Hello Guys,
Just learnt today that my Nissan 100nx (T-Bar) is dying so I am on the lookout for
a Mazda Mx5 Mk2.5 2001-2003 ish.
Lots of people (not really car people) have told me to stay away from Eunos imports. Are they really
that different engine wise etc (for servicing?)
I guess this questions has been asked my times, but i could not find it.
Still loving the looks of the Montana Brochure!! Cream & Black works so well.
many thanks, Rob
G’day mate, Welcome to the Forum
There are a lot of very happy Roadster drivers, of cars ranging from '89 to today. They are essentally the same car so serviceing is no problem, you often get more car for your money with a grey import
Welcome to the forum
There is no real reason to be scared of imports, and as Geoff said, they are usually a little cheaper (and with earlier cars in particular, were higher spec)
In some cases insurance can be an issue, but it tends to only be young drivers, or those with a lot of points that notice the difference - needless to say though, get some quotes first, just in case
imports are usually mk1 and mk2, rarely see mk2.5 imports
as I guess mk2.5’s are still new enough to get away from the Japanese “older car MOT”
imports usually have higher spec and more gadgets such as electric windows etc
and less likely to be rusty
but of course it all depends on how well the car is maintained
insurance shouldnt be a problem, unless you have really bad history [6]
You should run very wide of someone trying to sell you a Mk2.5 Eunos Roadster…mainly because they don’t exist (Mazda dropped “Eunos” with the introduction of the Mk2 in 1998).
Comparatively few Mk2.5 Roadsters have made it into the UK, probably because of the ESVA requirements, and an expanding supply of UK MX5s. Most seem to be 1.6s or automatics, and most,it seems, offer no financial advantage over a UK-sourced car (Mk1 imports were cheaper, because Mazda UK had a stranglehold on used sales). They’re not a lot different on spec either, so no extra toys it seems. There’s no inherant disadvantage to buying one; they’re mechanically identical, same level of corrosion protection (in fact, they may have a slight advantage here; a recent import will have skipped 5 or so UK salty winters, possibly important due to the apparent corrosion problems a number of late model Mk2.5s are having (rear wheel arches)).
If I was to pick a Roadster Mk2.5 import, it would be either a NR-A (lightweight 1.6 model, with sport brakes and suspension), or a Mazdaspeed turbo Roadster, but I suppose not many, if any, of these have made it here.
My first MX5 was a '91 V spec import - a wonderful car which did need some tlc originally. I then moved to a 2000 Mk2 which I ran for 4 years without ANY problems. (it is still going perfectly I beleive although I sold it nearly 2 years ago).
I bought a brand new MK3 sport 2 years ago which is a big step forward in power and handling - but I have had more problems with this then either of the imports and Mazda are struggling to find a cure for the engine management warning light repeatedly coming on for no reason.
Insurance I think is down to particular companies who have a blanket ban on imported vehicles. AON are happy to cover.
The imports tend to be a better spec. with aircon and leather seats. I would not hesitate in buying another.
Jim