For how much money can you actually get a reliable Miata? [Archive] (2024)

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James

17th May 2007, 14:27

I'm going to San Diego in a month. Since I've already been to the US a couple of times, I know you DO NEED a car go get around. Now, my problem is that I'm going to be a college student, so I have actually a very small, or rather none at all, budget for a car. However, I have some money beside and could get something cheap. I'd use the car mostly on weekends or in the evenings to go out, during day I'll go to school by bus. I searched some car-selling websites, but from my own experience I know there are always better and cheaper offers when you are actually on site.
So, does anyone of you have an idea, for how much (or better: for how little) money you can get a Miata? I owned both, a NB and a NA, so I know some of the problems, but I also know that these cars are great and reliable and also fun to drive. I also thought of renting a car, so I asked a cheap car rental company. Even renting the cheapest small car (Ford Geo, iiiiuw :D ) would cost me $ 2'500 for 6 months, I guess for that money I should be able to buy something (plus I don't have any mile-regulations etc).

Any suggestions welcome :wave:

dr rockso

17th May 2007, 14:44

My first miata was $2700 with 140k miles and a salvage title, nothing special about the price but it was dead reliable for 2 years. Sold it in running condition with body damage (truck backed into me) for $1k, and the guy who bought it has been driving it with the body damage for the last couple months without problems. Recently bought a 93LE with 86,000 miles and a clean title for the insane price of $2500.

You can definitely find a miata in your price range and you probably won't lose any money on the whole thing if you sell it after your 6 mos is up, especially in california. Of course it's more of a risk than the rental car, but much cheaper and more fun.

tom4416

17th May 2007, 15:13

They aren't as plentiful or as cheap as a few years ago but you should be able to find a reliable, but not necessairly pretty, car for $2500. Expect it to have well over 100K miles on it but since you know the cars and what to look for, you can probably avoid any real significant issues.

If I was you, I'd go to the community section for the area of Calif. you are going to be in and post up this question. Some members may know of "beater" cars for sale or keep an eye out for you. Also, consider posting a WTB ad in the classifieds here, you'd be amazed at the response from members trying to help other miataphiles.

Gene-M

17th May 2007, 15:30

Hey James! Are you familiar with Craig's list? It's a free classifieds, and that's often where people post their Miatas for sale because it's.... well.... free. :D

So, that means that people selling low-priced Miatas are going to post their ads there instead of paying $40-$100 for an ad. Most of these people don't even know about the $30 ads in Miata.net, but want to take the cheapest way out anyway.

I'd suggest you go to Craig's list California (http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/ca) site and get yourself a google map to figure out which of these places is closest to where you'll be- and start searching.

Too bad you're not coming to my area, I could help you out and we could speak a little Schweizer Deutsch together. ;)

Greasyman

17th May 2007, 15:59

Around here $2500 would be for a somewhat banged up high mileage but still reliable car with some issues such as no radio and no a/c or needing tires or a top or some such thing.

Lance Schall

17th May 2007, 16:09

Even renting the cheapest small car would cost me $ 2,500 for 6 months, I guess for that money I should be able to buy something (plus I don't have any mile-regulations etc).

Any suggestions welcome :wave:
I would think a reliable, not too ugly, Miata with all its parts would cost you a little more, maybe $3000 to $4000. If you can manage the up front cost, you can offset the cost of the car by selling it when you head home. Even if you price it for a quick sale, like at $1500 or something, you come out pretty good.

James

18th May 2007, 03:14

Thank you all for the much appreciated help and replies!

What exaclty is a "salvage title"? I'm sorry but I'm not yet familiar with those expressions :-)

I'm aware of the fact that I won't get any beautiful Miata or other car for this money - it primarly just has to run for 9 months.

@ tom4416: good idea concerning the California area here on the forum! (btw, nice Miata collection you got!!)

