I got it.
I got an email letter from his bank, clearing the lien against the car.
And I finally
spoke to the owner - we agreed on $750.
It's strange: $750 feels like too much to pay for an old car in this condition, yet research says $750 is somehow a good deal for
a Miata in this condition. A look at current prices backs this up, and my Miata-owning buddy insists: "
750 is thievery on your part!"
He also says: fix the floor & radiator, and I could easily flip it for $2500. He personally would have paid the $1k asking price without hesitation, without hearing it run.
So! 50 mpg, here I come?