[Deschodt]

So, after years of hearing "Miata is always the answer", my youngest is showing interest in driving, stick shift, and NA Miatas. I figure, cool, a project for me and the chance to discover a car I always wondered about.

In the outdated car price guide in my head, I assumed same budget as his brother, $6000 or so for a "first used car", should be doable..

Hell no !!

I followed an auction near me - with a bad top, a fender dent, an airbag light and no SMOG yet (potential surprise at the end) , that went for $10K... Oops.. My guess was 3-4 !!!

I recall those cars much lower in price, but I suppose they went up like everything else.. Kid is SET on pop up lights (who am I to discourage car enthusiasm, so no NB or NC)... Is it me? area ? condition ? I have time to do some cosmetic and maintenance fixes before he needs it, but not full rebuilds... Can I make it happen or are we firmly into 10K+ territory nowadays ?

Advice and gotchas welcome. ( I know they're non interference engines and about potential rust)..