[NA] Are decent NAs hard to find right now, or is it me? [Archive] (2024)

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Micah McDowell

22nd March 2012, 15:26

I've been searching for a decent NA lately; wanted one ever since I drove a friend's car around for a week, and almost bought his except that he wrecked it before I picked it up.

Unfortunately, I can't find ANY cars worth looking at in my area, and the three or so that I've found that were worth contacting about were already sold within hours of popping up on Craigslist. I've been checking online several times a day in every city remotely close to me for the past couple weeks, with nothing to be found but very rusty beaters or overpriced high-milage cars.

Is the pool of fair condition NAs drying up, or am I just not looking hard enough? Seems that they were EVERYWHERE when my friend was shopping for his a couple years ago, with average prices running about a grand less than what I'm budgeting for the same condition. I just want a NA with a five-speed, no rust, no ricer mods, and less than 175K miles... how hard can that be to find?

Any tips?

mrmustang

22nd March 2012, 15:48

I've been searching for a decent NA lately; wanted one ever since I drove a friend's car around for a week, and almost bought his except that he wrecked it before I picked it up.

Any tips?

Sometimes it about location, sometimes it is about the time of season. Are there good cars out there, yes, do you have to travel a little further than your location to find them, yes, about 60% of the time.

Bill S.

Micah McDowell

22nd March 2012, 15:52

Bill S.

I've been looking within a 500 mile radius or so; any farther than that and I think the travel costs would outweigh any good deal. Just a drought of them around here, I guess...

The Driver

22nd March 2012, 15:59

I've been looking within a 500 mile radius or so; any farther than that and I think the travel costs would outweigh any good deal. Just a drought of them around here, I guess...

I lived in Tampa, FL (where I've lived most of my life) when I bought my last NA, back in May 2010. Where did I buy my car? Indianapolis, IN.

Sometimes 500 miles is not enough...

There is a site run by a forum member: www.funcarsforsale.com He's in Dallas, and by all accounts a great person to deal with. I didn't buy a car from him, because the only car he had within my budget, he wanted to sell it to a local customer, in case it needed warranty work.

Good luck!

Cheezman88

22nd March 2012, 16:23

How do you buy a used car from that far of a distance? Do you tow the car back on a flatbed or something?

The Driver

22nd March 2012, 16:28

How do you buy a used car from that far of a distance? Do you tow the car back on a flatbed or something?

Had a friend drop me off at TIA (Tampa International Airport) Fly Southwest, Tampa to Indy. Arrange for seller to pick me up at the airport. Show seller the bank note. Seller takes me to his house, where vehicle was checked to be rust free. Transaction occurs.

Drive to Tampa...

I simplified, but basically yeah, a roadtrip! :thumbs:

PS: I did buy a return ticket just in case. Prof Tom (Tom4416) a moderator here taught that in "Long distance car buying" 101! :D

Cheezman88

22nd March 2012, 16:30

But the car isn't registered or insured, how does that work? lol. Did you put another car's plates on there temporarily?

Rod Knock

22nd March 2012, 16:32

I've been looking for a Mariner or Laguna Blue NA for months now with zero luck. Besides all the junk out there, the few decent examples get snapped up pretty quickly, if priced correctly, and ones that aren't priced correctly, sit.

The Driver

22nd March 2012, 16:33

But the car isn't registered or insured, how does that work? lol. Did you put another car's plates on there temporarily?

Car was insured! I had a temp insurance card with the vin given by my insurance co. I had the title with my name in it. The tag??? I had another Miata at the time, so I "borrowed" it... It is far easier to explain that you have an improper tag for a car you just bought, than drive across six state lines w/o one... ;)

Trust me, I was not the first one to pull that one, and I won't be the last!

Micah McDowell

22nd March 2012, 16:38

Thanks for the responses. To make sure I don't have unrealistic expectations, how much should I expect to pay for a 90-97 NA, under 175K miles, no rust, somewhat passable paint, five-speed, more or less stock with no goofy spoilers, green painted consoles or such?

I don't mind something that has needs, but it needs to be a runner that I can enjoy while I refurbish. I thought I could get such a car for under $2500, but maybe it's not possible? If it was closer to having no needs, I would understand stretching to $3k, but I'm finding rust buckets or 200K miles cars for that kind of money.

