New here, so time for introducing myself + Some questions

Clan · Postby **Clan** » Sun Jan 12, 2014 4:45 pm

Dear All,

Although I do not own a MX5 yet, I believe it's about time to make myself acquainted with the people who own and know these cars better than themselves...
I decided on buying a NA or NB during the next months, preferable in stock form. My budget is $8,000, but this can stretch more if the right car appears.

A few words about myself: I'm a 38 y.o. Automotive Design R&D engineer, located in Melbourne. In the past, I also had the privilege to work as an automotive journalist. I am passionate about simple, affordable motoring, "down to Earth" driver's cars, hence my presence here. During the past 15 years, I worked on, tested, enjoyed or hated, dismantled, assembled, test dríven etc. hundreds of cars, thus making me very aware of the features a perfect* car must have (*strictly in my opinion). And, I must admit, MX5 was always on my shortlist...

As previously said, I'm keeping my eyes open in finding a NA or NB, as original as possible. The car will be used daily to go to work and will be dríven on winding roads during week-ends. Not planning to race it at this point. I'm after the pure driving experience both generations can offer, and don't want to being restricted by the engine size, number of gears or safety/comfort features they have/have not. I'm aware of what to look for, the known weak points of each of them, but I'm also keen to find what's your opinion on some subjective aspects. I'd appreciate if you could answer the following:

1. During the last six months, the average listed price of MX5s on carsales seems to have increased quite a bit. Is this a sign of car's value starting to appreciate or just a typical summer/winter cycle?

2. Although hard to generalize, would you think that the asked prices are in line with one's car condition (age, km, state, modifications etc.) or just wishful thinking (referring to the same popular car selling site)?

3. What model do you believe is the most desirable for the price I intend to spend? Would a certain NA or NB model worth, say, even double that amount?

4. Are there any other venues one can find an original MX5 for sale (such as club meetings, other websites etc.)?

Any other advices/suggestions along these lines are greatly appreciated!

Many thanks.

MrRevhead · Postby **MrRevhead** » Sun Jan 12, 2014 5:03 pm

Clan wrote:1. During the last six months, the average listed price of MX5s on carsales seems to have increased quite a bit. Is this a sign of car's value starting to appreciate or just a typical summer/winter cycle?

2. Although hard to generalize, would you think that the asked prices are in line with one's car condition (age, km, state, modifications etc.) or just wishful thinking (referring to the same popular car selling site)?

3. What model do you believe is the most desirable for the price I intend to spend? Would a certain NA or NB model worth, say, even double that amount?

4. Are there any other venues one can find an original MX5 for sale (such as club meetings, other websites etc.)?

Any other advices/suggestions along these lines are greatly appreciated!

Many thanks.

Hi and welcome to the forum!

1) IMO, it is a combination of the spring/summer cycle as well as the recent publicity the MX5 has been getting in numerous magazines and on Mighty Car Mods. Greater awareness of the car and it's potential has most likely had an increase in demand which will also reflect in price.

2) The prices of different model MX5's vary greatly depending on many factors. It is not unusual to see well kept NA examples demanding more than NB's. Also, vice versa. Lower end examples of NB's can be had for the same price as some NA's. Overall condition and in some cases, tasteful modifications that enhance the basic platform the MX5 has can directly correspond with asking prices.

3) This is a very subjective question. The general consensus is the more pure, raw (less refined) and classical looking version is the NA, the more refined (less classic style, lower NVH etc) and 'safer' models (air bags, ABS etc) are the NB. A number of forum members shared their experiences and opinions in the following thread, which is worth a read: http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=61580

4) This forum has a For Sale section where members sell their cars. Also the different state branches of the MX5 Clubs also have a For Sale section http://www.mx5.com.au

Hopefully some of the above helps clarify some of the questions you have about the MX5.

Best of luck in your search! :beer:

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 10:48 am

Clan wrote:1. During the last six months, the average listed price of MX5s on carsales seems to have increased quite a bit. Is this a sign of car's value starting to appreciate or just a typical summer/winter cycle?

The 'advertiser' as opposed to 'seller' factor. Conversely on ebay & gumtree I'd say prices have decreased a little.

2. Although hard to generalize, would you think that the asked prices are in line with one's car condition (age, km, state, modifications etc.) or just wishful thinking (referring to the same popular car selling site)?

Wishful thinking - many sellers don't do an environmental scan at the time of sale, while others take the approach that it only takes one impulsive buyer.

3. What model do you believe is the most desirable for the price I intend to spend? Would a certain NA or NB model worth, say, even double that amount?

If they suit your taste & purpose, NB8A (1998-2000) are about the best value for money currently. With ND I believe due in 2015, NB8B, amongst others, should also come down in price depending on what the economy is doing at the time. But if the shape & rawness of an NA6 or NA8 is what you want, then so be it. An NA or NB worth $16k? Well the 2004-2005 SE Turbo is worth $16k or more with under 100k kms, but over 100k kms they usually sell for less. The 2001-2002 SP Turbo is also worth $16k or more. But apart from those two & a good low km 2004 NB8C (non-turbo), unless ultra low kms & perfect condition then a seller would probably currently struggle to get $16k for any other standard NA or NB, including limited editions.

