NA Value, Wow is it Inflated! [Archive] (2024)

WildKarrde

1st August 2006, 21:11

Around where I live, I have a REALLY hard time finding a running Miata, any condition, and any year for under $6k. Is that normal? The KBB value, in excellant condition for most of the car I've looked at is well under $3500... and I haven't seen a single one in Excellant condition, most are in fair, or fair-good condition. So, I figure, man, for that price I'll get a newer one! But the NB's seem to go for around $12,000... there isn't much middle ground, at least around here.

I had found a white '92 in good condition for $2985... I curse myself for not jumping on it. :( When I called the guy back to tell him I wanted it (only 2 days later) it was already sold. I guess what I'm wondering is... should I expect to pay above-excellant condition price on a car that is only fair? High resale value is great for if you ever want to sell... but I don't ever plan on selling it, but at the same time I don't want to pay such a high premium for one of these cars. If I need to... I probably will, I just really don't want to.

So... would I get some buyers tips? Where can I find a good car for a reasonable price? I've found that in most cases, buying out of state isn't worth it, because after you pay for shipping it's just as much, or more expensive than the local cars. Any advice on how to talk down the price with the owner?

NA6C-Guy

1st August 2006, 21:43

Hans

1st August 2006, 21:43

WildKarrde

1st August 2006, 21:46

Im having the same issue, I used to see good shape ones all the time for less than $5k and now that Im actually looking for one the only ones I see are 90-93 models with over 150k miles and STILL want $6500+ for them... :eek:

Precisely... I'd be willing to pay $6000 for one in mint condition with less than 100k miles... but now that I want one I can't find them anywhere. :(

Phillip

1st August 2006, 21:49

Hmm, where in the Upstate are you? Miatas seem to be slim pickins in SC. I traveled to Tampa to buy mine, but that's an exceptional case. I'll agree with you though. I looked for several months before I bought and there was practically nothing in South Carolina.

I don't see why you would limit yourself to in-state purchases. Atlanta has a good market for Miatas. Charlotte Miatas pop up occasionally, but the pricing is usually too high. I've seen some decent deals in the Triangle area of NC (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill). Have you searched Craigslist? When I was searching I would hit all of the cities listed on Craigslist in all the neighboring states.

As far as talking the seller down...know your stuff and perhaps use things like neglected maintenance (if you can tell) as negotiating terms. Some people will refuse to believe that their car is worth less, but others will be reasonable. Also, if you see something good in an ad, do not wait to call. I don't know what else to tell you, other than SC has a crappy market for NA's, in my experience.

Muti007

1st August 2006, 21:50

Im having the same issue, I used to see good shape ones all the time for less than $5k and now that Im actually looking for one the only ones I see are 90-93 models with over 150k miles and STILL want $6500+ for them... :eek:

6500 for a 90-93 with 150k miles is insane. Might even be a little high for that year with 50k on the odo. You just have to keep looking, and are also in the middle of the summer when prices are highest.

Autotrader, cars.com, craigslist and ebay. You have to hit all of them on a daily basis and as much as you can. There are deals out there, theyre just not as easy to find as the insane prices. Keep your head up, youll find one. My first one was a 90with 13k on the odo, rebuilt engine, and not in the best condition for $2200. My current one is a 90 with 80k miles, clean and no accidents but in need of a top and paint, I bought in April for $1900. BOTH took me months to find.

Irishguy

1st August 2006, 21:51

I bought my 1990 for a steal, because the previous owner thought the head gasket was bad. Turns out the car runs great and nothing is wrong with it. I would consider it to be in average very clean condition.

I have fixed it up and done some reconditioning and even now have very little invested in it. I put it in the classifieds today and it sold to the first caller for $3450. It is an "A" package a with over 160k miles.

Miatas are bringing much more than what the "book" says. Why... Because they're worth it. :D

Good luck with your search.

