Miata Mailing List: July 1993, Message #45
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   From: steve@laforge.ksc.nasa.gov (Steve Davis)
Subject: Buying used
   Date: Wed, 7 Jul 1993 10:17:01 -0400



From: The Terror That Flaps in the Night 
>  Hi, I've been on the list for a while and have just now come up
>with specific questions about buying a Miata.
>	There seem to be a fair amount of used Miatas in my area
>(Delaware).  So I'm looking to buy something around a '91.  The

>options I'm concerned with are: Air Conditioning, headrest speakers,
>and a Hardtop; also interested in ABS, but not sure how much wishful

>thinking this is.  I wouldn't mind other options (I sort of plan on

>having to get a package A at least).  Does A/C come with Package A?

>If not, I'm sure I'll wind up buying the package that includes A/C.

For the '93 models, Package A adds alloy wheels, power steering,
power mirrors, headrest speakers, and probably something else minor.
A/C is sold separately from the three packages, as is the hard top
and ABS.  I think the options grouping was a little bit different in
'91; I'm sure someone else can help there.

>	My larger concern is a Hardtop.  There don't seem to be many
>used Miatas with Hardtops, would it be possible to buy a hardtop
>from a dealer?  I'm sure if it is, it'll be pretty expensive, but
>does anyone have any idea of just HOW expensive something like this
>would cost?

The hard top is a $1500 (list price) option for '93 models; you can
probably expect to pay about that much for one for a used Miata.  If
you do this, make sure you can still get the correct color top for
the car you buy.  Hardtops are rare in the used market for (I would
guess) two reasons:  (a) not many people buy them in the first place,
and (b) those who do usually plan to hang on to their babies for more
than three or four years, so they haven't hit the classifieds yet.

>	Another thing I'm considering is that since I only want 2-3
>options, would I be better off just ordering one new?  Also, buy
>ordering new, would I be able to get away with ordering the headrest
>speakers and no radio of any kind?  I'm figuring that I wouldn't.
>So if I ordered no Radio (can you even do that?) how hard is it to
>install the headrest speakers?  I imagine it being pretty tough,
>since I'm sure I'd have to buy different seats.
>	I really don't want to spend more than $13K, that's why I've

>been thinking about buying used.  Am I being resonable in price

>expectations?

If $13K is your limit, don't even consider a new Miata.  List price
for the base car (no A/C, manual everything) is $15,300.  A/C adds
another $800 or so, and package A is around $1000.

For 1993, even the base model comes standard with a AM/FM/cassette
stereo.  Be forewarned that the Miata only allows a mounting depth of
6.25 inches for the stereo.  Also, you want the faceplate to be as
flat and flush as possible (no big knobs or buttons); otherwise, your
shift hand will bang the controls.  The door speaker cutouts are of a
non-standard size; they're slightly larger than standard 6.5"
speakers.  I think the seats are the same regardless of whether or
not they come with headrest speakers.  Check the list archive; there
was a pretty detailed discussion about installing headrest speakers
about a month ago.

>Thanks to all in advance for the advice...it's most appreciated!

With pleasure!  Good luck in your shopping endeavour.

Regards,

Steve
'93 Classic Red "A"