@ Gene-M: haven't forgotten you :-) Maybe I can stop by on my way home next year! That's a very helpful link you posted, thanks! I have never heard from that Craig's list before, but there are some good offers on it.

dr rockso

18th May 2007, 03:59

A salvage title is assigned to a car that's been deemed a total loss by an insurance company. They pay the owner the value of the car and he has the option to buy the car back at a greatly reduced price or the ins company will sell it at auction. If the damage is minor (which is often the case with an older car--a minor collision can result in a bill from a body shop for thousands of dollars) they're often fixed with used components and resold cheap. That can be a good deal if the car is in good running condition and you're just looking to spend as little as possible. For instance my first miata was totaled after a rather minor rear-end accident but all it needed was new taillights, bumper, and that piece that goes between the tailllights. If you know what a good miata looks and feels like you should be able to tell how extensive the damage was, and whether it's a good buy or not.

And as far as pricing goes, California is definitely cheaper than the rest of the country--there's no real convertible season (year round) and as a result there's a lot of em out here. A real excellent condition car will still cost you 5k or more, but you can get something perfectly reliable for 2.5 if you look.

James

18th May 2007, 04:30

Alright, something new learnt, thank you dr_rockso! I've read this "salvage title" a couple of times but didn't get behind it. I'll see what is around - and I already started up a thread in the "California" section.

By the way, I hope nobody minds me asking here since I get valuable replies, otherwise please move to a thread where it suits better: if I come to California and want to buy a car from a private seller, what do i have to do first? Do i get license plates from a "traffic office" (guess that's not the right word for it, but they're called that way here) or are the license plates "fixed" to the car, so everytime the car is sold the plates stay with the car? I'd have to go for insurance of course. Is there anything else I'd have to do?

chaz28o

18th May 2007, 09:11

In kalifornia - you can easily buy cheap dependable Miatas

Some choices in SD

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/car/333058045.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/car/330079932.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/car/329515883.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/car/329020422.html

There's not too much good to be said about us wacky kalifornians - but one good thing can be said. We don't spend too much on Miatas ;)

dr rockso

18th May 2007, 12:02

Do i get license plates from a "traffic office" (guess that's not the right word for it, but they're called that way here) or are the license plates "fixed" to the car, so everytime the car is sold the plates stay with the car? I'd have to go for insurance of course. Is there anything else I'd have to do?
Licence plates are "fixed" to the car but you do have to pay a transfer fee and possibly registration (depending on when the tags on the plate expire, they're good for 1 year). You may also have to get the car's emissions checked. It's not too expensive, worst case scenario you'll add about $300 for everything.

Gene-M

18th May 2007, 12:05

In kalifornia - you can easily buy cheap dependable Miatas

Some choices in SD

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/car/333058045.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/car/330079932.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/car/329515883.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/car/329020422.html

There's not too much good to be said about us wacky kalifornians - but one good thing can be said. We don't spend too much on Miatas ;)

Haha! :) Those were the same cars I was checking out Chaz, when I was in the process of posting up links for James. Hopefully some good choices can still be had when he gets there.

James, regarding salvage titles: It always pays to check to see ahead of time if your insurance company will be willing to insure it. In some places that can be a concern. Also; a car with a salvage title should be much cheaper, but often people selling older Miatas with salvage titles expect to get almost full price. That might be okay, except that when you go to sell it, you may find far fewer buyers who will buy a salvage title car from you. That could be a problem if you need to sell the car quickly before going home. However if a good cheap one came your way, it might be worth considering. ;)

And yes, by all means, plan a visit to me in NY. The land here will remind you of the Jura, and we can plan a fun visit for you. :)

vk707

18th May 2007, 12:33

I live in San Diego and can state there are numerous Miatas for sale in the $2500 range (OR LESS). I have purchased 'good runners' for as little as a thousand although they are rare.

Dont forget to allow for tax ,lic and the SMOG certificate! Insurance coverage is mandatory to get a car registered at DMV.

Regards,
vk

synchromesh

18th May 2007, 14:27

I live in San Diego and can state there are numerous Miatas for sale in the $2500 range (OR LESS). I have purchased 'good runners' for as little as a thousand although they are rare.

You lucky bastards. :) Over here for $2500 you won't buy much. Maybe a 1990 with close to 200k and serious rust. If that.

