Is this actually an SE?

[NickFit]

Hey all,

I'm currently in London, but returning to Melbourne mid December and looking to get my first MX5 SE (because I'm in Vic and everything I've read says its pretty much impossible to get a NB turbo'd legally, but to be honest I like the interiors and body kits).

So I've been on carsales and this came up:
http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/detai ... 3298/?Cr=0

It says its an "SE" model but to me its looks like it just got an engine and some interior transplanted from an actual SE? No body kit and blue cluster etc.

I've emailed the dealer and he/she haven't replied.

My worry is that if I was to buy it that it wouldn't actually be able to be legally dríven or insured in Melbourne.

Would appreciate as much advice on this as possible, or if anyone is selling their SE PM me

[StanTheMan]

the only thing right is the red stitching on the Leather seats.& the engine

I thought it was a NB8A but it has the ABS
The stereo not sure if SE or not
The gauge cluster looks wrong
Also check the gear knob. Looks painfully used for 80k km
Centre console is of an earlier NB

A lot of stuff like wheels Stereo gauge cluster look Like NB8A a lot of other stuff lock like NB8B and some NB8C
Unless you see the pic of the Compliance plate. I wouldn't go near it.

[Apu]

It's a bastardised SE. Engine looks right at a glance but body kit is missing - front lip, winglets on rear arch, rear lip. Interior is wrong - doesn't have the carbon look trim. Stereo and other pieces are mismatched. Headlights are wrong.

And gear knob is helluva worn for 136xxx kms.

Wouldn't touch it with a barge pole...unless i could verify it IS an SE and the price was substantially less.

[93_Clubman]

The VIN quoted in another ad (JM0NB30P400400217) is consistent with a VIN from an SE, but that's assuming it's the actual VIN on the vehicle. Car has been bastardised, which when noting other things in pics rings loud warning bells. Also with 136,156 kms & potentially the wear that's apparent in some areas, it would need to be significantly less than $10k, & even then I suspect it would still be a 'project'.

It's also currently UNREGISTERED:
Plate Type: ALPHANUMERIC
Plate Number: S468AUH
Make: MAZDA
Body Type: TOURER
Primary Colour: SILVER
Expiry Date: UNREGISTERED
https://www.ecom.transport.sa.gov.au/et ... details.do

Vehicle Details
VIN: JM0NB30P400400217
Manufacturer: MAZDA MOTOR CORP
Body Type
https://www.ecom.transport.sa.gov.au/et ... details.do

This is the dealer: http://www.caa.com.au/about.aspx

http://www.carsguide.com.au/buy-a-car/a ... chLimit=12

http://www.carsguide.com.au/cars-for-sa ... onvertible

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/penningt ... 1122612215

[Lokiel]

the only thing right is the red stitching on the Leather seats.& the engine

I thought it was a NB8A but it has the ABS
The stereo not sure if SE or not
The gauge cluster looks wrong
Also check the gear knob. Looks painfully used for 80k km
Centre console is of an earlier NB

A lot of stuff like wheels Stereo gauge cluster look Like NB8A a lot of other stuff lock like NB8B and some NB8C
Unless you see the pic of the Compliance plate. I wouldn't go near it.

Missing SE sticker on rear.
Stereo looks the same as an SE.
HVAC fascia should be silver plastic, not black.
Centre console and gearshift surround should be silver with black pits.
Instrument cluster should have red needles and grey/silver instrument faces and the redline should be 6500.
Large instrument cluster dials and air vents should have faux-chrome rings (ie. silver plastic)
SE front bumper spoiler is missing
Front headlights aren't "smoked"
Rims aren't SE "boat anchors" (doubt too many SE owners put regular 6.5" rims on their cars, usually these are upgraded to 8")

The only SE bits on this car are the engine, seats, gearknob, steering wheel and boot spoiler.

The ad and this thread have now been reported to carsales.com.au.

[KevGoat]

I can't recall his name but a couple years ago there was a forum member stripped his SE back like this. He wanted something different and an SE with a plain skin was where he headed. He sold the car and moved interstate and gave me some leftover parts. Wonder if this is his car? Tried to find his details but no succes.

Posted via Tapatalk on Samsung S7

[NickFit]

Wow thanks everyone for your input.

I knew it looked super dodgey. I'll be staying away for sure.

I'm be in the market for a good SE ideally with a few mods, as I'm planing on going them anyway. (any of these: CAI, exhaust, I/C, coil overs, hardtop, MBC, 15" rims, ecu).

I'm based in Melbourne but will happily travel and then road trip back with the misses.

[ManiacLachy]

I can't recall his name but a couple years ago there was a forum member stripped his SE back like this. He wanted something different and an SE with a plain skin was where he headed. He sold the car and moved interstate and gave me some leftover parts. Wonder if this is his car? Tried to find his details but no succes.

Posted via Tapatalk on Samsung S7

This popped up in my mind too. I remember this guy, it seemed a really odd thing to do, it could be his car.

[smy0003]

Yes I also remember the bloke who stripped back his SE. He was SA based if recall correctly.
Could be his car, it was silver as well, but I'd steer well clear. Unless of course they want to sell at half their asking price. Looks like a bit of a basket case.

[billybunter]

I think mime is an SE or the super explosive edition

steering wheel red stitching

instruments silver rev limit 6500 some 7500

leather seats red stitching

central fascia silver

[Okibi]

Been thinking I should add more photos to that SP vs SE page so people can identify the differences from the standard model.

http://www.mx5cartalk.com/SP_SE_Comparison/

[Mr Morlock]

Go with 93 and remember that the VIN tells you what a car is and Mazda can check VINS as well. Do all the checks - refer Vicroads site for reading.

[NickFit]

Potentially what could go wrong with it though?

If I can get it under 9/10k would it be worth it? Then Spend 3-5k on mods

Or am I better to go for an original SE and pay around 14-15k

[Apu]

Potentially everything.

Best case scenario, if it is an SE, there's too many parts missing to return it to make it an SE again.

Worst case scenario, it's a rebirthed car.

[zero00]

Instrument cluster is NB8A - went to white dials for the NB8B

Wheels are standard NB8A