What does this MX-5 really cost — and what should you pay?

Most buyer's guides are written by enthusiasts who are great with spanners and terrible with numbers. This one isn't. Enter a listing below and get a risk-weighted true cost of ownership, a fair price, and the figure above which you should walk away. Built specifically for the Mazda MX-5 NB (1998–2005).

The car

Engine

Asking price (£)

Mileage

Condition

Rust evidence the NB's defining risk

Service history

Your usage

Years you'll keep it

Miles per year

Driver age the biggest cost swing

Insurance

Modified (raises insurance, low resale recovery)

Buyer's verdict —

Great buy below—

Fair value—

Walk away above—

True cost of ownership

— per month, all-in

— per year

— per mile

— net over ownership

Net cost = price + buying costs + running costs + risk reserve − resale. The NB is modelled as appreciating, which is why the net figure can look low despite the spend — your capital largely survives.

Risk reserve the "what could go wrong" pot

—expected over ownership

—likely needed soon

Top 3 cost risks for this car

How this was worked out

Every figure is an editable assumption. This is the bit no other calculator shows you.

Going to view this car?

Take the free 40-point NB inspection checklist with you — the exact checks these figures are based on — so you know what to look for before you hand over any cash.

Open the inspection checklist →

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