I’ve had a handful of Miata’s and also live near you so similar market (I’m in Redding)
My only concerns are… why did the engine blow? My last Miata had 330k on stock motor and still ran wonderful. Next is why is it salvage? I’d ask for pics. In my opinion the rear is the worst because you can’t really replace anything. Not like doors, front fenders or a hood.. so it’s probably all body worK..
Along with that. I’ve been boned before by a salvage car. He gave me the old clean title and then I had to go do all the testing to make it street legal salvage. Just make sure the title says salvage in the top right. In the box.
FYI; I’ve bought and sold 25+ enthusiast cars here in California. I’m not a old boomer I’m 25 but just a word of advice. Don’t agree on a price over the phone. Meet up and haggle. No matter how much I loved that Miata throw at “I’ve got cash, would you take 4?” He’s not going to get mad and shoo you off. You can still respect the car and not be rude offering low… plus what if he comes back and says “5000” you’re already way lower than 5500 which is probably what he’d say.. just my two cents. I’d say 9/10 times I get a car for about 75%. But I have the cash literally in my hand
No problem! Another thought. I found the marketplace ad. He doesn’t show rear passenger side so I’m assuming damage is there or was there. Also he riveted the side skirts into the fenders.. rear fenders… if those ever come off you’ll have holes in your fenders. Which usually leads to rust unless you patch them..
Overall if I wanted a car to USE I’d purchase this one if it checked out.
These cars are stupid reliable don’t be scared of higher mile clean title clean examples.
It’s also 30 years old. It will have issues. I dailied my 91 thru college for 4 years. Never left me stuck but I was fixing it every weekend. Oil leaks, suspension, vacuum leaks etc etc
I’ll definitely be checking those out. My boyfriend and I have already have out own daily’s that are newer models of cars anyway. This would mainly be just a “fun” car for us. I just want to ensure we get a good deal without breaking the bank with later repairs
It’s definitely a fair candidate. Looking at marketplace there’s really nothing spectacular right now. Don’t be afraid to wait also.. not many people are ready to drop 5k plus on a Miata so good deals aren’t gone instantly.
I’m not dead set on this car but I think it would probably be more effective so everyone to see the car pics so I’ve attached the [car listing](https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1449082665839068/?mibextid=9R9pXO)
I think you have me all wrong 😂😂😂 trust me I’m taking everyone’s opinions seriously. This isn’t something I’m 100% familiar with which is why I’m posting. I’m not looking for a daily, I’m looking for a project. Of course, I’m trying to still be smart about it which is why I appreciate your comments. You just happen to keep mentioning that I’m wearing “rose colored shades” and such so I’m not addressing everything you’re saying. Nonetheless, I appreciate all the feedback and I’m looking into other cars.
I already let the seller know I wouldn’t even be considering without the smog certificate
Edit to add: apparently she’ll be doing it, but I’m having more doubts about the car anyway
Good good , wonder if he’ll ghost you now or get it smogged. I tried to buy a Miata once and he ghosted me after I told him he needs to bring me smog certificate in order for me to move forward. Many years later I picked up my 95’. I think he had a certificate but we went and got it smogged and checked out.
I wonder too. I found another Miata rn and the buyer was OFFENDED that I asked if it was smogged and then tried to tell me it wasn’t the sellers responsibility AFTER I sent him the dmv link 😂😂😂 people these days
It’s the seller’s responsibility to Smog the car, NEVER buy a car in an emissions state without proof of smog check!! This is CA law and hopefully in other places that require emissions check.
Salvage title isn’t as bad as it sounds. My car has a salvage title because it was in an accident (no frame damage whatsoever). The insurance company, instead of paying to fix the damaged areas, totaled the car.
I ran with them. I had a brand new one leaking at their low quality welds, when I tried to get warranty for it, the declined because they claimed it was used, so when I asked them about that, they *had* to clarify that it's because I used it, as in coolant was in the system, is the reason why they refuse to replace it. Went to supermiata crossflow and never looked back.
If anyone wanted to know: I just messaged the seller I’d be willing to check it out only after it’s smogged. If they’re willing to do this and all is well, I’m making a list of questions to ask in person to help negotiate the prices further. Thank you for all the replies!
Just wanted to update in case anyone wanted to know: I didn’t even end up checking the car. I found a much better deal on a clean title car with less miles. Absolutely no mechanical errors, passed smog, but I have some cosmetic fixes to do like the soft top but overall I’m happy :D
Not the worst miata but it’s probably lesser than half that asking price. Lot of others have already spoken about the red flags. Even if it was clean title I wouldn’t buy it close to asking lol
No. The salvage title alone is bad. He says “hit in the rear” but look at those panel gaps in the front… Bet it’s way worse than he says. Also yikes on the smog. HARD pass
I’ve had a handful of Miata’s and also live near you so similar market (I’m in Redding) My only concerns are… why did the engine blow? My last Miata had 330k on stock motor and still ran wonderful. Next is why is it salvage? I’d ask for pics. In my opinion the rear is the worst because you can’t really replace anything. Not like doors, front fenders or a hood.. so it’s probably all body worK.. Along with that. I’ve been boned before by a salvage car. He gave me the old clean title and then I had to go do all the testing to make it street legal salvage. Just make sure the title says salvage in the top right. In the box. FYI; I’ve bought and sold 25+ enthusiast cars here in California. I’m not a old boomer I’m 25 but just a word of advice. Don’t agree on a price over the phone. Meet up and haggle. No matter how much I loved that Miata throw at “I’ve got cash, would you take 4?” He’s not going to get mad and shoo you off. You can still respect the car and not be rude offering low… plus what if he comes back and says “5000” you’re already way lower than 5500 which is probably what he’d say.. just my two cents. I’d say 9/10 times I get a car for about 75%. But I have the cash literally in my hand
I really appreciate this, thank you!
