How to value a car in need of work? (Mk1 MX5)

Hxc

Hxc

Hxc

Soldato
Joined
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Hi all

Am coming to sell my car and am totally stumped as to what to value it at, as it's not really the same as much else on the market. I'm not expecting much but I don't want to massively undersell it.

The car is a UK spec MX5 SE with 110k on the clock, which means it has ABS, leather seats, power steering, elec windows etc, and gets cheaper insurance than import models. However, it needs a new roof; the current one has been knifed twice and, while it is sewn up and is 90% watertight, it is not really ideal if it is out in the elements. The bodywork is generally good, bar a few carpark dings, a scuff on the bumper, a bit of peeling laquer on the bonnet, but one of the sills is starting to go, an has a hole in the outer layer about 1inch in diameter, which obviously needs attention. One wheel could probably do with a refurb.

It needs a new roof (£250ish) and a bit of welding work on that one sill and is then would be in good condition.

It has MOT and tax until the end of October.

I'm totally stumped as to what to put it up for. I paid £1300 3 years ago but that was with a good roof and virtually zero rust, so I don't expect anywhere near that. However, the car drives well and has been mechanically totally reliable for those three years and is still great fun to drive.

I suppose the easy answer is whack it on ebay zero reserve but I'd like to advertise it in as many places as possible so I simply don't know what to say? I have zero qualms letting it go for a few hundred quid so does £500 ONO sound reasonable?

Cheers for any help!

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I'd just bung it on, suspect you'll get £500 easily from someone willing to tidy it up

Being able to come and drive it away + use for the next couple of months is a big bonus, don't wait long to move it on
 
Don't see many mk1s on Autotrader for less than £7-800 even with work needed although the short tax obviously reduces the value a touch. I'd bung it up around that and see what interest you get.
 
I paid 750 for the donor car for my race car. That was road worthy with an MOT but only had a short time left and needed a new roof (which my race car didn't). The driver for this is the state of the sills and chassis and if they are OK it's worth a few hundred.
 
That actually looks ok but as I found when looking at Mk1's photos hide rust and issues well :p

What you really should do is break it for parts and sell me the internal courtesy lights, clock and trim panel and the corner sections of your luggage rack ;)
 
lordrobs said:
That actually looks ok but as I found when looking at Mk1's photos hide rust and issues well :p

What you really should do is break it for parts and sell me the internal courtesy lights, clock and trim panel and the corner sections of your luggage rack ;)
Click to expand...

Well it is still in Norfolk, although not mulbarton any more! So if you want to buy it and break it for parts... you're welcome ;)

Think the steering wheel and gearknob are worth a few bob.
 
£500 is way underselling it.
If you are thinking £500 ONO then I will give you £400 for it and break it for spares!
My goodness that dog poo interior is vile!
I would try £900, with the view of taking £700.

The MX5 is a common car that is imminently going to become rarer due to the vast number sat at £500-ish value with an MOT advisory on rust. Most people sadly scrap them off now. All imo of course.
 
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OpenToSuggestions said:
£500 is way underselling it.

If you are thinking £500 ONO then I will give you £400 for it and break it for spares!

My goodness that dog poo interior is vile!
Click to expand...

Is it though? It's clean, yes, but high mileage and needs a new roof, and this is the sill (the other one has a bit of surface corrosion but is solid!)

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The interior divides opinions, people seem to love it or hate it :D
 
I was just flicking through the TV and started watching Wheeler Dealers, they are working on a rusty mk1 that they picked up for a "bargain" £1600. Not sure how old the episode is though.

Going to have to watch the second part now :o
 
Have you checked what the inside of the sills are like? Generally, if the outside has started going even slightly, it normally means the insides have gone
 
I haven't, no, and am away from the car for a while now.

This is exactly why I think things around £950 are a bit optimistic; needing at least 1 new sill and then a new roof is costly!
 
Oh dear, this Wheeler Dealers is hilarious! "Compomotive alloys in white" They were Enkei's. "Performance air filter which will add 2 or 3 BHP" Probably not. "The wheels are too small" 14" is generally regarded as the best size. "Classy chrome" Just no... etc. :p

£3600 though, I should get him to sell my one for me :o

The price difference between a rust free MX-5 and a rusty one is huge but IMHO it is easier to sell a rusty one because "MX5 is like a grand tops LOL" and other MX5 forum BS.

I think I'd go for an honest listing with photos, starting bid of the minimum you'll accept for it and let ebay decide.
 
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