MrMiatagi

1st August 2006, 22:09

JerryMc

1st August 2006, 22:42

I just found this in the Atlanta area. 90 Miata (http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/184878697.html)

Seems the guy would take $1000 or less if I read the add right. Has engine needed to swap out non running engine.

I would buy this myself probably if I had the time to work on it. Too much going on in my life ATM.

Hope someone benefits from this post. :)

fasteddie

1st August 2006, 23:02

NA6C-Guy

1st August 2006, 23:11

Irishguy

1st August 2006, 23:21

only ones Im finding that are good deals are 150-175K miles or more for $4,000 plus and not in that great of shape. only one i see i would consider is a 93' w/ 148,000 miles for $4000, but its not a color im really thrilled about, i want BLACK!!!

You've got $$$$$$...

I've got...

http://forum.miata.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=7220

:D

Eric N.

1st August 2006, 23:32

tonyweir

1st August 2006, 23:38

I went through the same thing. In the San Francisco bay area the N/A's go fast. the good deals go REALLY fast. I was checking craigslist daily and still I was too late...

I decided to check the Los Angels and San Diego area to see if they were as hot down there. Turns out they are not. I found an awesome deal in San Diego and I was going down there anyway so I took a tow dolly with me and brought the car back.

Try checking other metro areas and maybe you'll come up with something. It may be worth $200-$300 to have it shipped to you if it's in good shape and the deal is right.

Orion ZyGarian

1st August 2006, 23:38

Holy crap thats great news for me...I bought mine maybe 6 monthes ago for 2800! Excellent condition, and just like all the other Miatas on the road, owned by an elderly couple who took care of it.

I've decided to keep the car because its fun around corners and 35 mpg consistently...yeah so it cant get out of its own way in a straight line...but I still love it. I'll just have to give it some bolt ons!

NA6C-Guy

2nd August 2006, 00:02

You've got $$$$$$...

I've got...

http://forum.miata.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=7220

:D
NICE! what kind of money do you speak, oh great one :)

OVR_miata

2nd August 2006, 00:40

Phillip

2nd August 2006, 00:48

WildKarrde

2nd August 2006, 01:14

I have about a 2 hour radius that I can shop from, outside of that would be pretty much impossible though, since I don't have anyone to go pick a car up with me, and since I don't feel comforteable buying such an old car, as a daily driver/only car without first seeing it in person. I'm in the Greenville upstate area.That Sunburt looks great! But it's 6 hours away... and I think it's already been sold. It says "Sale Pending." Thanks for the help so far! I hope I don't need to wait until it gets cold to find a good one... but we'll see.

I've never checkeg Craiglist before... just did though, and it seems there are quite a few in Atlanta. If I can arrange for somebody to go with me, I might check some of them out.

sonicmadness

2nd August 2006, 01:18

Phillip

2nd August 2006, 01:20

I can offer a hand in the process, but I'm almost 2 hours away from you in Rock Hill. I'll be glad to go look at some with you or for you if you find any within an hour or so of me if I have time. Just PM or email me if you find something.

Keep checking Craigslist. You never know when they're going to pop up there! Good luck. Also, don't forgot to check the Classifieds here at Miata.net. The cars have a better chance of being well maintained and taken care of if the seller takes the time to market it here.

Joseph Bennett

2nd August 2006, 01:31

Greasyman

2nd August 2006, 01:39

bamkhan

2nd August 2006, 01:52

jambo101

2nd August 2006, 03:10

Up around these parts (southern Ontario) a good clean one will go for 4-7k CDN, but some people are getting ridiculous and asking 10K for a 1990. I think some people are just inflating the prices. I know i talked my PO down about a grand when buying mine in May this year.

I've never seen a clean Miata going for anything less than $7k cdn. in Canada,where are you seeing these $4k cdn. Miatas?
i've been trying to sell my clean 97 all summer,i started at $10k and have gradually reduced it to $8.9k and i havent had a call yet.as far as being overpriced the Black Book value for my 97 is $10.3k cdn but i realize its only worth what some one will pay for it..

