First Miata Purchase Help - Rocker Rust Check
 

Hi, I'm closing in on purchasing my first miata. I'll be checking out the car tomorrow.
The only issue seems to be rust on the rear rockers. I'd like some opinions on how bad this might be and what I should be looking for specifically when looking at the car.
There's another identical model, completely rust free example for about $2k more and I'm not sure if its worth the difference.

Thanks!

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...8dd7ae899b.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...58a2a7cdf1.jpg

It's starting from the inside. So it's always worse than it looks. It's fixable, you can buy patch panels, or you could at one point. It starts from the top not draining well plus the climate you live in. I would not be paying 2k more for the same car if it's just "rust free". But i live in the rust belt and everything has rust.

Unless your capable of fixing it yourself budget $500-600/side if you can find a body shop that still works on rust. I'd try and talk the other owner down a grand to even it out. Bring cash money...

I'm looking at about 3800 for the rusty one, and 5200 + 300 shipping maybe for the rust free one.

well Im in the northeast so almost every miata has a bit of rust. I've been trying to get a 1995-1997 M which doesn't leave me with too many options.

I just came across a '95 with a decent interior (driver seat is messy but Ill be getting a bride or sparco anyway) for about <3000.. seems like a much better deal. since the obd 2 issues can be avoided post turbo / engine rebuild in the future.
I'm yet to receive pictures of the engine bay and rockers on this one so *fingers crossed*
note: would be a nobrainer if it had the bbs wheelcaps but unfortunately the caps were lost :(

It's worth the hassle of looking in the NC/TN/GA area for a non-rusty version and paying for a 1 way plane ticket + 1way uhaul or the transport fee.

yup, I've taken your word for it. I'm only considering rust-free examples now. increased the budget to 4000-5000, but seems worth it for a hassle free future :p

is that the usual price for clean 60-90k mile examples?

Depends. You seem to change the goal post

95-97 M edition
then
No rust
then
lower miles

If you can find one then 4-5K sounds reasonable.

If you leave out the M Edition then the price should be lower unless the car has a factory hard top with it. Mileage will be the biggest hangup I think.

60-90k is a pretty wide range. The 60k cars are going to be owned by old men, so not driven hard, but probably need all the standard maintenance stuff, and will command a premium price. You won't find one except by luck.
90k is much less rare, but is still pretty low mileage for a 20 year old car. Prices will reflect "low mileage". Condition will be all over the place, depending on past owners.
110-130k is not out of the question. You'll probably notice no significant difference from a 95k car. Prices will be much more reasonable. People here have boosted stock engines at well over 100k with no issues.

Look for a clean car, that appears to have been at least marginally maintained. Go from there.

*** NOT MY CAR(s) ***
https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto...590634348.html
https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto...584672810.html
https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto...574580474.html

buy a plane ticket to FL and drive one home.

I bought a rusty Miata, because I wanted a 2002, and had a limited budget, and I'm good a welding and fixing rust. Its ALOT of work, or EXPENSIVE. Don't do it unless you have to.

Bought my miata ^^ drove down to NY for it.
​​​​​​​https://www.miataturbo.net/meet-greet-40/hello-everyone~-boston-97013/