Buying a One Owner MX-5

Hi MX-5 OCšŸ‘‹

Do you think a one owner MX-5 is usually priced higher than an equivalent car with multiple owners?

If so, what kind of % markup is common when it comes to pricing , all other things being equal?

I guess ā€œā€¦it dependsā€ will preface any replies you put forward but Iā€™d love to hear from you.

I imagine a single owner who has lost interest over the ownership years Vs the enthusiasm of each new owner to take care of and upgrade their new to them motor would be a case against buying a one owner car.

Saying that, Iā€™m finding it hard to imagine an MX-5 owner losing their enthusiasm for their 2-seater.:wink:

Looking forward to hearing back from the OC.

Take care

Wings

ā€˜it dependsā€™.
:heart:

After a certain age the number of owners becomes less relevant and condition is everything (service history, paint/interior and especially underneath), one owner can neglect a care more than several. So ā€˜it dependsā€™ā€¦ :stuck_out_tongue:

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Yes M_M ā€¦ isnā€™t that the truth :wink:

Cars need attention even when they do nothing so I wouldnā€™t spend extra on one owner or low mileage just because of their existence.
A search of barn finds is educative; often one owner and nil miles in the last few years. But one owner and low miles will still get a premium . We are all suckers in the end :slight_smile:

All good adviceā€¦ thanks for your insights.
From a fellow sucker.:wink:

I think that back in the ā€œold daysā€, multiple owners of a car would suggest there was something ā€œwrong with itā€ and everyone who owned it was just getting rid.

A suggestion that is perhaps less relevant nowadays :thinking:.

Good pointā€¦it seems these days cars are typically owned for 2 yearsā€¦ enough time to scratch an itch before something else comes along.
Dare I say that MX-5 owners are more likely to look after their cars for longer than mostā€¦

It deepens.
I like to be different.
As said, Condition is All.
But with a 1 owner car, Id be looking for very good (evidence backed) service lifeā€¦and of course check for rot, rot, rot, and more rot. And check for rotā€¦ohā€¦done that one. Could be the real reason an MX5 is getting flipped. Mx5 sellers are all nice people thoughā€¦ :wink: :innocent:

I think Iā€™ve opened up a box of worms hereā€¦ not so much on the 1 owner thing, but on the rot thingā€¦ Iā€™m kinda thinking if an MX-5 is the right choice for me if all theyā€™re gonna do is flake away :pensive:ā€¦

What age car are you looking for? Any older car is going to rust at some point but having said that mine is a 2009 and its rust free.

Post 2009 NC is what Iā€™ve been looking atā€¦

No, they donā€™t rot any worse than others too many to mention. Including some so called prestige stuff. Itā€™s the cheeky way they do itā€¦inside out! Boroscope is your best pal. Plenty of solid ( enough) Mk1s scooting about even todayā€¦and many have been repanelled or remetalled to last another 20 yearsā€¦if done properly. Dont let that worry youā€¦just be careful and choosy. Enjoy while you can.

Been there. Done it all, seen it all!

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Another slice of good adviceā€¦the OC chest is full of treasure :gem:
Read something else on another forum thread that if you have a budget, take 1k off for undersealing and any necessary work etcā€¦sound advice again even though it may mean recasting the netā€¦
Thanks and take care :blush:

Possibly. All I would say is that in my experience, itā€™s not unusual to see an MX-5 at say 3 years old thatā€™s already had 2 owners (especially if itā€™s a low mileage example). A lot of people buy a sports car on a whim as a second (or third) car expecting to have trips out in it on fine days, and when it hasnā€™t been used as much as theyā€™d anticipated, itā€™s sold.

So trueā€¦a good number of mint copies out there and the only thing they have suffered is depreciation :hushed: