Is this too much?

Skilid · 2 May 2013 at 14:46

So I think I'm in the market for a MK1 Mazda 3 MPS Aero.

There is one up for sale. Looks good, 2008, FSH, Black, 36k miles.

Parkers reckons that this age of car from an indie should be around £6.3k. They want £8k.

I don't know how reliable Parkers is for this sort of thing, and they are fairly rare cars (only 157 of them IIRC).

Comments?

Thanks.

Adam · 2 May 2013 at 14:56

It's a guide, your best bet is to watch for a month or so and see how much comparable examples with the same options, age and mileage go for.

Skilid · 2 May 2013 at 15:00

I've never been one for waiting. I don't mind paying a little over the odds if it's the right one/in good condition etc. I just don't want my pants pulled down.

blueboy2001 · 2 May 2013 at 15:03

You haven't said what year, but even if its a 2008 it's dear.

The MPS is a very difficult car to move - the £400 a year tax just puts people off and they're perceived to be very thirsty, actually they're not too bad for the power. If it's with a dealer they won't have paid much for it at auction or as a trade in, so if you want it I'd start at £6k and go to £6.5k if it's a real good example. Just be aware you'll take a hit on it when you need to move it on.

In reality he other running costs are actually not too bad. They're not quite as thirsty as a Focus ST, they're generally reliable and service parts aren't dear either.

Skilid · 2 May 2013 at 15:07

blueboy2001 said:
You haven't said what year, but even if its a 2008 it's dear.

The MPS is a very difficult car to move - the £400 a year tax just puts people off and they're perceived to be very thirsty, actually they're not too bad for the power. If it's with a dealer they won't have paid much for it at auction or as a trade in, so if you want it I'd start at £6k and go to £6.5k if it's a real good example. Just be aware you'll take a hit on it when you need to move it on.

In reality he other running costs are actually not too bad. They're not quite as thirsty as a Focus ST, they're generally reliable and service parts aren't dear either.

Sorry, yeah it's an 08 plate. That's what I thought. They'll probably just laugh at me if I offer them £6k though.

I know the running costs are actually fairly good. The tax doesn't bother me.

blueboy2001 · 2 May 2013 at 15:38

Having looked again, £8k is perhaps not as excessive as I thought. The Aero cars seem to command a bit more. There are plenty on sale for more than £8k, but of course that can be a sign they're too dear to sell.

It all depends how long the dealer is prepared to look at the car for. It's never going to appreciate in value sitting on his lot.

Skilid · 2 May 2013 at 15:51

blueboy2001 said:
Having looked again, £8k is perhaps not as excessive as I thought. The Aero cars seem to command a bit more. There are plenty on sale for more than £8k, but of course that can be a sign they're too dear to sell.

It all depends how long the dealer is prepared to look at the car for. It's never going to appreciate in value sitting on his lot.

I guess I could make him an offer, and if he refuses leave him too it. I don't think it'll sell quickly. Maybe he'd be more inclined as they're difficult to shift?

blueboy2001 · 2 May 2013 at 16:40

As a very general rule used car traders look for 20% margin, so at £8k it possibly stands him around £6400. Maybe bid £6.5k and pop back in a week or two and offer £7k.

Skilid · 2 May 2013 at 18:18

If I like the car I couldn't see myself waiting that long. I'll offer 7 and if he laughs I'll go home.