[yuv]

Originally Posted by Harbir

incorrect. The 1991 I had in the US had the ABS option.

Thanks for clarifying that one Harbir. So it is most likely both cars have ABS.
Not sure though how much of an advantage it is with one miata having it v/s another miata not having it.

I just looked up the price of a new miata in USA and it is available for around 12L only. And here im paying more than half that price and getting a 20 yr old car!!!

So not fair, it makes me want to immigrate to the USA and enjoy all these brand new cars at such a great price. Another option is to some how find a way to import these cars or a 1-2 year old used car to India.

But is there a way? Has anyone tried importing a Miata? Thanks

[Harbir]

Originally Posted by yuv

Thanks for clarifying that one Harbir. So it is most likely both cars have ABS.

Just to be clear (and I hope I am not being pedantic), it is possible for MX-5s to have ABS but it is not likely. It was an option that became available in 1991 but was not chosen by most buyers. So it exists in some cars, but not often.

my '91 and '01 had it, my two '97s did not. IT is much rarer in the '97 and earlier cars (the first generation, with the pop up headlights, called the NA by the internal mazda designation) than in the '98 and later (NB and NC for the second and third generation models)

I would not premise my purchasing an MX-5 on whether it had ABS or not. I would look at three things. Condition, Condition, and Condition.

[yuv]

Thanks once again Harbir. Point Noted.

I have been offered 2 more Miata's, one is KA registered(Price:5.5L) and the other one is MH registered with a hard top(Price: 8.25L). Both cars are in Mumbai and I will be taking a trial some time this week.

I think the KA registered car is the same one which Varun_m was referring to earlier so most likely I will avoid it but the price is definitely attractive.

[adilkhan5]

Yuv
Bear in mind, oustation cars will cost you quite a bit to transfer to MH plates, one time tax, octroi etc. This is going to bump up your cost and should be considered.

[yuv]

Thanks alot Adil Sir. Point Noted.

The MH registered car mentioned above which is now in Delhi was recently test-driven by a friend who was fairly impressed with it.

He got the shock of his life though when he saw the car papers.
The car has been originally registered in Goa and was subsequently transferred to MH(01).
But the name of the 1st owner is Mr. H. Choksey!!! But with a Goa address!
Isn't this the same guy who was arrested in the Sushmita Sen's case?

I, on the other hand, have been trying hard to evaluate the car on its condition and merits. But should this discovery be a cause of major concern? Or it doesn't matter? Im not even sure its the same guy as it was a goa address.

It would be great if some one out here knew the history and background of this car.
Its a Red MX-5, 1995 model, originally registered in Goa and then transferred to MH (MH-01). The current registered owner is also from Mumbai and is the 3rd owner. The car is now with a hobbyist/agent in Delhi. The aircon doesn't work and the standard excuse of gas needs to be re-charged was given.

Does anyone know anything more about this car? Thanks Alot.

[adilkhan5]

I don't think this should be a cause for concern, as all Miata's are all vey old imports, much before all this problem started.Check when the registration expires (15 years). You will have to get passing done and pay Green tax, FYI
Also, ask owner to get the Aircon working.Could be gas, but could also be compressor, condensor, fan etc.

[Harbir]

be sure to check whether it has the R12 system or the R134. R12 cools much better but many R12 cars were converted to R134 which don't cool nearly as well and others have had 134 put in without a proper conversion. Cars with factory R134 systems are OK.

[yuv]

Thanks once again Adil Sir and Harbir.
Passing and Green tax, i am assuming 10K more and aircon has to be set right by the seller before he hands over the car to me.

So its boiling down to 2 options as of now:

1) 1995, 3 owners, MH registered, overall good condition, red color, Price: 6.25L(Fixed)
Pros: 5 years newer than the other car, MH registered.
Cons: I have not test-driven the car personally, two more owners than the other car, price seems steep

2) 1990, 1 owner, TN registered, overall fairly good condition, silver color, Price: 6.25L(Negotiable)
Pros: Personally test-driven, price is negotiable(5.75L-6L), One owner
Cons: Other state car, 25-30k expenses involved in paint and interiors, price?

Any suggestions? Thanks
Yuv

[Harbir]

in these old cars, age is far less important than condition.

go with the car that you feel trust about in your heart and the color you like better.

[adilkhan5]

Totally agree with Harbir, have seen supposed 'one owner' cars which are a mess, and mutli-owner cars which are in good shape. Also many owners don't transfer vehicles on to their name and use it on the previous owner's name, so a supposed one owner on the book, may actually have been used by multiple owners!!

So go for the condition of the vehicle, rather than number of owners on paper.

[yuv]

Thanks Harbir and Adil Sir.

Offers have been given, now the waiting game starts. Both cars are not great bargains so I'm sure they wont be sold any time soon.

As an update, the dealer informs me that the TN car has gone for a re-paint. Probably because it was not fetching him the asking price in the current condition. Strangely enough, he is still not ready to reduce the price.

[adilkhan5]

Another one in the classifieds, but auto trans

[adilkhan5]

Ad for the auto Miata no longer there, did you manage to contact him Yuv?

[yuv]

Thanks Adil Sir. Yes, I contacted him and was to fly down, meet the owner and test-drive the car this weekend but plans are cancelled for now.

Anyone else also interested in this baby?

Harbir??

[adilkhan5]

Harbir, have you bought one? or are still on the look -out?