Found - Once again, Looking for a Vehicle $6k or less

[VRoss]

Dude, you need to decide whether you want the car for 6k (you'd be very lucky to find late model accord at that price) or whether you just want to share your automotive fantasies with us. Which is cool. With your conditions you can either have dependable transportation that is not cool, or a cool conversation piece that would be more appropriately called a project but not both.

[NPHLYT]

I can attest to the reliability and fun-ness (is that a word?) of the Miata. I can also attest to the impracticality of the Miata, I have a receiver hitch on mine that I had to get for my bike rack. I can also mirror what you say about the impracticality and kidney-jarring highway ride of the Jeep. Anything before 1995 has a truck suspension. Anything after 2007 (but this is beyond your price cap) has a mini van engine.
Jag? Not going to happen for the neighborhood of $8k, maybe $18k.
Tacoma? The one I linked is about the best you will find, this is was the main truck I had my sights on when I was looking for a used vehicle. Heck, the new ones are precious, this is why I bought a Nissan.

TR4. TR6. MGB. 21 Window VW Van. Karmann Ghia? You can get a nice MG one for $6k, and parts are readily available and cheap. How mechanically inclined are you? How much time do you have to work on said vehicle?

The guy who does my picture framing (we have a few) has an 80's MG that is in parts, but he has a new roof, front fenders and many other new parts, but his brother dropped it in his shop and has shown no interest. If this is something you may be interested in then shoot me a PM.

Good luck with your search.

[Texfire]

I'm still throwing my '99 Wrangler's hat in the ring. It functioned as a commuter and highway trip vehicle for me for years. The soft top drove me nuts with road noise after a while, but putting on a hard top cut down the noise significantly. It's never going to be as quiet or smooth as a truck but it works well enough. It's been reliable transportation.

And nothing beats a Jeep for a road trip to Colorado where there's time to explore the signs that say, "Engineer Pass 4WD vehicles only".

[Johnny Monsoon]

I've found several XJSs for $6Kish (and don't forget that I can get to 8k now for the right vehicle).

The Jags and more fanciful cars are really at the lower and of my list with trucks leading. The only purpose I would have for an econobox car would be to give to my son and take the Matrix he is currently using (which is extremely versatile and meets most of my needs... Just wish it had more ground clearance). And the care shuffle is an option. The only reason that isn't my primary thought is that I would like a little something fun for me; I get tired of getting everyone else everything and making due. Any good husband/father knows what I mean. And, I have an awesome wife who said I can get whatever I would like, even if it is completely impractical.

So, there you have it.

[Johnny Monsoon]

Well, I found it. I knew it would present itself. I was hunting purely for a full sized quad cab when I found a 1996 Miata with matching factory hardtop and just shy of 84K on the clock. Runs beautifully, has leather. Has some odd options like power windows, power mirrors, and power steering (none of which I want, and I'm trying to figure out how to un-option my car). Overall, this is a gem, and I stole it for $5k. These are 300K engines, and the body is perfect and the paint is excellent (though it needs a polish).

[NPHLYT]

Good choice. I have a 1996 M Edition, complete with all of the "odd options". Un-optioning is simple, get in Miata.net and the Houston Miata club forum, there are always people looking get rid of items. I, personally, would not want to get rid of my "odd options", especially the even odder left and right headrest speakers.

Change the trans and diff fluids for Ford synthetic (XT-M5-QS) as soon as you can, unless you are certain that the PO changed this with Royal Purple. Change the oil ASAP and check the plugs.
I would also ask the PO if the 60k was done, if not then you will want that done, these cars have a timing belt that should be replaced every 60.

Shoot me a PM, I have had mine for 13 years and 100k miles. I have paid to have the major service done and done them myself. Good score on the top, by the way.

[kurt]

Talk about an econobox! My wife loves her Miata, and I have to admit it is a hoot to drive. Good to hear you found something.

[Johnny Monsoon]

Originally Posted by NPHLYT

Good choice. I have a 1996 M Edition, complete with all of the "odd options". Un-optioning is simple, get in Miata.net and the Houston Miata club forum, there are always people looking get rid of items. I, personally, would not want to get rid of my "odd options", especially the even odder left and right headrest speakers.

