Looking at an SE

Range Runner · Postby **Range Runner** » Sat May 31, 2014 8:53 pm

It's only 2 months since Nina wrecked my NA LE, & I'm already looking at another MX5. So I haven't lasted very long without the old familiar lust afflicting me. I'm looking at a SE in a car yard in Melb with 94K klms on it for $16900 neg. Unfortunately I'm at the other end of the continent in Nth Qld, so checking it out won't be easy. I am willing to fly down, but I don't know much about the intricacies of the SE, & I was wondering if any member could direct me to someone in Melb who knows these cars well, that I could hire to check the car out for me? Also is this a good price for an SE with those klms on it? & where should I be trying to drive the price down to?
Thanks
RR

fastfreddygassit · Postby **fastfreddygassit** » Sat May 31, 2014 9:12 pm

The MX5 Factory have been known to do pre-purchase inspections.
http://www.mx5factory.com.au
Address: 32 Molan St, Ringwood VIC 3134
Phone:(03) 9870 0520

Range Runner · Postby **Range Runner** » Sat May 31, 2014 9:30 pm

Thanks I'll get in touch with them. Any idea on the price?

bear2230 · Postby **bear2230** » Sat May 31, 2014 9:49 pm

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... =0&sdmvc=1
A red one in Queensland with 80K for $15,500.

Dave2221 on this forum has a real nice one for sale in Sydney and its a titanium.(SWEET)
viewtopic.php?f=73&t=59572

Richard.

Range Runner · Postby **Range Runner** » Sat May 31, 2014 10:20 pm

That Titanium's a tidy piece alright. I've sent dave a PM to see if he's still got it

Postby **Okibi** » Sun Jun 01, 2014 2:01 am

Remember Melbourne one is due a timing belt soon

Range Runner · Postby **Range Runner** » Sun Jun 01, 2014 7:07 am

Yeah, I think both of the other cars are better buys, & it's probably between those two now. I've never been a fan of red cars, & I particularly don't like red on an MX5 (no offence to those who do). So the Titanium's got a lead there. But the red car's a tidy piece too, & the $1500 price difference is a lot to pay for a colour. I might fly down next weekend & check both cars out.

ManiacLachy · Postby **ManiacLachy** » Sun Jun 01, 2014 8:20 am

That didn't take long! But you're poaching my prospects!

Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Sun Jun 01, 2014 10:30 am

Range Runner wrote:Thanks I'll get in touch with them. Any idea on the price?

If you want a bit of reading about the SE market at the moment then have a look at this thread if you haven't already..... :wink:

viewtopic.php?f=73&t=62802

As I said there, I believe the market at this time would be ~$16500 +/- depending on the specifics of the particular vehicle.

Regarding that Ti down in Vic, it doesn't have the leather interior (check for aircon as that was an option too) and make sure you ask why it has no badges on the rear?
I'm not shopping myself (already have a Ti SE :mrgreen:

) but would be curious for the reason, I don't think it's from de-badging as the bonnet one is still there.....

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sun Jun 01, 2014 12:34 pm

Dealers often offer pretty good warranties and checks and you need to ask directly. The service book may have some useful info and the dealer will probably tell you. A VIN also can be useful. You also would not want to fly down and find its been sold i.e. you would have to make some arrangement to get a look. RACV do vehicle checks and will do on site- its possible thats even been done. Dave might be able to recommend a dealer or garage in Frankston to check it but ultimately you may not want to buy without seeing it yourself. Dave might also have some insight to the dealer who is offering the car. Whatever you do it probably needs to get done pretty quickly and the price is not going to be a prob if the car is a good one.

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Sun Jun 01, 2014 12:39 pm

Dealer warranty for a 2nd hand car is useless if it's interstate. Good bargaining point though.
The prices quoted are pretty much on the mark.

Postby **Okibi** » Sun Jun 01, 2014 4:55 pm

Mr Morlock wrote:Dealers often offer pretty good warranties and checks and you need to ask directly. ..

Never trust a check organised by someone selling a car, dealer or not. Get it independently checked. Dealer used car warranties usually aren't much better than the state's statutory warranty and often involve you having to get your car services at their network of dealers.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sun Jun 01, 2014 6:33 pm

I would quite happily accept a check done by reputable bodies like RACV as an example and warranties are worth having if these are backed by reputable dealers- people can read the docs or ask what are the conditions etc. A good dealer is a professional organisation and the better dealers will often not sell cars that they are not happy to have on their lot. I also don't think a blanket statement that a warranty is worthless interstate is necessarily correct - one needs to check the terms or see if that dealer network is represented in different States. Many buyers never get any checks at all- thats up to them. I also would not place much worth on a pre purchase check where there is no charge and the car gets dríven around the block. All good questions to ask.