Micah McDowell

22nd March 2012, 16:41

At first I was narrowing down to colors I like, such as Silver Stone Metallic, but I quickly realized that there's zero of them out there. So, I'm being open-minded with color and still no luck too.

Billy

22nd March 2012, 16:42

...........Any tips?

Expand your horizons beyond CL.

Are there any local Miata clubs to you? Hanging out with current owners is a good way to find those 'special' leads. I'd much rather sell my car that way than deal with all the tire kickers from CL and local trade rags too.

If you find something of interest at a distance, use this forum to find a club in that area, and see if you can find someone to sweet talk into a visual inspection for you. They may also know of a local mechanic to do a mechanical evaluation for you.

If it looks good, you can make arrangements to get to the car and drive it home, assuming you don't want to ship it. Nothing like bonding during a road trip.

From your area, I'd be shopping Southeast. Fl, Ga, Tx, Al, NC, SC, all good snow/salt free locations, assuming of course the car is like mine and been there all it's days.

And yes, there are less of them. Like people, they do die off. And will continue to do so. There are more neglected Miatas on the road in my area than pristine ones, but they are still on the road.

Keep looking, and like picking a life mate, don't 'settle'.

Vince3

22nd March 2012, 16:43

Trust me, I was not the first one to pull that one, and I won't be the last!

It is a bit of a risk but you have to weigh the risk versus the reward :).

ksd

22nd March 2012, 17:07

You don't need tags to bring back a car you bought. I've done it several times. When I bought my 95 M, I flew to Pittsburgh to get it. I had a cab take me to the dealer where it was located. I did the deal, got in it, and drove the 300 miles back to Cincinnati with no plates. I didn't get stopped, but if I had been, it would not have been a problem. The law in every state allows you to drive a car you have recently purchased, without tags on it, so long as you are merely transporting it. You have to apply for tags as soon as reasonably practical, and you can't use it for general transportation until you get them.

Micah McDowell

22nd March 2012, 17:08

Expand your horizons beyond CL.

If it looks good, you can make arrangements to get to the car and drive it home, assuming you don't want to ship it. Nothing like bonding during a road trip.

From your area, I'd be shopping Southeast. Fl, Ga, Tx, Al, NC, SC, all good snow/salt free locations, assuming of course the car is like mine and been there all it's days.

And yes, there are less of them. Like people, they do die off. And will continue to do so. There are more neglected Miatas on the road in my area than pristine ones, but they are still on the road.

Keep looking, and like picking a life mate, don't 'settle'.

No clubs locally; looks like the closest would be St. Louis, which is still a couple hours away.

I may have to travel to get a car, but if I'm going all the way down south to get one, it had better be perfect. Speaking of life mates, my wife has got the Miata bug too, so I'm fortunate to have some support. She loves riding around in my Jeep with the top down; it'll be nice to have something with a top that goes down that can turn a corner, and twice the MPG too!

The Driver

22nd March 2012, 17:09

Yeah, I know. I drove across SIX states to get home. No way in HELL I was driving that kind of driving distance w/o a tag.

ksd

22nd March 2012, 17:12

Yeah, I know. I drove across SIX states to get home. No way in HELL I was driving that kind of driving distance w/o a tag.

Understandable. It's perfectly legal, but you're pretty much begging to get pulled over by any bored cop you encounter along the way, and no wants that hassle.

Greg 713

22nd March 2012, 17:17

...with nothing to be found but very rusty beaters or overpriced high-milage cars.

Well many may disagree with me but the pool of the cars you describe, "125K miles, nice interior, no rust, nice paint, well maintained but needing only a few maintenance items for $3000" has dried up. That car is found routinely for $4000+. Of course everybody will chime in with their exception and how cars I describe grow on trees if you know where to look. By in large that is BS. I don't care if you are in Columbia, MO or Columbia, SC a $3000 Miata worth flying three hours for just isn't out there.

$2500 is getting you a hammered 150K+ mile car that needs work and a lot of deferred maintenance. Or $2500 is getting you a decent mile car that has decent maintenance but there is a ton of rust.

Once again this is the opinion of one guy is SW Michigan. But usually by this time of year I have two Miatas in the process of getting ready to sell. I scoured all winter long but this spring I am empty handed. Maybe I was an idiot and just didn't know where to look. But I looked everywhere I have for the last five years PLUS some other new places and I have no project Miata.