4. Are there any other venues one can find an original MX5 for sale (such as club meetings, other websites etc.)?

ebay & gumtree are worth a look for the occasional original car.

Clan · Postby **Clan** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 11:02 am

Many thanks for your replies. I'll also keep an eye on the For Sale section of this site.

CatchyD · Postby **CatchyD** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 3:00 pm

As some have said Ebay and Gumtree are also good places to keep an eye on.

I have had better luck finding good cars to look at on gumtree than on carsales due to the fact its not costly to advertise on gumtree so more people do it. However this does have a downside as you get more people trying to sell dodgy cars/people a lot less seller friendly.

Happy hunting! Seems there is a number of new members this month

fastfreddygassit · Postby **fastfreddygassit** » Wed Jan 15, 2014 4:40 pm

CatchyD wrote: Seems there is a number of new members this month

agreed!
and that is a good thing too :BROADY:

Clan, as other have/will say, welcome to the obsession!
Since you are Melbourne based, you may want to come to one of our weekly Thursday night meet-ups.
We usually go for a cheap feed somewhere, have a coffee and tell lies etc etc.
This week is probably not the best as we are doing a mountain drive but follow the Thursday night thread (go to the last page for info)
http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=17056

davekmoore · Postby **davekmoore** » Wed Jan 15, 2014 9:05 pm

Welcome Clan.

My first was a very early Eunos/NA6 in ordinary condition for $4k. The next was a nice NB8A for $12k. The present one is a modified SE turbo which has probably got $40k sunk in it so far. And I've just sold a new NC worth $51k.

Th best car is the SE (when mended). The best value car, by far, was the NA6. It did 80% of what the SE does, for 10% of the money.

davekmoore · Postby **davekmoore** » Wed Jan 15, 2014 9:26 pm

No affiliation with the seller, just happened to notice it:

viewtopic.php?f=73&t=59976

Bought two of mine sight unseen from Sydney without even decent photos. I was lucky enough that both were better described when I got to Sydney.

See how you go?

Clan · Postby **Clan** » Wed Jan 15, 2014 10:40 pm

Thank you very much, all. Yes, I'm thinking to join one of the regular meetings, just to have a look at the cars and chat about them.

Clan · Postby **Clan** » Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:36 am

I found a Series 1 NB recently advertised on carsales for $7k, which I'm yet to see it:

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... =6&sdmvc=1

It has done >200k km, was mainly serviced by the second owner and the timing belt was replaced more than 100k km ago, so needs to be done asap. Just wanted to know your general opinion about it. Also, what would roughly cost to have the car inspected and serviced (timing belt + water pump) at a recommended MX5 service centre in SE Melbourne?

Many thanks!

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Sat Feb 01, 2014 11:12 am

I think there's better NB8As out there.

Didn't realise the NB8A Heritage was available in silver, so check that it is actually a Heritage & has the six speed GB.

Wheels are not NB8A Heritage, & of course the body kit was not NB8A Heritage.

Reckon you could get an NB8A (non-Heritage) with about 150k kms that you don't have to spend anything on for the same price, ie $7k. Pre-purchase inspection, & 200k km service (timing belt & water pump), & anything else that requires doing could cost you $1k approximately. For $8k you could get another really nice low km NB8A.

Dean @ Motorsports Essentials, 6 Macbeth St, Braeside, 9587 0079; or
Gerald & Chaz @ Mammi Motors, 10 Industrial Drv, Somerville, 5977 7973; or
Allmaz, 492 Clayton Rd, Clayton, 9544 7044.
Also from a performance perspective: Dan & Daz @ Road Track Rally, 18 Short St, Dandenong, 9792 4024.

Clan · Postby **Clan** » Sat Feb 01, 2014 11:31 am

Thanks, 93_Clubman, for your reply. This is what I thought, too: it is not a genuine Heritage Series car and that it might have been neglected service wise. The owner is now in SA, so I cannot see it at the moment. And, yes, you're right again when saying that, for the same price, one could find a NB which doesn't need anything else to spend on.

Vat · Postby **Vat** » Sat Feb 01, 2014 1:09 pm

93_Clubman wrote:Reckon you could get an NB8A (non-Heritage) with about 150k kms that you don't have to spend anything on for the same price, ie $7k. Pre-purchase inspection, & 200k km service (timing belt & water pump), & anything else that requires doing could cost you $1k approximately. For $8k you could get another really nice low km NB8A.

Yeah, that's probably ballpark. My thing (probably in the first shipment of NB8As) cost a touch under $6k with around 180k on the clock and the timing belts just done plus roadworthy. During the test drive I picked up that whilst the clutch was fine there was likely to be work to be done on the master/slave cylinders, plus the AC needed some love, so factoring those in I was pretty happy with the price, especially considering that in addition to the aftermarket wheels I got the factory 15s as well. The body's in really good condition and the interior is generally sound if a touch sun affected in a few places that I will replace as part of putting personal touches on the car anyway.

Someone here made the comment that the NB8As are probably the value for money pick of the MX-5 litter at the moment (in terms of cost vs kms vs age vs features) and I think that's pretty close to the mark - only thing is I think many of the NB8A sellers see what the NB8B and Cs are asking and try their luck with prices.

Clan · Postby **Clan** » Sat Feb 01, 2014 1:32 pm

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...

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sat Feb 01, 2014 2:01 pm

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.