What would you choose for only $3500?

[Jarrett]

Hello all,
I was about to start searching for a daily. I have been able to scrape together about $3500 to go toward this next car. I absolutely want to keep this as the limit.

There are tons of general cars around this price. I would love to hear any suggestion on one as opposed to the other.

I have been trying to consider getting another Miata as mine is rough, needs way more time\work, and could be fun.
When i look at local Craigslist and other sites to assist in finding cars it seems i can go two routes.

1. A clean-ish NA Miata that might have a higher trim level and even a couple that would come with a hard top. Mileage around 200k
2. A decent NB Miata that probably has some dents here and there. may be a base model. also around 200k mileage.

I do plan on doing basic maintenance on any car i end up with the budget does account for that.
which route would you choose?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

obligatory picture: current Miata


current daily

[Demon I Am]

Lower mileage NA, though it all depends on the deal. If 3500 is your car+maintenance, you might be limited to an NA6, anyhow. Just remember a 26 year old car is probably going to have 26 years worth of wear and tear.

[Jarrett]

Thank you for the suggestion. The $3500 is just to purchase and I have set aside a budget of about $500 to do the maintenance\ Just in case.

[—tsingson—]

Maybe a small pickup turck/SUV for hauling parts.

[Jarrett]

That is actually also high up on the list. I have to occasionally borrow a vehicle to move the scooters or motorcyle. Would you trust a late 90's ford or chevy? They seem common in the ranger\s10 size.

[—tsingson—]

I'm a Ford guy so I would say the Ranger. But I always liked the Toyota pickups or even the Nissan Hardbodys.

[BoBo]

If you do decided on a truck, I would get a Toyota truck. My grandma's Tacoma is pushing 360k on the same engine & tranny, and the truck is still fine.

[Jarrett]

My first car was and 84 toyota pickup. I can really sympathize with how amazing they can be, but in my area they are crazy expensive and everyone's mud toys. I can get a 98-2000 ranger for the 86-93 toyota price. I do really like rangers. A friend had an 80 something one that we used to take crazy places when pushed.
I also think it would be a bit foolish to get 4 wheel drive. I cant afford to fix what i would do to one.

[—tsingson—]

I think you would be fine with a Ranger. Maybe even see if you could get the Mazda version. It might be slightly cheaper.

[— kung fu jesus —]

I would do the cleanest, lowest mileage NA. Preferably OBD1. The NBs are better daily drivers, but they have a few more issues, especially in that price range.

For $3500, I would look into a hatchback or small pickup otherwise.

[Jarrett]

Thank you everyone. I appreciate the hell out of the feedback and sound reasoning. I have a hard time thinking clearly with any amount of cash in my hand.

as of now.
1. NA miata that is clean and at least has a hard top
2. decent four cylinder truck preferably closer to 2000- 2500 and get started on my miata with leftover cash.

[Demon I Am]

If you were closer to Raleigh NC, (or wanted to fly/drive) I could get you the details on my room mate's Ranger that he is planning to sell.

[Jarrett]

If you were closer to Raleigh NC, (or wanted to fly/drive) I could get you the details on my room mate's Ranger that he is planning to sell.

It seems a bit far as of now, thank you for the offer and good looking out for your friend!

Also if any of you Florida people see anything perfect I would love a shout. I check but assume I miss tons. The local airport does super cheap flights to Tampa and Orlando. After Demons suggestion it got me thinking I would be down to fly down drive back.

[Jarrett]

opinions? these two are both local and pretty dang cheap. What makes you uneasy about them? what gets you excited? Would you give them a closer look?
I also realize these are not the nicest examples.

however, I see them and factor in that worse case scenario, i need to use a bit of the left over money to give them a once over and make them mechanically sound. would you as a community see it as worth it? This is assuming they are not rusted to death.

https://tricities.craigslist.org/cto/5393459107.html

https://tricities.craigslist.org/cto/5403835803.html

[— kung fu jesus —]

I would shop Atlanta not VA, maybe Charlotte, too. Less snow, bigger selection, larger community. Maybe join mx5atlanta.com. Salt eats these cars up in a hurry. Anything worth your 3500 is worth traveling for.