Irishguy

2nd August 2006, 06:38

NICE! what kind of money do you speak, oh great one :)

I was just teasing you. It's not for sale. I've kind of promised it to my girlfriend if/when we get married. If I sold it she would... Well... It's what she wouldn't do anymore. :rolleyes:

Seriously... PM me and give me your contact information. Since were in the same town I can keep an eye out for you. I have bought my last two for under $1000. I'm always looking for Miatas and If I see a good deal that I think you may want I'll holler at you.

You should think about joining our local club www.camsmx5.com even though you don't have one yet, there's always someone who knows where one is. I bought my last one through a club contact for only $800.

NA6C-Guy

2nd August 2006, 08:19

I was just teasing you. It's not for sale. I've kind of promised it to my girlfriend if/when we get married. If I sold it she would... Well... It's what she wouldn't do anymore. :rolleyes:

Seriously... PM me and give me your contact information. Since were in the same town I can keep an eye out for you. I have bought my last two for under $1000. I'm always looking for Miatas and If I see a good deal that I think you may want I'll holler at you.

You should think about joining our local club www.camsmx5.com even though you don't have one yet, there's always someone who knows where one is. I bought my last one through a club contact for only $800.thanks man. if you see any for a good price in good shape without a ton of miles and is either black or red let me know if you dont want it :D

ps checked site and got nothing, either closed or down

Hans

2nd August 2006, 08:47

Jard

2nd August 2006, 08:58

There are/were a ton of cars on the Washington, DC craigslist when I started looking.

93 w/hardtop and 65k miles for $5k - Needed to have 60k service performed.
95 base w/65k miles for $5k - Said 60k service was done. I bought the car for $4250 and found out it hadn't been done. :mad:

bayview

2nd August 2006, 09:03

Hans

2nd August 2006, 09:19

pigmalean

2nd August 2006, 11:09

The reason so many here have problems finding a good deal, is that EVERYONE seems to look in the same places...ie, autotrader, ebay, cars.com, craigslist, etc.

The only way to get a good deal on THOSE cars is to jump first, fastest, and hardest... and then... maybe... you can score a good deal.

The key to getting a good deal EVER is to jump first, but to find a pond or wet spot that NO ONE else is fishing in: Getting good deals is hard, and to do it takes long-term commitiment.

If you are REALLY into miatas, and want to end up with either a CREAMPUFF, or a GREAT deal, plan on buying and selling at LEAST two. Here's why/how:

1. Start by spending $20 on cheap business cards. NOT for cars... they can be just 'hi my name is george' business carsd w/your phone #.

2. Put them on every miata you EVER see that's in your target year range, with a scribbled note on the back, saying, "Would you like ot sell your car? Please call me if so"... ESPECIASLLY miatas you see sittin gin garages or backyards and/or driveways that don't appear to be use a lot/ever. ESPECIALLY also those w/ripped tops, and cloudy windows in parkinglots.

3. Tell EVERY SINGLE PERSON YOU MEET that you are a miataphile, and are ALWAYS in the market to buy one. Miata maita miata... everyone: Granny, neighbors, UPS/FEDEX guy, ditzy receptionist who thinks miata is a pickup word... EVERYONE.

#3 goes hand in hand with a VERY simple life philosophy: Think and TALK about what you want, and it will come to you. It really will, if only because you will become more aware and knowledgeable aobut it, if nothing else.

4. Have cash available. In the bank, or on you, but have it available. WHen deals come along, cash talks, and the longer you're talking to someone about a particular car, the more likely it is that THEY will start thinking about it and consider putting it up for sale on autotrader or cars.com, etc...

5. To get a GREAT deal on a miata (I define GREAT as 1/2 of market or miata.net price for cheaper cars, and at least $1000 easy profit for higher end cars) you will have to actively look at/target at least 100 miatas. As time goes on, that number will go down for a lotta reasons. I've been buying/selling cars for 20+ years for fun/hobby, and I'm in the 1/10 area for great deals...but overall, not just confined to miatas. On miatas, I'm about 1/20 for great deals.