Good luck, I hope you stumble across an uniformed seller and get a good deal, I really do. But you will have to get creative in where you look because you, me and a ton of other guys are scouring all the usual places all day long and when a good deal pops it will go quick.

You don't need tags to bring back a car you bought. I've done it several times....The law in every state allows you to drive a car you have recently purchased, without tags on it, so long as you are merely transporting it.Be careful with this advice. I don't want to hijack this thread but every state is different. I do it too, but I realize I am taking a chance.

The Driver

22nd March 2012, 17:19

Understandable. It's perfectly legal, but you're pretty much begging to get pulled over by any bored cop you encounter along the way, and no wants that hassle.

I beg to differ, no tag where one should be will atract far more attention, than something that appears to be in good standind...

The Driver

22nd March 2012, 17:20

$2500 is getting you a hammered 150K+ mile car that needs work and a lot of deferred maintenance. Or $2500 is getting you a decent mile car that has decent maintenance but there is a ton of rust.

Nope, you are good.

ksd

22nd March 2012, 17:26

I beg to differ, no tag where one should be will atract far more attention, than something that appears to be in good standind...

We agree, I just wasn't clear. I was trying to say that driving with no tags at all, while legal when bringing back a car you purchased out of state, is bound to attract attention, questions and hassle. By putting on a plate from another car, you reduce the likelihood of getting pulled over. Of course, if you DO happen to get pulled over, you'll have a lot MORE hassle when the nice officer runs your plate and finds it registered to a completely different car. :thumbs:

The Driver

22nd March 2012, 17:28

AAAAAAhhhhhh, yeap! :O

S800

22nd March 2012, 17:46

My son bought an OTM in New Jersey last summer. We're from Maryland. It took all of 20 minutes on a Saturday and it cost us $5 to get temporary registration at the local New Jersey DMV. The paper tag was good for 20 days. We couldn't display the tag in the back window due to a very dark tint. Instead, we duct taped it to the trunk. Another state that may allow temp registration is Pennsylvania. Call the local DMV where you plan to buy the car and ask them about temporary registration.

mr.kenny

22nd March 2012, 17:56

I live in Springfield, mo.
I just sold a 1991 with a near perfect body and everything worked for very little $.
It needed new rings or valve seals.
It had 184,000 miles on it, but the buyer drove it back to St. Louis 240 miles away.
For very little money you could have installed a low mileage motor & 5 speed.
When they get to be 20+ years old....Sometimes you gotta make what you want.
http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0015/62/29/15652692_large.jpg

NFexec

22nd March 2012, 18:06

As far as availability of nice NA's is concerned, I have to agree that while they are out there, they are definitely becoming more difficult to find. Heck - even desirable NB's in top shape (especially SE's and MSM's) are getting fewer in number... less difficult than finding nice NA's of course - but the NB hunt is getting a tad more challenging. I've done a 500-mile search using autotrader, eBay, craigslist, miata.net, and google the past couple of weeks. I've found a handful of fair NA's, but most have miles way over 100K & questionable maintenance, need significant help, or have something I'm not happy with - like the price tag!

I have found only two '95 M editions and both are several hundred miles away and look pretty tired and/or are missing the BBS wheels, and need some repaint and top replaced, etc.

My guess is patience, perseverance, some creativity in your search methods, and a willingness to pay more for a good one will eventually pay off. Spring has sprung in most areas - chances for more NA's showing up is a bit better.

Good luck to all in the hunt!

Doug

Rod Knock

22nd March 2012, 18:19

At first I was narrowing down to colors I like, such as Silver Stone Metallic, but I quickly realized that there's zero of them out there. So, I'm being open-minded with color and still no luck too.

There are just too many colors that I dislike. About the only color I like, beyond Mariner or Laguna Blue, is the BRG model.

No settling here and I'm willing to overpay too. :jump: :cry: :ohno:

Micah McDowell

22nd March 2012, 18:26

I'd probably be satisfied with a car like that, as long as I could drive it for a while until I gathered the parts and fix it in a few weekends. Haven't found any though.

I'm searching in about every way I can. I do now have a line on ONE local car owned by a husband of a friend of my wife; don't know the year for sure but it's definitely a 1.6 car. It was sharp, but they parked it due to health problems, and now it's a mildewed mess after sitting outdoors in one spot for two years. They're very on the edge about selling as well, and the only figure I've heard thrown about is north of $3k - if they'll make up their minds about selling at all. I'm afraid that by the time they do let go, it'll be too far gone.

