Is this NA8 a good deal?

[captaincabinets]

Hi all

So I'm thinking about getting an NA8, and would prefer one with low kms so I guess I'm limiting my options somewhat, given the car's age. I've come across this one here in SA. The kms and condition seem to be excellent, but I wonder if 11.5k isn't a lot to ask for a stock NA.

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... 8161/?Cr=0

Would I be better off ponying up the cash for the super tight one, or would I be better off getting something on it's second engine (like the below) for ~$6k, and just spending a bit on it (e.g. respray) to get it into similar condition

/forum/viewtopic.php?f=73&t=71491

Thanks

[SE]

That NA looks very nice but I sold a NB last year in better condition and 65000k for $10k .
An original well kept car will always hold its $$$$ compared to molested one .

[manga_blue]

Good NA8s fetch more than good NBs these days. They were priced at around $45k in the mid 90s and that makes them relatively rare. They have become collector pieces.

$11.5k looks fair for that one. The later 96-97 models are the pick of them, better tune and better colours and, possibly because of the original price, they often seem to be extremely well kept.

[captaincabinets]

So, better to get the more expensive pristine one than one on its second engine?

[taminga16]

So, better to get the more expensive pristine one than one on its second engine?

A tired engine all most always indicates a tired car or one that has not been looked after.
Greg.

[Mr Morlock]

No MX5 is a collectors car at this stage and expect to wait a long time before they reach that status. An NBP2 and later is a better car than its predecessors - you get a number of improvements and a safer car. An NA8 at $11500 is too expensive and I note there is no RWC- that's more cost and a question mark if you are interstate. Do some more homework and check the differences between models. Of course low KLM and importantly condition nudge the price up. You might be surprised to find that there are quite a few MX5s with low K's because they are not used as day drivers - hang out for a good car. If you see a bargain car don't tell everyone on a forum either because it might be sold before you get there.

[taminga16]

I am with MrM on this there are good cars coming and going all of the time and patience will pay off. See here.
http://mx5vic.org.au/clubroom/trading-post/
Greg.

[bruce]

That price is too high. You are getting into NB SE prices almost.
I paid less than that for my modded NA.

[93_Clubman]

That '97 Montego Blue NA8 has been for sale since Dec '15-Jan '16. As MB says last of the NA8s, so not only desirable as an NA, but also as last of the line & fully optimised as far as factory NA cars go. Also desirable due to condition, low kms & colour. Seller is probably a bit optimistic price-wise as is evident from 3-4 months on the market, but also the used car market generally isn't really buoyant, & the SA MX5 market is smaller, & the asking prices there tend to be a little higher than the East coast. If it wasn't a stock NA the seller wouldn't get much more as most buyers won't pay for mods, hence many sellers part out their aftermarket items & revert to stock.

So it really comes down to if you've got to have an NA8 &/or if you've got to have a low km NA8, if not as mentioned there are cheaper NB8As & NB8Bs out there, some also with low kms. If you've got to have a low km NA8 then you'll have to pay the price due to desirability (demand) & supply. If you've just got to have an NA8 (any NA8), then you'll eventually pay much the same price or more if you want to make it immaculate.

Re the following, it's worth reading all the sellers previous posts in their entirety, which I've provided a link to in that thread, to get a fuller picture of the car.
viewtopic.php?f=73&t=71491

I note there is no RWC

Re no RWC, note ad states 'RWC not required in SA', however no real issue for interstaters.

[Mr Morlock]

93 is right about no rwc for SA but certainly in most other States you need it. If a car has not been tested against a rwc requirement there is every chance there is a fault to be rectified i.e. an unknown and another cost.

[manga_blue]

RWC is no longer required in NSW either. Victoria still retains them perhaps in lieu of annual rego inspections.

[93_Clubman]

If a car has not been tested against a rwc requirement there is every chance there is a fault to be rectified i.e. an unknown and another cost.

Fortunately the OP is also in Adel, so no RWC required or RWC cost involved.

[Roadster2]

To me it looks like a very clean car and is in the best colour (excuse my bias). Personally I wouldnt spend more than 10k on a stock na8 unless i was planning on keeping it long term. Although i'm sure you'll be quite pleased even if you spent the extra. Although Don't be too afraid of a higher km na, as long as they've been looked after, a 200,000km na may run better than one with lower k's. I found that concept difficult to get around my head when I first start searching for my mx5 (purachesed one with 183,000kms and drives brilliantly since). Best of luck !

[trader]

Three weeks ago a mate bought a '96 NA8 from gold coast - a car which I came close to buying at just under 11G's. Cruised back to Canberra like a new car has 93000 Kms. He snapped it up because of its condition - leather seats etc is just immaculate. He certainly does not think it was overpriced as that is what he wanted. Everyone who has looked at it cant believe its condition. Classic or not it is still a cheap fun car!

[trader]

PS it was BRG..