6.Buy the first decent deal on a miata you come across, and DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT, start modifying it and making it 'perfect' because

7. Keep driving the first miata, put it up for sale, and CONTINUE hunting for more deals... again, EVERYWHERE but autotrader.com, craigs list, etc... you can still look there, but 99% of all the cars I've ever bought were NOT from the 'conventional' sources...

8. For every decent deal you find, another decent Deal will be sure to follow quickly behind it, and after several decent deals, a GREAT deal will pop up. Promise.

Keep buying and selling/flippin ghte decent deals for a little profit, and then if you want, just keep the GREAT deal... then you've got a miata for CHEAP... or at least, decent priced, but PERFECT...

Frank Reiss

2nd August 2006, 11:10

Pekoe1111

2nd August 2006, 12:45

WildKarrde

2nd August 2006, 16:56

I can offer a hand in the process, but I'm almost 2 hours away from you in Rock Hill. I'll be glad to go look at some with you or for you if you find any within an hour or so of me if I have time. Just PM or email me if you find something.

Keep checking Craigslist. You never know when they're going to pop up there! Good luck. Also, don't forgot to check the Classifieds here at Miata.net. The cars have a better chance of being well maintained and taken care of if the seller takes the time to market it here.

Thanks a lot for the offer! I'll be sure to keep it in mind, let me know if you see anything around that area! It's certainly not too far for a good Miata.

You might just want to try a road trip to the West Coast. Take a peep on Craigslist SFBAY or Los Angeles, you'll be surprised. Might cost you a flight and gas, bring a buddy and it might just be fun! Good luck on your hunt!

That would be super fun! I'm starting my new job next Friday though... so sadly that would be out of the question right now. I do plan on doing something like this someday... though It'll probably be for something a bit more exciting, and expensive than a Miata.

The reason so many here have problems finding a good deal, is that EVERYONE seems to look in the same places...ie, autotrader, ebay, cars.com, craigslist, etc.

The only way to get a good deal on THOSE cars is to jump first, fastest, and hardest... and then... maybe... you can score a good deal.

The key to getting a good deal EVER is to jump first, but to find a pond or wet spot that NO ONE else is fishing in: Getting good deals is hard, and to do it takes long-term commitiment.

If you are REALLY into miatas, and want to end up with either a CREAMPUFF, or a GREAT deal, plan on buying and selling at LEAST two. Here's why/how:

1. Start by spending $20 on cheap business cards. NOT for cars... they can be just 'hi my name is george' business carsd w/your phone #.

2. Put them on every miata you EVER see that's in your target year range, with a scribbled note on the back, saying, "Would you like ot sell your car? Please call me if so"... ESPECIASLLY miatas you see sittin gin garages or backyards and/or driveways that don't appear to be use a lot/ever. ESPECIALLY also those w/ripped tops, and cloudy windows in parkinglots.

3. Tell EVERY SINGLE PERSON YOU MEET that you are a miataphile, and are ALWAYS in the market to buy one. Miata maita miata... everyone: Granny, neighbors, UPS/FEDEX guy, ditzy receptionist who thinks miata is a pickup word... EVERYONE.

#3 goes hand in hand with a VERY simple life philosophy: Think and TALK about what you want, and it will come to you. It really will, if only because you will become more aware and knowledgeable aobut it, if nothing else.

4. Have cash available. In the bank, or on you, but have it available. WHen deals come along, cash talks, and the longer you're talking to someone about a particular car, the more likely it is that THEY will start thinking about it and consider putting it up for sale on autotrader or cars.com, etc...

5. To get a GREAT deal on a miata (I define GREAT as 1/2 of market or miata.net price for cheaper cars, and at least $1000 easy profit for higher end cars) you will have to actively look at/target at least 100 miatas. As time goes on, that number will go down for a lotta reasons. I've been buying/selling cars for 20+ years for fun/hobby, and I'm in the 1/10 area for great deals...but overall, not just confined to miatas. On miatas, I'm about 1/20 for great deals.

