Anyone know anything about Miata's?

[Venturous Randy]

My Lady Linda is wanting a Miata. I have been looking around the Local Swap and Shop and Craigslist and have found a few, but the biggest problem is she just has to have an automatic trans. The other concern is when looking at prices, Kelly Blue Book is showing about half or a little more worth for what people are asking. And, it is not uncommon for someone to be asking these prices with over 200,000 miles on them.

So, does anyone have any suggestions on what to look for or to avoid?

I did find an automatic that the guy said had 530 hp in the V-8 engine that is in it, but I can not talk her into that one and he wants $15,000 for it anyway.

RandyA

[SilvrT]

I did find an automatic that the guy said had 530 hp in the V-8 engine that is in it, but I can not talk her into that one and he wants $15,000 for it anyway.

RandyA

 

a Mazda Miata ?? with a 530hp V-8 engine?? I'd like to see that!!

 

A few years back, when I was single, one of my female friends had a Miata .... neat car!! Grabbed rubber in 2nd gear with it LOL.

[Naked Rider]

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-hybrids/37540d1122049458-my-ls1-v8-miata-project-pix-miata-small.jpg

[awsmsrv]

April Fool?

[kyle]

my girl wants one too... look'n for a 2005-08 with lo miles and an automatic "don't ask why"... I'm on my 5th mazda and have never had a problem..

[MLCRIDER]

Don't know alot about them but heres one off of Minneapolis craigslist

 

 

2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2 Dr Convertible -

[xxaos]

We have a '94 for my stepdaughter.

Check out http://miata.net/ for lots of info.

[naturbar]

don't know much about Miata's but here is one of my sons project cars - Mazda RX7 w/ LS1 installed......

[elmicko]

Hey Randy. My parents are big into Miata's and are members of the local Miata club. Their current one is an automatic and it'll still scoot. I did a few laps with it last summer at BMS and was very impressed.

 

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b303/elmicko2002/BMS.jpg

[1 Canuck]

my girl wants one too... look'n for a 2005-08 with lo miles and an automatic "don't ask why"... I'm on my 5th mazda and have never had a problem..

 

If you never had a problem...wouldn't you just have one?

[royalstar09]

Actually they are not bad cars. Small, but not bad. Get the optional hard top you will love it on long trips or foul weather. The one I drove quite a bit was a stick, good power for what it was. Just a fun little ride with no room for anything.

[Grisolm1]

Most reliable car I owned. Go for the manual if possible. You won't regret either though.

[Reddog170]

Great little cars. The only thing I may warn you to avoid are the ones that have been half arsed modified by someone who just wanted it to sound and look good. Shaun

[RandyR]

Its on the list of the most reliable cars in its class.

[FutureVentures]

My wife has a red '04 Miata and she loves it. I love to drive it too, when she lets me! It's the manual and I would recommend that over the auto., it's a sporty lil car. Loves to take turns with the tail end sliding nicely around, in control.

 

There's almost no body lean through the tightest of turns. But I swear, I feel less visible in that then I do on my bike, as it's so friggin low to the ground. Pull up next to a semi truck and you feel like a bug on the ground.

 

She got hers for $6k with about 75k miles on it from a neighbor. Also has the hard top which is nice when it's colder.

 

Here's a pic of our two toys sharing a room together. The license plate is a play on her name, Catherine and her daughter, Melody.

[jonesy]

2 used car dealer friends buy up any they can, go with larger wheels, I like the hard tops converables myself, drove one up from Fl. not long ago, liked it on road, cheaper down there. high teens for price up here, 08 or 09's around 20's for miles

[stroker ace]

No April Fools here.

 

http://www.monstermiata.com/

[RSTDdog]

What year range and budget are you looking at?

 

The original miata (NA) with the hidden headlights were built from 1989 to 1997. FInding those with an automatic is tough becasue the build number with automatics is low (less than 5% of production IIRC). In NA models look for a 94-97 model with a 1.8L. A little more power than original 1.6 and you'll need all of it with the automatic. Should be able to pick up a nice for 3-5K depending on miles and condition.

 

NB models start in 1999 and go through 2005. All of these have the 1.8L slighlty more production with automatics, but not signifcant. In these I think you want to look for an 01-05. Around 5-10K seen to be the going rate.

 

The NC models start in 2006. Slightly bigger than the NA and NB models. Also more money.

 

Someone else posted the link, but miata.net has everything you need to know about these cars.

 

I have a 97 STO edition. I have had it for 3 years. Put 30K miles on it. Tires brakes and oil changes is all I have done. I'm 6'2" and it could be bigger, but tough to beat the fun factor and mpg (consistent 28 mpg w/1.8 L and 5speed).

 

I Need a bummper sticker for the RSTD that says My other motorcycle is a Miata!

 

Rstddog