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Why You Should Buy a Salvage Miata
The Mazda Miata is hard to beat for car lovers seeking an affordable and fun roadster. Used Miatas are inexpensive to buy when in clean-title condition but become downright cheap as salvage cars. With the right research, inspection, and rebuilding efforts, a restored Miata can provide the authentic rear-wheel drive drop-top experience on a budget. Here’s why buying a salvage Miata for sale at a car auction can be a great option, especially for those new to salvage vehicles.
What is a Salvage Car?
A salvage car is a vehicle that has been damaged, usually from a severe accident or other mishap (such as a flood, hail storm, or vandalism incident). As a result, it has been declared a total loss by an insurance company. The insurer then usually puts these damaged vehicles up for sale at an auction or through a salvage yard. These cars typically have a title branded with a “salvage” or similar designation.
Many salvage cars have the potential to become roadworthy again but require repairs that address aesthetic issues, structural damage, or other problems. The result of this extra work means getting a car for a substantially lower cost. It’s an approach well-suited to the Mazda Miata.
Mazda Miatas Are Inexpensive to Repair
One key to the Mazda Miata’s success is prioritizing lightweight affordability rather than complex technology (often adding weight). Basic body components like fenders, doors, and bumpers are widely at junkyards for reasonable costs. It’s a wallet-friendly essential that can make a salvage Miata an excellent restoration project.
Miatas Have a Simple RWD Layout
Beneath the Miata’s sporty exterior is a straightforward rear-wheel-drive layout with an engine up front. This old-school configuration makes identifying trouble areas and needed repairs easier. Working on the Miata is a breeze compared to cars with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Miatas Offer Fun and Nimble Driving
This sports car delivers incredible handling and tossable driving characteristics thanks to the Miata’s keen balance and near-perfect weight distribution. It’s a superbly fun vehicle to drive, even at legal speeds. A properly restored Miata will retain all those elements, providing an engaging experience for drivers of all skill levels.
Strong Miata Resale Value
While resale values always take a hit on salvage vehicles, it’s less of an issue with the Miata because these cars are sought after in any condition. Even with a rebuilt title, a restored Miata commands a good price in private transactions thanks to highly engaged enthusiasts and owners’ clubs.
A Thorough Inspection Pays Off
A successful Mazda Miata restoration project begins with a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle under consideration. Look for signs of structural frame damage under the bodywork, which requires specialized equipment and expertise to repair the Miata’s unibody chassis properly. Test all mechanical systems like the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and electrical components for any issues caused by impact forces.
Knowing the complete damage upfront allows you to assess reasonable repair costs and risks before committing to a salvage Miata. Rushing into repairs without understanding what needs fixing can lead to shoddy work, safety issues, and wasted money.
Dig Deep for Damage History
You’ll want to research a salvage Miata’s history before buying. Run the vehicle identification number (VIN) through a service like EpicVIN, CARFAX, or AutoCheck to retrieve a vehicle history report that may include how the Miata was damaged. In particular, you’re looking for details about airbag deployment, water exposure, and accident information. A large number of owners prior to the accident may hint that car had reliability problems, meaning you may want to look at other salvage Miata options.
Although rare, you might even be able to locate insurance claim documentation and police reports that provide further insight into the accident and the resulting damage.
The more historical information you gather, the better your understanding of what caused the salvage title and how extensive repairs need to be. Do your due diligence to make an informed decision.
Consider Professional Help
Hiring an experienced mechanic to carefully inspect a salvage Miata before purchase is the best way to estimate repair costs. A professional inspection involves examining the undercarriage for structural damage not visible otherwise. A mechanic can also diagnose any mechanical problems with the engine, transmission, or other components caused by the accident. They have the trained eye to identify potential safety issues like airbag system issues.
Spending a few hundred dollars (or less) for a pre-purchase inspection can prevent major headaches during the repair process or later. The insights gleaned from a mechanic’s expert eye make it worth the small investment. Ideally, you can find someone familiar with working around salvage cars.
Set a Budget and Have a Reserve on Standby
Before committing to buy a salvage Mazda Miata, it is critical to set a realistic repair budget based on an expert inspection of the existing damage. Collision repairs, especially structural work, can become very expensive quickly. Get written estimates from reputable body shops outlining the full scope and costs of labor and parts needed to fix the Miata properly.
It’s also essential to set aside extra funds for hidden damage that may get discovered during the rebuilding process. There is little value in buying a salvage Miata if you cannot afford to fix it safely. And skimping on repairs could prevent a salvage car from passing inspection, which is necessary for the vehicle to become street-legal. At best, you’ll have money left over once repairs are completed.
