1997 Mazda Miata M Edition

[miatamedition]

I was just checking out the FB page for miata fanatics and I tell you I am tempted to keep mine now.... It would just be easier for me to sell and have some cash for the 2nd family vehicle... lol. Decisions, decisions..

[OZMDD]

I'm enjoying that you came to a Miata forum full of people who know a ton about the cars, yet you are telling us how valuable it is. Its a $3000 car, with the sensor and heater fixed. $2500 without.

[modernbeat]

Thanks for the message. I am willing to go down a reasonable price. That is why I came here to seek advice and hopefully find a buyer from a fanatic...

I think you will have a hard time selling an automatic to the group on this forum. Despite being a "Miata" forum, it's really the meeting place for Dallas area autocross and track day event participants. Many of the members have never had a Miata and don't have any intention to purchase one. That said, I think having it posted on Craigslist and maybe a few DFW Facebook groups is the right move. But I'd be prepared to take a much lower offer should someone show interest. There aren't a lot of buyers shopping for auto Miatas.

[miatamedition]

I came into the forum knowing perfectly well that you all have great knowledge about miata's. I am here to find a buyer that is as honest as I am when it comes to posting everything the vehicle has to offer. If you have a serious offer OZMDD please send me a PM, thank you.

I'm enjoying that you came to a Miata forum full of people who know a ton about the cars, yet you are telling us how valuable it is. Its a $3000 car, with the sensor and heater fixed. $2500 without.

[miatamedition]

Thanks for the response! I am just hoping someone who cares about miatas buys the car. It's a great car just need some cash for a family vehicle.

I think you will have a hard time selling an automatic to the group on this forum. Despite being a "Miata" forum, it's really the meeting place for Dallas area autocross and track day event participants. Many of the members have never had a Miata and don't have any intention to purchase one. That said, I think having it posted on Craigslist and maybe a few DFW Facebook groups is the right move. But I'd be prepared to take a much lower offer should someone show interest. There aren't a lot of buyers shopping for auto Miatas.

[sammm]

Something else to consider...this isn't a great time of year to be selling a convertible. Warm weather (ie, spring) would probably get more interest.

However, automatic trans is a negative any time of year. Sorry.

[Bob_MX5]

Your buyer is not here, but on CL most likely. I think you need to update your ad to make it "more" honest. The driver's seat is shot. "Minor tear" is a gross mis-representation. That's a hole in the seat cushion and that leather is severely weather damaged to the point of looking like dry-rot even though the picture is poorly lit, unlike the pic of the passenger seat. Routine/required maintenance done? List it. There's much more to routine/required mantenance than "fluids". Has the AT been serviced? When was the TB/WP replaced? Still n the original suspension? Still on the original radiator and coolant system hoses? Post some pics of the engine bay!

Fix the ad, adjust the asking price to reflect its true condition, and you'll find a buyer.

B.

[POS Racing]

Just another data point = When I'm looking for a car the phrase "CEL" pretty much eliminates it from any consideration unless the price is dirt cheap.

If the isn't shot (Which can also cause 02 CEL) I'd buy a couple of direct fit O2 sensors cheap on Amazon and bolt those suckers in place.

Turn that negative into a positive - "New O2 Sensors - No CEL - Drive it anywhere!!"

[miatamedition]

Thanks for the comment boss.

Something else to consider...this isn't a great time of year to be selling a convertible. Warm weather (ie, spring) would probably get more interest.

However, automatic trans is a negative any time of year. Sorry.

[miatamedition]

Thanks Bob_MX5, I described it the best way I know. I would recommend any buyer to take it to a mechanic before buying it so they know everything about the car. I will print out carfax so they know the history as well. I posted in Craigslist and hoping a buyer comes calling. Thanks.

Your buyer is not here, but on CL most likely. I think you need to update your ad to make it "more" honest. The driver's seat is shot. "Minor tear" is a gross mis-representation. That's a hole in the seat cushion and that leather is severely weather damaged to the point of looking like dry-rot even though the picture is poorly lit, unlike the pic of the passenger seat. Routine/required maintenance done? List it. There's much more to routine/required mantenance than "fluids". Has the AT been serviced? When was the TB/WP replaced? Still n the original suspension? Still on the original radiator and coolant system hoses? Post some pics of the engine bay!

Fix the ad, adjust the asking price to reflect its true condition, and you'll find a buyer.

B.

[miatamedition]

Thank you so much POS Racing! Honestly, this is my first Miata and my first Mazda anything and I love it. If I didn't need the cash for a family vehicle this baby would not be up for sale. There is a value to me that even if it is only worth $2,200 I will not go any lower than $3,200 because I myself paid for the car at $4,000. Same time I love the car. Bottom line if no one can make an offer that I or them are both willing to agree I would gladly wait 6 years and make it my daughter's first car : )

Thanks all for the comments!

Just another data point = When I'm looking for a car the phrase "CEL" pretty much eliminates it from any consideration unless the price is dirt cheap.

If the isn't shot (Which can also cause 02 CEL) I'd buy a couple of direct fit O2 sensors cheap on Amazon and bolt those suckers in place.

Turn that negative into a positive - "New O2 Sensors - No CEL - Drive it anywhere!!"

[whoswatchingme]

As a '97 M Edition owner, so i appreciate the few differences and as others have pointed out have little affect on value, i can honestly tell you that your asking is too high as others have pointed out given the various cosmetic and maintenance requirements and mileage. Also what you paid for it has absolutely no bearing on its actual value.

I usually use NADA to due a rough value assessment but their normal site only goes back to '98 so i used KBB, which is usually optimistically high as far as value, puts yours at $2200-$3400 depending on condition and it sounds like yours would meet the fair to, possibly, good condition so $2200-$2700 is probably realistic.

[miatamedition]

Thank you sir for your help. I also looked into it and I believe I feel safe and fair to be selling the vehicle at $3,000.00. If no one would buy it for this price I will keep it to myself and just have a talk with the wife. We deff need another family vehicle but I also have a soft spot for the 97 miata m edition and saving money here and there I could take it to a shop myself and just have a classic car. God Bless you all : )

As a '97 M Edition owner, so i appreciate the few differences and as others have pointed out have little affect on value, i can honestly tell you that your asking is too high as others have pointed out given the various cosmetic and maintenance requirements and mileage. Also what you paid for it has absolutely no bearing on its actual value.

I usually use NADA to due a rough value assessment but their normal site only goes back to '98 so i used KBB, which is usually optimistically high as far as value, puts yours at $2200-$3400 depending on condition and it sounds like yours would meet the fair to, possibly, good condition so $2200-$2700 is probably realistic.