HELP! Need advice for used MX-5

[RobMP5]

OK, so I have been pondering about trading my P5 for a used Miata... the car's great, but the price is killing me right now. Did some brisk research and found what seems like a really good deal http://autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?&min_price=1&distance=25&dealer_id=85222&lang=en&end_year=2006&make=MAZDA&address=32223&start_year=1981&certified=&car_year=1997&car_id=172924765&cardist=15&isp=y&advanced=&max_price=8000&search_type=both&model=MIATA#vdptop

Its a 97 M edition with only 68K miles for about $7500. Although I'm 19, my insurance would drop 300 bucks let alone the lower payments with the trade in. Anything else I need to keep in mind?

Thanks for the help!
Rob

 

[turboNA]

I would say thoroughly test drive the Miata and remember that you're thinking of getting rid of a nice, largish, comfortable apple for a very small (but sweet!) Clementine orange.

In other words, a Miata is not the ideal only-car, if that's your situation. If you're tall or have long legs/big feet, there's not that much room down in the footwell of a NB Miata (although there's more room than in the NA Miata).

I've only owned a Miata for a couple weeks so far, but I'm very glad I have other, larger, more practical, comfortable & luxurious cars (I'm calling an old '92 Accord LX "luxurious," so you can get a sense of how primitive a Miata is in comparison.)

 

[kcbhiw]

I would say thoroughly test drive the Miata and remember that you're thinking of getting rid of a nice, largish, comfortable apple for a very small (but sweet!) Clementine orange.

In other words, a Miata is not the ideal only-car, if that's your situation. If you're tall or have long legs/big feet, there's not that much room down in the footwell of a NB Miata (although there's more room than in the NA Miata).

I've only owned a Miata for a couple weeks so far, but I'm very glad I have other, larger, more practical, comfortable & luxurious cars (I'm calling an old '92 Accord LX "luxurious," so you can get a sense of how primitive a Miata is in comparison.)

That pretty much summed up a Miata.'

If I may also add, the 97 is the last year of the NA model Miatas. With that, it (as well as the 96's) is the most powerful of the NA's, is equipped with the same stout 1.8L BP engine that has seen many miles in other cars, and is just as much fun, if not more, than the rest of the NA lineup.

 

[RobMP5]

Thanks for everyone's help

 

[lagunamiata]

BTW, that's NOT an M-edition. The '97 M-edition has polished 15" wheels, a M badge on the fenders and it's metallic green with a tan top and tan leather.

They are tough cars, my '94 has over 170,000 miles. You'll want to do shocks soon if you get that 68k car. Timing belt is needs to be done, if it hasn't. That'll take $3-400 unless you do it yourself.

Anyway, I'm NOT trying to talk you out of it. I love mine, as do all my friends. Hook up with the Miata club in the Jacksonville area. Get one of the members to check the car out. Club members are great for analyzing cars.

Florida club info: http://miata.net/clubs/gafl.html
Check out Miata.net - http://miata.net
And the Miata forum - http://forum.miata.net/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi

If you get it, enjoy it! Great cars!!

 

[Rdshark1]

Yep, not an "M" edition...but you may have more to negotiate with since it isn't. I got my 94 Laguna off a dealer's lot here locally and they initially wanted $5800 for it. With a little bit of work (and a seriously grumpy face probably!) I managed to make the deal for $3500 CASH. Plus, a friend of mine got $50 for 'bird-dogging' so it was a really good day for us. Mine has been a great car too...has ~110,000 miles on her.

 

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

Trade in value is $4,025. Start with offereing them that.

Play the game aggressivley I always say. Start low and have a figure in mind where you want the price to be. When it ends up close to your figure go for the kill then.

You know if it was a trade in they gave the poor folks only 4 grand for it. See how badly they want to sell it. They will NEVER tell you they bought the car for thousands under what they are asking because they don't want you to eat away at their profits.

If they don't want to deal, walk away. You can always find another miata.
Also, is your Pro5 paid off or do you owe anything on it?

My name is Diane, and I work at my local Mazda dealership. (usa)

 

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

Also, Private Party value is $5,790 and Retail is $7,545.

I never pay retail for ANY car.