buying an imported Honda del sol vxi

KevMarks

KevMarks

KevMarks

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Been looking at the del sol vxi for a while. A crx with a 1.5 litre engine. Not the fastest car around (115bhp vtec) but they are cheap and I don't really want a soft top due to the lack of security. I can't afford to insure an MR2 and the MX-5 is not as good value for money as I would need to buy the hard top and ones in my price range are high milers/knacked to start with. A lot of the del sol imports are on a 95 plate and have around 40,000 miles on the clock for about 4 grand.

Has anybody bought an imported car? What are they like on insurance and servicing etc? What the general opinoin of imports from japan? I am not interested in importing one myself, I will probably buy one used in the UK.
 
The Del Sol is simply a tarted up Civic, and paying 4k for an 11 year old example is madness IMO. You can get a very decent MX5 for that kind of money, and have a real RWD sports car. If the soft top bothers you, get a hard top for it, you should be able to fit it into a 4k budget and still have a nice car.
 
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To actualy answer your question re. imports, IME insurance can be a problem, certainly the range of insurers who will cover you compared to a UK car are considerably less, but there are many specialists that should be able to sort it.

Japanese imports can offer excellent value, though you have to take into account the shipping costs and registration etc. and you also have to be able to trust the seller, as obviously it's a bit difficult to inspect the car yourself before buying it.
 
4k sounds a lot but Im not surprised, crx isnt a cheap car to buy a nice one of. I'd rather take a mx5 and chance any troubles.

You could probably get a cheaper crx with 1.6-16v engine, it has similar if not more performance.
The vtecs cost much more it seems and they only have like 150bhp at best, nothing massive though its a light car :)
 
The VTi is 158bhp and its only around a tonne so they are quick and reliable. :)
Handle VERY well too.
 
VTI is far to heavy on insurance. It would cost more than the car is worth to insure it fully comp. The mx-5 is nice but the engine is not as economical.

I am not spending four grand on the car, I have four grand but I would like like some change for insurnace and any little jobs that may need doing to the car.

I will need to look in to insurance. The ESI is another choice but it doesnt have as many extras as the vxi.
 
The MX gets 33mpg if driven normally, much less otherwise.

How old are you and how many years NCD, the mazda is IG13 i think and can be quite expensive to insure.
 
Firestar_3x said:
The MX gets 33mpg if driven normally, much less otherwise.

How old are you and how many years NCD, the mazda is IG13 i think and can be quite expensive to insure.
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The 1.6 MX5 is group 11 according to Parkers.

Personaly I think the Del Sol CRX is a thoroughly pointless car. You get all the downsides of a mid-engined RWD car, i.e. only two seats, small boot, but with none of the handling/traction advantages. A Civic is cheaper to buy, offers the same performance and handling but also gives you rear seats and a decent sized boot.
 
I'd have thought an import 1.5 vxi would have cost the same to insure as a uk vti, import insurance is silly on things like this.

Well it was a few years ago when I looked, stupid amount for something not quick.
 
The esi is group 14 while the vti is group 16. I imagine the vxi to be about the same as the esi. The mx-5 is lower, the 1.6 starts at group 11. The mr2 is between 15 and 16. However there are big differences in the price on a lot of price comparison sites. For some reason the crx always comes out that bit cheaper. And I prefer the style of the Honda to the mx-5. The mr2 is just to expensive. I am 29 and have 1NCB (at least I will in another month). I live in a rough area which doesnt help my quote...
 
KevMarks said:
I imagine the vxi to be about the same as the esi.
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But it's an import and thus usually commands a huge premium over a uk car regardless of engine size. The FTO is a good example, even the lower engines can be pricey as hell to insure.
 
i had a nose at these a while back befor getting my 200sx, from driving and owning an mx-5 since i wouldn't even think of having a del sol, rwd in a car that size is totally what its all about and the 5 is just so much better a car.

Del Sol wise you really need to look out for rust, the rear 1/4s get really badly corroded around the wheel arch iirc. Insuance on the import is a killer so go with the uk v-tec if you can find one - the electric roof is insanely cool but to be honest far too much hassel to be worth it, can cost a fotune if it goes wrong :( The manual hardtop is a pain to do on your own but does offer a nice comramise of the roll over safetey with a very open top.....

regardless go with a mazda or mr2, they are much much better cars for the cash!
 
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