Selling a Mazda MX5 with paint problems

Hello, I bought a Mk2 Mazda MX-5 1.6 Isola from a dealer on Autotrader in July 2014 for £1700.

On inspection the red paintwork had large whitish marks on the bonnet and boot. The dealer told me the car just needed a paint mop.

I purchased the car and tried two body shops for an opinion who both said a full respray was the only option. The second garage said the car has been previously resprayed, poorly, and now the lacquer is lifting.

Other areas of the car have developed problems whilst I've owned it - micro blistering on the rear wings, and white spots (like dandruff) appearing on the doors.

Two garages have each quoted £1000 for a respray, the 2nd stating the car would need to be with them for 2 weeks.

I'd like to know what the car may be worth if I try to sell it privately?
It has done 48k miles, has a hardtop, with service history to 40k and every MOT in history file.

I've had the cam belt and water pump replaced by my local garage, and the bodywork, aside from the paintwork, is in excellent condition.

Asked on 5 February 2015 by K Egerton

Answered by Honest John
It has the undesirable low power 1.6 engine, but it does have a hardtop and should still be worth what you paid for it. Maybe a little more in a couple of months when Spring arrives. I'd wait until then. The only way out of the paint problem is as they've told you. A full respray. You could cut the cost by prepping it yourself, but if you aren't confident, don't try.
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