There are just too many colors that I dislike. About the only color I like, beyond Mariner or Laguna Blue, is the BRG model.

No settling here and I'm willing to overpay too. :jump: :cry: :ohno:

Unfortunately, the local one is red, which is my last, last choice, and I've already decided that I'll NEVER do a color change on a car. I guess I could live with it. What I wouldn't do for a nice Silver Stone Metallic around here though :cry:

HLSilver

22nd March 2012, 18:38

Best of luck to you in your endeavours, I'm in the same boat. Only issue is that well, I'm 17. Thus any looking into cars has to go through my dad and he's only willing to look in our single section of Craigslist...he was willing to drive 1.5 hours to buy my current car ($2500 '99 Protege ES with 200k on it and needing ~$1500-2000 worth of maintenance)but not willing to drive 2 hours for a great condition '92 B&T with HT and BBS only 91k miles. Not to mention he only supports my decision to get a Miata if its Hardtop. So I'm looking in all of 2 local counties for a clean hardtop NA that doesn't need loads of maintenance the day I buy it. Easy enough right?

rsa

22nd March 2012, 20:59

Be careful with this advice. I don't want to hijack this thread but every state is different. I do it too, but I realize I am taking a chance.Bingo.

Just one example, a Massachusetts resident buys a car in a neighboring state, gets a transit permit or even a temporary registration from that state. As soon as he crosses into Massachusetts, he's illegal.Massachusetts does not issue temporary registration plates for its own residents but it does recognize temporary registration plates validly registered in other states to non-residents of Massachusetts who are temporarily operating in this state (assuming the temporary plates are not expired or suspended.) Thus, a Connecticut resident operating a motor vehicle in Massachusetts on validly issued temporary Connecticut registration plates is OK, but a Massachusetts resident operating a newly purchased motor vehicle in Massachusetts with validly issued temporary Connecticut plates is not.

A Massachusetts resident who purchases a motor vehicle in another state must apply for and attach valid Massachusetts registration plates to the vehicle before he/she can drive the vehicle back to Massachusetts.Reference (www.massagent.com/info/tempplates.pdf) (pdf).

stimpy14

22nd March 2012, 20:59

If you have a smart phone download a CL app. I use this one;

http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/business/craigslist_dvh.html

You can get the jump on a car as soon as it hits Craigslist.

Cincycaddy

22nd March 2012, 21:02

Craigslist, autotrader, this forum, ebay - there are tons of decent Miatas out there - quite a few deals that pop up as well. You just have to have money on hand and be ready to commit at the drop of a dime.

Greg 713

22nd March 2012, 21:15

- there are tons of decent Miatas out there - quite a few deals that pop up as well.
This is where I have to respectfully but emphatically disagree.

I agree there are tons of decent, nice, really nice and super nice Miatas out there. It is simply my opinion they are not coupled with a "deal" and my idea of pricing is usually much higher than average. You say "quite a few deals", I would say "precious few deals". Especially in the price range the OP is talking.

Cincycaddy

22nd March 2012, 21:34

Well I didn't go through the whole post and catch the criteria - so yes for a car that meets the OP criteria things can be hit or miss - but here are a few all within 500 miles of Missouri and in the OPs price range with less than 175k miles - rust -well dunno..

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/2910256386.html
http://images.craigslist.org/5N85Le5F23M73L33Hac3jd840a9f6951a1124.jpg

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/2910703659.html

http://rmn.craigslist.org/cto/2907736801.html
Red I know -
http://images.craigslist.org/5I85Gd5H13n93Je3Nac3hfb253763e5d31c8d.jpg

http://collegestation.craigslist.org/cto/2908813421.html
http://images.craigslist.org/5X65Je5M93G83J53Nbc3ie25f46f627301fa1.jpg

http://lafayette.craigslist.org/ctd/2892059815.html
http://images.craigslist.org/5Ie5F85Ma3Kd3L73N4c3807cd3475c4571989.jpg

http://jonesboro.craigslist.org/cto/2902077115.html
http://images.craigslist.org/5Ga5Z55Ke3G73L73N9c3e4d75e728ccd01fa4.jpg

Indiana Randy

22nd March 2012, 21:45

OP, your price isn't going to get you what you want if the seller is knowledgeable.

