new to mx5...

Archives of Posts to the NZ MX5 List back in 2001
Daniel Shek

new to mx5...

Post by Daniel Shek » Wed Nov 21, 2001 12:59 pm

Hi guys,

I am a mx5 enthusiast but without the car!!??
(Well, I am not rich so I always do my homework before buying stuff.)

I have surfed all over the net and I realize that 89-91 car may have a 1%
chance of the crank shaft problem. 94 (late 93) onwards is good because it
has a 1.8i engine, brace... extra but they normal cost around $14000 so it
is a bit expensive for me.

Anyway, recently, I have found a jap import with no A/C and P/S. It is a 93
with 1.6 litre engine. It has done around 80000km and the price is around
$14000. base on this information, from your expert opinion, do you think it
is worth so much? Is Air Con a good thing to have?

The dealer also tells me that there is a new legislation on import car next
April which will virtually stop any pre-98 mx5 from importing into New
Zealand. And people in the UK are willing to pay twice as much for mx5!!??
So, he claim the price will stay high... is he telling the truth?

Thanks in advance,
Daniel
(A mx5 enthusiast wanting the car)

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Graeme Naisbitt

new to mx5...

Post by Graeme Naisbitt » Wed Nov 21, 2001 1:21 pm

hehe, I know I shouldn't have but I had to put the Air Con on with the top
down the other day!!! I was a little warm after all. I have P/S too but
would imagine that it is more fun without. UK prices for MX 5's have always
been unreasonably (IMHO) high, I never saw an import there though but I
think there are a few.

Gram
'D4NGER'

David Burggraaf (FAL ...

new to mx5...

Post by David Burggraaf (FAL ... » Wed Nov 21, 2001 1:39 pm

Daniel,
If the dealer has $14k on a 1.6 (expensive), then he probably brought it for
$10 or $11k or less so you should be able to find one too for this money if
you look for keen private sellers.
I reckon if you have $14k to spend, go for the latest model you can get in a
1.8, and buy privately. Why hand a dealer a few G's when it's better in your
pocket? If you want protection, get it checked and buy a warranty.
No air or steer is a good thing for an MX5, but unfortunately the not so
enthusiastic buyer you eventually want to sell it to may think otherwise and
may not value the car as highly without these options, whereas I would look
for that car in preference to an optioned one. I think most would prefer the
options.
Last I heard on Import law changes was anything over 7 years old???

Dave

LUCKEE

new to mx5...

Post by LUCKEE » Wed Nov 21, 2001 1:55 pm

I personally think that $14,000 is a bit high for that particular vehicle
Daniel, but unfortunately that is how much dealers etc will charge. If you are
on a budget why not try & purchase an earlier model MX5 there are a few going
for around the $9995 mark for a 1990, of course it all depends on the
condition, mileage etc... . I've only had my MX5 for 1 month & it's everything
I thought it would be ( i've wanted an MX5 since I was about 15, I'm only 22
now). It's a 1990 1.6 Automatic with 98,000kms, red & in very nice condition.
I got it for $9995 which I think is a realistic price. You could expect to pay
$14,000 for an MX5 that has had things done to it or of course for the special
editions etc.. . Anyway good luck and try to shop around for the best deal. It
may take a while but it's worth it!. P.S. Always have your vehicle checked by
a vehicle inspection service & try to get a mechanical warranty for peace of
mind. Happy MX5ing!!!

Angela

Gary Morrison
Need, more, 5-ing, time....
Need, more, 5-ing, time....
Posts: 100
Joined: Sun Jun 04, 2006 3:24 pm
Location: Wellington

new to mx5...

Post by Gary Morrison » Wed Nov 21, 2001 2:21 pm

Hi Daniel,

Have a look on the clubs website http://www.mx5club.org.nz/forsale/forsale/

I can see ...

1990 @ $10k
1990 @ $8750
1990 @ $7500
1990 @ $9500
1991 @ $12,500
1994 @ $16,500
1990 @ $9,500
1991 @ $9500
1990 @ $7700
1991 @ $10800
1990 @ $8000

Etc Etc

Gary

Dr Chris Westinghouse

new to mx5...

