I am looking at buying a 1999 Mazda miata with 102,000 miles on it. It has a standard transmission. The seller wants $6,000 for it. Is this a reasonable deal? How long should this car last? It is also a convertible; I live in Seattle. How bad are soft-top convertibles in the rain? I can park it in a garage overnight but may need to leave it on the street while I work. Thanks.
In good condition $6000 is a reasonable price. But I would go online and do a search on the things to check out on a used Miata. Of course the best option is to take it to a reliable mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. The problem there is that they are increasingly difficult to find.
The pluses, they are one of the funnest cars there is to drive. They are well built and generally quite reliable. Parts are plentiful and they are easy to work on.
The minuses, it's a 22 year old car and who knows how it was maintained. It is a two-seater with limited space for people and cargo.
They are great if you like a chick car. A ragtop in Seattle? Just try to stay out of the Autonomous Zone. Some Antifa member might slit your top and pee in your car.
Aw, where's the love?
Lol
{blackemo}:laughtertotears:
he should be more like you, and buy antique grumpy-old-man trucks, and oil them every week 😉
Damn straight, Pierre! My stuff lasts forever. I just got two offers on my '81 Toy longbed 4x4 while at the minimart.. No sale, no way.
those are rare. How much were they willing to pay?
One guy offered me $5K which I rudely declined and the other guy was talking around $7K but seemed to be more talk than action.
Start with reading here:
https://www.miata.net/garage/garagebuying.html
Anyway, Miatas are fun cars, regardless of model: NA, NB, NC, ND. When looking at a used one, first thing to check is body. Check for rust, check for damage. Walk away from rusted Miatas… and walk away from repaired ones (regardless how well one was repaired!). Next, previous owners, how many? If one, OK, worth a further look, inspect the car. If multiple owners history, … walk!
Now, once you find one like above described, and you like it, … splurge a bit ( couple of hundred bucks), …have it independently inspected by a good mechanic. If it passes with flying colours, … just get it! If you do like to drive, … there will be no regrets!
Best,
F.S.
You will likely pay a premium, as it is more likely to be a well maintained car, but I would check the classifieds in the Miata.net forum ( https://forum.miata.net/ ) and see if there are any listings local to you.
search on the things to check out on a used Miata
Any advice for places/websites to use to do a "search on the things to check out on a used Miata"?