6.Buy the first decent deal on a miata you come across, and DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT, start modifying it and making it 'perfect' because

7. Keep driving the first miata, put it up for sale, and CONTINUE hunting for more deals... again, EVERYWHERE but autotrader.com, craigs list, etc... you can still look there, but 99% of all the cars I've ever bought were NOT from the 'conventional' sources...

8. For every decent deal you find, another decent Deal will be sure to follow quickly behind it, and after several decent deals, a GREAT deal will pop up. Promise.

Keep buying and selling/flippin ghte decent deals for a little profit, and then if you want, just keep the GREAT deal... then you've got a miata for CHEAP... or at least, decent priced, but PERFECT...

Awesome pointers! I do some of this stuff, but not all. I did talk to my chiropractor today, and asked him to keep his ears open for me. I'm gonna get the word out that I want Miata's. Heck, I've decided to buy ANY Miata that runs and is $3000 or less. If nothing else, I can sell it for a killer profit!

Hans

2nd August 2006, 19:18

jambo101

2nd August 2006, 19:22

Awesome pointers! I do some of this stuff, but not all. I did talk to my chiropractor today, and asked him to keep his ears open for me. I'm gonna get the word out that I want Miata's. Heck, I've decided to buy ANY Miata that runs and is $3000 or less. If nothing else, I can sell it for a killer profit!

As i said in my previous post its not that easy to sell a Miata if no one in your area is looking for one and advertising it for sale can become costly and frustrating after a month or more and no one calls :(

LWW

2nd August 2006, 19:45

As baseball legend Wee Willie Keeler put it..."See where they are and hit it where they ain't!"

If you want a clean Miata don't look where demand is high, such as warm states in summer as buyers exceed sellers. Hit it where they ain't and check N Dakota in October.

Want a deal on a 4WD? Try Florida in July. Need a nice Porsche or Benz? Try the midwest. How about a Caddy or Lincoln? Look on the left or right close.

Don't want to invest your efforts? Be prepared to pay someone else for theirs.

Want to sell for top dollar? Reverse the above.

LWW

WildKarrde

3rd August 2006, 01:50

JHowell37

3rd August 2006, 02:52

JHowell37

3rd August 2006, 02:53

pigmalean

3rd August 2006, 09:00

As somebody else in this thread said... the problem in my area is that there are many more buyers than there are sellers. Even the overpriced ones usually go pretty quickly... at least right now they are.

Which is exaclty why fishing in the same pond as the rest is virtually USELESS... find new ponds, pockets of fish where no one is fishing... create your OWN pond...

Friends, family, and acquaintances(think networking) are teh absolute BEST source of jobs, AND deals on ANYTHING... cars, too :)

MrMiatagi

3rd August 2006, 09:02

Chet95

3rd August 2006, 20:46

With all the trouble you're having finding one locally, I would expand my search area. I sold my 50K mile 95M to a fellow in St Pete. Met him at the Cincinnati airport and he drove the car home.

Serious sellers will usually try to accomodate an out of town/state buyer by meeting you at the airport, etc., as they realize if you're willing to travel you're a serious prospective buyer. Lots of purchases have been made this way.

Prices of NA cars have increased some, but you can find a decent 94-95 example in the $4,500 range if you're patient and persistent and willing to travel. Waiting until cold weather sets in may bring lower pricing as well but the selection will be fewer. Smart sellers will wait for early Spring to list their Miatas as they can get more for them then.

Miata Net classifieds have several listed: 96 in North Carolina for $5K, 95 in Atlanta for $4.5K, 97 in Miss for $4.9K, etc.

Whatever you choose to do, be prepared to evaluate any Miata you look at as to condition, etc. These threads will help:

www.miata.net/faq/usedmx5.html
www.miata.net/faq/inspection_list.html
www.miata.net/garage/crankshaft.html

Good luck. :)