Miata: Deal or no deal?

1996 with 76k. cosmetically good, mechanically good, needs tires & t-belt replaced. Base model + p/s, roll bar, Koenig 15" rims, CD and Hella headlights added.

The agreed-upon price is $4250. Deal or no deal?

Do you know the car's history? If it's had regular maintenance, that price is a pretty decent deal. Not having the torsen diff is a bummer though, unless you're looking to run in STS2.

I paid $3250 for a rust-free 1994 with 130k, so you're probably a little ahead of me. I think I'd try to talk the seller into doing the T-belt and water pump before the sale, or offer 4k even.

This summer I bought a totally rust free 120k 1993 C package car from New Jersey for $4000. It has all the original but still shiny paint, a new tan top, Hard Dog double diagonal roll bar, Koni adjustable shocks, Racing Beat springs and lower braces, 16" Kosei wheels with new no name tires and a Thermal cat back exhaust. The drivetrain is totally stock and it has a rear LSD (supposed to be a Quaiffe) with a low ratio. It has the typical rock chips and dings along with a very minor dent on the passenger door. The radio antenna doesn't retract but the car came with a new A/C compressor and condensor (charged with 134a) and a new radiator. Somebody really loved this car and it shows. Hell, I love this car-it's exactly what I would have built if I bought a stock Miata.

For the lower miles you are getting I'd say you are getting an okay deal. You should have room to bargain since it's getting close to winter and convertible prices should be falling accordingly.

Jimbob, if your drivetrain is totally stock, it has a viscous LSD with a 4.30 R&P at best. It won't be a Quaife rear end, but if someone's swapped in a factory Torsen out of a 1.8 it's a similar helical-style.

I'd call $4250 okay for a base 1996. I'm pretty sure that's an open diff though.

Jim--OT, but great to see you've got a Miata again! No, I'm NOT selling you another hardtop!

Is it a real roll bar or is it a "Style Bar"?

I wouldn't sell you my bone stock '96 with 80k and impeccable maintenance for that, so, yeah, it's probably a good deal.

OTOH, I just paid $4k for a '90 B package with 21k (not a typo) and a hard top.

Woody wrote: Is it a real roll bar or is it a "Style Bar"?

No, it's a real roll bar. Looks to be a Hard Dog dual-diagonal roll bar, the one that costs $450 or so.

Well, I bought it. I like it. Black wasn't my first (or 2nd or 3rd) choice, but it is a fair car at a fair price. I'm happy.

Looks like a good deal. Enjoy the car.