If you are looking at KBB, it's misleading you. These cars routinely go for MORE than KBB every day. Sure, many have gotten steals from sellers who didn't know what they have, but it's not normal/common.

I have the car you want. I'm not offering it to you, but I'm thinking about selling it. When I do, I'm going to get at least 5K. 57K miles, no rust, yada yada.

If you want a pretty car that's been well cared for, you will have to pay. It's still a bargain though.

Greg 713

22nd March 2012, 22:42

Well the cars listed in Cincycaddy's price sort of prove the point of the OP's title. Yes there are cars that may be called decent if one is really kind but not one of them is a DEAL.

"it has 185K but you wouldn't know, it top is ripped, is a drift monster" $3000
"It has 175,000 miles (and photos show a repaint) $3000
"169k miles, Price is firm - so don't waste my time or yours" $3000
"Mileage 153595, white" $2900
I will agree the one from LA is a decent car and somewhat of a deal.
The 96M? Too many questions to even consider.

But if all of the others listed would be considered decent and a good deal we will have to simply agree to disagree on what constitutes "decent" and what constitutes a "good deal". But that's cool. Differences are what makes the world interesting.

Now if Indiana Randy sells his car for $5000 it would definitely qualify as a deal! There is no way I would sell a 57K mile Miata for $5000. I saw his car 3-1/2 years ago and if I had to sell it it wouldn't be for $5000!

JM1NA

23rd March 2012, 00:29

Same issue here on the west coast. I've tried for the last few years to find a BRG or LE to replace my '91 crystal white that is pampered. Every one I have looked at has ended up being a rat. Even the BRG with 60k miles last week. Filthy, scratched, paint coming off the rear bumper, both seats shot and sold for over the $6,000 asking price!
I'm changing my mind now about letting my crystal white go. I hardly ever plain, decent condition NA's here for under 5 or 6k. Mine still has really nice original paint and interior and will just turn over to 100k miles this spring once I insure it for summer.
I'm thinking now a plain jane crystal white will be a nice candidate for collector plates in a few years and screw the BRG or LE plans.
Good luck with your search. These cars are becoming more like vintage cars every year. Harder to find and more expensive to buy!

zen

23rd March 2012, 10:37

This forum, despite what is written in this thread, supports the OP's hypothesis, that decent NAs are becoming harder to find. I usually limit my comments to NAs. I am seeing fewer NAs that are the subject of postings on this P&DD forum. My finding is anecdotal only, but it seems that we have fewer NAs to talk about.

tus

23rd March 2012, 10:39

But the car isn't registered or insured, how does that work? lol. Did you put another car's plates on there temporarily?

As long as you have the bill of sale, and preferably the title, you should be fine driving the thing home.

You could always get a temporary tag for the car where ever you bought the thing if you are really worried about it.

I have a week to let my insurance agent know I got another car. During that time it's treated as if I were driving a rental/friends car.

BetweenMiatas

23rd March 2012, 17:12

OP, I was going to post about that STO in Jonesboro as well. 160K, asking $2000. That one might be worth checking out.

jay dub

23rd March 2012, 17:26

NA's are getting older with more miles, even the garage queens get driven on occassion. So the pool of decent NAs shrinks as they get older. Maybe it's time to start looking for a NB:D

The Driver

23rd March 2012, 17:30

NA's are getting older with more miles, even the garage queens get driven on occassion. So the pool of decent NAs shrinks as they get older. Maybe it's time to start looking for a N#:D

Dude, if you are going to use profanity in the forum, you need to mask it.

Like, N^ or N& for example...

90 Red

23rd March 2012, 18:09

Keep looking they are out there.

Jack_B

23rd March 2012, 18:21

You don't need tags to bring back a car you bought. I've done it several times... I didn't get stopped, but if I had been, it would not have been a problem. The law in every state allows you to drive a car you have recently purchased, without tags on it, so long as you are merely transporting it. You have to apply for tags as soon as reasonably practical, and you can't use it for general transportation until you get them.

Sorry but that's not correct at least not in every state.

Massachusetts does not issue temporary registration plates for its own residents but it does recognize temporary registration plates validly registered in other states to non-residents of Massachusetts who are temporarily operating in this state (assuming the temporary plates are not expired or suspended.)

That's also not correct at least according to the NH DOT (I guess they may need to catch up).