Change the trans and diff fluids for Ford synthetic (XT-M5-QS) as soon as you can, unless you are certain that the PO changed this with Royal Purple. Change the oil ASAP and check the plugs.
I would also ask the PO if the 60k was done, if not then you will want that done, these cars have a timing belt that should be replaced every 60.

Shoot me a PM, I have had mine for 13 years and 100k miles. I have paid to have the major service done and done them myself. Good score on the top, by the way.

@NPHLYT:

I used to be on Miata.net. I had a red one that I purchased from my father with teddy bear wheels on it. I drove it to Omaha from VA in one stretch, and the next day went wheel shopping.

I purchased this from a dealer, but the carfax shows 2 owners. One owned it for 14 years, and the other 1 year. The carfax shows that all the scheduled maintenance was performed. Good note on the rear diff. My old one had a bad rear diff; I thought it was a wheel bearing.

I'll get some pics up soon.

@kurt:

A Miata isn't an econobox. Arguably, it is the antithesis of an econobox. Is a Lotus an econobox? An econobox is function over form with a heavy (primary) emphasis on being as efficient as possible in every regard. At least by my reckoning

[Texfire]

Fun cars, if I didn't ride I'd probably have one of those or a Nissan 300ZX for the sheer fun of it.

[Johnny Monsoon]

Originally Posted by VRoss

...With your conditions you can either have dependable transportation that is not cool, or a cool conversation piece that would be more appropriately called a project but not both.

Hmmmm... FALSE

So, so very false.

[VRoss]

Originally Posted by Johnny Monsoon

Hmmmm... FALSE

So, so very false.

I stand by my statement, but you know, you don't have to please me with your choice. Important thing is you found what you think is cool and puts a smile on your face. I have to admit I was wrong in figuring you for an 80 series Cruiser (semi-project) or a Jeep of some kind, 16 yo Miata did come as a complete surprise. Have your son asked to drive it yet or is it too girly for him ?

[NPHLYT]

Originally Posted by VRoss

Have your son asked to drive it yet or is it too girly for him ?

HEY! Watch the girly comment, mister! The first time "a real man" takes a corner a bit hot in one when the ground is damp he will notice that the drive wheels are where they should be, in the back. Also, there is the presence of that third pedal... Then there was that MANLY Mustang that was a bit perturbed when I would not allow him to pass heading toward a U-turn at about 100. He finally caught back up to me when we exited the U-turn. He had to drop way below the 60 I held rounding that turn....

I guess my Sportster is girly as well.

Having said all of that, I take no offense. We all make our choices, and I can proudly say that I drive a Miata, and a Sportster (while wearing a yellow Cortech jacket and yellow helmet).

[VRoss]

I know exactly what you mean. Been driving rwd manuals for some time now (I am on my forth). Miata was fun when I drove it.

[Johnny Monsoon]

Originally Posted by VRoss

I stand by my statement, but you know, you don't have to please me with your choice. Important thing is you found what you think is cool and puts a smile on your face. I have to admit I was wrong in figuring you for an 80 series Cruiser (semi-project) or a Jeep of some kind, 16 yo Miata did come as a complete surprise. Have your son asked to drive it yet or is it too girly for him ?

Both of my boys are nuts for it. And I've always thought that if you were relying on a car to define your manliness, well, epic man fail.

Further, it'd probably be a good idea to drive one before passing judgement. It takes a good bit of skill to truly drive one of these. The overly friendly appearance (shared by both the Austin Healey Bugeye/Frogeye Sprite and Karmann Ghia) do a disservice to the incredible handling and insane fun.

As I recall you're a BMW guy. I can't tell you how full CL is of garbage late-model BMWs that no one can keep on the road. No thanks. I'll get 300K out of a Miata without much effort. I wonder if a BMW has ever made it to 300k? But, if they put a smile on your face. Did your son drive it, or did they think it was too yuppie?