I'm now thinking of moving to CA so I can let my own Miata roam free of snow with its rust-free brethren. :D

James

18th May 2007, 17:29

Licence plates are "fixed" to the car but you do have to pay a transfer fee and possibly registration (depending on when the tags on the plate expire, they're good for 1 year). You may also have to get the car's emissions checked. It's not too expensive, worst case scenario you'll add about $300 for everything.
Alright, so I got that with the plates correct. Transfer fee would be a fee to change the holder of the car in the "books" (isn't it called the "pink slip"? :confused:)? How much do those tags on the plate cost? Is this different from state to state and depending on the size of the car? Emission Check is clear, same as here.

That might be okay, except that when you go to sell it, you may find far fewer buyers who will buy a salvage title car from you. That could be a problem if you need to sell the car quickly before going home. However if a good cheap one came your way, it might be worth considering. ;)
You got a very good point there! Guess I'll first look for cars without a salvage title, might be easier for me to deal with insurance and resale after all.

By the way, has anyone of you an idea of how much an insurance would be, doesn't have to be exact, just an estimate or the amount I have to face at least. Just basic car insurance, nothing fancy. Or if you have a link of a website which compares American car insurances, I'll be happy to get it ;) You're all helping me a lot, I'm really thankful! :wave:

Gene-M

18th May 2007, 17:48

I don't know much about CA rates, but if you're under 21, I believe they can be quite costly, but if you're over 25 that's when you start getting the good discounts. Then again, I've had friends come over from Basel who were under 25 and they seemed to manage quite well, even in NY where rates can be killer.
But without knowing your age we could hardly begin to guess.

vk707

18th May 2007, 18:42

James,

California 'Use Tax' for vehicles is 7 3/4% of the purchase price(San Diego County). Transfer fees are around $20. If the vehicle is w/i 60 days of being expired ,DMV will automatically charge you for another year. Figure $80ish for that. A current smog certificate MUST accompany the transfer process ($50 ish) along with valid liability insurance which is crossed checked with the carrier.

Liability Ins .......figure 200 to 500 for 6 months depending on your driving record and age and how smart you shop! Maybe less...

There just came up a '97 Miata on Craigslist for $2000 with 124,ooo miles.

Bye the way ..Our Goobernator outlawed rust and rainy days so that wont be a usual problem. Just kidding......

Regards,
vk

Rich Wilkman

18th May 2007, 21:19

Definitely read the advice in your other thread (now locked) in the CA section. Insurance, other costs, the paperwork you'll need to have in order if you expect to get something other than a $500 wreck.

-Rich

James

19th May 2007, 03:02

>> I took this quotations out of the other thread, just to keep it up to date here.

Insurance, gas, registration, the car itself -- it's going to cost more than you think. I suggest getting here first, live without a car for your first semester (or two) and get a feel for the market and, well, how much you actually need the car. Then get the cheapest car you can maintain yourself. It's going to cost you to park that car on/near campus, too.

Are you going to be here the entire 4 years (assuming undergrad) or are you going to go back home between sessions?

Oh, the Miata pretty much sucks as a date car. Top-down is more of a 4th or 5th date kind of thing unless you find the rare woman who doesn't care what she looks like when she arrives at the destination. :)

Well, I'm not an undergraduate student unfortunately. I'll attend an extension program for international students which lasts for 9 months. After those 9 months I might be able to get an internship (max. 12 months). Thing is, I figured that renting even the cheapest car for 6 months costs me $ 2500, so I might get away better by buying a car. Of course, I have to add up all the mentioned things such as insurance, gas, parking permit etc.

Concerning "dates" - Guess it's still better to show up in a roadster than with no car at all :D Just joking, I don't need a car to get a date (hopefully :rolleyes: :D )

and get a Bike for under $50 from Craigslist.
In SD you can get around ona bike for the summer if nothing turns up...

I had that in mind, too - or a scooter to get to the beach at least if it doens't turn out well with buying a car.

You will need to get a social security number, drivers license, open bank account, never mind getting used to a new country and a different culture.
It takes time.

Rich Wilkman

19th May 2007, 12:36

If you pay cash outright for the vehicle you probably won't need a social security number. Getting a loan is a different story -- you'd probably have no option other than a personal secured loan against your assests offshore (i.e., plan on having 2x the amount you're borrowing in liquid form at home). You'll need some form of tax ID number if you're going to be working here and getting paid, though. I'd recommend getting a CA ID card, at least, so you don't have to risk having your passport lifted from you.

