Want to buy: 94-97 miata Na, open to nb as well

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Originally Posted by Jmoney

And I'm supposed to convince the seller to drive an hour to round rock on a weeknight drop his car off overnight for a seller he doesn't know and might not buy the car, have someone else drive him back. Then somehow coordinate it to where they can drive an hour back there, but before the weekend... Just to potentially sell the car. I wouldn't do that if it was selling the car.

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That is a pipe dream.

How about go down look at the car when the Expert is available during the week. If you like it give the seller a refundable deposit and maybe a rental "fee" contingent on the Miata experts inspection. That way the seller doesn't have to do anything and you get some seat time in the car to check it out.

Worst case for the seller is they don't sell the car but gets some rental money and the report showing what it needs. And best case they sold the car.


I'd take it to the Georgetown location if possible since it is a bit closer to Kileen.

^I like that plan.

Take a day off, call in sick, take some personal time....

This is the most high-maintenance approach to buying a miata I've ever witnessed. You're buying a used car, 20+ years old. It won't be perfect, it will have issues, and you will not get a significant price-break by having someone identify what the seller already knows about a car. Just take some cash this weekend and go look at miatas until you find one you can afford, then buy it FFS.

Not being perfect is one thing, being a $4K boat anchor is another. He's smart enough to know what he doesn't know, and is looking for help.

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Originally Posted by sammm

Here's a sweet '96M that's local! :D

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5479555582.html

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Good looking car OZMDD!! GLWS! ;-)

Ozmdd: Hey man, everyone has choices. When I choose to make a big purchase I choose to do research and I choose the path that will have the highest possible outcome of success. $4,000 is a big fucking purchase and I choose to be cautious with that kind of money. When I started researching these cars months ago, did I think that it would take this long? Nope, sure didn't. Now that I know more about what I want and what will work, by listening to my peers-now friends -I choose to follow their advice and be patient and make smart choices.

:banghead:

Miatas are quite possibly the simplest cars built since '72 when emissions came into being. If he can drive the car from round rock to kileen and it doesn't have rust issues it's worth 3500 to 4k. Anything else can be sorted out locally and easily. You know why there are a lot more BMW shops out there then Miata shops? Miatas don't break and almost anyone can fix one when it does.

You've already passed on lots of cars and are now going to be paying spring time markup.

Your shopping for a Miata not a Ferrari.

I probably could go take a look at the 95M in Killeen for you this weekend. I'm no "miata expert" or mechanic but I've managed to buy and sell 19 cars in the past 15 yrs and not a "lemon" among them, a nb and my current na among them. Buying a used car is simple if you research the car and the common issues and then checking for routine things like signs of a car accident, fluid leaks, tire condition, etc. Let me know.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...rp/Commode.jpg

http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1994-mazda-miata-5/

^Nice NA, with ABS! Since it has lived in Ohio I'd be wary of rust, but it looks clean.

It does look pretty clean, though it definitely has rust on all of the uncoated surfaces underneath. Body might be ok, but there will be frozen nuts/bolts all over the suspension and exhaust, etc. Cool package, and ABS is definitely rare, especially on a car that has no PW/PM. While the torsen is unusual in that setup, the car seems like special order car, so I'm not surprised that its would have it.

Seems legit as a garage queen summer-only car. I'm guessing it goes for around $6k, as cars like that are so rare in the rust belt. Worth a little less in Texas, but its not in Texas.

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Originally Posted by Jmoney

Shit man well id like to know it's worth it before I drag Shana on a 5 hour drive. What would you do?

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Ya gotta do what ya gotta do if this is the one you want. EVERY used miata will need some level of "work", thats just a fact. Doesn't matter if it is a mile away or 1000miles away. A professional PPI won't change that and it can't guarantee some unknown unknown won't cause a breakdown.

I dragged mrs bob on two "day" trips for two different miatas. One to northwest OK and one to central AR. She was not thrilled and I cannot underestimate her not-thrilled-ness, but she's a trooper. Buy Shana a good lunch :-)

I recommend that you use the inspection checklist from miata.net forum and use it to do your own inspection. It too won't guarantee you wont breakdown but it will give you more confidence that your buying decision is correct. Plus, it will help you in the long run to understand when your miata will need professional help versus DIY help.

B.

Thanks Bob and everyone for your input!

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Originally Posted by Jmoney

Thanks Bob and everyone for your input!

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I'm a big believer in self inspections. Why, cuz when I buy, it's my money being spent on that 20+ year old miata.

If you are not ready to jump on one yet and if you want to increase your own inspection skills, I'll offer up an inspection day using my SBY on one of these upcoming weekends and we'll go thru the car using a checklist.


B.

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Originally Posted by jrj512

http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1994-mazda-miata-5/

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9 hours left. $4300.

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Originally Posted by jrj512

9 hours left. $4300.

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If it had 2 blue stripes... Maybe.

Is it just me or do BAT cars usually fetch over market price?

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Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

Is it just me or do BAT cars usually fetch over market price?

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Probably more to do with being a public auction. I'm amazed at what some people will pay for things on eBay.

Well, they get a lot more eyeballs on BaT, and it seems to have some sort of cachet, at least people seem to think the cars are vetted. I just use it to establish what the top of the market for a given car is, and then assume 10-20% less for actual middle of the market pricing.

That said, I think this car is at least 25% overpriced, at the current bid. 80k miles is not all that great in my opinion; likely means that almost no significant maint has been needed up till now, and the next owner will be doing it all in the next 10k miles.

Here's another low-mileage NA on BAT...'94R.


http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1994-mazda-miata-4/


PS
White one sold for $5350.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5494032373.html

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5493486941.html

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/cto/5467526040.html

I want this car. Sexy.

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Originally Posted by POS Racing

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/cto/5467526040.html

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Originally Posted by jrj512

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5494032373.html

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How can the car have Texas plates if its registered in Wyoming?

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Originally Posted by cone-cerned

How can the car have Texas plates if its registered in Wyoming?

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Weird I thought OZMDD worked in Dallas not Wyoming! ;)

Old pics is my guess. Even one with black HT but no mention of HT in ad.

B.

Hello everyone!

I want to send a big shout out and thank you to Stevan B (Rogue), Sam, and Bob for taking time out of their days to help me learn and examine Miatas! The amount of help, support and enthusiasm in this community is wonderful. Everyone that I have met is just fantastic. In fact, Stevan came out to check the 95m with me! And the best news is.... I FINALLY BOUGHT A MIATA!!!!! Super fucking amped about it!! I'll throw some pictures up soon. Thanks to everyone else on the forum for your ideas and recommendations. I hope to meet the rest of you soon at the next event.

J$

Congrats J!

http://rlv.zcache.com/pics_or_it_did..._8byvr_512.jpg

;-)

I guess he'll have to do the Obligatory gas station shot, since I'm sure he hasn't slowed down except for fuel. ;)

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Originally Posted by POS Racing

http://rlv.zcache.com/pics_or_it_did..._8byvr_512.jpg

;-)

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Hmmmm still no pictures.... Just saying.... :-)

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Originally Posted by POS Racing

Hmmmm still no pictures.... Just saying.... :-)

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He probably hasn't stopped driving it long enough to take a pic. ;)

Can't just upload them from my phone can I ? Do I have to link a page?

Yes...you either need to host them somewhere, or become a supporting member here to be able to attach them.

Did you get the 95M in Killeen?

I did! Love the hell out of it. I'll put together an imigur album later tonight so you guys can see.

Congrats