As per title, is this a genuine Recaro edition? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606012891337?
First one I’ve seen come up for sale in almost 18 months after originally looking to buy one but got bored waiting.
Nice low mileage, good value, but the registration plate isn’t searchable and budget tyres fitted. Should the Recaro edition not have the dark lights and a model plaque?
Any other observations or thoughts?
G
One key , I’d pass on it . Just my opinion
It looks genuine, the headlights (internal) should be darker than the standard Sport Tech. The dash trim and roll hoop plastic trims should be an anthracite colour, nearly black. No badging made for the Recaro, some didn’t have the side stripes either. Colour should be White Crystal Pearl Metallic, black roof and mirrors
Mine I sold around 3 years ago, the badging was added by the previous owner, made to order stick on jobs.
Thanks, that looks great. I’m not normally one for white cars, but it does suit the NC. I’ve enquired anyway, will see what the service history and underside is like. Budget tyres is always a warning sign and one key as pointed out above.
The seats are an obvious must have, I had been offered money just for the seats when selling it. They are very comfortable, snug and much better than the standard Sport Tech seats, I miss that particular part of the Recaro NC. Fortunately the previous owner is or was a club member, so a known car and he looks after his cars meticulously and it’s an understatement to say he’s had a few MX-5’s.
Just to say, that’s currently on Isle of Man plates. So it would need registering with the DVLA once purchased and it would then receive a UK registration.
Good information, thanks. Wonder if there’s a cost associated with that. Would expect the garage to deal with the paperwork in advance.
Does it then become an imported car?
No Mazda dealer on the island, so service history may be dubious.
It’s worth asking some specific questions to the dealer, if you’re interested in that example. As they’re Liverpool based, they may see a few IoM cars as that’s one of the ferry routes or they may look at bringing stock in, as often island cars are lower mileage. A bit like bringing over a Jersey or Guernsey car to the mainland.
I don’t believe there’s an additional cost for registration. You simply present the IoM registration document to the DVLA. I’ve done similar with a Northern Ireland car before, and I expect the process to be similar.
Import - technically yes, given the IoM is not part of the UK and a crown dependency. But as there’s a customs and VAT arrangement, there should be no duties etc to pay.
It also may be that the car was first registered here on the mainland, especially if there are no Mazda dealers on the island - sorry, I’m not sure on that point. It would be worth getting the VIN from the selling dealer, and doing some more investigation on the history of the car - again, if you’re seriously interested in it.
The key issue and tyre choices still stand - registration considerations notwithstanding! The best first step may be the see it in person, and take it from there.
Biggest concern for me with any car that has lived its life on an island would be rust. Proximity to salty sea air is not ideal.
