Purchasing my first car and I'm pretty much set on the Miata so I'm looking for a decent one for around 3-6k in my area.

I guess since I'm new what would you guys suggest I look into before purchasing as not to get screwed over?

 

Buy one from '94 and newer. The '89-'93 had smaller engines, brakes, differentials, etc.

Mileage isn't as important as whether it has been well maintained. If you get one with a removable hardtop, that's a $800 bonus. If you get one with a tan interior and leather seats it will have a limited slip rear differential. Some others had limited slips as well but those are guaranteed to have one. Don't get one that's been riced out and abused by a kid and expect it to be as good as a stock one. But if you buy one with some quality modifications, you can get some nice upgrades for less.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the tips, I was hoping to find one around 100-130k miles in good/great condition avoiding rust at pretty much all costs.

Not a fan of the tan interior at all and I heard if I can try for an M edition.
I've got my eye on a few different ones ranging from 95-99 but I think I like the NA version more than the NB.

I would buy a hardtop if I can't find one that already has it, finding them in a clean black is the hard part about this.

 

I may have a deal for you and am really close to WI. I have a 2000 Emerald Green with 86k miles and tons of parts. It's been setup for autox/track and I also have a super charger I can throw in that I haven't installed yet for that price. I'm looking for $7500 for all of it, plus all the stock parts. PM me if interested.

like Six said, I have some quality mods that will save you a lot of money.