Mazda Miata 99: Is it worth buying?

[John M]

I want to buy a used car which gives good gas mileage and looks good in the range of $4500-$5500. I found a mazda miata 99 having 81k miles and have minor cosmetic damage. Carfax looks clean. Seller is asking 5300. I want to get it checked by a mechanic before I buy though.Would that be worth the investment. It does come with a soft top only. So I might have to get some minor things fixed after I buy. Any suggestions. Thanks.

 

[CwboyBill]

Price is totally dependent on condition and maintenance but the Miata is a rock-solid vehicle and good for 200,000+ miles if cared for. There are thousands of aftermarket parts and goodies for the car available, (even a lift-off hardtop), replacement parts are fairly cheap and it is easy to repair. The best part about owning a Miata ( both my sister and son drive one), are the local Miata clubs. These poeple are nuts about Miatas and are a great source of information about repairs, parts and upkeep you won't find anywhere else -- plus you get to go to club meetings and weekend 'runs' with two dozen other Miatas (sounds cheezy but it really is a blast).