Seasonal variations in car prices - MX5

Scottland · 30 Mar 2006 at 17:14

I'm just wondering if and when the "Summer" effect on MX5's, and similar cars actually begins to kick in, or is it a myth? As I've heard many people mention that prices start to climb as summer kicks in.

Also, how much would this alter the car's price by in the 5,000 - 7,000 price bracket?

Thanks

Freefaller · 30 Mar 2006 at 17:27

It's certainly valid for bikes. I bought my bike £500 cheaper than it would have been in the summer.

Convertibles are more sought after in the summer... just like air conditioning services are plugged and advertised in the summer when it's particularly hot.

I would say there is some truth to that statement, but it's mainly down to psychology of people.

Scottland · 30 Mar 2006 at 17:30

I see the reasons why it is/might be the case, but I'm finding it hard to quantify the effect.

A few hundred quid maybe? But nothing substantial?

Freefaller · 30 Mar 2006 at 17:36

It depends if the sellers have a history of high demand in the season.

Alternatively if a private seller has had a tremendous amounts of calls, he can probably get away with bumping up the price a little owing to the higher demand. I doubt we're talking £1000s.

Scottland · 30 Mar 2006 at 17:46

No, I wouldn't expect it to be that much

Reason I ask is that there is a chance of a near swap deal against an MX5 at the moment. I'd have to stump up a few hundred, but I think it would be easier to sell than my current shed if I didn't like it - and selling in mid-summer when it's more in demand would give me a little head room money wise maybe.

Hmmm...only a 1.6 though

saitrix · 30 Mar 2006 at 18:00

Which age MX5, the Mk1?

Scottland · 30 Mar 2006 at 18:00

No it's a '99 MK2 (110bhp)

saitrix · 30 Mar 2006 at 18:02

Not that bad speed then, 0-60 in 9.4. The 1.8 would be nice but the 1.6 aitn that bad i suppose.

Kitchster_uk · 30 Mar 2006 at 18:33

MX 5 prices do go up, defo. Same as any rag top as they appeal to the ladies. on the whole, they are very popular with women, who will buy on looks, colour etc. My missus did this last year and bought a '98 'R' MX-5 1.8i, main dealer car with only 42k on the clock. Full Mazda service, nice alloys, Momo airbag wheel etc. Lovely condition inside and out and she paid £6k, a few hundred more than they were going for private but they replaced the cambelt (after i insisted), full service, MOT and 6 months tax on it.

A mate bought a 1997 'R', admittedly with 95k on the clock with some dents in it for £2.5k in January. THey are already rising for their January price and will be a good sale over Easter, especially if it's sunny.

Scottland · 30 Mar 2006 at 18:54

This is very similar to it, but the one I'm looking at is up at £5,500. I'm not sure if £5.5 is high or low for it though, being a 1.6?

Koncordski · 30 Mar 2006 at 19:02

Thats too much money for a 99 1.6 in that colour. You can do better.

Edit just read the post properly. You should be able to get a 1.8 for 5.5k anyways.

Scottland · 30 Mar 2006 at 19:24

Koncordski said:
Thats too much money for a 99 1.6 in that colour. You can do better.

Edit just read the post properly. You should be able to get a 1.8 for 5.5k anyways.

Probably, but I wouldn't necasarily get the same trade in for my car.

If I could get my money back in July, if I sold it - then that'd do me.