So, I came across a cheap miata ($1200). It runs and drives but it's been sitting for a while. It's a 1990 with 190K miles. Needs a windshield, driver door glass, and some paint. Those are at least the surface items that are readily noticable. It is conpletely stock.
So, the question is, is it worth buying a cheap miata or should I just wait until I have more money and buy a nicer one?
If I bought the cheap one I would probably clean it up do some paint work, upgrade the suspension and take it to the challenge. After the challenge I would use it for autocross and unpgrade thing along the way.
If I bought a nicer one I would just use it for autocross.
I'd price the repairs and compare the grand total to cars being offered in the same area. If the car you're buying is $2k repaired then why not buy a $2k car already sorted? If price is an object and you'll wait on the repairs then I could see pouncing on this one. Keep in mind that full coverage on a car usually covers at least one windshield replacement a year. Also, all the white ones need paint. If I go over 90 I lose more by the minute. Jeep owners are also living proof that doors are a luxury. 
If it's rust free and straight I'd dive right in. You'd replace everything on a "nicer" one eventually anyway. If it's rotten or too bent up that's too much money for just a nice starting point.
At that price I'd be surprised if you didn't lose out by taking the time to post your question. Buy for $1000 or less, Maaco, windsheild for <$200, door glass for <$50, detail, sell for $2000-$3000 in the spring, repeat yearly. Or just detail it and flip it for $1500. I've done both recently.
I had one with 198k that I bought for $1300, I spend a couple hundred on repairs and upgrades, and had a great little car that I shoud have kept :(
evildky wrote:
I had one with 198k that I bought for $1300, I spend a couple hundred on repairs and upgrades, and had a great little car that I shoud have kept :(
The only proper replacement for a Miata is another Miata.
What it this one worth? Is it a good buy?
http://bham.craigslist.org/cto/896544115.html
Not in the ad: engine was rebuilt by the owner and his dad (no paper work available), fenders would need some work before paint.
You try joining CAMS? or a similar local club? Often very good deals there. Bought a repainted stock 90 for $2000 from their classifieds 4 years ago and it needed next to nothing.
I actually didn't know they existed.
Are you in the area?
