Getting back into an NB MX5, trim levels?

[systmoveride]

So a few years ago now I sold my NB1, worst decision I’ve ever made and it’s honestly a daily regret.
I’m now in a position where I could afford to get another NB as a weekender and be able to have my more sensible, family friendly daily, and then weekend fun car.

As availability of local NBs seems to be pretty thin, I’ve turned to the group that imported my Crown and can see that there’s still plenty for import in the motherland, though they’ve advised things can be a little pricier since we’re now competing with the yanks for the 25 year rule (however the mileage on the ones available is absolutely pristine/new car for the price).

My question, after this long preamble, is does anyone have any reliable info as to what the different specs/trim levels are for the NB roadsters out of Japan?
I know about the 10AE, but others I’ve seen are listed as “S”, “VS”, “RS”, and “Special Package”.
If anyone could shed some light on what any of these mean that would be great! As if local supply continues as it is I might just wait a little longer and bring one over

Cheers!

[93_Clubman]

Brian Long's book Mazda MX-5 Miata has that info, but the info may also be on the net. PUR157's Which MX5 is best for me thread focused on ADM MX5s < viewtopic.php?f=76&t=31669 >, while Steampunk's thread focused on JDM NA variants < viewtopic.php?f=76&t=47316 >. However, page 2 of Steampunk's thread has some additional links that might be worth a quick look, as might this:
https://www.goo-net.com/catalog/MAZDA/ROADSTER/2502304/

Re importing a JDM MX5 NB to Australia, check carefully that it's possible to do and register here in your state or territory. This might already be your plan, but if it's possible to import and register, then an NB8B onward would likely be a better proposition then a NB8A, given you mention they're pricey.

[systmoveride]

Thanks for that!
I wasn’t able to find those links with my own searches, I did find another forum, maybe UK, that had similar discussion re this.

We can import up to 25 years without other restrictions in WA, so that’s why at this stage realistically, only up to early 2000 build dates would be eligible for import (unless I imported an NB2 and had it sitting around for years) and I don’t believe that includes any NB2s. Honestly if it takes long enough to try find a car I may end up waiting that long regardless for the NB2s to become eligible, but I think prices will be much the same/if not more for the NB2 since we’ll be competing with US buyers and the desirability for the 6 speed gearbox.

But we’ll see what happens! I loved my NB1 so I’m not really opposed to having another haha

[93_Clubman]

We can import up to 25 years without other restrictions in WA

But what about subsequently registering an 25 year old JDM imported vehicle in WA, that's going to need to comply with ADRs.
Appreciate that being in WA likely means a smaller pool of available MX5 NBs for sale, but if it was me, which it obviously isn't, I'd also look at what was for sale in the eastern states and exercise some patience. BTW, historically MX5 JDM imports haven't matched ADM MX5 values.

[systmoveride]

Ah I see what you mean now. I know of a few who have done it for RS' and such, so I'm assuming it's not too bad, but I hadn't thought about the ADR side of things. I'll email the broker to check.

There seems to be some okay ones going over East, but I'm just concerned about the mounting cost of transport and then reregistering, as well as pits inspection which hopefully would not have any hidden nasties to fix.
Now that I think out loud about it I guess the import route is much the same re pits and getting a car registered, so food for thought.

As far as value goes, that's fine, I would like to think that the next time I have an mx5 I'm keeping it for as long as possible, and would ideally teach future children to drive manual in it!
But from what I've seen sold over the past 12 months, one of the NB8As in Japan went for around $16.6k (landed and complied) but with a whopping 46,000kms, which I think is pretty miraculous, and potentially justifies the price since I want to keep it as a weekend car/garage queen.

Either way, have had plenty to think about. I am just waiting to see what comes up locally as I'm also a little lazy and don't want to have to deal with transporting a car interstate, but I will admit there are some good looking ones on the East coast!

[bruce]

I would not buy an import unless you've inspected it in person.
Most if not all older imports are wound back.
Japanese cars tend to be super rusty underneath due to snow and salt (and age).

[greenMachine]

I had a little to do with imports, back in my working life.

Back then you had licensed workshops doing the conversions to meet rego standards. Note, AIUI these were not complying vehicles to meet ADRs as such, just to get them registerable under State/Territory requirements. If your broker is local, check there first as to what are the requirements these days. If not, find a local one and hit them up.

IIRC back then there were issues getting these imports universally accepted across borders, sometimes a rego authority would not automatically accept a car already registered elsewhere in Australia. Only a concern if you move interstate, or sell the car interstate, but worth asking the question.

[rascal]

(unless I imported an NB2 and had it sitting around for years) and I don’t believe that includes any NB2s.q

Actually NB2s in Australia started in 2000. I have an Oct 2000 build NB2 and it’s not build plate number 1 so you wouldn’t be waiting years if you did import an NB2..

