Any insight? For some reason, I have a desire for a red one to drive on Sunday afternoons.

What do you know?

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

What do you want to know? Between the two of us, Darling Wife & I currently own 3.5 of 'em. Another 2.5 in my pre-Darling Wife days.

Great, great cars. Fun. Reliable. Tossable. Fun.

And fun. Did I mention fun?

I went from a CLK55 to a Miata. Wouldn't go back under any circumstances. The CLK obviously had monster torque by comparison. The Miata is a car you DRIVE, not just ride really really fast in. Car & driver as one and all that.

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1961 220b: first project car - sold.
2000 CLK 430: first modern Benz - sold.
2001 CLK 55: OMG the torque!!! - sold
1972 280SE 4.5: Baby Gustav
1991 300TE 4Matic: Gretel the Snow Bunny - sold
1978 300SD: Katz the Free Man - given away
1980 Redhead: Darling Wife

Most fun car you can get for the money.

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

They seem like retro-cars to me (like those silly new mustangs and camaros). Why not buy the authentic 60s vintage sports car of your choice?

Bingo.. they are retro cars. They are much better than the POS British sports cars it was inspired by, in most every way.

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

Yep. I am having loads of fun driving mine around and autocrossing it.

If you plan to drive it on the street a lot and don't autocross I would recommend a roll bar.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Except they're not real; if you don't care, I'm sure they're fun to play with.

Any pointers on what to look for and look out for?

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

Well there are 3 generations, the first gen being the cheapest and simplest. They are definitely the most raw and fun to drive, but also the most rough. With each generation you get a bit more comfort, power, and curb weight. But even so, the heaviest Miata will be not much more than 2400 lbs, and the lightest about 2100 lbs. If you are a big fella I'd go and test drive one, they might take a bit of getting used to. The first gen and third gen are the roomiest.

Here is something to look for: http://www.miata.net/garage/crankshaft.html

Other than that, pretty much do what you'd do with any other used car. They are tough little suckers.

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

I've owned a Miata for over 5 years and I find it very real. How long have you owned yours?

Never mind; I simply meant it was a retro-car, not that there's anything wrong with that.

I don't do asian cars.

I didn't use to either.

But for autocrossing they cannot be beat. Mine is just in average condition and I am still a fairly inexperienced 60 year old 200# driver but at local events won three or four times my class and twice set fastest stock class time for the event.

With a set of konis I bought used, Kosei wheels I bought new for 105 ea and a set of hoosiers.

They are very fast and very tough.

Mine has 114k miles on it and has seen a lot of autocrossing. I paid 4K for it. It runs very well but I am going to go through the motor this winter to get a bit more power. The tranny is acting up the last week. I am told that for 150 I can buy a good used one.

Quick, fun and cheap to race and drive.

It was stated that the first and last series are the roomiest but I believe it is more correct to say the second and third gen are the roomiest.

Mine is the Nb second gen car. I like its styling the best.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Actually the smallest Miata, the NA first gens have the most interior room, the third gens dont have as much head room and the 2nd gens are the most cramped. Its not a huge difference but if you are big enough that every inch counts, avoid the 2nd gen.

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

Sounds like a good track car. Nothing wrong with them, they just don't interest me very much.