Hi Folks
I;m looking to buy my first MX-5. I've seen various items on TV (Fair
Go, current affairs, etc) and read articles about Jap imports having
their odos wound back, but I've never taken much interest in them as
I've never wanted to own a Japanese import until now.
Just wondering if anyone knows whether the situation tightened up at any
time with regard to the accuracy of the odo reading. For example, would
the odo reading on a 96 model be any more trustworthy than a 94 or a
91? Is there any way of checking?
Thanks
Dave
[...]
odo readings
odo readings
There's no policing the odometer readings at auction in Japan.
To change the odometer it's as simple as changing the dash gauge cluster
(takes about 5 minutes)..
A local car should have the odometer readings written on all the service
receipts.
- Dave.
To change the odometer it's as simple as changing the dash gauge cluster
(takes about 5 minutes)..
A local car should have the odometer readings written on all the service
receipts.
- Dave.
If you had access to a car like this, would you take it back right away? Neither would I.
odo readings
There is, I believe, far more notice taken of Odo readings now, at initial
certification, but I would never rely on an odometer reading anyway.
It is far better to make your own assessment of the accuracy of the reading
by such things as the general condition of the car relative to it's age,
whether the mileage seems realistic for the year, use an average of say
12000k per year and you should see a ten year old car getting up around
100-120K . A five year old car with 20k would raise some questions, but you
would look at condition, and if you can, who owned it.
Consider that the tyres should last say 50,000 k, therefore you would think
that a car at 50, 100 or 150,000 should perhaps have either nearly new or
nearly stuffed tyres. wear should be proportionate to mileage.
The condition of the pedals can be a clue. If it has a badly worn brake or
clutch pedal and 45000 on the clock, you would be suspicious.
There are many other clues, including thinking about who owned it last, if
it has been owned in NZ
The best check of all is to have the vehicle inspected by someone who knows
what they are looking for and then buying it if you like what they say.
Not a lot goes wrong with an MX5, so mileage is not a huge factor.
Particularly as they get older, condition is far more an arbiter of price
than mileage.
Good luck, and enjoy your purchase.
Eric
certification, but I would never rely on an odometer reading anyway.
It is far better to make your own assessment of the accuracy of the reading
by such things as the general condition of the car relative to it's age,
whether the mileage seems realistic for the year, use an average of say
12000k per year and you should see a ten year old car getting up around
100-120K . A five year old car with 20k would raise some questions, but you
would look at condition, and if you can, who owned it.
Consider that the tyres should last say 50,000 k, therefore you would think
that a car at 50, 100 or 150,000 should perhaps have either nearly new or
nearly stuffed tyres. wear should be proportionate to mileage.
The condition of the pedals can be a clue. If it has a badly worn brake or
clutch pedal and 45000 on the clock, you would be suspicious.
There are many other clues, including thinking about who owned it last, if
it has been owned in NZ
The best check of all is to have the vehicle inspected by someone who knows
what they are looking for and then buying it if you like what they say.
Not a lot goes wrong with an MX5, so mileage is not a huge factor.
Particularly as they get older, condition is far more an arbiter of price
than mileage.
Good luck, and enjoy your purchase.
Eric
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