NA6: Import vs Aus delivered

[hks_kansei]

The only concern I'd have with an import is the chance of it being knocked back on rego because it hasn't met some sort of paperwork (compliance etc)

But... on a car that's currently registered it's pretty much 0% chance.

[KevGoat]

Are there any main huge reasons to avoid the import?]

... ignorance and too lazy to research ...

Must admit, I'm personally resistant to imports, due to issues I've seen with other brands on parts etc. However, the MX5 imports do not have that issue and ironically many of the AU delivered vehicles are modded with the same import parts that make the Eunos more special.

Emily, hang in there. You've a great car and someone appreciative will come along.

I was also disappointed at some of the unnecessary and hurtful comments I received about Mexie from numbnuts who had never seen her or even bothered reading her build thread I took heart that of those that did make the effort to ask serious questions and/or come see her, they were all happy with what they saw - 6 inspections, 1 person told me prior to inspection he was looking for an NB, 1 person I talked in to an NB , one person didn't want to destroy what she was for pure track work, three people "bought" her, one backed out for dopey reasons, one transferred with job so had no choice, one purchased her ...

The idiots like the one that messaged you are the w*nkers who lose and will never truly understand the passion ......

[Okibi]

.. anytime you try to sell something, you'll get all sorts of tyre kickers - ones that will ask a thousand questions only to finish with, "it wasn't what I was looking for anyway" through to those that will give you all sorts of silly reasons / create issues so they can beat your price down. They'll bait you, troll you, lead you on....

That's why I don't tolerate price bashing on here, it's underhanded and does nothing to promote the sense of community amongst MX-5 (and eunos roadster) owners.

[97 MXV]

A significant omission on early JDM Na6's was the omission of side intrusion bars provided on the ADM models to meet our ADR's. Imports under the 15 year old rule had to have their doors retrofitted locally with these bars. This gave some people an excuse to say imports were unsafe in crashes blah blah.

Buyers of early JDM NA6's should check to see if the intrusion bars have been fitted as some Aussie importers and compliance officers were lax. Other than that check, early JDM's are good to go and have 4.3 LSD, power steer and factory air to cap off the sale.

Also importers were cunning enough to only buy low km cars from the south of Japan where rust was not a problem, so JDMs on the whole should not be rust damaged, even though separately imported parts with salt damage is much more common.
A lot of cars were imported RORO so forklift damage to the sills should not be a problem either, but wise to check.

[Evil Panda]

I have an '89 Eunos Import.
I remember seeing the re-enforcements in the doors when I serviced the power windows.
It had been previously registered in NSW and I had no problem getting it registered here in Vic.
Just a matter of getting a roadworthy off my mechanic.
Minimal to no rust, just the usual signs on a 24 year old car.
No issues at all so far... touch wood.

[PhilM]

What Dann said +1
I had a non MX5 owner tell me my Eunos was not an MX5, "It does not look like one"!

However it has no no rust, and a 50mm x 25mm RHS intrusion bar retro fitted inside the doors so maybe if done properly they may be better + PS, A/C, and LSD. The 3 imported engines that I have dealt with were "as new".

BTW you have to disconnect the 180kph speed cut out if you are lucky enough to get to that speed at Phillip Island.

If you imported a Miata from the USA would it be accepted as an MX5 in AUS??

[sailaholic]

The jdm version I've had experience with had a very optimistic speedo. Almost like mazda changed the face on the gauge but left the speedo gearing the same :p

Could be an isolated incident though.

I actually like the eunos badge better.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

[Guran]

One factor that I don't think has been mentioned ...

If you plan on buying genuine parts from Mazda, they will ask for a VIN and won't want to serve you when you provide a JDM VIN.

No big deal because there are plenty of other places to buy parts (often cheaper too), but it may be a factor for some.

[93_Clubman]

If you plan on buying genuine parts from Mazda, they will ask for a VIN and won't want to serve you when you provide a JDM VIN.

Knew they asked for a VIN, but didn't know they won't serve you unless you provide an Australian VIN. Appreciate providing the VIN better identifies the specific vehicle model parts are sought for, & may even be used in other ways, but this practice just reinforces why I avoid Mazda dealers, & have since '99.

[Guran]

Well it's not something that I've had to test myself. But on the few occasions I've bought NA parts from Mazda, they've always insisted on a VIN before quoting on parts, even if I had a part number. I guess part of that is to fit with their systems in looking up the correct part numbers. But I also expect there would be a "sorry we don't have that VIN on record and cannot help you" if you went with a JDM VIN.

[Aussie Stig]

I imported a Cordia Turbo when they were a desirable car. Not only did it have a detuned turbo engine but some sort of hi low gear crap. Povo interior as well.

You see some imports that have different bodies electronic dash etc and you think a nightmare to insure and maintain.

Does not apply to your car though, identical to Aust apart from name but this is what yr facing. I think the trick Eunos 30x is also called an MX-3 and also was an Astina in Aust. Creamy V6 engine.

[emily_mx5]

yes all valid points thats guys.

I have someone coming to look at the car on the weekend, fingers crossed

[Tallorder]

I sometimes wonder if the whole 'grey import' issue was just a big scare tactic drummed up by nervous local dealers back in the day who didn't want punters buying their car overseas and missing out on sales. The same could be said for local dealers not wanting to sell parts.

As many have said, apart from the possibility of clocks being wound back and authenticating history, there's little to worry about, that and other people's perception of your car who've fallen for the conspiracy. All older used cars always have the possibility of being clocked, and not just those from overseas.

[stilletto_rebel]

One factor that I don't think has been mentioned ...

If you plan on buying genuine parts from Mazda, they will ask for a VIN and won't want to serve you when you provide a JDM VIN.

No big deal because there are plenty of other places to buy parts (often cheaper too), but it may be a factor for some.

The UK suffers with this problem as well. There are plenty of threads about it on the UK forums.

[NitroDann]

Just using a vin from an aus delivered car is easy, why does this deserve 'plenty of threads', I dont understand?

Dann