Narrowed my long decision down to three cars:

1. http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/3608844732.html

2. http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/3636972180.html

3. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=92880&endYear=2005&modelCode1=MIATA&sortBy=derivedpriceASC&showcaseOwnerId=100014500&startYear=1981&makeCode1=MAZDA&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&sellerTypes=b&searchRadius=75&mmt=%5BMAZDA%5BMIATA%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=340731020&Log=0

03 Miata

Also do you guys think KBB is a good source for pricing cars? I know alot of these craigslist ads ask for a grand or more over what I find on KBB.

I never use KBB, look around to see what similar cars are selling for. Completed listings on Ebay is a good way to see what people are paying for similar cars.

When I'm lusting after a particular car I check NADA, Edmunds and KBB then average them. There can be some HUGE disparity between them!

What the hell is my Scoob doing in the background of the pic in the 3rd ad?

From only those cars, I'd pick 3 because of the color, or 2 if you like black.

Bah trick question they are all miatas

If you can only pick a miata pass on that hellefush 96, or at least get the stock suspension and mirrors as part of the deal

Agh...He's got raceland coil overs on the 96 miata. I was hoping they were good a good set, apparently not.

Ricelands are fine if all you care about is getting low. I had them on this:

Although I wouldn't recommend them for a real car...

That's generally what I have heard, unfortunately I want this car to really handle.

My god it's slick dizzy from 6 years ago.

So, probably going with 2.

03 - because I like the wheels and it looks CLEAN.

However - I would rather have the 01 because of the exterior paint. I am sick of Black cars. They always look freaking dirty. Skip the 96 unless you think you can get 500 or more off of it. Then only if the guy isnt a giant douche nozzle. If so, walk.

003

In reply to singleslammer:

I think i can get a full grand off the 96's price. It's been on Craigslist for a while now.

2

I don't like the aero package on #3 and silver is one of my least favorite colors on a miata.

1 is overpriced for what it is.

2

In reply to dooodstevenn:

Yeah, but even with that in mind I would still choose 2, assuming you can deal with the black. I would probably keep looking because of that. That is just me though.

Dean - that aero kit does look crappy now that you mention it.

2

Of those three? I'd pass on the first out of spite. I'd pass on the last because of the big doofy looking ground effects kit. I'd say the 2nd is the best of the three, but I hate owning black cars. Also, I hate miatas, but yeah, that one looks the least unloved.

If you can find somebody with a recent blackbook, I'd start there and work my way up.

1.) The 96' looks nice but presumably doesn't have a driver's airbag (detachable steering wheel). I also prefer the look of the 96'. 2.) The black 2003 doesn't pass the sniff test for me due to the lack of a phone number, the blurry photos and the lack of details. 3.) The silver 03' appears to be in pretty good shape and has a leather interior but the silver on tan just doesn't do it for me, nor does the body kit.

Personally I'd keep lookin'. But of the lot', I'd go for the 96', install a five point harness and call it a day. Plus, its $1500 cheaper. Think about what you can do with $1500.

1 is overpriced and I question modified cars. My cousin just sold his 96 in San Diego for $2500. Clear coat was bad and it had a cracked taillight lens and center trim from a truck trailer hitch that backed into him. Mechanically sound and great running with lots of recent work. It took him awhile to sell it. What I'm saying is you can do about the same or better and throw on some decent coils and still be under what #1 is asking.

That 96 reeks of clubroadster. Pass on that overpriced piece of E36 M3.

I like either of the NBs. I'd probably personally prefer the black one but a case could be made for either.

Number 2.