Determining a budget before purchasing will also confirm if the project is worth pursuing. Add the repair estimates and projected price of the salvage Miata to see how the combined figure compares to an undamaged example.
Can I Insure a Salvage Car?
Insuring a salvage car can be a challenging and unique process compared to insuring a regular vehicle. Due to its title and damage, it is impossible to insure it right after the purchase – there are some measures to be taken.
Cars that hold a salvage title cannot be registered or insured. To register and insure a salvage car, you must first repair it fully, pass state inspections to obtain a rebuilt title, and provide the necessary documentation to prove its roadworthiness. Obtaining a rebuilt title typically involves meticulous inspections by certified mechanics or government authorities to ensure that all necessary repairs have been completed and that the vehicle meets safety and emissions standards.
Once you have successfully obtained a rebuilt title, you can then explore insurance options for your salvage car. As already mentioned, insuring a salvage vehicle can be more challenging and may come with higher premiums due to the perceived risks associated with its prior damage history. However, specialized insurance companies cater to salvage cars and may offer comprehensive coverage options, including liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance.
Before settling on an insurance policy, it is advisable to review and compare different insurance quotes from reputable providers carefully. Consider factors such as coverage limits, deductibles, and any additional requirements set forth by the insurance company. Additionally, bear in mind that even with insurance, the market value of a salvage car might be considerably lower than that of an equivalent model with a clean history. Nevertheless, for those willing to put in the effort and investment, insuring a salvage car can still be a viable option for owning and enjoying a unique automobile.
Final Thoughts on a Salvage Mazda Miata
While no salvage vehicle project is risk-free, the potential for huge savings off retail prices and the Miata’s sheer fun factor make for a compelling option.
Bargain hunters and car enthusiasts who don’t mind the extra effort can get behind the wheel of a fun-to-drive Miata for less. It’s a smart way of enjoying an authentic roadster experience that doesn’t have to drain the wallet.
16 days to go! Every year people panic to find the perfect gift. We at T2C have been collecting idea’s all year long to bring you the perfect gift guide at all price levels. When you’re at the end of your rope trying to find the perfect Christmas present this year, come to this guide for some great suggestions.
When you think of the future, do you ever imagine living on another planet? Well for those who would like to take their chances with a new world and all its unknowns, we invite them. The race to get to space is on! Once Earth’s populations over exceeds its limits, there will be a race to the Earth’s surface on the moon. But who deserves first dibs? The government and NASA? It’ll depend who you want it too! As it’s anyone’s game.
Imagine a world where you could own more than just your house and car. A place with endless opportunities, where life is better for everyone because it’s just a specific group of humans that all have the same ideology! Well up until now it’s only been possible aliens who wanted nothing more than to have freedom. By the Cosmic Register giving away their celestial real estate on the moon completely FREE will create not only millions of new supporters but also give us assistance in creating our very own government. These Natural Rights (also called basic rights or fundamental rights) state that everyone has a right to life, liberty and property. You are a human being and these rights belong you, as that’s all there is to it!
Lunar Land is for investment purposes.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to get your very own piece of land on the moon today and give a gift that could just possibly be totally free.
17 days to go! Every year people panic to find the perfect gift. We at T2C have been collecting idea’s all year long to bring you the perfect gift guide at all price levels. When you’re at the end of your rope trying to find the perfect Christmas present this year, come to this guide for some great suggestions.
Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. For anyone who loves to sit back and relax near the campfire but doesn’t have the space or wherewithal to build one, gift them this nifty little thing for Christmas. A Portable Campfire $35.99. This candle-like “campfire” has 3 to 5 hours of burn time and is sleek enough to bring the campfire wherever — be it the beach, the backyard, terrace or anywhere else!
Do I feel a smores treat coming on?
17 days to go! Every year people panic to find the perfect gift. We at T2C have been collecting idea’s all year long to bring you the perfect gift guide at all price levels. When you’re at the end of your rope trying to find the perfect Christmas present this year, come to this guide for some great suggestions.
How unique is this Spiral Song Lyric with Night Sky Map Clock.
Looking for a way to capture a meaningful day and text in one beautiful design? Grab a Personalized Star Map for you on a clock. Have questions about this design or how to personalize it for you or a gift? Message, as customer happiness is their #1 goal.
You give the company The Artist, Song Title or enter lyrics, a quote, names, address (for night sky) and the date and a spiral print will be printed showing the star map, alignment of the stars and constellations from your special day. Personally I think it is an amazing gift at $53.97 .
Free proofs are provided as well as quick edits to make sure you love your design before it’s printed.
To personalize your night sky spiral print, click here.
18 days to go! Every year people panic to find the perfect gift. We at T2C have been collecting idea’s all year long to bring you the perfect gift guide at all price levels. When you’re at the end of your rope trying to find the perfect Christmas present this year, come to this guide for some great suggestions.