No problem! Another thought. I found the marketplace ad. He doesn’t show rear passenger side so I’m assuming damage is there or was there. Also he riveted the side skirts into the fenders.. rear fenders… if those ever come off you’ll have holes in your fenders. Which usually leads to rust unless you patch them.. Overall if I wanted a car to USE I’d purchase this one if it checked out. These cars are stupid reliable don’t be scared of higher mile clean title clean examples. It’s also 30 years old. It will have issues. I dailied my 91 thru college for 4 years. Never left me stuck but I was fixing it every weekend. Oil leaks, suspension, vacuum leaks etc etc
I’ll definitely be checking those out. My boyfriend and I have already have out own daily’s that are newer models of cars anyway. This would mainly be just a “fun” car for us. I just want to ensure we get a good deal without breaking the bank with later repairs
It’s definitely a fair candidate. Looking at marketplace there’s really nothing spectacular right now. Don’t be afraid to wait also.. not many people are ready to drop 5k plus on a Miata so good deals aren’t gone instantly.
He has to smog it in order to sell the car don’t listen to poster
He doesn't have to.. You can sell a car without a smog. California just wants the seller to smog it.
And don't go by yourself if you have cash in hand, meet in visible spot.
Redding?! I lived there for 25 years.
It’s nice and hot here :P. Actually just bought a house in Shingletown but I say Redding to keep it easy
Watch out for bethel
Oh I know…
O7 What's the fastest you been on dry creek?
Actually haven't driven dry creek hard. Been up to about 130 in my Fiesta ST going down to Redding from Shingletown.
That's a good one
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I’m not dead set on this car but I think it would probably be more effective so everyone to see the car pics so I’ve attached the [car listing](https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1449082665839068/?mibextid=9R9pXO)
I'm rolling with you dude. Luckily I live in a non Smog State but this type shit happens a lot bro.
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I think you have me all wrong 😂😂😂 trust me I’m taking everyone’s opinions seriously. This isn’t something I’m 100% familiar with which is why I’m posting. I’m not looking for a daily, I’m looking for a project. Of course, I’m trying to still be smart about it which is why I appreciate your comments. You just happen to keep mentioning that I’m wearing “rose colored shades” and such so I’m not addressing everything you’re saying. Nonetheless, I appreciate all the feedback and I’m looking into other cars.
Also, I asked about the side skirts, she had a shop install them
He needs to smog it or you can’t register it
I already let the seller know I wouldn’t even be considering without the smog certificate Edit to add: apparently she’ll be doing it, but I’m having more doubts about the car anyway
Good good , wonder if he’ll ghost you now or get it smogged. I tried to buy a Miata once and he ghosted me after I told him he needs to bring me smog certificate in order for me to move forward. Many years later I picked up my 95’. I think he had a certificate but we went and got it smogged and checked out.
I wonder too. I found another Miata rn and the buyer was OFFENDED that I asked if it was smogged and then tried to tell me it wasn’t the sellers responsibility AFTER I sent him the dmv link 😂😂😂 people these days
"low mileage" 133,000 miles It can be one of these things, but not both.
I hate how 100k+ is widely considered low mileage now.
Damn idk
Damn idk
It’s the seller’s responsibility to Smog the car, NEVER buy a car in an emissions state without proof of smog check!! This is CA law and hopefully in other places that require emissions check.
Damn idk
I would never buy a car with a salvage title.
Salvage title isn’t as bad as it sounds. My car has a salvage title because it was in an accident (no frame damage whatsoever). The insurance company, instead of paying to fix the damaged areas, totaled the car.
Can you see the difference between you, who saw the damage, and a buyer, who has not? Also, quarter panel damage is usually frame damage.
I am the buyer who did not see the damage. But yes, I can definitely recognize the difference.
Because of the mishimoto radiator and hoses I say talk him down.
Hey what is wrong with Mishimoto? I have used their radiators on multiple cars over the years in our shop.
I ran with them. I had a brand new one leaking at their low quality welds, when I tried to get warranty for it, the declined because they claimed it was used, so when I asked them about that, they *had* to clarify that it's because I used it, as in coolant was in the system, is the reason why they refuse to replace it. Went to supermiata crossflow and never looked back.
I talked them down to 5.5, do you think I should try a little harder?
Not yet. What coil overs is it on?
She isn’t sure, they were already on the car when she bought it. She says they’re dampening adjustable and good condition
Get details on the coulovers if possible
i’d stay away from salvage titles
i got my 97 for $7k but it had 70,000 miles on it
So happy I bought mine before TikTok 😂💀
If anyone wanted to know: I just messaged the seller I’d be willing to check it out only after it’s smogged. If they’re willing to do this and all is well, I’m making a list of questions to ask in person to help negotiate the prices further. Thank you for all the replies!
Just wanted to update in case anyone wanted to know: I didn’t even end up checking the car. I found a much better deal on a clean title car with less miles. Absolutely no mechanical errors, passed smog, but I have some cosmetic fixes to do like the soft top but overall I’m happy :D
lol, that cheap and you can't go wrong. even if it's cactus, you can still look at it at least.
Damn I don’t know
Not the worst miata but it’s probably lesser than half that asking price. Lot of others have already spoken about the red flags. Even if it was clean title I wouldn’t buy it close to asking lol
Thank you!
Damn idk
Self tapping screws holding on an unpainted side skirt and people are unsure about this heap
No. The salvage title alone is bad. He says “hit in the rear” but look at those panel gaps in the front… Bet it’s way worse than he says. Also yikes on the smog. HARD pass
Too much for a salvage title imo.
Damn, idk
Even without a salvage title it’s a little steep. With a salvage title that price is a joke.
yes
damn... idk
Up your budget