Post by Dr Chris Westinghouse » Wed Nov 21, 2001 2:49 pm

I bought a 1990 MX5 (first registered in Japan in 1991) for $10 000.00 two
months ago (soft top with aircon, power steering etc). I knocked them down
on the price by $3 000.00 without much effort. I then spent about
$2500.00 fixing things that needed attention (replaced tyres, clutch,
fitted Koni shocks etc). My clock says the car had done about 60 000km,
and I reckon the mileage was genuine. I think your dealer is asking way
too much.

Chris Westinghouse

On Wednesday, November 21, 2001 1:39 PM, David Burggraaf (FAL AKL)
[SMTP:DavidBu@falum.co.nz] wrote:
Daniel,
If the dealer has $14k on a 1.6 (expensive), then he probably brought it
for
$10 or $11k or less so you should be able to find one too for this money if
you look for keen private sellers.
I reckon if you have $14k to spend, go for the latest model you can get
in a
1.8, and buy privately. Why hand a dealer a few G's when it's better in
your
pocket? If you want protection, get it checked and buy a warranty.
No air or steer is a good thing for an MX5, but unfortunately the not so
enthusiastic buyer you eventually want to sell it to may think otherwise
and
may not value the car as highly without these options, whereas I would look
for that car in preference to an optioned one. I think most would prefer
the
[...]

jeff w

new to mx5...

Post by jeff w » Wed Nov 21, 2001 3:15 pm

hi Daniel

good places to look for mx5s are on the club website
(www.mx5club.org.nz) of course, trade&exchange
(www.te.co.nz).

The PwrSteering is quite nice, it's not overassisted
and the rack is quicker than the manual version.
Apparently it was designed with PS at the design
stage, and I'd agree that it's nicely integrated. AC
would be nice, but I don't miss it on mine so far.

Braces can be added afterwards for less $$ than buying
a similarly factory braced car. More power is
available with easy mods, lots more power with lots
more mods... ;)

It all depends on what you're after in the end, fun,
reliability, go-kart cornering, tyre-shredding power
...?

Mine is a 1.8 which I quite like for it torquey-ness,
although it's heavier than earlier 1.6s, which also
have more mods available for them.

PS - take *everything* a dealer $ay$ with a very
large grain of salt!

Jeff


--- Daniel Shek <Daniel.Shek@asbbank.co.nz> wrote:
[...]
Zealand. And people in the UK are willing to pay
twice as much for mx5!!??
So, he claim the price will stay high... is he
telling the truth?

Thanks in advance,
Daniel
(A mx5 enthusiast wanting the car)

========================================================================================
This e-mail message and attachments are confidential
to our organisation and subject to legal privilege.
If you have received this e-mail in error, please
advise the sender immediately and destroy the
message and any attachments. If you are not the
intended recipient you are notified that any use,
distribution, amendment, copying or any action taken
or omitted to be taken in reliance of this message
or attachments is prohibited.
=========================================================================================

zorruno
Black is the new black.
Black is the new black.
Posts: 601
Joined: Thu Apr 13, 2006 11:20 pm
Location: An Eastern Beach

new to mx5...

Post by zorruno » Wed Nov 21, 2001 7:35 pm

Our 94 1.8 is nice, but we paid a premium to get an extra 200cc... If I did
it all again I'd buy a 1.6 and spend the extra on go faster bits & bracing.

re: steering: I'm driving a 91 1.6 manual rack at the moment, and I actually
miss the power steering. Personal choice I think.

$14k is close to about right IMO for what a dealer would sell a 93 for at
the moment. Maybe $13-13.5 would be more realistic. You may be able to
find one for $11-12 privately. You don't say what colour it is - If black,
you'll have to add a couple of grand sorry ;)

A/C is nice sometimes, but I could do without it (both the 1.6 & 1.8 have
it)

I think the new legislation allows 94 and later to be imported now. It was
either 93-94 or 95, I can't remember. It was written in this month's AA
directions magazine.

My opinion is go 90 or 91. The money you save can be put toward a new
engine (should you ever need it) or modifications, or new flashy paint job,
or turbo, or stereo, or girlfriend, or whatever takes your fancy.

Not a lot goes wrong with them really if you maintain them. Oh and around
80% of the people in the MX5 club have 89-91 models I believe...

cheers
zorruno.
(z)

John Warren

new to mx5...

