MX5 value: Specialist knowledge required!

[Hitch78]

Hi guys,

I need some advice from people who know the market for used MX5's:

I picked up a 96 P plate 1.8 UK car off my Dad's mate who emigrated last November. I wasn't looking for one but we were helping him move some gear and he suggested I take it for a spin...needless to say that a couple of damp roundabouts and twisty country lanes later I returned, with the roof down, even though it was bloody freezing!

I bought it but never get to use it as I'm away all week and doing up a house at weekends. And the boiler just blew so I need funds!

I got it for mates rates and I have no idea what it's worth - low mileage Mk1's seem to vary so much in value. I don't want to put it on e-bay as I've been messed around before.

Car is BRG with a few small scuffs. Hood is watertight but a bit tatty as I think it's the priginal and the rear screen is 'lightly smoked' due to being folded in the past. My dad's mate put a K&N filter, new leads and an anti roll bar across the front. Apart from that it's totally standard and mechanically tight as anything with only 60k. Sailed through it's last MOT with no advisories etc...

Main problem is that he had lost the service book and spare key, he thinks they might be in storage but as he's in Dubai now I consider them lost.

I know pics would help but I'm in work and haven't got any - any rough ideas what I should put it up for?

Cheers,

Hitch

[Surfr]

I picked up a 100K mile P reg. Merlot (UK 1.8 Special edition) a couple of months ago for 3K. It was in very clean condition bar a few stone chips on the plastic bumper and the plastic stick on wood trim peeling off as is it's tendency after 11 years. Full Mazda service history provided as was the spare key. I payed 3K from a private garage. Hope that helps you align your car somewhat

[MKH9130]

Surfr said:

I picked up a 100K mile P reg. Merlot (UK 1.8 Special edition) a couple of months ago for 3K. It was in very clean condition bar a few stone chips on the plastic bumper and the plastic stick on wood trim peeling off as is it's tendency after 11 years. Full Mazda service history provided as was the spare key. I payed 3K from a private garage. Hope that helps you align your car somewhat

Merlots aren't a fair comparison though, as they tend to hold their value better! You do pay a considerable premium for a Merlot over a standard 1.8. I have been following the prices of Merlots very closely over the past few months!

[NiceCupOfTea]

My gut feeling is about 2.5k.

[Hitch78]

That's what I was thinking, will put it on at £2.5 and see what I get. I want to sell but am in no massive rush so no harm in seeing what bites.

Have just been reading the thread on track use of these things and I'm even more gutted to be letting it go now!

Thanks for your help guys.

[Mr POD]

I'm in the market for that type of car, but yours is a bit newer than my Budget would appear to stretch to.

Where in the country are you ? I'll email you.