Hello from the portland, OR metro area
 

Noob here. A friend who autocrossed and raced the Formula SAE for the Mechanical Engineering Dept at Univ. of Washington once told me the Miata is the best bang for the buck fun car. Thought I'd check out this forum and see what it's all about. Hoping to find one to make a project/fun car. I hear the 94-95 is probably the best value. Also finding out that hardtops aren't exactly dime-a-dozen. I'll keep my eyes peeled locally to see what I can find. In the mean time I'll shut up and read, probably with the occasional question.

~Mitch

welcome

year is strictly a preference, though 94's tend to be the favorite. stick around, read a lot, and you will find everything you need to know about miata's.

Welcome!

lil Beirut

hi

Another PDX guy. Welcome!

Hardtop is cheapest to buy when it comes with the car. With our weather I say it's a must have. Bang away at Craigslist. Not just Portland and Seattle but click on Oregon and Washington and check out all the various city listings. Don't get impatient. I took my time and found a very clean 75K mile 94 with the hardtop for $3700. I looked at a lot of beaters people were asking more for. Right now is the best time to buy these cars too.

If you are going to go Turbo the OBD1 cars make it easier to pass DEQ. Sniff test only on them. Mine passed with flying colors.

When the season starts you'll need to come out to Portland Raceway and check out an HPDE and AutoX event. Turbo Miata's are a kick on the big track. It's nice when you can run down some high dollar cars in a cheap little "girly" car.

Did a quick look/see for you. Craigslist oregon coast has a 1990 with only 64K miles for $2995 on a lot. Bend craigslist has an unknown year black and tan with 115K and a hardtop for $3795.

Good buys are out there. Good luck!