Mazda Miata: 1999 or 2001

Hi: $11,500 for a 99 seems awfully high to me. I specked out a 99 Miata
10AE on www.kbb.com and came out with $9300 for trade-in value. I bought my
99 off ebay last January from a wholesale house in Arlington, Texas for
$7800. I talked with the previous owner, and checked out the car before I
bought it. I couldn't be happier...good luck...jim
"Prometheus7" <com> wrote in message
news:5fnCc.3903$bellsouth.net... 
and 

In article <5fnCc.3903$bellsouth.net>, "Prometheus7" <com> wrote: 

I think you can do better on either.

Main differences:
2001 was a minor update which included a variable valve engine
which gave a very minor power boost, but recommends premium fuel.
Also a different front fascia including better integration of the
foglights (well, IMHO). Also greater chassis stiffening. LS got
bigger wheels & brakes. Also tends to have more standard
equipment.

They are both too much money. If you plan to update the car with turbo and
other performance options get a '99. The '99 uses regular gas and has a
lower compression ratio. The '99 is lighter and faster in stock form. The
money you save can be used for add-ons.

The 2001 has improved but taller seats, a stiffer chassis, and VVT (variable
valve timing) which gives a little more mid range torque and two more
horsepower. If you don't plan to update for performance, the 2001 Special
Edition is a great choice. It's British Racing Green with a 6 speed, polish
wheels, and other appearance goodies.

You should be able to find similar cars to the ones you are considering for
about $3,000 less.



"Prometheus7" <com> wrote in message
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and 

On 2004-06-23, Prometheus7 <com> wrote:
 

Those prices seem pretty high. You should be able to get a
brand-spanking-new 2003 for $19K.

--
Grant Edwards grante Yow! Let me do my TRIBUTE
at to FISHNET STOCKINGS...
visi.com

Prometheus7 wrote: 

Slightly off topic, but I would highly recommend looking for a '97 or
earlier instead. Having owned both, I think I would much rather have the NA
Miata (pre '99) instead of the NB (99 and up) if I did it over again. The
NB has got slightly less room for the driver, and just feels much different
from the NA's. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my NB; just not as much as I
liked my NA.

I would take that money, buy a real nice low-mileage mid-90's NA, and spend
the rest on a turbo or supercharger setup, some nice suspension bits and a
good stereo. That would be perfect. Well, it'd be a good start anyway.
Once you start working on your Miata, I highly doubt you'll ever stop. :-)

Just my $.02.

Regards,
H.