For those
of you who insist on buying a 'proper MX5' and wouldn't be seen dead in a Eunos
Roadster, this page may be of interest.
On older cars,
under body corrosion can be a real killer. In the UK, despite much improved
manufacturers underbody protection, the use of rock salt on winter roads means
that rust can still be a major problem for modern cars - and its effects start
sooner than you think. During routine servicing, I can detect significant
underbody deterioration on cars as little as 3 years old.
Take a look at the
following photos of a 1995 UK MX5 (which had a full service history) and
compare them with those of a 1991 Japanese Domestic Market Eunos Roadster -
exactly as it
arrived in the UK. The remarkable difference in condition can be explained by
the different nature of car usage, climate differences, but mainly the fact that
Japanese roads are not salted in the winter.
Of course the UK climate and
road conditions affect all cars regardless of origin, and this is why we recommend
additional under body treatment and the application of cavity wax on all freshly
imported vehicles.
UK MX5
12 year old UK MX5 showing
serious corrosion to rear suspension. Changing the anti roll bar bushes and drop
links would be a bit of a b*gger on a lift, but a complete nightmare for your
average DIY'er.
12 year old UK MX5 showing
advanced corrosion in lower sill. The damage extended to the lower seat belt
mountings.
The UK MX5 failed the MOT
test on the following items: Brake efficiency front and rear, inoperative
handbrake, excessive corrosion of rear brake pipes, broken nsf coil spring,
excessive corrosion to seat belt mountings.
By comparison the
1991 JDM Roadster, required for the MOT, the fitting of a rear foglamp, NSF
headlamp actuating arm, two wiper blades and handbrake adjustment.
Japanese Eunos Roadster
Rear suspension shot of
recently arrived 16 year old Eunos Roadster, showing virtually zero corrosion.
Servicing this particular Roadster was like working on an almost new car .
Front suspension shot of recently arrived 16 year old Eunos Roadster.
The bottom arm inner bolt is completely free of rust.
Corrosion doesn't just limit
itself to a vehicle's underbody. It can cause havoc under the bonnet as well,
leading to component failure, unreliability, increased servicing costs and
ultimately heavy depreciation.
Take a look at the picture
below and you can see that all the major components, including water and air con
radiators are almost like new. Thus good quality imports are a comparative
joy to work on, and this is reflected in our service charges. It's also great
news for DIYers.
Under bonnet shot of recently arrived
1991 Eunos Roadster.
For more
information on this subject please call Malcolm on 0191 586 7724
