Should I do it?

[casualsunday]

I'm sure there's been plenty of threads like this, just want opinions.

 

Looking to trade my Miata (probably sell for about $5k) for this:

 

 

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/cto/3453331318.html

 

 

He's willing to put $600 on top. I can get the rust treated, and the car painted for $750 (quality work).

 

My dad owns an automotive shop, so I'm sure I can fix the stalling issue fairly easily. I've read up on what to look for when checking it out.

 

Is this a good deal?

 

Are bumpers really that hard and expensive to find?

 

All opinions welcome! Thanks! :)

[Draker]

Front bumpers go for around $200 in good shape. Restored for for around $500. Not sure of the going rate for rear bumpers.. Probably around the same or slightly less. As for the trade, it's all up to you.

[DaBlist]

Miata's are plentiful and depreciating, 510's getting hard to find and rising in value. 10 years from now what will you wish you had done? Do that.

 

If it's a long term purchase then getting a good deal is less important if the result will make you happier in the long term.

[casualsunday]

I guess what I'm asking is $4500 good for this 510? With it's little problems and rust. All I could gather from the VIN is that it came from Oregon.

[DaBlist]

Are you able to deal with the rust yourself?

[casualsunday]

The surface rust, maybe. I've never dealt with rust before. All the work I've seen my paint guy do is superb. I'm sure he's dealt with rust.

[DaBlist]

If you will have to pay someone else's shop rate to get the rust fixed them probably should pass. If you want to buy a welder, learn to weld, and think you will enjoy the process then maybe.

[casualsunday]

My brother took an autobody class, and he knows how to weld. I'm sure if I get the supplies, we could do it. I just figure I'm going to get it painted anyways, I don't think he's charging me extra for rust treatment.

 

I might also add that the guy is meeting halfway, so I know it can drive a decent distance.

[Boom death]

I just don't like the flares that we're done on the car but other than that the 510s is a bad ass car

[The Taterhead]

I think the true question is how much is your miata worth to you? If you're posting this then you are already entertaining the notion. Here in Alabama that 510 would probably be worth $4500 but in Cali i'm not sure. If bumpers is what's holding you back that's not enough imo. You can just get fiberglass ones. And technically it would be $3900.

[flatcat19]

 

Miata's are plentiful and depreciating, 510's getting hard to find and rising in value. 10 years from now what will you wish you had done? Do that.

 

If it's a long term purchase then getting a good deal is less important if the result will make you happier in the long term.

This.

[The Dat-side]

I've been in the "my friend can..." "I know some one who..." situation. It can take time for them the get around to it. Or they may never. If you don't mind waiting a while to get help. Or it will be a great reason to learn to do it.

[bananahamuck]

Take the 510 for a long drive even offer to buy him some gas, to see how it runs or over heats, or dies even when driving,, , if owner doesn`t want to then i would pass .. IMO,,The miata is a 100% safer car if in a wreck ,,even if it is a convertable..

 

Ad mentions coil overs but doesn`t say they are zx struts with the  bigger zx brakes.

[HRH]

^ditto that.

[casualsunday]

Alright. I'll definitely take it for a good drive.

[Skib]

lol Tom and I made that car run :rofl:

 

thats the car we trailered back from Eugene.

 

thats my radiator in the damn thing :rofl: had a plastic VW one in it that poped before.

[casualsunday]

Why is this funny? Is it a piece of shit now or what? lol