1999 or 2001

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Prometheus7 - 23 Jun 2004 23:17 GMT

Hi, I'm thinking of buying a Miata. I have a choice of a 1999 with 76,000
for 11,500 or a 2001 with 56,000 for 15,500. For those of y ou that know,
which is a better value. I don't know the differences between the years and
how much driving differences it would make.

Thanks,

David

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jimuntch - 23 Jun 2004 23:52 GMT

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

> Hi, I'm thinking of buying a Miata. I have a choice of a 1999 with 76,000
> for 11,500 or a 2001 with 56,000 for 15,500. For those of y ou that know,
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> David

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Dave - 23 Jun 2004 23:56 GMT

>Hi, I'm thinking of buying a Miata. I have a choice of a 1999 with 76,000
>for 11,500 or a 2001 with 56,000 for 15,500. For those of y ou that know,
>which is a better value. I don't know the differences between the years and
>how much driving differences it would make.

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.

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Larry Gadbois - 24 Jun 2004 00:53 GMT

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.

> Hi, I'm thinking of buying a Miata. I have a choice of a 1999 with 76,000
> for 11,500 or a 2001 with 56,000 for 15,500. For those of y ou that know,
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> David

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Grant Edwards - 24 Jun 2004 01:09 GMT

> Hi, I'm thinking of buying a Miata. I have a choice of a 1999
> with 76,000 for 11,500 or a 2001 with 56,000 for 15,500.

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

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at to FISHNET STOCKINGS...
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Gary Hirsch - 24 Jun 2004 12:12 GMT

I just picked up a brand new 2003 last Saturday for $17k.

Gary

> > Hi, I'm thinking of buying a Miata. I have a choice of a 1999
> > with 76,000 for 11,500 or a 2001 with 56,000 for 15,500.
>
> Those prices seem pretty high. You should be able to get a
> brand-spanking-new 2003 for $19K.

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HardwareLust - 24 Jun 2004 08:33 GMT

> Hi, I'm thinking of buying a Miata. I have a choice of a 1999 with
> 76,000 for 11,500 or a 2001 with 56,000 for 15,500. For those of y
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> David

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.

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