opinion on this Miata?

[SilverBulletES]

California Miata

1800 bucks?

1991-- what should I look for, ask about?

Heh, I won't be out that way for 3 weeks-- but I decided not to buy a condo just yet and life is short. Money will flow pretty freely at least for 6 months.

Hole in roof, whatever.... duct tape.

 

[lagunamiata]

That is a "short nose crank" car. See here for some reading - http://miata.net/garage/crankshaft.html
If the timing belt job isn't done right, the front pulley will chew up the nose of the crank, leading to an engine rebuild.

Off that site - If your Miata is a 1990 or 1991 with VIN 209446 or less, you have a crankshaft with a smaller diameter nose.

The VIN of that car is JM1NA3513M0206134, so its the bad one.

I'd say that $1,800 is a little high.

 

[SilverBulletES]

Oh thanks-- I'll read that in detail.

I knew about the short nose crank thing but I thought it was only 1990 cars-- didn't know early 91s had the same problem. I thought it often broke around 80,000 miles and to ask if it was replaced under recall.

Believe me I'll offer him 1400 for it depending on the condition of it.

 

[lagunamiata]

I don't know if there was a recall or not... The problem isn't mileage dependent, it's mechanic dependent. If the timing belt is changed correctly, you'll not have a problem. If they screw it up, you'll know soon after the change that your screwed.

BTW, figure $3-400 for a new top plus $300 for installation. Or 5 hours of your own time...

 

[Mplvan]

Looks good to me, if it runs and stops buy it. You don't need a stinken top Its November and I still don't drive with my top up. 76 and sunny today.(sun)

 

[SilverBulletES]

Looks good to me, if it runs and stops buy it. You don't need a stinken top Its November and I still don't drive with my top up. 76 and sunny today.(sun)

Sure enough and if the motor dies in 6 months I'd just swap in a 1.8. It's only non-convertible weather there a couple weeks out of the year anyway right? Well 105-115 could be a bit brutal-- have to drive fast for a good breeze.

 

[miatafied]

I would offer $1K and take it from there - $1500 would be the absolute most. Just picked up a 1990 w/ 80K miles plus hardtop for my niece for $1750 - sold the hardtop last week for $900.

Also, if the motor dies - I think that you can pick up low mileage ones from a mazda parts recycler for ~ $600.

Doesn't look too bad from the pic - but with a hole in the top and sitting for a year I would definitely look for signs of water leaking and rust under the carpets.

 

[lagunamiata]

And into the trunk. If the rain rail is trashed you may find water back there... Also the drains are probably clogged.

 

[MiaTurbo]

The short nose crank problem is way out of proportion. Just because it has one, doesn't mean you are doomed for catastrophy. I wouldn't pass up a good deal just because it was..

That being said, i think they are asking a lot for a car with high mileage. especially if it needs a top..

 

[k-lea]

^ agreed.

 

[lagunamiata]

My dad may be buying a '94 black C-package (leather) with an automatic (he has MS) and new top for $2500. I'm going to check it out next weekend for him.

Need to work on that web site, Kristin... (peep)

 

[SilverBulletES]

A black '94 (I like white an blue too) like this would be my ideal
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...995&start_year=1994&isp=y&lang=en&cardist=220

But $4500 "priced to sell".... no way. I need to buy from an individual rather than a rip-off used car dealer.

 

[lagunamiata]

Yeah... if Dad gets that one (130,000 miles), I think $2500 is about right. $4500 for one with the miles on that black one is too much.

 

[MiaTurbo]

Just FYI, but I'm selling my supercharger 94 with JRSC and about 60k miles. I'd give it a 8/10 due to a few door dings, and paint that needs 'freshening'.. otherwise pristene.

 

[SilverBulletES]

Just FYI, but I'm selling my supercharger 94 with JRSC and about 60k miles. I'd give it a 8/10 due to a few door dings, and paint that needs 'freshening'.. otherwise pristene.

Sounds interesting, but it looks like you're on the other side of the country from where I'll be when I'm ready to buy in a couple months.

Is that the one someone bought off eBay a few months ago?