Buying JAP import from dealer? what to check?

ShadowHearth

Thinking of going next weak to check a car. It will be a jap import mx5.

Is there anything i should check on it documentation wise? Or even technical wise? Should there be some modification done before it can go on the road on irish roads and pass nct?

Thx lads!

colm_mcm

If it's a direct import, Look for auction sheets, these will detail things like mileage, any defects on the car etc.
No modifications needed to pass the NCT as rear foglight isn't a legal requirement.

you should make sure that the following is done though:
4 new tyres
coolant change
full service incl aux belts.
new timing belt
alarm
European spec CD player.

don't even thing about buying if any of the above aren't included.

ShadowHearth

colm_mcm wrote: »

If it's a direct import, Look for auction sheets, these will detail things like mileage, any defects on the car etc.
No modifications needed to pass the NCT as rear foglight isn't a legal requirement.

you should make sure that the following is done though:
4 new tyres
coolant change
full service incl aux belts.
new timing belt
alarm
European spec CD player.

don't even thing about buying if any of the above aren't included.

European cd playeR?! Are they different? Is it more complex then just changing a head unit or wiring has to be changed aswell?

Eric Cartman

ShadowHearth wrote: »

European cd playeR?! Are they different? Is it more complex then just changing a head unit or wiring has to be changed aswell?

no its not more complex, but a) the menu/button language is probably in jappenese, b) the tuning is a bit different for the radio

Tipsy Mac

No modifications needed for Irish roads, in the UK they require rear fog lights be fitted but not here. As was said check for auction sheet, no auction sheet no sale, this will verify if it's a crashed car or if it's mileage is correct. Here's how the grading works....

5, 6 or above As new condition
4.5 Excellent condition
4 Good condition for age
3.5 Average condition to below average for age
3 Some small previous accident repair or poor condition Small repair or poor condition
2 Very bad condition
1 Modified car or some other situation Will only consider if client requests a modified car. Suitable for drift racing
0.1, R1, RA1 Modified & repaired
0, R, RA Accident repaired vehicle

colm_mcm

ShadowHearth wrote: »

European cd playeR?! Are they different? Is it more complex then just changing a head unit or wiring has to be changed aswell?

The FM band in Japan runs from 76-90 MHz. they broadcast TV on the between 90-108 MHz in Japan, in Europe we use the FM band between 87.5 to 108.0 MHz.

Because of this difference, the Japanese radio will only pick up European stations that broadcast below 90MHx (RTE Radio 1 only around here) so they fit a band expander that alters the signal coming into the radio - problem there is that you lose all modern functions like RDS, PTY and AFwhich are a pain to be without in a car. it also means that choosing a station is trial and error (eg FM 104 may show as 84.5 on the display)

It's not worth keeping the jap spec radio, so just insist it gets changed.

Japanese cars generally will take standard sized stereos (DIN 75490) although the opening may vary slightly from DIN size. wiring shouldn't be an issue as wiring adaptors are widely available.

ShadowHearth

damn! Cheers lads, got really good bit of info now...

Now this head unit size, is it same as here? or if ill buy i will need to look specially for jap import?