How much would you pay for a '90 with 11k mi?

[JAVI]

I'm with you on this one. Nevertheless, my best friend has money and buys alot of old used cars (at least 7 a year). Yet, he never looks at a car that has alot of miles on it. It's his thing. So like you said, some wierdos pay the premium for exclusivity.

Anyways, here are the pics.

 

[gksspot]

Mileage is overrated with Miatas.

Yes you could perform the same aftermarket things but after your initial purchase plus mods you would be at 25k after it was said and done, and to have what? Answer: a 1.6L that tops out power wise significantly sooner then the 1.8L's that are in the 94 and newer cars... oh yeah you'd have a car with a lower number on the odometer.

Unless you are Jay Leno and enjoy having cars because of their rarity, you are just screwing yourself by paying a premium for a car that is as reliable as a nice conditioned 94+ with higher mileage.

Now dont get down on me, Im glad there are people that value things differently, Ive made a lot of money off them on ebay and Craigslist, and for that I'm grateful. (thumb)

By the way, the 90-93s also dont not have additional underbody bracing the 94+s have, nor do they have the cockpit brace that goes behind the seat, no 90 models had ABS, nor do they have the trunk release, torsen LSD, passenger side airbag, bigger brakes like on the 94+, and clear coat... if Im not mistaken that was not used on the 90s so that paint would like like ^%$# in a couple real years of use, especially on the front and rear bumbers. Lastly, some 90s have the crankshaft defect that will ruin your engine. I'd hate to see someone buy a "new" 16yr old car and have to replace the "low" mileage engine

 

[gksspot]

I just got the info for you:

"If you have a 1991 with VIN 209447 or more, you're safe. If you'd like, verify the stronger crankshaft and larger bolt are fitted by measuring the bolt shoulder diameter to be 1.455 inches. If your Miata is a 1990 or 1991 with VIN 209446 or less, you have a crankshaft with a smaller diameter nose."

 

[JAVI]

You guys are good!

 

[MiaTurbo]

I just got the info for you:

"If you have a 1991 with VIN 209447 or more, you're safe. If you'd like, verify the stronger crankshaft and larger bolt are fitted by measuring the bolt shoulder diameter to be 1.455 inches. If your Miata is a 1990 or 1991 with VIN 209446 or less, you have a crankshaft with a smaller diameter nose."

the short nose crank is realy not the achiles heal, and is pretty much an overrated problem. As long as you double check your work when putting it back together after a timing belt, it would be fine.

 

[gksspot]

Im not claiming to be an expert on the cranknose problem (I had a 95 so I didnt care really) but from my reading you either got the part or the one the manufacturer UPGRADED in subsequent models. They made it better for a reason, and you either replace it before a problem occurs or when it does occur your SOL.

Not saying Miatas from 90-93 arnt nice or a smart buy but since the 94-97s have come down to the same price range youd be silly to pick the 90-93 if they were similar in shape/mileage/cost.

Especially in this case, why buy a 90 w/ 11k miles when you can get a 94 or 95 in great shape with 50k miles for half the price.