Help with new MX5 for sister in law

rs1800 · 21 Nov 2009 at 13:35

Hi

My sister in law is just about to buy a new 1.8 MX5 from a local dealer with scrapage scheme on finance. She can afford 300 a month max. Her old car is not worth much (500 max)

I cannot talk her out of buying a new car or an MX5 but I said I would see if I could find it cheaper as she isn't very good at negotiating or looking around.

Best price she has been given with srappage is £15,500 for hard top which she slightly prefers with metallic paint and a/c or £14,250 for same in soft top. On these prices she will go for the soft top which is £280/month for 5 years so just within budget.

My questions:

Do those prices seem reasonable?

Where can I find one for the best price? phone around garages, importers, websites etc?

Is the soft top option ok?

any other options she should really get?

Should I try to get her to buy a nearly new?

Id appreciate any advice to help her as I have never bought a new car. I have to go out for this pm so wont be able to answer questions but will read replies when I get back.

Thanks

Housey · 21 Nov 2009 at 13:51

I looked at these a few months back for my wife and I think we were quoted £12,500 for a brand new soft top 2L, though this was a pre-revision model, which I suspect they wanted shifted from stock, but they had a few available at that price. Prices have now hardened but a quick look on the web is showing sub £15K for cars without scrappage added. I think you could probably get a better deal than this.

rs1800 · 22 Nov 2009 at 19:51

Ive had a look and it appears it is difficult to compete with a mazda dealer offering scrappage, even preregistered (when scrappage not available)

Any websites that will show cheapest mazda dealership?

aproctor · 22 Nov 2009 at 21:27

For a brand new 1.8 those prices are not bad - assuming her current car is only worth £500.

Personally the 2.0 is a much better engine and much nippier and does about 35mpg opposed to the 1.8s 38mpg.

The soft tops are very easy to live with although i am sure she will have a much easier time selling the tin top.

Personally i would push for £500 off whatever price they have given plus 12 T&T and a tank of petrol etc.

Make sure she also gets the lowering springs as they are on higher springs iirc due to some EU regs and what not, the car should have always come with the lower springs.

rs1800 · 22 Nov 2009 at 23:14

thanks

Is the spring issue dealer fittable?

aproctor · 22 Nov 2009 at 23:30

rs1800 said:
thanks

Is the spring issue dealer fittable?

Yes they offer it, or most do.

As you are buying new i would imagine there is room for negotiation.

Have a look at mk3s or the forecourt and you will see the difference.

With the 4x4 springs you can fit a fag packet underneath the arches (almost).

Looking at the used models (2007-8), the most popular models seem to have;

Silver/Black Paint
2.0 engine
17" alloys
Heated Leather

Common sense really.

Not many tin tops around, but i fail to see how this won't be a selling point in future. Also LSD may be worth a look.

At the end of the day they may offer her a 1.8 in red with cloth seats, 16" wheels and a rag top, but if it's the right price who cares.
If she is paying top whack get the right car with the right bits, she will lose money on this, but how much?