Mx-5/Eunos Roadster

Carl Jones · Post by **Carl Jones** » Thu Mar 22, 2001 2:46 pm

Hi everyone,

I am an ex-member of the UK MX-5 owners club who has
just emigrated to NZ. I will move from Bucklands
Beach, Auckland to start a job in Taupo in the next
two weeks and will probably by another MX-5 (even
though I have yet to sell my existing Eunos Roadster
in England!).

Owning a Roadster in the UK (as opposed to an MX-5)
meant having a higher specified car, with lower
mileage and better condition, but paying higher
insurance and more difficulty getting parts from main
dealers.

Could you let me know the pros and cons position in
NZ. Is it the same or better than the UK? I know some
of you in the club are also ex-poms! Any advice
appreciated.

Warm regards

Carl Jones
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Graham Aitken · Post by **Graham Aitken** » Thu Mar 22, 2001 3:32 pm

Hi Carl,

I'm not answering your questions, I'm sure there are plenty of club members
capable of that. Just letting you know I'm a club member already in Taupo
(I'm not sure if there are any others - are there ?). Mk 2 Evolution Orange,
Reg No. EXCAPE (from the kids, that is), if you don't see me my phone number
during the day is 377-3165.

Regards,

Graham Aitken.

STANLEY, Murray · Post by **STANLEY, Murray** » Thu Mar 22, 2001 3:48 pm

Hi Taupo-ites,
Like Carl, I will also be moving to Taupo in the near future (after Easter
actually). My red 91 Roadster should follow shortly after. One thing I
will miss is the monthly runs with the MX5 Drivers down here in Otago. I
was hopeful that something similar would be available in Taupo as I need a
fix of MX5 obsession on a fairly regular basis. I will get in touch with
you Graham once I arrive up there.

Cheers
Murray Stanley
UK 3068

Post by **zorruno** » Thu Mar 22, 2001 4:01 pm

Hi Carl & welcome - I feel a Taupo Chapter forming... You guys better look
after that taupo race track!

And don't worry Murray - we'll be down to visit often... I've just been told
that there is some land just north that we can use for grass gymkhanas...

(and zorruno W promises to send us lots of photos for the mag and web site so
you can see what you are missing!)

Owning a Roadster in the UK (as opposed to an MX-5)
meant having a higher specified car, with lower
mileage and better condition, but paying higher
insurance and more difficulty getting parts from main
dealers.
Could you let me know the pros and cons position in
NZ. Is it the same or better than the UK?

I can tell you that you get all the benefits of the UK imports without the
disadvantages. I subscribe to the UK & US lists, and our prices seem to be
much better. Insurance in NZ seems to be the same for MX5s as Roadsters -
there are probably more ex-roadster parts etc in NZ anyway. Over 90% of our
cars registered in NZ are imported roadsters as opposed to NZ new.
Insurance from most companies here is not excessive - considering it is a
sports car - and the premiums have a big range (there was some discussion on
this in the archives)

You have to realise that we went through this 'ex-japan' imported cars thing
many years ago - whereas in the UK is is only in its infancy. Insurers,
dealers and parts suppliers for Japanese cars realised long ago that this is
where the market was going to stay. Parts for Roadsters are as easy to get
as MX5s

Also, NZ doesn't have to use rear fog lights and has KM speedos rather than
having to change to MPH, so that is less to do. Seatbelts are changed
however.

Mileage is not necessarily lower for imports - I'm guessing more than 50%
have their clocks wound back. It used to be illegal, but now no longer
policeable. Mileage (kmage!) is not really a problem for these cars anyway
with regular servicing happening. They definately on average have more
features and bits added than NZ models (and UK) including A/C, leather etc
etc. You'll find that if buying imports from a dealer in NZ, most take off
roll bars, and other go fast bits so that they look more standard for
resale.

The best thing to do is find one you like, ask lots of questions of fellow
enthusiasts (maybe even get some help looking at it if you're not
mechanically inclined) and join the club. If you want to know about
pricing, have a look at the web site
http://www.mx5club.org.nz/forsale/usedmx5/
There are 18 cars on there for sale at the moment.

cheers
zorruno F

Carl Jones · Post by **Carl Jones** » Mon Mar 26, 2001 10:24 pm

Hi, thanks to all that replied to my e-mail.

Well, after a lot of foot slogging around Auckland
dealers, I have finally put my money on a 1992 1.6
Blue Eunos Roadster. It is in great condition and at
$11,500 I think (hope) it is a good deal.

Now to find insurance and to join the club!

Regards

Carl
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