An FAQ from the NH DOT states:

"I purchased a vehicle through a private sale. Can I drive it without plates to get the vehicle home? No. You are required to obtain a 20-day temporary plate." Also "Temporary plates are not recognized in the state of Massachusetts."

So to get from Connecticut or Rhode Island to New Hampshire with NH temporary plates; you have to go through New York and then Vermont :ohno:

I had mine shipped and didn't have to worry about all that crapola. Depending on how far you need to have the car shipped, and whether you want a covered or open trailer, it can run you $500 to $2,000.

Keep looking, it took me over a year to find mine but I was pretty particular.

Micah McDowell

23rd March 2012, 22:12

Cincycaddy, thanks for the list of cars... already contacted the one in Jonesboro before I started the thread, and no response yet. The others are on the edge of my distance range, but I'll look through them.

I've found a car on another forum that I'm considering. Has everything I want, but will have to be trailered due to a minor issue. Also says it has small rust around the usual drains in the rear rockers. If I can get it in the $1500 range, I may still think about it, having a budget set aside for some bodywork.

BetweenMiatas

24th March 2012, 10:36

This one looks like it's been wrecked before, but it's more-or-less whole, for $1200 and less than 100K miles, it could be ok to drive for a few years: http://kansascity.craigslist.org/ctd/2919436693.html

Micah McDowell

24th March 2012, 12:22

Called on it and got some weird message for towlot.com advertising a police impound auction. Certainly not a $1200 fixed price, and pretty much false advertising.

just me

25th March 2012, 07:24

Micah Mcdowell, I'm not posting this to make you feel bad about the lack of decent cars in your area, but here in the Northeast, I can drive 150 miles in any direction and cover 6 New England states.
I did a quick check of 3 states including Massachusetts where I live, the other 2 are (Maine and New hampshire) and found (25+) '90-'97, NA's, some with less than 50K, most had around 125K, the average price was $4800.
Granted, a few of them did have some rocker rust but others that were stored for the winter, were rust free.
My point is, there are still some very nice NA's still to be found.
If the economy keeps on its slow but steady up swing, we should see more NA owners upgrading to NB and NC miata's, which should increase the NA pool.
B.B.

tom4416

25th March 2012, 07:54

My point is, there are still some very nice NA's still to be found.
If the economy keeps on its slow but steady up swing, we should see more NA owners upgrading to NB and NC miata's, which should increase the NA pool.
B.B.

I don't for one second think the economy or anything else is keeping NA owners from buying an NB or NC. People who are into NA Miatas are doing so for some reasons that cannot be duplicated in an NB/NC. You can actually buy some NB's cheaper than NA's so it's really not a price/worth issue. Some people just prefer the classic styling and simplicity of the first generation cars and have no desire to move to a different generation. And that's part of the pricing problem - someone willing to pay top dollar for a nice NA drives the price of all of them upwards and the supply is dwindling every day.

Nazoom

25th March 2012, 21:59

I agree, it's all about timing and location. I live in Alaska and you don't see many Miata's.. let alone any for sell lol. I knew the right person and ended up buying my first Miata for $2800. It has 56k original miles and is 90% flawless. I have been looking for a first gen for about ten years now.. Finally I got a break and own one!

BetweenMiatas

25th March 2012, 23:03

Called on it and got some weird message for towlot.com advertising a police impound auction. Certainly not a $1200 fixed price, and pretty much false advertising.

Oh, sorry. It looked a little like a scam, but I figured, there's a phone number, so it might be legitimate.

Micah McDowell

28th March 2012, 17:41

Oh, sorry. It looked a little like a scam, but I figured, there's a phone number, so it might be legitimate.

It's not so much a scam as it is a misrepresentation. That car is already bid up to almost $1500 on their website on an auction that ends today; considering that the hood is damaged and the wheels are a mixed set, it's already past what I could pay to economically make it right.

Regardless, I'm still voraciously hunting for a car. I have a few prospects at the moment, some from this forum; all about $1000 over what I had expected to pay for cars in their condition based on my friend's experience a couple years ago. Each of the prospects has some aspect that I wouldn't be 100% satisfied with. I suppose I can always get a car to drive and resell when I find a "keeper."

Moral of the story so far: the values of these cars are on an upswing, and there are few nice ones left.

Micah McDowell

31st March 2012, 15:42

Follow-up to my previous posts...