Post by John Warren » Wed Nov 21, 2001 10:08 pm

Hi,

I owned a 1.6 91 without p/s or a/c for 2.5 years, now have a 1.8 2000 with
p/s and still no a/c.

Don't miss the a/c at all in the MX5, isn't that what the whole point of
owning a softtop is :-), but would never go back to non-power steering.
However I use the car as my daily car, so do a fair bit of town driving, and
really appreciate the p/s. If you planned to use your car mostly for longer
trips, it would be OK without. In my opinion, the extra power of the 1.8
isn't really needed - the 1.6 is still a great car.

Cheers
John

Louisa Currie

new to mx5...

Post by Louisa Currie » Thu Nov 22, 2001 8:12 am

My two cents on A/C. I use mine all the time, ESPECIALLY with the soft top
down. I do a lot of city driving and when stuck in traffic or even just
stopped at traffic lights, its gets pretty hot without the A/C on.

Lou

Dr Chris Westinghouse

new to mx5...

Post by Dr Chris Westinghouse » Thu Nov 22, 2001 8:39 am

Another 2 cents worth on air conditioning - in order to keep the piping and
tubes in shape, you really need to run your aircon a bit every now and then
- even just for a few minutes a week. Stops the pipes from becoming
brittle and degrading. Seldom use mine too (soft top), but when you are
rushing off somewhere and the car has been standing in the sun, a bitta
aircon works wonders for the soul.

Chris Westinghouse

On Thursday, November 22, 2001 8:13 AM, Louisa Currie
[SMTP:Louisa.currie@simu.co.nz] wrote:
[...]

Richmond, Colin

new to mx5...

Post by Richmond, Colin » Thu Nov 22, 2001 9:25 am

Yes, but I believe the real cost issue concerns the bearings in the A/C
compressor. If the thing doesn't have a spin reasonably regularly then the
bearings will face a potential seizing failure - new compressor or at least a
rebuild will be necessary.

The air conditioner's most effective use IMO is for dehumidifying the air and
demisting the windscreen when it rains (ie when "most" people have top up).
The air cooling is just a bonus for city driving in summer.

I would always specify air con due to resale (if you can ever bring yourself to
sell it).

Colin

Dr Chris Westinghouse wrote:

[...]

Graeme Naisbitt

new to mx5...

Post by Graeme Naisbitt » Thu Nov 22, 2001 9:28 am

Manual Windows??? I think we were discussing Manual Steering vs Power
Steering??? Lou, I'm glad I'm not the only one who uses the A/C with the
top down, I was getting a bit worried. I am english however so I'm not used
to the heat, very used to the Auckland rain however :( As a matter of
interest, zorruno, what modifications would you carry out on the 1600 with
the extra cash saved?

Graeme
D4NGER

redwon
See my 5 and raise you.
See my 5 and raise you.
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat May 20, 2006 3:14 pm
Location: Auckland

new to mx5...

Post by redwon » Thu Nov 22, 2001 9:36 am

Every one thinks aircon is just for the summer.On a wet winters day with two
people
in an MX 5 and the heater on the windows fog up in no time.Flick on the
aircon.Presto
clear windows.I have a hard top with a demister that I have never used
because I have
air.

Steve

Ashgrove School

new to mx5...

Post by Ashgrove School » Thu Nov 22, 2001 10:10 am

Re: Air con being used as a demister - do you set it to cold or hot for
demisting??

The fogging up of the windows on a cold/wet day with even one person in the
car is the only thing about my 90 MX5 that I dislike. I usually run the fan
on the halfway setting as if it is set to hot it just makes the inside of my
hardtop condense the moisture and it ends up raining on me! I had not
thought of using the air con for that.

Thanks to those people that gave advice on the 205s going on my 15" rims -
some said yes some said no - I decided to put them on and I must say they
look excellent! They really give the car a "grunty" look. (At least that
is what my husband says!) Now the 195s look sissy!


Geraldine Van Hemert
Office Manager
admin@ashgrove.school.nz

From MattGunn@newstalkzb.co.nz Fri Apr 27 15:49:21 2007
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my mistake , I misread power steering . My brain must be melting with
the heat , hang on i'll turn on my air conditioning , oh thats better ,
can read again now. , and look the buckets of sweat have disappeared.

