Dealer Used MX5 with Super Low Km

GordonR on 23/08/2020 - 19:21

Doing a little advance research for fun car for myself when daughter gets her Ps and takes the old family car.

I’ve always liked the MX5 but I am confused by some of the cars on offer - several seem to have extremely low km for their age.

As an extreme example, City Toyota in Perth are advertising a 2016 MX5 GT ND with 1290km (yes, less than 1500km in nearly 5 years) for 33k. (And it’s the 2l engine and automatic, so def. not bottom of the range.)

Obviously it’s not a demo car that they haven’t sold (they are not a Mazda dealer), so presumably someone traded it in… but why didn’t they DRIVE it?

What potential issues should I rule out when approaching an ultra-low-km car - either problems that might EXPLAIN the low kms, or future problems that might be CAUSED by having a car that has not been frequently driven?

Maybe Spackbace can share more of his car industry insight?

Automotive

Comments

  • Melb69 on 23/08/2020 - 19:49
    +7

    Auto. Not popular. If you get sn Mx5 it needs to be the manual gearbox for the driving experience as they generally have short shifts. Really easy to drive. I had an NB hardtop. Best little car. Heaps of fun. Rear wheel drive. As for the low ks. Odd. If you like driving the auto may disappoint but worth a look and to get it checked out. Also would have thought you could bargain more on that, but suppose women may be keen on it for the ease of driving. Not to say women wouldn't prefer the manual, but more women would go for the auto. What colour is it?

  • bobbified on 23/08/2020 - 19:50
    +4

    I drive a sports coupe (four seats, but only the front two are really usable - i call it a two seater) and i found the same thing when I was looking around.

    They're not the most practical and are often weekend-only cars. It's also likely to have been someone's second car. After buying it, they probably found that they didn't really have as much time as they thought they would to drive it around.

    • GordonR on 24/08/2020 - 09:35

      Ok, so basically there are low-km cars to be had because these are likely to be fun toys rather than someone’s daily driver…

      • bobbified on 24/08/2020 - 09:44

        That's exactly right. They're not often used as daily-drivers - like a corolla or commodore or camry, etc would be.

        I know what you're asking though.
        Years ago, I was looking at an MGF Roadster. A very similar car to the MX5. There was a problem with the engine where the head gasket on many would blow at around 25,000km (if i remember correctly) and it'd get fixed under warrantly. However, most owners, even after the three warranty period, hadn't even reached anywhere near the 25,000km because it was mainly a weekend car, so whoever bought it would've found that they're up for thousands in repairs. I gave it a miss.

  • Peter Enis on 23/08/2020 - 20:55

    Well clearly they ran their hairdressing studio out of home! Haha jokes. I've always loved the MX5, and the current shape is awesome. But an auto??? No thanks.

  • spackbace on 23/08/2020 - 20:56
    +4

    A lot of buyers remorse when it comes to buying 2-door sports coupes. Mx5 is a fun car but stuff all boot space, making it impractical for a trip to Margaret River etc.

    Oh and depends how tall you are as to how practical these cars are. Trying stepping in and out and see how you look 😂

    • bobbified on 23/08/2020 - 21:04
      +1

      Trying stepping in and out and see how you look

      I'm quite short and I still think I look weird getting in and out! It's definitely not something I thought about before I bought the car! 🤣

    • netjock on 23/08/2020 - 22:19

      A lot of buyers remorse when it comes to buying 2-door sports coupes

      Confirm that. Managed to pick up a 9 month old two door for $20k less than the $45k list price 15 years ago.

      Being able to pick up a 2 door sports for price of a Corolla is good value.

      • bobbified on 24/08/2020 - 09:28

        Being able to pick up a 2 door sports for price of a Corolla is good value.

        Not being about to pick up other things isn't that good though .I went to pick up a computer and huge monitor a couple of weeks ago with this COVID no-contact pickup. I reverse my car into the spot and the guy standing on the kerb has this look on his face like "how tf do you think this is going to fit in there?" LOL. (It took a bit of adjusting, but it eventually fit).

