Buying 1.8 Mk2 - how much to pay

[cito quod fortis]

Hi all

To be honest, I know very little about these cars, but a friend wants to sell hers, as she hasn't used it hardly for several years. I was going to help her sell it, but then decided I fancied it for myself! She thinks £1k is about right, but I'm just as concerned not to rip her off as I am to pay too much, since she is a good friend.

Its a 1999 (V plate) 1.8 SE Ltd Edn in BR Green with tan leather inside and tan hood. Over all, it's in good condition for its age, hood is good (but a bit dirty) and it had a small amount of welding on o/s sill for last MOT. Engine runs well and to be honest, there is very little I can fault it on and it looks good for its age.

The one down side is that there was a cock up recording the mileage on the national mileage register a few years back, which she has only just found out. From 2k miles pa to 130k in one year recorded. NMR won't correct it, as MOT centre that made the error went bust, so they can't confirm the mistake. Hence the car is technically not HPI clear, which doesn't bother me, but will affect the value.

I don't think there will be much of a recent service history, but I can change oil, plugs, filter etc.

So ..... does this seem a fair price on both sides?

Any help gratefully received - I hope to be joining you guys very soon

Cheers

Andy

[Steffan]

cito quod fortis said:

Hi all

To be honest, I know very little about these cars, but a friend wants to sell hers, as she hasn't used it hardly for several years. I was going to help her sell it, but then decided I fancied it for myself! She thinks £1k is about right, but I'm just as concerned not to rip her off as I am to pay too much, since she is a good friend.

Its a 1999 (V plate) 1.8 SE Ltd Edn in BR Green with tan leather inside and tan hood. Over all, it's in good condition for its age, hood is good (but a bit dirty) and it had a small amount of welding on o/s sill for last MOT. Engine runs well and to be honest, there is very little I can fault it on and it looks good for its age.

The one down side is that there was a cock up recording the mileage on the national mileage register a few years back, which she has only just found out. From 2k miles pa to 130k in one year recorded. NMR won't correct it, as MOT centre that made the error went bust, so they can't confirm the mistake. Hence the car is technically not HPI clear, which doesn't bother me, but will affect the value.

I don't think there will be much of a recent service history, but I can change oil, plugs, filter etc.

So ..... does this seem a fair price on both sides?

Any help gratefully received - I hope to be joining you guys very soon

Cheers

Andy

Take a long hard look at the underside of the car. Pay a lot of attention to the sills and rear wheel arches. If these are sound then satisfy yourself as to the mechanics and service history. Given the extent of the details you have about the car and your description £1000 seems a fair price to me. Although the MX5 is a solid well made car there are rough cars about which can be expensive to rebuild. Good luck and enjoy the purchase.

[MulsanneKinky]

Being her £1500 and be happy. Loads of fun and brilliant value... Plus your mate will be doubly chuffed.

Another £500 quid will buy you a 1.8l Audi Tt though... ;0)

[Rusty1]

I just paid £1.2k for my 1.8l which is an S reg but has less miles than the one your looking at.

[JimPetrol]

MulsanneKinky said:

Being her £1500 and be happy. Loads of fun and brilliant value... Plus your mate will be doubly chuffed.

Another £500 quid will buy you a 1.8l Audi Tt though... ;0)

Why would you spend £500 more to buy a car that's worse at being a sports car? (and a tintop, too)

Edited by JimPetrol on Monday 29th July 20:13

[cito quod fortis]

Thanks for all your comments. Deal done at £1,250 so as fair as possible to both sides and worth the little extra as I know it's come from a good & cared for home. My friend is getting a new MOT sorted, so I should be up and running pretty soon
Cheers Andy