MX5 mk1 RS-ltd - Log book.

General Discussion Forums MX-5 Chat
2

Hi,

 

I have recently purchased a MK1 1994 JAP IMPORT RS-LTD, however upon reading the log-book the car was imported circa 2000, but  it doesn’t state that it is an RS, instead simply says “Mazda MX5”.

 

Now apart from the car being the flipped paint i.e. Blue/Green. (it had the bbs wheels / kevlar seats removed years ago) the seller stated it had a the ‘RS’ sticker on passenger side wing, Lightened Flywheel, 4:3:1 Final Drive Ratio-Torsen Limited Slip Differential, Front Engine Strut Brace ( Pro resprayed to match engine bay) and Stainless Steel Speaker Surrounds.

Everything except for the flywheel and torsen can be verified. However is there anyway I can confirm that this is indeed a RS-ltd? Afterall the log book does say Mazda MX5 only and not Eunos nor anything related to the RS.

Anything specific I can check the car over for, perhaps any extra bracing underneath etc. (also it lacks a rear spoiler)

Chassis code is NA8C *so definately an import. Is there a way from telling from the rest of the chassis code? 

 

 

 

Thanks

3

Only that in 1994, the only Roadsters in Montego Blue were RS Limiteds. I’ve never heard of import Eunos Roadsters being described on the V5 by their trim level. Most imports are listed on logbooks as MX5s. it doesn’t really matter. Besides the 1994 RS-Limited, montego blue was also used on 1996+ series 2 Roadsters, which will be all NA8C-4******.

 

If you think your car is a ringer, you can check with Mazda on build date etc. Hopefully you didn’t pay over the odds for this car, seeing as its missing a fair bit of the RS-specific parts; replacing the seats and wheels will cost over £1000. Mechanically, its similar to a 1996+ S-Special, except that the later car has more power and  a T2 diff not T1.

 

There are trim differences as well between the series 1 1.8 Mk1s and the series 2 Mk2s; door grips, seat design, gauge rings, carpets. Most S-Specials will have manual mirrors, all RSs will have electric.

4

 My RS (imported 1999) says ‘Mazda Eunos’ on the logbook!

It also lacks a rear spoiler but that’s 'cos it’s not supposed to have one.  I bought one but changed my mind about fitting it and sold it.

5

Thanks so far for the information it is very helpful / assuring.

 

I have found out the paint code for Montego Blue is M8, so will be checking that later.

My chassis code starts NA8C - 30* *** so If I’m correct that is indicative of a car produced in 1994, correct?

 

Now I’m just confused as to how I’m even going to attempt to insure the thing, despite me continually telling the Insurance company its a RS, they persistently tell me we can’t find it on the system, and so will go by the log book name. Essentially to them its a Mazda MX5 Import only.  (who fills in the paperwork on the log-book to say its an MX5 or Eunos anyway upon import?!)

Leaves me thinking in the event of a claim, I wonder if they would fail to provide action as, when they would assess the car, it would be the RS model.

:S

 

 

6

There are many insurance companies, try using one that isn’t staffed by idiots.

7

The Association of British Insurers only use a limited range of classifications for Eunos Roadster trim variations; you are not going to get one to quote you for a “RS-Limited”.

 

The ABI list the Eunos Roadster according to the following descriptors:

Mazda Eunos Cabriolet (1600, 1800, manual or automatic)

Mazda Eunos V-Limited Cabriolet (1800, manual or automatic)

Mazda Eunos V-SPEC Cabriolet (1600, manual or automatic)

If you think the car is worth more, in its present condition, than a normal 1800 Roadster, you could get the car on an agreed value classic policy (the car is old enough); generally, you need to get the car inspected by someone knowledgeable about that particular model, or cars in general. Some insurers will designate officials of an Owners Club, or Motor Engineers. I’d suggest to most of the latter, the car will be merely a modified Roadster, and for the former; well, you will probably need to join the MX-5 Owners Club, and contact their officials. Otherwise, in the event of a claim, you will be dependant on finding other examples of RS-Limiteds for sale, which have ranged from a cheap £1500 to a ludicrous £5k, and pleading your case, preferably with the car in your control (to avoid storage fees).