    • GordonR on 24/08/2020 - 09:02

      Good points, I’ll make sure I check that out if I decide to go further than browsing prices.

  • randomusername2017 on 23/08/2020 - 21:12

    Suits drivers <185cm
    33k +ORC only 10k less than a current model demonstrator
    Thought 1500cc was the entry level model in 2016

    • GordonR on 24/08/2020 - 09:15

      Not 43k for demo here (WA).

      Closest I can find is 2020 GT ND 2.0l with 1841km at almost 48k.

      (Now it turns out that the City Toyota car is really 1500cc so definitely not worth 33k)

  • Orico on 23/08/2020 - 21:18

    ONe of the directors at my company just drives it to work and to the shops lol

  • Muzeeb on 23/08/2020 - 21:22

    Cars are designed to be driven. Get it inspected still if you proceed.

  • Lexan on 23/08/2020 - 21:28

    Based on 1500km per 5years per 5 working days, the car had travelled 1.5km per day. Some lazy boss didn't walk to work.

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 23/08/2020 - 21:34
    +4

    Various reasons but not limited to why low km's
    1. Owner died a few years back and it has taken a while for the estate to be finalised.
    2. Owner bought car, then ended up travelling alot and did not drive
    3. Owner kept it as a 'collectible'
    4. Owner had a medical issue which meant reduced driving
    5. Owner bought it as a present for partner and then partner did not drive it for whatever reasons
    6. Hundreds of other reasons why the kms are low

    • GordonR on 24/08/2020 - 09:22

      Yes, lots of legitimate reasons it may be no cause for concern, but I guess I’d like to identify possible problematic reasons in order to rule them out.

      Like i imagine someone experienced saying “Oh, whenever we get a very low km vehicle we check the fidget wonkle because they can seize up if the car isn’t driven”

      • TheMindsetTraveller on 24/08/2020 - 10:22

        Yep, I didn't try to answer that part as I have no idea. If you do go ahead, come back and let us know how it goes and to own one. I have been thinking of getting one myself (either that or a used S3 cabriolet).

      • Euphemistic on 24/08/2020 - 11:28

        I think you’ll find the fidget wonkle is a wear item and will most likely be worn in high km vehicles. Low kms will be fine.

  • life is suffering on 23/08/2020 - 21:51

    Maybe the MX-5 is a decepticon

  • nomoneynoproblems on 23/08/2020 - 22:58

    Stopped reading after manual for an mx5. Won't do it justice at all. Get a used ft 86 for $20k and call it a day.

    • jimbobaus on 24/08/2020 - 17:02

      Lol suggesting an 86
      Now I have seen it all.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/08/2020 - 23:34
    -2

    Its got low KMs coz the previous owner was also living some strange fantasy…

    Those things are such douche mobiles 🤣

    • Tee Rex Arms on 24/08/2020 - 08:00
      +1

      Wish I could give more than one positive vote for this

    • GordonR on 24/08/2020 - 09:26

      A small fun-to-drive convertible at relatively modest price, so not sure why that is douchey compared to the numerous BMW, Mercedes, Audi 2-door cars.

      I don’t think it’s all that much of a fantasy either - previously had family cars due to need to transport kids and family, but just moving into next phase of life where kids are increasingly transporting themselves.

      So now I want a small car for one or two-person urban driving, and I’d just like something more fun than a Yaris or similar.

      • bobbified on 24/08/2020 - 13:27

        Audi 2-door cars.

        Oi! haha :p~

      • [Deactivated] on 24/08/2020 - 14:32

        Justify it however you want…

      • Melb69 on 25/08/2020 - 06:56
        +1

        If you do end up with an Mx5, you wont regret it. It's a fun little package that will put a smile on your face even for short trips to the shops. Perth has great barmy nights where you can drive with the top down at night.

        • GordonR on 25/08/2020 - 09:05

          Thanks… but I might save it for the balmy nights!