In searching for gifts for kids, we love Krunch Pop Glow Tubes! ($22.95 for 12)This super cool toy can be stretched out and spun to make cool sounds, or you can connect a bunch and have a hoola hoop contest! It’s perfect for both kids and grown-up celebrations and is easy to bring along on trips, making it limitless on-the-go fun that travels well.
The Krunch Pop Glow Tubes are also bendable, stretchable, twistable, spinnable, and linkable, so you can create all sorts of shapes and designs to light up your party. And if you’re feeling anxious or stressed, this calming and relaxing sensory fidget toy can help relieve your worries. Just twist and pull the toy to make a satisfying “pop” sound that feels great to touch. The crunchy popping sound is so satisfying that you’ll want to play with it all day long!
Ready for something great, enter the #KrunchmasJoy Giveaway. We are on week 3 of a 4 weeks of Krunchmas” giveaway! Get ten chances to win a pack of delicious Krunch Pop Tubes every week until Christmas!
2o days to go! Every year people panic to find the perfect gift. We at T2C have been collecting idea’s all year long to bring you the perfect gift guide at all price levels. When you’re at the end of your rope trying to find the perfect Christmas present this year, come to this guide for some great suggestions.
Chita & Patrick Pacheco at Drama Book Shop event May 15, 2023 Photo by Merle Frimark
There are a lot of books out there this year but we highly recommend Chita: A Memoir , the critically-acclaimed book is written by the legendary Broadway icon Chita Rivera with arts journalist Patrick Pacheco. Chita takes fans behind-the-scenes of all her shows and cabaret acts, she shares candid stories of her many colleagues, friends, and lovers. She speaks with empathy and hindsight of her deep associations with complicated geniuses like Fosse and Robbins, as well as with the mega-talent Liza Minnelli, with whom she co-starred in The Rink. She openly discusses her affair with Sammy Davis, Jr. as well as her marriage to Tony Mordente and her subsequent off-the-radar relationships. Chita revisits the terrible car accident that threatened to end her career as a dancer forever. Center stage to Chita’s story are John Kander and Fred Ebb, the songwriters and dear friends indelibly tied to her career through some of her most enduring work: Chicago, The Rink, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and The Visit.
Chita’s love of performing began as a child in Washington, D.C., when her mother enrolled her in a local ballet school to channel her boundless energy. Still a teenager, she moved to New York to attend the School of American Ballet after an audition for George Balanchine himself and winning a scholarship. But Broadway beckoned, and by twenty she was appearing in the choruses of Golden Age shows like Guys and Dolls and Can-Can. In the latter, she received special encouragement from its star Gwen Verdon, forging a personal and professional friendship that would help shape her career. The groundbreaking West Side Story brought her into the orbit of Leonard Bernstein, Jerome Robbins, Arthur Laurents, Hal Prince, and Stephen Sondheim. After Bye Bye Birdie further burnished her rising star, she reunited with Verdon and her then-husband Bob Fosse to work on the film version of Sweet Charity and the celebrated original Broadway production of Chicago.
Chita: A Memoir was published in English and Spanish and the English audio version of the Memoir was recorded by Chita. A Spanish audio version is also available.
“Chita Rivera blazed a trail where none existed so the rest of us could see a path forward. She has been part of some of the greatest musicals in the history of the form, from Anita in the trailblazing West Side Story through Claire Zachanassian in the underrated masterpiece The Visit, over 60 years later. She is a Puerto Rican Broadway icon and the original ‘triple threat.’ We’re so lucky to be alive in the same timeline as Chita Rivera.” — Lin-Manuel Miranda.
“A frank and fascinating memoir from one of the truly great artists of the American Theater. Lots of stories … Lots of insight … and quite a few caustic statements from Chita’s alter ego, Dolores. An illuminating history and a guaranteed pleasure!” — John Kander
Broadway legend and national treasure Chita Rivera, multi-Tony Award winner, Kennedy Center honoree, and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom – has taken no prisoners on stage or screen for seven decades. From her trailblazing performance as the original Anita in West Side Story—for which she tapped her own Puerto Rican roots—to her haunting 2015 star turn in The Visit. Chita has proven to be much more than just a captivating dancer, singer, and actress beloved by audiences and casts alike. In her equally captivating and one-of-a-kind memoir, Written with Patrick Pacheco, the woman born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero shares an incomparable life, both on stage and behind the curtain.
By the way this Memoir has won a Gold Medal for “Best Autobiography – English” at the 2023 International Latino Book Awards. https://www.latinobookawards.org/
Click here to buy your copy.
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