 

I had a 1993 M2-1002; there was no way the insurers could work out a UK value for it, though they put down on file that it was such as car. I would assume in the event of a claim, that would count for nothing. I certainly would not be expecting a £14k cheque as a compensation (the cost of buying one in Japan, and shipping it back). In reality, its UK value was not the same as a replacement value, since in the UK, I sold it for the equivalent of £2.5k

Insure it according to the way the insurers want it, enjoy the car, and avoid crashing it.

 

Paintcode should be on door shut sticker, engine bay VIN plate. M8 is obvious; its a green-blue colour. The door shut sticker will also indicate “RS” and the original Bilstein suspension package.

 

The door shut sticker will look like this:

 

The rest of the chassis code is merely indicative of the sequence of how the car came down the line, and contains no other information on the car. RoadsterRobbie is compiling a RS-Limited register, but I suspect the numbers will not be consecutive.

 

8

@Captain Muppet - I can’t change insurance companies as I’m midway through a policy, and so I’m just looking to swap the car over.

 

 

@AT thank you for the reply, it really was informative. I think I’ll attempt to get them to insure it in the same manner as you did. To be fair the amount the company have requested for myself in the event of a claim means that I will just cut my losses and leave it be.

 

As for the Bilsteins, I am wondering if they are still present and not been changed for something more cost effective (are the shocks marked with the company’s logo?), the car does have rather expensive upgraded coilovers though. 

9

The original shocks are the same as a S-Special; yellow Bilsteins, with a blue Bilstein logo.

 

This car has been discussed on this forum before.

http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/p/35772/251067.aspx#251067

Unless its come with a trailer full of spares you haven’t yet gone through, the Bilstein shocks have long been thrown away,and replaced with Korean R-Meister shocks. MX5parts sell the original Mazda-spec Bilsteins (which are different from the Bilsteins sold for the aftermarket). for about £120 each.

10

Are Meister R’s Korean…?

I’m not so sure, but as I spent a long time researching the best sub £600 suspension option for my S-Special, and deciding on the Meisters, I can assure you they are beautfully made and a MASSIVE improvement over standard Bilsteins - especially 16 year old ones.

I may be taking your post the wrong way, but I read it as though you were implying Meisters were a poor alternative to Bilstein, and if so can absolutely assure you that you are mistaken. Now the initial Group buy on Nutz has finished the price has gone from £540 to over £600 for a set (still good value), so I’m glad I got in when I did.

They should certainly not be mistaken for the way cheaper Raceland type coilovers extensively discussed here and elsewhere - different ball game entirely. 

Apologies if I have misinterpreted your reference to Meisters - but they have been the single biggest improvement I have made to my car - Happy to tour 1800 miles around Europe in comfort and then take in a few laps of the Nordschleife with ease. Superb.

 

 

11

,

You are. I interpreted the OP’s post as a worry about insuring his car correctly; the value of the RS-Limited is ultimately determined by its originality, which includes the original fit suspension package. Whether of not, an aftermarket setup is an improvement is immaterial. If someone was to value the car, unfortunately the aftermarket parts (or lack of original parts) would affect value (given the original parts are still available).

 

12

Ok thanks for the info, yep, It was essentially the insurance issue / whether it was indeed an RS.

 

But as a Side note I do have some Meister Coilovers. @BOB how did you go about getting your geometry set up for the car? From what I’ve researched, Meister R’s are a good upgrade (obviously alternativies are available, but for the price, why not.)

 

 

 

 

13

[quote user="AT"]

[quote user="Little bob"] I may be taking your post the wrong way, [/quote] ,

You are. I interpreted the OP's post as a worry about insuring his car correctly; the value of the RS-Limited is ultimately determined by its originality, which includes the original fit suspension package. Whether of not, an aftermarket setup is an improvement is immaterial. If someone was to value the car, unfortunately the aftermarket parts (or lack of original parts) would affect value (given the original parts are still available).

 

[/quote]

 

 

Agreed - I would have thought the lack of the seats (particularly) and the wheels would the biggest issue. 17 year old shocks would need replacing anyway.

 

I had my geo set up at WIM (with their fast road settings) - a good set up after changing shocks is crucial of course. The Meister R’s are in the same bracket as Gaz Gold Pro’s, BC’s etc, many who have had all three judge the Meisters as the best in this group.

If you have a look on mx5nutz you will find a great deal of feedback and reviews on the Meister R’s, they are specifically designed for UK road surfaces. 

I would certainly be very happy to find these on a 5 that I had just purchased - they are a £600 upgrade after all.