General Miata questions

[protegeV]

Ok, I have a beater car which I used for my driving job. I figure I can get about $2500 for it, so then Im gonna look into getting either an FC or a Miata as a project car.

Questions

1. Can I get a decent miata for $2500?
2. How are they reliability-wise?
3. Whats the highest mileage I should be lookin at(do they tend to crap out at a certain point?

 

[jared]

Ok, I have a beater car which I used for my driving job. I figure I can get about $2500 for it, so then Im gonna look into getting either an FC or a Miata as a project car.

Questions

1. Can I get a decent miata for $2500?
2. How are they reliability-wise?
3. Whats the highest mileage I should be lookin at(do they tend to crap out at a certain point?

1:it will take some looking, but yes.
2:i've seen one with 300K on the original motor. realistically these motors will go 200K if taken care of.
3:the motors are bullitt proof. they are well over-egeneered from the factory, finding one at about 90-100K you are most likely still doing good as far as how much life is left in it.

 

[Foolish]

Ray, Check this out http://www.miata.net/faq/usedmx5.html

Miatas last forever. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 100K+ Miata, especially if it appears well maintained. MiaTurbo bought his with a bunch of miles and just turbo'ed it at 178K miles! If you go pre-1994 it's super-cheap and easy to turbo them, as there's a GReddy kit for $1200! PM if you need someone to Miata shop with you. There's frequently someone in MSCW selling one or aware of where you can find one.

 

[protegeV]

Ray, Check this out http://www.miata.net/faq/usedmx5.html

Miatas last forever. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 100K+ Miata, especially if it appears well maintained. MiaTurbo bought his with a bunch of miles and just turbo'ed it at 178K miles! If you go pre-1994 it's super-cheap and easy to turbo them, as there's a GReddy kit for $1200! PM if you need someone to Miata shop with you. There's frequently someone in MSCW selling one or aware of where you can find one.

thanks man...I plan to be seriously car shopping next month.
I was all ready to look for an RX7, but I think I would MUCH rather have the reliability of the miata, not to mention the NORMAL engine...sorry I just cant get used to relearning things with a rotary(laugh)

 

[StratoMX5]

Man it is nice to know I have bought such a reliable car! My fiance actually bought it for me and we also own an Infiniti G35 Coupe. I wonder which one will last longer...Hmmmm

We are looking for a cheap 1st Gen Miata so that we can AutoX it.

ZoomZoom (monkey2)

 

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

Go miatas!! you can't go wrong with em. keep us posted on what you buy!

 

[ZoomZoomH]

not to mention the NORMAL engine...sorry I just cant get used to relearning things with a rotary(laugh)

the rotary engine pwn j000000!!!! (dark)

there's really nothing extra to learn, except just the whole engine!~

 

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

I am willing to take my chances with the fb....

 

[protegeV]

the rotary engine pwn j000000!!!! (dark)

there's really nothing extra to learn, except just the whole engine!~

yeah, perhaps you can school me in the ways of the roatary a little bit at the meet today...

 

[Bender]

For $2500 you should be able to get a nice 90-93 with under 150K miles. My very good condition '93 Black and Tan with 137K miles cost me $2000.