No one said they had to, this is if they did. Kid.

Define ‘collectible’ first.

But then he loses originality points at Amelia Island

That was my hope all along.

And feel bad because at the end of the day its a low mile relatively clean example.

Not knowing the true extent of any issues besides the obvious in the pics, it seems that it would be a waste to NOT fix it up properly, that’s all.

Timing belts and brakes and structural rust repair (east coast car) is not cosmetic.

No, they should, just not one in otherwise nice shape with less than 60k miles.

They are if they want to save a few grand.

Who’s angry? I’m not angry. Are you angry? You sound angry. By the way you type....

That its the exception to the rule. Yeah, he paid $300, but at that point he may be overlooking what else might be needed to get the car to the value he WOULD have paid if the seller wasn’t so eager to relieve himself of it.

Oh, I’ve been around on this account for quite some time....

Good deal... IF it doesn’t need a ton of work besides what we can see.

Shh, you’ll blow my cover

Everything I do I do too hard

Maybe they had a PPI done? If I had $5k to throw at a Miata do I pick the one that needs nothing, but is at the top of my budget, or the one for dirt cheap that my mechanic SWEARS he can get done for less than my budget?

At the purchase price of the car you are.... and if your time is worth more to you, then yes. Paying a little extra to have the job done right and quickly can be invaluable. 

If you’re a call-a-guy person, and have enough money and brains you buy this cheap, fix it for who-cares-the-cost, and go enjoy it how you see fit. You or I do not get to determine who can or will buy this car at this price.

Thanks for chiming in. I’ll respect your wishes to do with your car as you see fit.

Not the thrifty.