Fair Price NA MX-5

[rollsroy]

Hi All,

I've been looking into purchasing my first MX5 and i've found one that I believe fits the bill.

I thought I would get some advice regarding how much I should pay for it and whether it has the SNC problem or not since I'm not very mechanically minded.

The Car is advertised as a 1991 1.6l NA with 60k kms on the clock and is completely stock with hardtop, advertised for a shade over $12k, is this a fair price or would I be able to negotiate lower?

I've also been looking at the VIN but after a lot of research I can't seem to find which exact JM0NA models have the SNC.

Any and all help appreciated!

[sailaholic]

Your paying a pretty large premium for a very low km but quite old car. Is there a reason your going for this one?

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[Magpie]

Your paying a pretty large premium for a very low km but quite old car. Is there a reason your going for this one?

[rollsroy]

Your paying a pretty large premium for a very low km but quite old car. Is there a reason your going for this one?

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There aren't too many in my area in as good condition and including the hardtop. From looking around it seems spending $5-7k on something with mid six figure kms might end up costing me far more after I buy a hardtop and get the issues fixed e.g. respray/softop repairs etc, unless I'm mistaken?

[MrRevhead]

Since you're paying a premium for the car, invest $200-250 on an independent inspection with detailed report for peace of mind.

You can usually use the findings in the report to negotiate much more than what it costs off the price.

There's a number of companies in different states that offer such pre-purchase inspection services.

Also, keep in mind, if it is not an Australian delivered model with logs, the KM's are more than likely fake.

[rollsroy]

It has complete log books and I think it's Australian delivered. Is there any sort of upper limit to the mileage I should have in mind when looking at stock models?

[speed freak]

If its in showroom condition and the fact it has very low kms and comes with a hardtop I can understand the high price but even still $12k seems a bit on the rich side even for an immaculate example.

Is it one owner?

Also Id make sure the major service has been done (100k) even though it only has 60k km on it the rubber seals etc can go brittle and hard and crack etc. I assume its not been a daily driver since it has such low km? My mx5 wasnt a daily for the previous owner and the rubber seals went brittle and one split badly which cause a very bad oil leak etc so the 100k service needed to be done early.

Not a huge issue I guess my point is if it hasnt been done you might want to consider doing it since the car would be over 20 years old.

[rollsroy]

2 owners with the last having put in most of the kms. Good point on the major service, I'll check if that's been done

[TTT]

You can tell the difference in SNC and LNC engines by the harmonic balancer.
4 slots = SNC
8 slots = LNC

[zero00]

Good advice TTT but I'd have no idea what I'd be looking for!!

I had to ask and was told my '89 NA is LNC

If the car is a very good example it can well be worth that amount - I think we all missed the bargain of the year with the red supercharged NA that sold about a week ago with $30k of receipts etc - for $12,950 I think

If my NA ever hits the market it won't be cheap - bear in mind now what a Datsun 1600 brings now, also check prices for RX2 RX3 and RX4, the MX5 will do the same so keep them nice guys & gals

[sailaholic]

I think unless your looking to buy a collector your wasting your money. Yeah you might have some issues with higher k cars but you will have money in the bank.

I've seen very nice na8s go for that sort of money, higher km but with most of the wear items have been replaced.

Consider something that old you could still be looking at shocks, suspension rubbers, softop if the hardtop is used all the time etc. brakes in poor condition from infrequent fluid changes.

Depends on your intended use or desire (fun motoring or concourse queen) as to if it's worth it to you.

In terms of km. anything under 200 that's been reasonably cared for would be fine. Under 300 would still be ok but engine possibly getting tired at the upper end.

Body / panel / interior will depend on the car and use.

I wouldn't shy away from higher km if the replacement items are all done.


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[Charlie Brown]

Sailaholic nailed it with his advice.

I realise that you think that buying a low kilometre car will cost less than a higher kilometre car but it is really not that simple and can really cost you a lot more than a good well used unit.

If your heart is set on a NA I’d be looking for one that already has that new spray job and has all the major items replaced or upgraded and the hardtop at a cost of $6 - 7,000 after negotiation.

If you are flexible with your models and price then you can get good NB8B’s for $9 – 10K (no need for a $3,000 respray) and early NC’s for $15K.

[TTT]

Good advice TTT but I'd have no idea what I'd be looking for!!

Here you go..

http://www.miata.net/garage/crankshaft.html


this is the harmonic balancer of an engine with SNC


and this one is LNC



should make it easy to identify.

[93_Clubman]

In the current tough market, $12k for 60k km NA6 with an HT is a bit optimistic.

2 owners with the last having put in most of the kms. Good point on the major service, I'll check if that's been done

In terms of the major service (100k kms) you specifically need to identify if timing belt & water pump have been replaced, otherwise depending on where you get these done it could cost you about $1k.

I had to ask and was told my '89 NA is LNC.

Then either it's not the original motor or the pulley has been changed, as all 1989s were originally SNC. LNC was introduced in 1991.

[speed freak]

I realise that you think that buying a low kilometre car will cost less than a higher kilometre car but it is really not that simple and can really cost you a lot more than a good well used unit.

I totally agree with this. I understand why low km cars are so attractive but 60k km on a 20+ year old car is very low km. 60k km is low for a 5 year old car.

There is nothing wrong about buying a mx5 or any other car for that matter with 150k km or even 200k km but you just need to make sure all services are up to date and that the major service has been done if its around that km.

Generally a car that gets dríven frequently (but gets looked after) would be in better running condition then a car with lower kms that only gets dríven every now and then. When a car sits around and doesnt get dríven often rubbers seals and other gaskets can harden and go brittle and cause leaks etc.