Basic question about purchase

[katsi]

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/ctd/1044532999.html

hello there, sorry for the bluntness of this post, but just need a fairly basic answer, I dont know all that much about miatas, driven a few..etc. But basicall, would you buy this car as a partial daily driver / project car? Not sure what the deal is with the wheels...

 

[Nutari]

Custom cold air intake, hard top and the 1.8 engine. looks like spacers on those wheels..

the HT alone is worth at least $1000.

For the wheels, buy a set of OEM wheels used for $150-300 and take off the spacers.

 

[katsi]

thank you for that, all i was lookin for,

Ya i didnt even think about spacers..its a big part of the "hispanic" car modding scene out here (az).

Im gonna go look at it pretty soon, the mileage is relatively high, but then again the car is super cheap and i could probrably get a replacement engine fairly easily.

 

[jmsj578]

I didn't see anything about spacers because I have no idea what to look for there. However, I see the air intake could be replaced with something else fairly cheaply. It can't be getting a smooth flow of air, with that. There is something on the hood. Is that a decal or a cut in the hood? Other than that, the car looks clean. In one photo, it looks like the red on the door is slightly different than the color of the rear panel; but, that's picky, at best. The mileage is high for a garage queen; but, it's about normal for someone who drove the car as a daily driver. It looks like one to look into more deeply. It would make a great daily driver.

 

[katsi]

awsome, i did notice those same things, im actually going to run down and take a look at the car today, if there willing to negotiate i will def go ahead and get it. First thing im gonna do is replace that garbage intake, I already have a short ram sitting in a box ready to be installed. Also going to look at junk yards to get the bottom panel under the steering wheel replaced, looks to be missing, other than that..this thing meets my needs, wanted a cheap relatively easy to fix car that can still stomp some mountain roads and be a fun / mildly good looking daily driver.

 

[kcbhiw]

$3500 for a '97 Miata with a hardtop is an absolute steal. From the pictures, I see nothing critically wrong with the car aside from bad judgement/taste. 144k miles on a Miata really isn't as high as one might think either. These cars typically run well over double that distance. Go for it!

 

[jmsj578]

$3500 for a '97 Miata with a hardtop is an absolute steal. From the pictures, I see nothing critically wrong with the car aside from bad judgement/taste. 144k miles on a Miata really isn't as high as one might think either. These cars typically run well over double that distance. Go for it!

Mine had 232K miles on it when the engine went sour. Then, it was reborn with a V8 conversion. You should see it, now. The suspension, etc are all redone. New paint and upholstery have just been done. It is almost like having a new car. For the price, that little '97 will give you pleny of working room to do anything else you want to do to it and still have a great bang for the buck car.

Wow! I just saw a little NA hardtop in town, a while ago. The first time I'd seen that one!

 

[katsi]

Well, I drove it yesturday..and wow...its like, totally a beater / some guys ex-race car. BUT!! I loved it, it has tokico springs all around i found out, has some humungous hancook tires, has aftermarket deep dish wheels all around, does not have spacers afterall, just a really obnoxious offset.

The interior is totally stripped, everything is covered in some kinda insulation.

Engine is very sound, no knocking, squeeks...Nothing i would expect from a car with 144k. Has AC....etc etc etc...Lol..

So, the only road block is working with a bank to get a loan, only need like 2800 bucks and its mine! they wont finance cause its wholesale.

But, i did manage to take a sharp turn at about 50mph..with little to no effort, so it easily outhandles the ol ' p5.

 

[s0n1cm0nk3y]

yeah I can totally agree with that, a lot more fun to drive then my old 03 protege.