so appealing.

As far as mk1 MX-5s are concerned, you'd have to find a real bargain to make it worthwhile these days.

Edited by Risotto on Monday 23 June 17:28