MX-5 OC Forum

My son is looking to buy an mx5 - but because of his age he needs to get a uk edition NOT an import!

The current owner says its a uk edition.

I looked the car reg up on dvla and it says it was manufactured in 1993 and registered in 1999.... doesn't that mean its an import? 

It would seem to me as though it is an import. Do you have any pictures of it? Especially the rear! 

 Thanks for replying inferno 225 - no photos as yet ...the owner has looked in the log book - and it says only the registered date 99 and the first uk registered date 99.

What should we look for on the back of the car?

The mk1 imports have a square rear number plate hole and the uk ones have a longer, thinner recess.

The uk cars are Mazda mx5's and the imports tend to be Eunos Roadsters. However people tend to refer to the eunos's as mx5's anyway! I know I do!

Im aware that everything I've mentioned can be changed I.e change the number plate panel and the badges to make it look like an mx5 but I don't see why that would have been done as there's no monetary benefit in doing it anymore!

inferno225:

but I don't see why that would have been done as there's no monetary benefit in doing it anymore!

Even so it IS done and therefore does NOT confirm or deny Eunos/MX5 only.

Registration check is required, although even here some imports state MX5. So Dates are very important.

Try a mazda dealer parts department, parts price enquiry, and quote reg number, they will know for sure.

Ask the owner for the VIN; he doesn't need to give the full number, just the first few digits will be enough to confirm if its an import or not, and if an import, which market it was intended for.

External body checks are not foolproof; a significant number of imports imported 1997-1999 were retrofitted with UK rear panels; Donutz did a roaring trade (at one time rumours abounded that the import square plates were going to be made illegal). Neither isthe boot stop lamp, as boot linds can be swapped, or the interior power window switch, which on a 1993 import will be different from a UK 1993. VIN is the only sure fire way; send me the codes off the drivers door shut, and I'll work out the original package as well.

 Thank you all for your help- we investigated a bit further - the owner found that it was an import ( in the log book) and an online check threw up a higher mileage and that it had previously been written off- so that one's not for us!

 Well done, head over hart, a great 5 will coming your way soon.