  • [Deactivated] on 24/08/2020 - 01:14

    NVM.

    Thought I saw 12,xxxkm.

    1200km is indeed low. Make sure you check all service record and get it inspected.

    2016 1.5 GT Auto. (It is not a 2.0 as the wheel is different - 2.0 uses 17", and photo posted by dealer is 16") Wouldnt pay anything more than 25k for it.

    $33k will get you something from 2017 onward. (Manual too).

    • GordonR on 24/08/2020 - 09:33

      Good catch on the engine size !

      City Toyota link says 1500cc but Carsales link says 2.0l so someone stuffed up.

  • ilove on 24/08/2020 - 05:55

    there a mx5 from 2004 for 6.5k with 130,000km

  • ozeebee on 24/08/2020 - 07:17
    +1

    A lot of people that buy these use them for fun/weekend car only. I bought my 2016 MX5 last year with only 9000kms. So low k's can be quite common.

    I have a family car with my wife as well which means even now my MX5 only has 14000kms.

    As for the Auto trans, it's a bit of a waste to buy one if going with auto. The manual trans is one of the nicest and easiest to use.

    The price advertised it quite high even with the low k's. The new cars from 2019 onwards came with more powerful engines so it should've depreciated older models.

    • thatonethere on 24/08/2020 - 08:41

      Yeah there is a guy down the street with an mx5. Never see it used more than a handful of times in 10 years. They have 2 other cars.

  • Candour on 24/08/2020 - 10:16

    worth getting it road tested through the aa?

  • Euphemistic on 24/08/2020 - 11:33

    My non mechanic opinion is that such a low km car will appear fine to any inspection. However, if you start racking up kms after a while any issues that weren’t apparent will appear.

    Minor things like hoses that haven’t had the normal heat/cool cycle might not like it when they start getting used again. The battery might appear fine, but if original is 4yo and is likely to fail soon. It’s a typical life for a battery, and may have been reduced if not used. Tyres will have stacks of tread but will likely need replacing for age rather than wear before too long.

  • PurpleHippo on 24/08/2020 - 21:37

    if it helps to put a price guide on it, my 2016 1.5 manual cost me $23,000 when I bought it on a private sale last year. It had 22k on the clock, and I've daily driven it and put on another 10,000km since then.
    Apparently the auto is a good one, but even so, it shouldn't cost that much. I'd imagine auto owners would struggle to sell theirs at a premium as buyers would favour the manual.
    How much is it new? The 2019/20 MX-5 has had a bit of an upgrade and might be worth considering if you want a new/as new car.

    That is a nice colour though…

  • pleasebekindtome on 25/08/2020 - 00:28
    +2

    I just saw the car you're talking about on their website. Use the VIN they list to do a PPSR check incase it's been in an accident - it only costs $2. I've had two dealers lie to me about selling a car that has been in a wreck. Despicable. The bonnet seems to be a slightly different colour so maybe that's intentional or it could be replaced and not properly colour matched. Run a PPSR and hopefully it can clear things up.

    I like what others have said, it could be whoever brought it garaged it for special occasions. As far as sports cars go the MX-5 is one of the most reliable even with higher kms unless they've been redlined often of course.

  • Oz8argain on 25/08/2020 - 10:17

    2019 model year has a revised engine and better power and high redline.

    • GordonR on 26/08/2020 - 23:35

      Tempting… but once I give in to mission-creep I’ll just end up buying brand-new and I”m not really wanting to drop 55k on a weekender…

      • [Deactivated] on 27/08/2020 - 09:11

        Driven the new one too.

        The 2L doesn't need more power. I would very pleased with myself if one day I find the car "slow/need more power" around corners.

        99% of drivers can't fully utilise a car's potential before demanding for more power.

        The ND was initially engineered to pair with a 1.5L, the old 2.0L is more than plenty.

        But yea, either go manual, or go home. An auto ND is more of a laughing stock than a riced up Corolla.

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