[systmoveride]

(unless I imported an NB2 and had it sitting around for years) and I don’t believe that includes any NB2s.q

Actually NB2s in Australia started in 2000. I have an Oct 2000 build NB2 and it’s not build plate number 1 so you wouldn’t be waiting years if you did import an NB2..

I was being a bit facetious by saying years when it would potentially just be a year or so, but it would end up just depending on the build date of the car sitting in Japan. Seems anything built in the first half of the year is an NB1 and an NB2 if built in the second half. But then it would also be a bit annoying to have to deal with cars who are just turned 25 in case something is incorrectly listed for build date.

I had a little to do with imports, back in my working life.

Back then you had licensed workshops doing the conversions to meet rego standards. Note, AIUI these were not complying vehicles to meet ADRs as such, just to get them registerable under State/Territory requirements. If your broker is local, check there first as to what are the requirements these days. If not, find a local one and hit them up.

IIRC back then there were issues getting these imports universally accepted across borders, sometimes a rego authority would not automatically accept a car already registered elsewhere in Australia. Only a concern if you move interstate, or sell the car interstate, but worth asking the question.

Oh right, interesting. I wonder if the broker is aware, and if not I can always email my local compliance workshop to see what they say as I assume they've done a couple roadster imports so they should know!

I would not buy an import unless you've inspected it in person.
Most if not all older imports are wound back.
Japanese cars tend to be super rusty underneath due to snow and salt (and age).

When importing they inspect the car for you, so hopefully you'd be able to determine or they'd be able to determine the condition. Plus I'm pretty sure there are ways to determine if a car is wound back in Japan, there is some online service I've heard of that I'd need to find again, but I'll keep it in mind.


Importing is definitely the last resort option, just hoping something decent comes up locally beforehand!

[93_Clubman]

hadn't thought about the ADR side of things. I'll email the broker to check.

Don't solely rely on what the broker or workshop tells you - you need to contact the WA Transport Department for the latest advice regarding registration of a JDM MX5 that you're considering importing.

There seems to be some okay ones going over East, but I'm just concerned about the mounting cost of transport and then reregistering, as well as pits inspection which hopefully would not have any hidden nasties to fix.
Now that I think out loud about it I guess the import route is much the same re pits and getting a car registered

The import route also involves transport issues and costs.

But from what I've seen sold over the past 12 months, one of the NB8As in Japan went for around $16.6k (landed and complied)

The issue regarding the historic value of a JDM MX5 v an ADM MX5 occurs with resale.

I'm also a little lazy and don't want to have to deal with transporting a car interstate

When importing they inspect the car for you, so hopefully you'd be able to determine or they'd be able to determine the condition. Plus I'm pretty sure there are ways to determine if a car is wound back in Japan, there is some online service I've heard of that I'd need to find again

There's no substitute for seeing a car yourself to satisfy your expectations. Once delivered you're going to have to live with it regardless.

There's risk in buying a used car in your home state, or interstate, or overseas. But you're considering buying a used car from overseas, which is the riskiest option, simply because you think someone else will have to do all the work, and because you want an MX5 sooner rather than later. Convenience costs, one way or another.

[Craig]

As availability of local NBs seems to be pretty thin

Where are you based?

[bruce]

As above, way too much hassle and risk to even consider.
Buy something already in the country and registered.
I have considered importing but for cars worth a lot more and super rare (too difficult to get look locally). For something so 'cheap' and common like a 5 it is not worth it.

[systmoveride]

As availability of local NBs seems to be pretty thin

Where are you based?

WA!



Thanks for the advice everyone, importing was definitely a last resort regardless, although if there are ones with genuinely low kms I think the price landed and complied in Aus is quite reasonable, definitely not looking to import due to perceived "cheaper", if anything it's more access to the various editions like the RS and VS etc, and if they might make it a somewhat better options. Also some of the NBs sold in the last year have been sold with hardtop too, and considering I'm not really keen on having a hardtop, it would theoretically reduce overall costs of the car itself since I'd be selling it.
Either way, like I said, it's a last resort, and just somewhat comforting knowing that there's still plenty in Japan for importing if so desired.

I totally agree that seeing something firsthand is way better, I've looked at some locally and you couldn't see the paint imperfections from the images, or due to lack of images couldn't see issues in the interior. But I would have had more faith in a company whom I'm purchasing a service from doing a better job inspecting and supplying photos (I think for each Crown I had inspected at auction I was given at least 50 photos of various bits and pieces, including closeups of paint imperfections and interior blemishes) compared to buying interstate, I suppose there are also companies that you can pay to inspect cars for you, either way.

I'm not in a rush, but as per the thread title I was realistically wondering what the differences were between the various trim levels of the NB as I do have a soft spot for the 8a and if something like a VS or an RS came from factory with a 6spd, while I'm not fussed in having a 6spd (as my other NB8a was just the 5spd) it would just be a nice quality of life improvement.