An out of state dealer agreed to take my car to a local shop my mechanic recommends, but not until I give him an "upfront out the door price" first...Is this even remotely fair??

Do not buy the car unless it is a 50 state car. The Peoples Republic of Kalifornia will not let you register a 49 state car! You can negotiate a sales price contingent on the inspection results. If the dealer will not fix any defects found or discount the price then walk away. Get it in WRITING!

thanx! Wasn't aware of the 49/50 state issue. But don't think well even get that far since they refuse to bring it for the inspection unless I agree on an out the door price first!!

Good luck on finding a car. Since there are millions of cars for sale in your state why go to Arizona unless you are looking at a rare car? Miata's are not exactly rare.

they said they wont do it because the inspection could possibly net them a lower price than they want to sell it for! This seems nuts to me!

my specs for it are specific...2012-2016, manual transmission, good condition, soft top...i used to own one, so i know what i want and its proving hard to find!

but youre right! I ran!

I don't know where you are but there are 4 low mile 2007 Miata's on CG's in SoCal for sale. One has less than 20k miles on it. https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/forsale

thanx. Just found out about CG site today! Unfortunately, my specs also include a lower budget, so its not making it too easy....but def. running away from Az. car!

Use the advanced search to filter for years and price.

Watch the rear quarter rust on early Miata NCs.