New here, so time for introducing myself + Some questions

[Vat]

Well, it seems the asking price of the listed NB8A/Bs I'm looking at is somehow over their real value or what others paid for them (exclusively based on the general comments here...). But I'm not comfortable in offending someone by telling "your car is worth x$x,xxx less than what you're asking"... So, keep looking until the "right one" appears...

Yeah, understand you on the offense front. I was keeping an eye on a few places (Gumtree and Carsales specifically), it was noticeable that cars were hanging around - indeed, a quick check of my saved searches brought up a few I remember seeing there a few weeks ago.

I probably got a bit lucky in that I saw mine priced more realistically, and being up in Burpengary, many people wouldn't have been prepared to put in the drive to go and look at it. As I said, there were a few smalllish issues with the car that I thought with a little negotiated discount could be priced in, and that's how it's worked out.

From what I've seen the guys on MX5 Car Talk tend to price their cars more realistically and would give you a true idea of what cars are actually changing hands for. Some of the MX-5 Car Clubs run classifieds and they would be worth a look, too.

[Clan]

As an automotive pro, a vanishing breed I am afraid , compulsory reading for you will be "Mazda MX5 Miata Roadster Design and development: the inside story told by the Mazda's designers & engineers" published by Veloce. MX5s along with many other used cars are very cheap and the car is without doubt easily the most affordable sports car available and the best for the dollar. You will have your own ideas and know what you like after driving different models and seeing what you get.If you want limited models they are all listed in the Glass Guide etc.

The MX5 is already regarded as a Classic- the last probably of its type. Prices etc are what they are and that applies to anything- we can all see carsales but we do not know what is paid. Be aware that the NBP1 was an interim model- the car was updated with the P2 with some significant upgrades- its a better car and the money difference is in the scheme of things is small.

This year marks 25 years for the MX5 so in Vic at least it seems they i.e. 89 models will be eligible for Club Permit which will save some cars from the scrap heap and mean that a car can be taken on as a hobby car with a big difference in reg costs- max 90 days per ann.

Just get out and drive some cars and see what a brilliant job Mazda did with this little car.

I own "Miata Mazda MX-5 The Rebirth of the Sports Car..." by J.K. Yamaguchi/J. Thompson and I've read a few others about the extensive engineering and development work done on it. Back in 2004, I fell in love with then a new NB I had for tests for a few weeks. My aim is to get on the "property ladder" with the best one I can find (be it NA, NB8A, NB8B etc.), for the price I'm prepared to spend.

I'm aware of the differences between series and models, what is perceived as being the best of the bunch, yet I find each of them displaying a certain charm and attractiveness... I'm trying to keep the sentimental impulse aside, as I don't want to get carried out and spend more than it's fair value at this moment in time.

Many thanks for your insight - much appreciated!

[Clan]

From what I've seen the guys on MX5 Car Talk tend to price their cars more realistically and would give you a true idea of what cars are actually changing hands for. Some of the MX-5 Car Clubs run classifieds and they would be worth a look, too.

That's exactly why I'm here for, Vat, otherwise I wouldn't be able to put a fair price on something you really want.

[ralt]

Hi.
Just a thought for you so many people looking for cars see one which seems to fit the bill, don't look at it and live in hope it will drop in price.
If you see one which fits go and look and drive it and negotiate the dollars. My cars was advertised on carsales and here looked at it for a friend no intention of buying thought this is a time warp must have- paid a deposit the seller then posted on carsales deposit taken two people who had looked at the car contacted the seller wanting to buy at the advertised price which I negotiated down. If you want one be proactive and you will soon be enjoying the experience.