Pretty much what the subject is. My father always wanted a Mazda miata. Liked them becuase their cute, small and an adult go cart. So my question is, is there a certain year I should look for, ease of working on myself, how much is over priced and milage. Not looking at making it a speed demon, just something my dad could have fun in while he's still able. Any suggestions would be helpful. I dont want to give him a gift that's a project car unless it was a 71 Mach 1 or 67 mustang coupe. Thanks for the help
I say: … consider second generation of the Miata: … one from 1998 to 2005, … perhaps 2003 to 2005 - a one with a manual 6-speed? Try to find the best one you can afford: … no accidents, one owner, complete (no missing parts), … unmodified! Oh, and rust, … no rust! Anything modified, rusted or rebuilt/restored you find: … just walk!
Once you find one, … splurge on comprehensive inspection by an independent mechanic, … prior to purchase!
F.S.
Thank you so much, those are pretty much the answers I was looking for. I really appreciate it. Time to let the hunt begin
Well try one from 98 to 04 with less than 140k miles under 5k and we'll maintained and runs good and there you go. Dad will have fun in that for sure. Also as when was the last time the clutch was replaced that will tell you a lot about how hard they drove it and the owners driving habits. If they replaced it at 40 to 60k miles they smoked thru the gears and most likely pushed it hard. If they changed it after 90k miles ask if it was a daily and if they did mostly city driving most likely the reason why they needed a new clutch at 90k to 110k. If they haven't replaced most likely it will need one soon or they really babyed the car and it will be a great buy.
Have fun.
we have an '06 for playing with, i think they received a little extra HP and a smidgen longer/wider in '06, would like to have the hardtop but not necessary, i think a new top goes $500 or so
i paid $7500 with 80k miles, pre-pandemic
