Miata Mailing List: April 1995, Message #123
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   From: XINCLXMiata@learnlink.emory.edu (Miata Conference @ learnlink.emory.edu)
Subject: Re: Choosing a used Miata...
   Date: Mon, 3 Apr 1995 23:33:00 -0400

If you buy a used Miata from a dealer, chances are you will pay more than if
you purchased the same Miata from an individual. The real question is: "Am I
getting a good value?" One sure way to find out is to contact a loan officer
at your bank. Ask them what the "Black Book" value is for the year and model
you are looking for. Also, do some homework on the week-ends in the want ads
and see what people are asking for similar cars. This will REQUIRE going out
and looking at several Miatas. If you do this, you will be armed with CURRENT
info on what's happening in that market place. Then your decision will be
based on knowledge - not some salesperson's sales pitch. Remember, the
salesperson wants to sell a car today. They(the salesperson) will not fix it
when it breaks.
I would recomend looking for a B Package because it would already have power
windows AND cruise control. Sounds like the Miata you looked at was an A
Package.
Rear windows can be repaired by a trin shop as opposed to being replaced. This
costs much less BUT is less factory looking. None the less...very practical. I
would also venture to say you may find one with under 40K if you are patient.
The $8,995 price is OK.....$7,800 would be much better. All this is assuming
the car is in GREAT shape. Look under the hood at the engine compartment too.
If its really clean, (if purchased from an individual) can be an indication of
the current owners treatment of the car. Usually a clean engine compartment
means the owner was a meticulous caretaker......a good sign. Always ask if the
individual has all the service records. This may sound like a lot to do. What
you don't know is you are about to fall head over heels in Love (automotively
speaking) and that Love Affair will grow as the years go by. Most of us here
will attest to that. Don't put yourself in the position of having a Love
triangle: You, the Miata and the mechanic. Do your homework now and the two of
you will live happily aftermarket....er.. I mean... everafter. Best of luck!
Andy Cork 


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