You'll be buying a used car from a US citizen; they probably won't believe any stories about having to get the money transferred from Switzerland or take your travelers checks. :)

The DMV (www.dmv.ca.gov) covers license as well as vehicle reg. CA does not honor the International Driver License (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#international) so you'll need to read up on what you have to do in advance. There's a link at the end of the section posted above that should help with that. CA does honor a valid license from the country in which you reside but that is not the same as an IDP/IDL which is what you said you had.

You'll probably have to deal with similar issues in obtaining insurance.

-Rich

Gene-M

19th May 2007, 12:50

Do I really have to have a social security number in order to buy a car? I have a bank account, but not in the US - also I do have an international drivers license, so you think this isn't enough? Is the DMV responsible for drivers licenses, too? I don't know the answer about the SS card, but I think you can get one pretty easily, and if you have a permit to work, even if it's in the school cafeteria (like my Russian former housemate) they give you one right away. I believe it's necessary to have one in order open a bank account too.

Also, California is a PITA about driver's licenses. If ever you get stopped by the police, you can be forced to get a CA license if you give them a CA address. It happened to me, despite my protests that I would only be there for 2 months. :rolleyes: I have to add though, that I don't know if they are still so strict.

ThirdLap

19th May 2007, 12:58

$2000 will buy you a decent 90-93 in California. My daily-driven '92 (pictured in my sig below) set me back $1750.

vertrx7

19th May 2007, 15:41

Another option, or suggestion is that you send your vehicle over here in a container or simply on a car ferry. Either pick up in port in Maryland or in California...though there are a number of ports on the east coast. I sent my Mustang out of Dundalk, MD and picked up in Rotterdam. Shipped back out of Bremen and picked up in Maryland when I was a student in Salzburg and then followed on with working in Muenchen, Germany.

Kept my US plates, US license though I had a triple AAA international license and a green insurance card.

Anyway, I had a car I knew, didn't have to worry about buying in a foreign country and it cost about $800 on a car ferry...roundtrip. Probably a little more today. I haven't researched rates, nor driving a Euro vehicle over here, but I've certainly seen plenty of European vehicles cruising the roads over here with European plates.

Just food for thought in addition to all the other replies you've received.

Viel Glueck wie immer du es schaffst!

James

20th May 2007, 11:47

If you pay cash outright for the vehicle you probably won't need a social security number. Getting a loan is a different story ... I'd recommend getting a CA ID card, at least, so you don't have to risk having your passport lifted from you.

I'd pay cash for the car anyway, it's not gonna be that much money I can spend :)
An CA ID card might be a very good thing to get - do you get them through the DMV? EDIT MYSELF: just found it on the DMV-site :)
Also, thanks very much for the link - that's very helpful.

Another option, or suggestion is that you send your vehicle over here in a container or simply on a car ferry.

Viel Glueck wie immer du es schaffst!
I already sold my car here, so that's no option :) Also, I guess just buying or renting one is easier and less stressful.

Ich danke Dir vielmals ;)

James

31st August 2007, 01:25

News ;)

I started school and the first quarter is already over. I was looking for Miatas, however I ended up buying a 99 Mustang V6. A friend of mine and my Mom want to come over, so I need more room and cargo space to go on road trips. Fun to drive, however not comparable to a Miata of course.

Also, I attended my first SCCA Solo event, and I loved it!! Took some pictures, however I had a wrong setting in the camera without knowing. Not too bad, but not good enough. This weekend is another practice event coming up, and I'll try to take some better pictures.

Anyway, thanks again for all of your help, I'm glad I had those information you gave me!!

Gene-M

31st August 2007, 09:20

Sali, James!

Sorry you're missing out on the Miata experience, but thanks for checking in all the same. :)

Did you at least get a convertible? :p

Keep in touch!

James

31st August 2007, 12:31

Hi Gene

No, it's a coupe - I know, can't have it all ;) But I also know, I haven't owned my last Miata for sure...