Truely On A Miata Quest, Finally!

Okay, I’m in…

Discussions over beer can result in fruitful action.  Last Friday evening I was out with friends (a rare occasion for me) & talking about my ‘Big White Whale‘ (2000 Nissan Maxima SE) selling project.  That is, the idea that I want to fix it up to get a better selling price.  I was convincingly guided that I would be MUCH better off putting it up on craigslist.

My former car salesman friend & neighbor, Richard, assisted me with the correct description verbiage & away it went.  Within 20 minutes of posting the ad I got my first call.  I’ve gotten a steady stream of interested callers & some have been actually serious.

Yesterday, on the way home from work I decided to swing by CarMax, just to satisfy my curiosity about what they might offer me.  In the past, from my experience & hearing from others, you can’t expect much.  Well, 45 minutes later I was pleasantly surprised with what they would offer me – it was substantially higher than what I was asking for it on craigslist.  I have till next Wednesday to accept their offer.  I have since pulled my ad off of the Internet.

On the other side of this, I’m trolling the Internet, making calls & starting to visit local Miatas.  There’s some crud out there, but I’m sure there’s a hidden jewel in the rough waiting for me out there – we shall see.

Craig, my good Miata buddy (& the guy who suggested I advertise the Nissan as is on craigslist – no relation) has been offering lots of good advice & encouragement.  He also suggested I put out feelers for people in the local autocross community to keep their eyes peeled for a possible Miata for me.  Here’s the communique I posted out on a number of choice Internet places:

I’m seriously looking to buy a nicely used Miata within the next couple of weeks.
Here are the specifics of what I’m looking for:

-   NA series from 1994 to 1997 (with a preference for the ’96 or ’97 model)
-   5 speed manual (of course)
-   Torsen limited-slip differential
-   Working, cold AC
-   Reasonably appropriate amount of mileage
-   Prefer a clear title
-   Relatively stock – this has to be my daily driver 1st, weekend autocrosser 2nd (would prefer to keep it in the stock class)
-   A straight & relatively dent-free body
-   And, hopefully in the $3500 or less price range

I live in the northwest side of San Antonio, but if I hear of a good prospect & I get good info with pix to support the prospect, I WILL drive the distance to see & possibly buy it!

Please keep your ears to the ground & let me know what hear about out there that’s worthwhile.

Thanks in advance for your assist!

We’ll see what happens – I will keep you up to date.

Racing Ready is very anticipatory about this quest.

Dan