About to buy my first MX-5 and would like info on imports - better or not?

Buying a ‘5 and Insurance advice Buying Advice
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Hi there

I’m about to buy my first MX-5 after driving one recently and becoming obsessed!! I have my heart set on a MK1, 1.8i preferably an S (which I think are only imports?) or a classic special edition. 

I am a little worried about buying an import - can there be problems with mileage, and how can you tell its service history or if its a repaired write-off? Also, do imports hold their value equal to UK cars? 

I’m hoping to get one from Dandy Cars - does anyone know if they are good? 

Any help much appreciated!!

Sarah [:D]

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Personally, if I were buying a MK1 I would only buy a recent import - they are all pretty old by now and the UK climate is not kind to cars. Imports tend to be lower mileage, and better condition, as well as better spec. Having driven a few and got used to their foibles I would buy one privately rather than pay what I see as a very steep premium at Dandycars, but if you are new and want the security of going through a dealer/having a warranty, you may want to try them.

Interesting note though, that when I sold my Mk1 (VSpec 1.6 import, excellent condition, £1700) on Ebay recently, Dandycars made me an offer for it. I was reluctant partly because I had interest from a fellow member by then, but also because I knew they would just re-sell it for £2K more! So you don;t necessarily get a better car than you would privately - just more expensive!

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Thank you, that’s really useful advice on both the imports and Dandycars! They do have good stock though and tend to go for the special editions, which I’m looking for and I guess as a newbie the security would be good. Think I will go for an import, and keep looking all over for one.

Thanks again, Sarah [:)]

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Hi sarah,

I, like you, came into the ‘5’ world with no prior knowledge and found myself with a 1.8 Mk1 without knowing much about either the car, it’s history or how to work on it. By the way I paid £800 on ebay for mine!

A couple of years down the line and I’ve pretty much stripped and rebuilt the entire car, uprating the old for new as I went. I have zero mechanical experience and have gleaned all my knowledge from this forum and my haynes manual.

What am I trying to say? Well firstly welcome! Secondly, don’t be put off buying an old(er) car.

What I would recommend is you look at buying from within the club, in my limited experience you will have a greater chance of inheriting a car that has been cherished yet pay no more than the going rate. Plus you’ll never be short of friends here for advice.

Good luck

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 I have to agree with the above. Mine is an 1992 import V-Spec & not a rust spot in sight. Pictures below if you want a peep.

http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/4691.aspx

£2000 will buy you an excellent condition one at the moment (actually thats not true coz you aint havin mine for that) [;)] Obviously expect to pay more at a garage. AFAIK Dandycars are fine if you can afford dealer prices.

Consider a 1.6 too as there is very little noticeable differance IMO.

Insurance will be slightly higher on an import & not every company will cover them but plenty do.

Take your time looking & check the usual places. Pistonheads, Autotrader, Ebay & the  MX5 forums.

Where are you from & what budget do you have so we can keep an eye open for one?

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Thanks for both your help, much appreciated. 

I’m happy with an older one, especially if its an import as I hear they are virtually rust free. I guess I would prefer mileage under 70-80,000. 

I’ve got up to £3500 I think, and would pay extra for a hardtop as I’m in London. In my dreams I would like an import MK1 1.8i S in brilliant black and cream leather interior. Dandy have one coming in soon that fits this but its up for more. I adore the black MX-5s and basically want a special one! 

I would be happy to work on the car myself and learn from the forum, I had a Beetle years ago and loved fixing it (the reliability of the MX-5 will be million times better than that though!). 

Thanks again

Sarah [:)]

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Oh, and gorgeous looking car Dave!

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Hey there

Very exciting news - I’m going down to pick up a Brilliant Black 1997 1.8 Classic Special Edition on Friday!!! Haven’t seen the car yet so providing its as good and well looked after as the owners say I shall be spending my Easter cruising around in my new baby!!

Thanks for all your help - I couldn’t afford the Dandy Cars one in the end as needed to buy a hardtop too but this one is a real beauty - will post pictures as soon as I take them. 

Cheers everyone, hopefully see you soon at a meet somewhere! I was thinking of taking it to the track day at Snetterton but that was when I thought I was getting a sport import, but now I’m not sure I can thrash a Classic! Any ideas?

Sarah [:D]
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They all go round corners as well as the next!

Snetterton is a great circuit with some decent straights to get your head together and some challenging corners. It’s always good to learn the limits of your car on a track - where everyone is going in the same direction - as opposed to learning the hard way on the public road!!!

I say jump in, you’ll love it!

Good luck

Jon