mx5cartalk.com

Hi All

Can anyone provide some advice on registering a modified MX5 in WA from interstate?

I'm currently looking for a road registered MX5 mainly for motorsport, track days, autocross etc.

I don't have the space for a tow car and trailer, so having it road registrable is important for me.

There seems to be a lot of conflicting information out there, with some saying it was easy and others saying they had been knocked back and had to either get rid of the car or go to great expense to get it registered.

From what I can gather having it engineered in the state the car is purchased from would make it much more likely to pass inspection in WA, but are there any pitfalls I'd need to be aware of?

Eg are there particular modifications that might fly in other states that are a no-no in WA? To what extent do I need to worry about modifications causing issues with rego (eg are only 'big' mods like engine swaps or going to forced induction a worry, or will things like roll bars, coilovers, intake/exhaust mods something to consider as well)?

Appreciate anyone able to shed any light on this, particularly anyone with personal experience bringing a modified car over from interstate.

Cheers
Sam

The best approach is not to buy a modified car in the first place. All the regs on modifications will be available to read but much of it will not apply anyway. Go to the WA roads Dept web site for guidance. States never seem to align all Laws so what is allowed in one State may not apply where you reside

So you sold your red NA6?
Nobody in the club selling anything good atm?

The American wrote:So you sold your red NA6?
Nobody in the club selling anything good atm?

Yeah sold it before I moved overseas in 2011, then came back to Australia and spent a couple of years in Melbourne with no space for a second car.

Back in Perth now with a bit more space so keen to get my hands on another '5...

I think Les is looking to part with his turbo NA6 but not aware of any other club members selling at the moment.

PM me if you know of anyone though!

Mr Morlock wrote:The best approach is not to buy a modified car in the first place. All the regs on modifications will be available to read but much of it will not apply anyway. Go to the WA roads Dept web site for guidance. States never seem to align all Laws so what is allowed in one State may not apply where you reside

I was worried that that night be the answer. It's just so much cheaper to buy a car that has the major work done to already, especially something like forced induction.

I think you might be right though, I need to do more homework and have a clear view of the risks before I decide what to take on.

Don't know about WA, but here in NSW an engineers certificate for modifications can only be provided by NSW RTA-approved / licenced engineers. Obviously, most of those are NSW based, plus a few in Vic - it doesn't make sense for a SA engineer, for instance, to jump through all the required hoops to become certified in NSW as that they will probably never be asked to certify a vehicle in NSW given the obvious geographical issues.

Therefor most certificates from out of NSW aren't valid here due to the engineer not being licenced in NSW.

Something to check to see if the same applies over there.

When I lived in WA 4 years ago I purchased a used car from interstate and the car had to go over the pits, call the Department of Transport or check the website to see if that's still the case.

Luckily the car was stock so I didn't have any troubles but if it's modified you'll have to make things legal to the letter of the law to get it registered.

Things are much easier here in NSW as you just need to go to an authorised mechanic to get a Blue Slip so you can usually find one who is willing to be a bit lenient

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

From an Individually Constructed Vehicle (ICV) perspective, WA is easier, but not sure with a modified MX5, although it should at least be easier than some other states.
Have a look at WA DoT website, but also call them to get a contact number for their modified vehicle engineering section, otherwise if it's anything like Vicroads, you get a different answer each time you call unless you speak with someone that actually deals with those issues.
Les' (mx52nv) NA6 turbo was up for sale on here early this year - not sure if it sold:
viewtopic.php?f=73&t=66667

Ring the DOT and ask for a list of approved Engineers (or google it). Talk to a WA Engineer. Get it straight from the horses mouth.