Newbie MX5 Buyer

Steampunk · Postby **Steampunk** » Wed Nov 18, 2015 11:31 pm

Another case in point, Have you considered this one:

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/shailer-park/cars-vans-utes/2002-mazda-mx-5-convertible/1091237276

Good price, good mileage, special edition.

davekmoore · Postby **davekmoore** » Thu Nov 19, 2015 7:05 am

Steampunk, you missed my irony, but made up for it with your next post showing another car at much better value than the NB8A.

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Thu Nov 19, 2015 12:20 pm

Suprella wrote:http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mazda-MX-5-2000/SSE-AD-3523071/?Cr=11
I'm taking a look at this car on Tuesday. Any thoughts?

In addition to SP & DKM's posts above, would add that there's no mention of water pump being replaced when timing belt was done, & ad indicates rego expires Dec 15. Seller's ref to upgrading to a larger clutch probably means a heavy duty clutch, unnecessary for a standard car, & the feel of which may be a consideration to some buyers. But the question begs, why have all of these things been necessary/done on a 140k km car? Also note that there's no close up pics of interior, & seller states 'If you are looking for a very tidy good condition MX5 then this would be hard to beat'. Most sellers use words like excellent or at least very good condition. Is it an indication of how it's been treated? I think this car might be the classic '20 footer', ie looks good at a distance & in pics.

OP appears to be buying on colour & form - nothing wrong with that approach, but it can make a purchase more difficult as in OP's case it means looking at NB8A, NB8B/C & NC1, which complicates the value issue for the unfamiliar.

If a buyer's priority isn't 'retro' or 'character' (ie an NA), then generally, it's better to purchase the latest technology you can afford, ie an NB8B/C or NC1 of the desired colour, given OP's $10-$15k budget.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Thu Nov 19, 2015 1:05 pm

Since you asked about this car not advertised on this forum we can be frank. Its overpriced $9K would be generous. The P2 is a better car and commands more money- and that where you need to do your own homework. If you can get $10K for a P2 at same Klms you would be doing well. Dave and 93 have pretty much said the same. However if you want to buy something else thats your choice.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Thu Nov 19, 2015 1:07 pm

PS I meant a seller of a P2 would be doing well to get $10k for a car at 140Klms. The market is low for just about everything.

Steampunk · Postby **Steampunk** » Thu Nov 19, 2015 1:10 pm

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/narangba/cars-vans-utes/2000-mazda-mx-5-convertible/1093699568?utm_source=criteo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=LF-automotive

This is unusually cheap for the mileage. Poor description and photos. Definitely worth the drive up for a looksee.

poorboy · Postby **poorboy** » Thu Nov 19, 2015 4:03 pm

do not buy black. heat ....

kirkt · Postby **kirkt** » Thu Nov 19, 2015 4:33 pm

Hey there,

I have a Black NB8B with hardtop for sale on the Goldcoast. It has 65,000kms, full service history and recently got a full pre-sale detail today. The car is looking smick. I'll pop an ad up on here and carsales tonight. Just going to take some photos this afternoon. If you're interested and want to inspect, give me a call on 04069086 zero zero.

Regards, Kirk.

Suprella · Postby **Suprella** » Fri Nov 20, 2015 10:57 am

That would be great, kirk, though if it's the one on carsales and it's automatic, it's probably not something I"m after.

As for the advice, I'm going to see the car and take it for a drive, while I can see other cars of better quality for cheaper prices online, you guys have to remember I'm in QLD and for some reason up here the prices seem to be much higher. I'm not really willing to go outer-state to get a car. And there's no way I would have offered the guys asking price for that blue convertible. If I like it, (I'm having my dad drive down who's an ex-mechanic to look at it as well) I'd offer 8.5 ONLY IF I like it.

I'm still waiting on other cars, I really don't want to go over the 150,000km mark in terms of a purchase. The thing is I probably only drive about 3-4 hours a week. If that. Maybe 2 hours. So as long as the car runs fine and is in good condition, it's not going to get a lot of Ks on it.

I also don't like grey. Really really don't like it

Suprella · Postby **Suprella** » Fri Nov 20, 2015 11:39 am

Steampunk wrote:http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/narangba/cars-vans-utes/2000-mazda-mx-5-convertible/1093699568?utm_source=criteo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=LF-automotive

This is unusually cheap for the mileage. Poor description and photos. Definitely worth the drive up for a looksee.

Talking to this seller now. Has owned the car for three years. It's had its major service done with timing belt replacement. He has the new water pump but hasn't fitted it yet. He says paint and interior good but it's 15 years old... so maybe that means there's some discolouration. The person does regular services and claims to garage it.

But see, now I'm all skeptical because of its low price point. Going to see if I can get my dad to take a look at it.

UPDATE: Will be taking a look on Sunday. Apparently clear coat and no dents in the body. Still can't understand why it's priced at 6,000. It might be because it's rural located *shrug* Anyway my dad is a mechanic and can tell me a lot, he worked as one for 20 years.

Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Fri Nov 20, 2015 12:07 pm

Just glancing at that add, I'd have a close look at the front end for damage/repairs, there's quite a colour difference between the bumper and front panels.

Also, it doesn't help that he has the water pump, it needs to be installed at the same time as the timing belt.
To install it later requires just as much work as doing the timing belt in the first place! That's generally why it's done at the same time.....

Also note that being a NB8a it won't have the ABS that the NB8b & NB8c had if that's important to you.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Fri Nov 20, 2015 1:07 pm

Nevyn is right but if you cannot afford the extra money for a P2 then this car is worth looking at. . Seeing as dad is an ex mechanic thats ideal because he will probably pick any faults of note and it becomes a family decision. Also don't worry about the water pump - its normally only replaced for convenience it may just keep going. All the usuals- check service records invoices if available.

Steampunk · Postby **Steampunk** » Fri Nov 20, 2015 5:00 pm

Suprella wrote: Still can't understand why it's priced at 6,000.

All things being equal, then they are simply a motivated seller not dríven by $$ and wants an easy transaction, so don't look too much into it.

I sold my old MX-5 for a couple grand less than what I can get for it, for that reason.

The other link with the SE for $12k that sold on this forum was also priced lower than expected, but doesn't look dodgy at all.