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Well, I've decided to buy a Miata. My wife thinks it's a midlife crisis, I say I just want to own a fun car. Unfortunately, my funds dictate that I buy a very cheap one. I've been searching for 2 weeks and the budget cars are definitely few and far between but I will stay persistent. If anyone knows of a cheap one, I would really appreciate a heads up.
I have to work this Saturday but I plan on making it out to the swap meet this weekend at TDR hopefully.
Brian
Good luck on your search! Be warned, a Miata is not usually considered a <2k car unless it's got dire problems, and a lot of them.
Welcome aboard and good luck. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for.
What's your budget? Miatas tend to provide very good value for the $$, but you really don't want a sub-$2k Miata unless its a deal (meaning it's not really a <$2K car, but you got it for less). The exception would be if you are looking for a project, have a lot of Miata knowledge, or simply don't mind a beater. The charm of a Miata is how well it works when it is working, so a beater can ruin that experience.
Your best options are:
1) Find the oldest non-molested Miata out there with cosmetic issues (paint, top) and good mechanicals.
2) Save a little more and buy a late NA or an NB, which are extremely good values right now. Buy it from an enthusiast.
Do you turn your own wrenches?
If you do, then you know what to look for.
If you don't, then spending a bit more up front for a good car with service history is WAAAAYYYY cheaper than spending less. And, BTW, a Miata is a great platform for learning how to wrench if you have any interest in it.
You're going to love it. Great cars with a capital "G"!
Just reminder her getting a new fun car is much less complicated that getting a new fun wife.Quote:
Originally Posted by losi b
Welcome. Here is a link for information about buying a used Miata. http://www.miata.net/faq/usedmx5.html
Good luck with your search. Don't get impatient, your Miata is out there.
Wow, thank everyone for the replys, suggestions and comments. I appreciate them all. I have worked for an auto electric company for the past 23 years so I'm ok with spinning some wrenches and diagnosing electrical delimas. Project cars, are actually the direction I'm going although I'd prefer no body work. By chance, does anyone know of any cars available in the DFW area that would fit my criteria?
howdy neighbor! just prowl around on craigslist for one. right now ther arent any that look like good deals but there are a few under or around 2k. but they are real fixer uppers. take it from me take your time finding a good one. i jumped on a "good deal" but turned out to be not as good a deal as i thought but thats my fualt for being impatient. but in the end it runs well and is a blast to drive.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/3811186530.html dinged fender ( i could try to pop that out with a glue puller but dont blame me if i accidentally rip off some paint), miles could be lower, cant really tell much from pics but they could probably be persuaded to go lower other more experienced members could comment/help find a better car
Howdy neighbor.Quote:
Originally Posted by lolmx5
I've been test driving most of the cheaper one's on C L for the past few days and finding that I'll be needing to save up some more cash to get what I'm looking for. It's funny, actually. My wife was the first person to suggest that I save up more $ to get what I wanted.
Y'all keep me informed if you here of an NA fixer upper, please.:drive:
Well, I started heading towards the swap meet on LBJ at 2. Traffic stopped dead and it started to pour rain. Sadly, I turned towards home. So, did I miss any bargain Miatas?
There was a great 10AE that was priced very reasonably - even from a jaded enthusiast's perspective. Tons of fantastic OEM and aftermarket goodies, too. Sorry you didn't make it.Quote:
Originally Posted by losi b
You can pm me for info on the 10AE he is referring to.
I don't see the pm icon, I'm on a smart phone that doesnt make me feel smrt. My cell is 214-717-9700. Would you mind calling or texting me please?Quote:
Originally Posted by OZMDD
Thanks, Brian
I think there is a 10 post minimum before you can PM.
Would you mind calling or texting me the details of your car.Quote:
Originally Posted by cone-cerned
Also, does anyone have a link to the various codes, ie 10ae and various option packages? Thanks in advance.
^Lots of info here - http://www.miata.net/faq/
OZMDD, I think that is for you. My car is not for sale. (Which only means that it would be VERY expensive.)Quote:
Originally Posted by losi bWould you mind calling or texting me the details of your car.Quote:
Originally Posted by cone-cerned
...
I'll give you a call this afternoon.Quote:
Originally Posted by losi b
10ae (10th Anniversary Edition) = Really Nice Car!Quote:
Originally Posted by losi b
OZMDD, I'm on my way to pick up a 99 Anniversary Edition today at 10am. If you can, give me a call before then.Quote:
Originally Posted by OZMDD
Thank you
Well, I bought my 99 10ae last night. It has had some changes made to it unfortunately. There's no drivers fender badge, the seats have been changed so no speakers in the he headrest and it has a 5 speed in it. All of these are no big deal to me. I did get it for $3000 including tt&l out the door.
Congrats...post up some pics.
You sure it is a 10ae and not just a blue miata?Quote:
Originally Posted by losi b
He called mazda and they told him the vin indicated a 10ae.
Must have a miata technologies license plate frame...
I can't get my photobucket to load the pictures for some reason. I did put a few up on Face Book, Brian Reynolds in Lewisville, Texas. I'll shoot some good pictures soon and find a way to get them up on here. By the way, I would like to give a big thank you to OZMMD for the help. He's a very helpful guy and I appreciate it. My Miata is white with tan 2 tone interior. This is the 1st full day of driving it. What a blast.
Quote:
Originally Posted by OZMDD
Am I missing something here? I thought all 10ae's were Blue?? :confused:Quote:
Originally Posted by losi b
Congrats on the Miata!!
Yep, i thought 10 AEs had blue exterior and cool two tone blue interior with suede seat inserts.
Please tell me it had a Miata Technologies license plate frame.Quote:
Originally Posted by jrj512
I'm confused...
Vin swap? rare version? Repaint and interior redone?
Hmm, sound like something is off, or the Mazda rep got confused about 99 being the tenth anniv of the Miata as opposed to an acutal 10ae. All 10ae were blue w/ black leather and blue insert seats, 6mt, etc. For the price paid, it ought to be a good deal. Not a 10ae, though.
I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers. I can tell you all that I am positive that my first full day of driving my Miata was great.
LOL. That's all that matters! :drive:Quote:
Originally Posted by losi b
No feathers ruffled, just want to be sure you get good info. Have a ball!
Well, I stopped by TDR and talked with William and Gary for a while, nice guys. William informed me that I have a LS. I'm sorry about the confusion that I caused, I was going by the information that I recieved.