By the way the unit gets a workout with the other half . another softie.

cheers

MADMXV

Gary Morrison
Need, more, 5-ing, time....
Need, more, 5-ing, time....
Posts: 100
Joined: Sun Jun 04, 2006 3:24 pm
Location: Wellington

new to mx5...

Post by Gary Morrison » Thu Nov 22, 2001 10:19 am

At the recent driver training day at Pukekohe down the back straight it was
very hard to see the car in front. I thought is was spray being thrown up as
it was a very wet day. Then I noticed the problem was on the inside of the
windscreen. As it was too wet for the roof down fix a quick blast of air con
had the track crystal clear.

Graeme Naisbitt

new to mx5...

Post by Graeme Naisbitt » Thu Nov 22, 2001 10:27 am

The people who make rain-x also do a anti fog one but I can't remember the
name of it. It works pretty well but after a couple of weeks there is
evidence of smearin on the windscreen. But it does stop misting so is worth
using :)

Gram

redwon
See my 5 and raise you.
See my 5 and raise you.
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat May 20, 2006 3:14 pm
Location: Auckland

new to mx5...

Post by redwon » Thu Nov 22, 2001 10:30 am

The aircon works independently of the heater system.You can set the heater
to any level
you want and turn on the air.I normally have the fan at its lowest
speed,heater set abour half way and aircon on.Aircon removes moisture from
the air so no foged windows.

Steve

Graeme Naisbitt

new to mx5...

Post by Graeme Naisbitt » Thu Nov 22, 2001 10:36 am

but wouldn't you then lose a little power?

Gram
D4NGER

Ian Watson

new to mx5...

Post by Ian Watson » Thu Nov 22, 2001 10:47 am

my 2 cents on the AC debate

personally I love it - I use it with the top-down in v. hot weather and
don't forget it's also really useful to stop the car steaming up inside on a
wet humid Auckland day when you just got soaked by a shower.

I read on miata.net that it's perfectly fine to run the AC with the top
down - just set the airflow to recycle.

Hey and it's also useful to keep yourself cool when you've got the top up
between 12 and 2 in the afternoon - but I don't suppose you can get skin
cancer if your drive really fast - UV rays can't catch an MX5 eh?

;-)

ian

jeff w

new to mx5...

Post by jeff w » Thu Nov 22, 2001 10:57 am

that would be "Fog-X" ... of course! :)

on another note, I noticed my PS effort has gone down
a lot since I had the "Lanny" alignment done! I
sometimes turn off the engine (ie no PS assist) when
backing into the garage, and this shows how
heavy/light (lighter, in this case) the steering is.
Softer tyre sidewalls (ie cheap tyres) and higher
pressures also both reduce steering effort, for those
of you who haven't been to the gym lately ;)

Jeff

--- Graeme Naisbitt <graemen@dmd.co.nz> wrote:
[...]

Gary Morrison
Need, more, 5-ing, time....
Need, more, 5-ing, time....
Posts: 100
Joined: Sun Jun 04, 2006 3:24 pm
Location: Wellington

new to mx5...

Post by Gary Morrison » Thu Nov 22, 2001 11:05 am

Tried that stuff and it made a REAL MESS of the inside of the windscreen.
Threw it in the rubbish. Their Rain X for external use is fantastic though.

Gary Morrison
Need, more, 5-ing, time....
Need, more, 5-ing, time....
Posts: 100
Joined: Sun Jun 04, 2006 3:24 pm
Location: Wellington

new to mx5...

Post by Gary Morrison » Thu Nov 22, 2001 11:08 am

Yes indeed, but in the conditions a little lost power was of no concern.

Graeme Naisbitt

new to mx5...

Post by Graeme Naisbitt » Thu Nov 22, 2001 11:23 am

It was ok on mine, apart from the smearing after a week or so (bloomin'
annoying though).

Gram

redwon
See my 5 and raise you.
See my 5 and raise you.
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat May 20, 2006 3:14 pm
Location: Auckland

new to mx5...

Post by redwon » Thu Nov 22, 2001 11:43 am

Works great on bathroom mirrors.Can't afford aircon in there yet.Think its
just called Anti-fog
Steve

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