Don't give up hope if you're looking for a deal; they ARE out there! In fact, I found one... started a new thread with pictures here (http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=455224).

This car was not listed anywhere online, nor was it at a lot; just hiding in plain sight from a private seller. Clean as I could want, and under budget.

mrmustang

31st March 2012, 17:24

Incorrect (and highly illegal), the laws of every state require you to at least have a temporary tag and a valid insurance card (state laws vary as to whether it needs to have the VIN listed for the car you are driving).....To drive without a tag is illegal in every state in the US. I am surprised the dealership did not offer to issue you a temp tag at the very least. If you had gotten pulled over, your car would have been impounded (IE: towed from the scene) and fines levied.

Bill S.

synchromesh

31st March 2012, 17:52

Bill S.

Somehow I don't think Steve Jobs was driving an illegal car. Prooflink: http://www.cultofmac.com/126338/why-steve-jobs-mercedes-never-had-a-license-plate/

Greg 713

31st March 2012, 18:06

To drive without a tag is illegal in every state in the US.I am only disagreeing with you to prove the point every state has it's own laws and everyone should check their states laws and the laws of the states you will be driving through.

In Michigan I can LEGALLY drive without plates. If I purchase a car from a private individual, have the purchase portion of the title completely filled out by the buyer and the seller I can drive the most direct route from where I purchased the car to my residence. The title is my legal document and in Michigan it does not have to be notarized. (ain't that a huge difference over PA!)

However I can not do the same thing with a car purchased in Indiana (12 miles away). Nor can a person drive a car on a title from Michigan out of the state. Just because I do it often doesn't make it legal. I understand the risks but do it anyway.

Once again, I am not being niggly or argumentative. In fact I agree with your assertion that what ksd recommended was incorrect. You MUST check with each state.

As to the OP, GREAT NEWS! I am glad you were able to find what you did for as little as you did. I still stick with my premise just because it happens doesn't make it an everyday thing. Cheap and decent NA Miatas are getting harder to find. But Micah, glad you were able to do it. Enjoy the heck out of it.

Seth1065

31st March 2012, 20:24

No Steve Jobs found a quirk in Ca law and leased his S class every 6 months so he did not have to have tags, I doubt to many of us could afford it or a dealer would do it for a regular joe but that is how he got around the Ca tags.

Somehow I don't think Steve Jobs was driving an illegal car. Prooflink: http://www.cultofmac.com/126338/why-steve-jobs-mercedes-never-had-a-license-plate/

ksd

31st March 2012, 20:33

There's a big difference between what is technically prohibited by law, and what will actually get you in trouble with the law. It's against the law to exceed the posted speed limit, for example, even by a fraction of an mph and for a fraction of a second. But who here doesn't regularly exceed the speed limit?

If you buy a car from a private party, have the title in hand, and are taking it home or to the DMV, you are extremely unlikely to have any issues. You may get stopped when an officer notices the lack of plates, but assuming you are pleasant, sober, and in possession of appropriate documentation, the worst that is likely to happen, in any state, is a caution.

But what do I know? I'm just an attorney licensed in three States, with a police officer brother.

1995miata

31st March 2012, 20:39

We have a decent one from all model series show up on CL in Knoxville pretty regularly. Cars last forever here and don't bring the higher prices you see elsewhere. If I were made of money I'd have at least 3-4 of them already at the rates we see. Sorry we're so far away...

Greg 713

31st March 2012, 21:08

The law in every state allows you to drive a car you have recently purchased, without tags on it, so long as you are merely transporting it. You have to apply for tags as soon as reasonably practical, and you can't use it for general transportation until you get them.

But what do I know? I'm just an attorney licensed in three States, with a police officer brother.

Be cautious of free legal advice. :-)

The point to be learned from all of the people chiming in from different states is check with your state and the state/s you will be driving through. You said every state allows it and mrmustang said no state allows it both of which are false. You just have to check.

ksd, I do it too. I will take the plates off of my Miata and put them on a Miata I bought out of state. I drive like a normal person, follow the speed limit, use turn signals but I realize I am taking a chance. The longest I did it was from Atlanta to southwest Michigan. I was fortunate the plates were from a 92 Miata and I was transporting a 92 Miata so the LEO would have had to look at the last few numbers of the VIN to realize it was a different car.

The OP was fortunate. He didn't have to worry about interstate transportation after all AND he got a SWEET deal!!