Buying a 1999 Miata.

chobit

Hello,  (Remember I live in Seattle, and I am planning to buy this in Seatle, so all in US)

I found a 1999 Red Miata which I am interested of getting from a friend. However, he doesn't know how much to sell it at, nor do I know how much to offer.

Anyone have a clue?

Color: Red
Condition is Average, but no leaking on soft-top.
Power Windows
Power Steering
5-speed
Timing belt has been changed
Mileage: 63000

Thanks

akshea

go to craigslist seattle and find the avg. price ... take that and then multiply by 0.8 or 0.9

chobit

Yeah..I know it is quite small..!  It would most likely more for my wife to drive and learn stick shift....., but I might drive it occassionlly..!

winkyl

friend's price... $7k and call it a day la...
does it comes with hardtop? Hardtop down it the states actually cost more than in Canada...
In Canada, hardtop price (2nd hand for NA and NB, yes,  exchange-able) are from $700 to 1100 depends on defroster or not. Down in the states usually non-defrost one sold for over $900 easily...
I sold one of my hardtop to an American guy that lives in Seattle back then, he drove all the way up to my house to pick it up

chobit

Hi Winkyl,

Who knows if I will end up keeping it for fun abit longer..., anything that I should watch for, or anything feature I should have?

EL

Catpiano

EL ..  when u sell any of your cars .. let us ..  Canadian lyk know first ar ..  

winkyl

usually nb miata are pretty reliable, as long as it's rust free, engine revs good (no hesitation), pretty much it's trouble free. See if the 2nd gear grinds from 1st to 2nd, that's sign of syncro wearing out. It's common on the NA NB miata, but on NB gear box, I believe it's suppose more robust compare to 1st gear NA ones. Check the soft top for leaks, easiest way is to use a garden hose to spray around the soft top area for like a good 3-5 minutes, then check for the rear carpet where the soft top sits for wetness. (carpet should be dry)

On miata.net, there's a pretty good used guide on that. Both of them are pretty detail and specific what to look for on a Used miata.
http://www.miata.net/faq/usedmx5.html
http://www.miata.net/faq/inspection_list.html

If you have any other question, feel free to ask me

chobit

Thanks Winkyl, I'll try my best to check it out before I buy =D

EL

winkyl

Good luck! and let us know when you got your NB!!!