8-9k? I can't even find a higher mileage base 04 for that cheap.

 

Yeah I would find the nicest car without rust. NA/NB don't matter. Mileage also don't matter as long as it's under 200-250k. Junk yard engines are cheap and e-z to install. Fixing rust is a PITA. Stripping off bolts that look like a big chunk of rust = PITA.

FIY miata's are DIRT ******* cheap to insure. My 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee costs me exactly 5 times more to insure than my 91 Miata.

 

try autotrader

 

Link please to that mod. My girlfriend's car needs more fast. Superstock now. Also NEEDS TO NOT BLOW UP so I hope the factory ECU can compensate aok for this.l

 

I ran a GT2871 on the factory ecu at 10psi with that resistor mod and a resistor from flyinmiata for lean tip in. Search mazda-speed.com for it noob. Tail pipe sniffer said all was good until 10psi so you should get what 13-15psi out of the stock turbo? Ran a triple driver weekend at msr-h on that setup in 09 she saw like 6hrs of track time that weekend It did 200whp at 7psi, so I'd say I was at 230whp on the factory ecu. Get rid of that factory catch can setup on the strut tower bar as it like to randomly puke oil into the intake at the track under hard braking follwed by a high g left corner. Looks like the motor popped when it happens. The factory bilsteins are really good shocks, throw some ebay diycoilover springs on them for budget stance and get rid of those racing hart wheels before you hit a pot hole and taco one of them.



ebay coilover springs
Team Dynamic Pro Race 1's with 205 Falkens
Team dynamic Pro Race 2's with 205 RA1's
Eibach Spec Miata front bar
BEGi manifold/downpipe
GT2871
Hallman MBC
Carbotech xp12/10
ebay small fmic

Fun car, awesome daily. Bought it for 14k in 07 with 14k on the clock.

 

Yea, I just looked into it, it looks great. If I can get one for around 7-8k I'd get one. Seems like lots of potential in a nice little package. It does seem there are not many for sale though. I'll be on the look out. Thanks.

 

You can find an M Roadster, or just a regular Z3 for the upper end of your range, and you can definitely find a nice, clean NB for what you're looking to spend as well. I would recommend both. Although, repair costs of the BMW would be much more than the Miata, they would both be very fun. MR2's are great as well, VERY fun to drive. You might want to look into a second gen and try to find a decent turbo one, but if not the third gen would do

 

I'd definitely get a m roadster if I found one in my price range. I don't think I'd get a regular z3 over a turbo miata though. I think it's going to come down to either an already turbo'ed NA, a Mazdaspeed Miata or Z3 m. The latter 2 would probably run me 8-9k. The turbo'ed NA closer to 6k. So I don't know.

 

I'm selling my car for whats in your range. I suspect there are similar deals to be had in new york. Good thing about buying a modded car is it can be had for around market value with lots of go fast goodies on it. Bad thing is if the PO was a tool you'll have some stuff to fix. I've done well so far buying modded cars.

 

If I were braineack I would walk to work insread of buying another car.

 

I hope that helps

 

Tried. Cheapest I could find 300 miles of me was $10k with 100k miles and the guy spelled charcoal "charcole". He probably maintained it well. The next msm was $12k.

 

Called a plane ticket bud.

 

I've done that before too..... Turned out ok-just.

 

Yea, I've done that before too. You fly out and then have a nice road trip back. Nice way to get to know the car and enjoy the open roads a little bit. I usually get a PPI done before I commit to the car though.

 

I've tried that a couple times in the past, ended up flying back both times.

 

Personally I'd rather have an S2000 over an MSM and they can be had cheaper as well. If you're looking for a fun car to drive around in the S2k is a great car. If you want a project I'd get a higher mileage 94-97, rip out as much weight as you can, t25 @ 12-15 psi and enjoy.

 

I'd love an s2k but it's also very difficult to find one under 9-10k.
The way I see it:
$8-10k
-s2000
-MSM
-M roadster

$6-8k
-turbo NA
-e36 m3