It's a BMW; it can last as long as your wallet can. BMWs are all well made cars. I remember driving a 1984 318i brand new and thought that it was an underpowered POS that was way too expensive for what it was. Now, 20 years later, I still think it's an underpowered POS that was way too expensive for what it was, but the car is very well engineered and has stood the test of time. I wouldn't buy one, I'm just commenting on the durability of the engineering.

The Z3 is quite a bit newer, and benefits from newer technology, better (if that's possible) workmanship and superior engineering. Also, it's got that whole "real" BMW thing going for it.

The downside is that the car does have high mileage, and it's going to end up costing you more to service and repair it because it's a higher-end specialty performance car. Parts will continue to be expensive.

Now, as far as the Miata goes, I can't say enough about what a great car that is right out of the box. Once again, I drove the Miata for awhile when it first came out. It was horribly underpowered, but it handled like no other car in that price range. It brought the fun back into driving a sports car that the common man could afford. I can only liken it to when the 240Z first hit U.S. shores back in the early seventies. It wasn't a breath of fresh air, it was a gale.

I've driven Miatas since (in fact, I just got rid of the Smurf and my silver one and my black one), and the engineering still holds up. even after 200K, the little cars still feel nice and tight.

Now, about getting a Z3 Miata rebody. I don't think you can go wrong with the car. I think the price is a bit on the high side for a car that you don't know anything about, and you didn't mention what the mileage on the car was, or what year the Miata was. That's pretty important, as the engine was changed to a 1.8 in 1993 (the early cars have a 1.6 that could get a shaft broken if the timing chain is misinstalled). The 1993 and up cars have much better aftermarket support. However, I'm not going to sell the earlier cars short; there's an engine kit that allows you to just about drop in a Ford 302 with a t5 tranny and an 8.8 IRS rearend.

It's all up to you. If the kit is what you want, you should buy it. It's going to remain relatively flat resale-wise, while the Z3 will continue to drop based on blue book value (kit cars are different; they're priced at "what the market will bear" rather than a devaluation schedule).

If you need any more help, just ask.

Your pal,
Meat.

The guy you want to talk to is MADMIKE. As far as the kits: go for the Ziata kit.

You can probably pick up a Miata fairly inexpensively - depending on year and mileage, of course - and depending on what you want to finally end up with powerplant-wise - you can almost go with just about any year.

If it were me, I'd make sure to look for a used Miata in the $2-3K range that may have dented panels or broken facia - especially on the front end, where the panels are completely replaced. Interior should be in okay condition - remember that you can get nice leather seats for the car for ~$600 (if you do the seats yourself), so looking for a car with cloth seats (faded or not) is a good choice. Also, there were three different packages that you could get with a Miata; base (basic car, duh); A Package (usually consists of power mirrors, power-assisted steering, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum alloy wheels, and headrest speakers); B Package (includes all of A Package plus cruise control, power windows - and headrest speakers (some years had the headrest speakers in the B Package, some in the A Package)). Look for a B package (I'm lazy, I like cruise control, power windows, power mirrors, and a sound system that you can almost hear) and you'll be a happy camper.

So, to recap to this point: if you're going to eventually replace the drivetrain, you can get any year Miata. If you're not, look for a late 1993 or newer. In any case, go for the B Package Miata.

The places to avoid looking for Miatas? On Miata group forums; Miata owners seem to think their cars are worth more there - must be some kind of mob mentality. The best places? Used car lots or online places like www.cars.com or www.autotrader.com. I got the Smurf from a car dealership for $600 because the guy thought the car had a siezed engine, rather than just needing a solenoid. There are bargains out there to be had.

Mike will be able to help you better with this. He seems like a good guy.

More than likely, you'll be into the car for slightly over your budget...but don't be alarmed or surprised; EVERY kit car or hot rod is ALWAYS over budget. It's what we do, and who we are.

As far as insurance goes...I don't know what to tell you there. Technically, you're only getting a Miata rebody - none of the mechanicals are touched - so you should be able to insure it without too much hassle. The only issue is going to be what the replacement/repair cost is going to be for any body damage. I'm sure that Mike can get you a breakdown or a cost for the car. That should make the insurance guys happy. DO NOT refer to the car as a "kit car" when you go to insure it - refer to it as a Miata with a body kit.

Not at all a bad deal; the '95 is a good car. It's got the bigger engine, the bigger gas tank, and a bit more bracing than the original. And with the mileage, you're going to get a nice, tight car as well; you're well within the lifespan of the car.

With the automatic you're going to lose a bit of 'oomph' off the line, but the tranny is still nice, and it's a great little car.

Your pal,
Meat.