Flying up to QLD inspect an NB

[kiezon]

Hey guys,

I'll be flying up to Toowoomba, Queensland from Sydney this Saturday to inspect an 2003 NB with 65,000kms which is owned by an older gentleman. I've received detailed photos of problematic areas where rust normally occurs and everything seems all clear at the moment. It's had regular oil changes and has never been left undriven for long periods of time.

I have saved the checklist from: http://wiki.miata.net/tiki-index.php?pa ... ed%20Miata

I've been told these motors are "bulletproof", however, I have been made aware of problems such as flat spots throughout the rev range. I have also seen a video of a strange rattle coming from the motor (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6ezNi3 ... e=youtu.be). What could be the cause of these issues?

I know the main issue is the cam angle sensor, which is a quick and easy fix. Should I buy and bring one with me for the drive back home?

Are there any other issues to look out for? Am I worrying too much about a car with such low kms?

Thanks!

[JBT]

Am I worrying too much about a car with such low kms?

Probably yes. Take it for a good drive and get an independent 2nd opinion if in doubt.
Tyres could be time expired, hydraulic fluid and engine oil may not have been changed for a long time and coolant flush could be overdue.
Have you dríven one before and have some basis for comparison?

[kiezon]

I haven't test dríven an NB but I have dríven a friend's NA. Though, I have been a passenger of an NB right after its timing belt had been replaced at near 100k. It was a fairly smooth ride and was very linear. The owner was trying to convince me to get one. It only took three years to finally settle in, haha.

[Mr Morlock]

if you are spending money and time in going there then you should have info on the vehicle to assess whether its worth the effort. You might arrange someone up there to check it out or just make your own decision. It comes down to price and appearance etc 65000 and a good body with servicing should be a good indication. As they say you are ultimately not playing for sheep stations and taking spares I reckon is just not necessary. In some States people have Total care insurance and breakdowns are covered and often accomodation as well.

[chops]

I wouldn't worry about taking spares. A 65km NB with history is very unlikely to give you grief. I have bought several mx5's from QLD and dríven them back with zero issue. You may need to get an unregistered permit to drive it back as a seller is supposed to sell it unregistered if it is going interstate. I have dríven 1000km back 3 times with no plates but with permit and expected to be pulled over and never have. I have also bought from sellers who haven't worried about it and have mailed plates back to them so they can cancel the rego after. You cannot recoup rego from QLD and can use that as a negotiating tool

[kiezon]

You may need to get an unregistered permit to drive it back as a seller is supposed to sell it unregistered if it is going interstate. I have dríven 1000km back 3 times with no plates but with permit and expected to be pulled over and never have. I have also bought from sellers who haven't worried about it and have mailed plates back to them so they can cancel the rego after. You cannot recoup rego from QLD and can use that as a negotiating tool

Wouldn't I be able to unregister it here in Sydney or must they have to do it?

Could you elaborate the whole process? I've read a bit about this but the QLD website doesn't seem to be too clear. Then again, I was half asleep lol.

[Code4]

I live in Toowoomba. Have the weekend free. Will pm you tomorrow.

[chops]

You won't be able to recoup any money from the existing QLD rego, only a qld resident can do that. If the car has 12 months QLD rego the seller can cancel the rego and recoup the value of the rego before you drive it away and reduce the price accordingly. You get permit drive home get blue slip and register it in NSW.

[kiezon]

I live in Toowoomba. Have the weekend free. Will pm you tomorrow.

Haha, wow. Looking forward to it.

[kiezon]

You won't be able to recoup any money from the existing QLD rego, only a qld resident can do that. If the car has 12 months QLD rego the seller can cancel the rego and recoup the value of the rego before you drive it away and reduce the price accordingly. You get permit drive home get blue slip and register it in NSW.

The rego is only till May so there shouldn't be much (if any) to refund back to the owner. What kind of paperwork do I receive to prove my new ownership of the vehicle if the rego is cancelled? AFAIK, rego paperwork or an online transfer is what determines ownership as I've only ever purchased my cars within NSW i.e. home.

EDIT: I'm assuming if nothing is government official, it should all be done by a hand written contract?

[chops]

A contract will work fine and a copy of qld rego papers makes blue slip easier.

[Mr Morlock]

All Transport web sites list all rules re change of ownership. The seller fills out a disposal notice and a buyer should always should get a receipt with all relevant details for the sale ( description Vin and eng nbr etc. The car should be insured as well so a cover note is required. Pay $10K or whatever and crash or get it stolen en route and no insurance then its all gone. You can probably drive the car for a month or two on QLD reg- but check the rules. I am not sure if an unregistered vehicle permit actually is valid when you cross from one State to another- bottom line ask or read on the web sites QLD NSW. States just don't have the same regs.

[93_Clubman]

All UVP, except WA, are valid across state lines & should be purchased in the state or territory in which the vehicle is being purchased. In the case of WA UVP, you need to purchase an additional UVP if you're crossing the state line.

[kiezon]

From the Queensland State Government website:

"Buying a Queensland registered vehicle from interstate

A vehicle must be garaged at a Queensland address to be registered in Queensland. If you live interstate and purchase a vehicle that is registered in Queensland, you cannot register it in your name in Queensland unless you have a Queensland garaging address.

If you can’t transfer the Queensland registration into your name, you may ask the seller to cancel the vehicle’s registration at a transport and motoring customer service centre. You can then apply for an unregistered vehicle permit to transport the vehicle to your home address.

To register the vehicle you will need to contact the transport authority in your state or territory to find out their registration requirements."

[kiezon]

So, it turns out that Transport and motoring service centres are closed on Saturdays.

Halp.