Hi sifus

Currently looking at used MX-5 auto (yeah..i know lol), with budget around 150K.
I see a lot of the ones being sold on Carlist etc is recond from Japan.
Mind sharing your experience with buying used? E.g. trusted dealers, signs to look out for (avoid flooded car etc).. Thanks!

150k is probably recon and unregistered. depending on the year though

Ayam just booked mine last week. https://www.mudah.my/bqr-cars

Bryan very knowledgeable on MX-5, he has one too.

I think for 150k you should be able to get a low mileage 2021/2022 recon unit.

This post has been edited by bismaximus: Sep 16 2025, 01:04 PM

Nice! Which model did you get and how much was it if you dont mind sharing?
I see most of his ads is for Manual version, thanks for the link though!

I got a 2022 1.5 Manual. Soft top for RM162k

Its actually this car https://www.mudah.my/2022-mazda-roadster-mx...m-111488462.htm
Still pending loan approval and all, so haven’t actually collected it.

Yeah, most of the remaining cars are manual. You could still hit him up, he might have contacts with other dealers. After surveying a couple of dealers and even agents, I went with him because he has the spec i was interested in, the blue on blue and also he was quite pleasant to deal with.

This post has been edited by bismaximus: Sep 16 2025, 01:36 PM

If used/recon MX-5 look for accident repairs, my mechanic just help one owner which bought a very cheap MX-5 via tender & found out it hit accident before and fixed (If fix own cannot find insurance record). A lot of MX-5 in market if very attractive price becarefull for accident, better get an experience mechanic which can help jack up the car, open bumper and side panel to inspect for any repair works.

Oh dang, thanks for the tips. This is what I am scared of when buying used as I don't know any good mechanic around..
And here I thought buying those imported from JP would be safe as they would less likely to do these hidden stuffs

OP can't consider official import units from Bermaz?

pricy maa.

Hnnnggghhhh MX5....I always tell my wife I am going to drive one 1 day..

but I haven't test drive one yet, some reviewers said I can't fit in..

185cm tall.. sadddddd

if too cheap then chances are its too good to be true

got 1 100AE owner looking to let go but price slightly higher than your budget, can pass you contact if interested

Can la, my elder bro is 183 CM and fits no issues.

test drive first , see if you can fit and comfortable with the car

Yes, one day will go to test drive when my wallet is ready...

my concern are the headroom and also the leg room when switching brake and accelerator.

i watch some dealer buy auction car from direct from jepun

noted

yes some of them did bought it from the auction from japan

2022 and 2023 unfortunately got manual gearbox issue , gear 3 and 4 synchronizer kaput can't enter gear

here also got few kena Liao, no solution except change gearbox

Oh damn. How much to replace?

not sure, not so many units but I guess is in the thousands to source a gearbox from Japan, until someone learns how to rebuild it

Gearbox issue is pretty common for Aisin AZ6

Recond car can buy warranty and claim the gearbox

Solution if not going for big power, can go for Neat Gearbox's rebuild but need to send gearbox to Australia

Here's the contact info, they can make Aisin AZ-6 shift smoother and be a bit more reliable : https://shop.neatgearboxes.com.au/contact/

throwawayacclmao, UGPM. I am in car sales industry and I can help you to source your ideal MX-5.

none of those are cheap options, and the idea is to drive not parked 9 months after buying waiting for repairs

it's just buyer beware la, when test drive make sure you shift 3 4 at higher rpms, if it is hard shifting or grinds. walk away.

For most people, the most practical solution is to claim a gearbox/repair as it happen

So far I have shift enough of them, 6xK KM one also, shift no problem

I been in countless MX-5 because I am in recond car sales industry, so far never encounter any

But I also can rev match on almost every downshift except 2-1

it happens early 10k , 12k km. not progressive, I would actually buy higher mileage ones knowing if it happens or will happen early, if it passes that mileage most likely you're ok.

and affecting mostly 2022 , 2023 models, 2021 and below none

just Google it, or chat GPT, again it's just buyer beware, your money, your risk, you believe the warranty is really meant to protect you who am I to say no right.

This post has been edited by rcracer: Sep 24 2025, 08:12 PM

if small size ok... im 175cm and im huge build so i am like almost stuck in it

Yeah true. My bro is quite huge, but gym body huge. I guess seeing all those white guys driving Miata, or even Doug De Muro, most people should be able to fit. I feel the non-recaro seats also more forgiving.