Now that we paid off our 2012 Mazda5 (Yaaaaay
) and I have a place complete with experienced help, I can finally get a project car! I've always loved the 98-05 generation Miata. Didn't fancy the body style after that gen. What I want to know is should I be looking at certain years or are all 8 year models roughly the same? Which engine should I keep an eye for? There's a lot of decent ones for sale around Hickory NC with good miles, including a 10th anniversary, but I can't afford having a car payment at the moment and pooling up the 4-6k asking price isn't an option. I'll most likely have to start with a shell and piece it together over time. Most of the pull-a-part yards here don't have any. I'm hoping to start with a shell with a functional, patchable roof at least, that can roll for ease of trailering, undamaged frame/chassis and minimal or better body damage. I'm prioritizing keeping the interior from the elements while working on it and frame/chassis. If anyone has one that you've pulled what you need from or any advice on where to look in the mid NC area and/or how to price one, it would've greatly appreciated! 

