MX-5 / Miata Advice ( Got one )

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carracerptp

carracerptp

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carracerptp
I have been looking recently (again) for a fun way to get around town. I don't need a daily driver and I now live in an area with backroads worth driving on a sunday cruise.

So would this idea work.

Get a cheap 1994 Miata with about 170,000 miles ( a few in my area ) and use it as a sunday drive car for a year or two?

What would the repair parts bills look like just to keep it running (assuming it was "ok" to begin with)? I'm relatively handy.

Any reason this would be a bad idea?
 
Miata is great. Cheap Miata, not so much. If I'll be using a car solely for spirited driving on the weekends, I wouldn't trust a 20 year old rattletrap that I picked up off craigslist for 2k to carve mountain roads with. Do it right and pay the extra penny for a low(er) mileage, car in good condition.

Have you thought about getting a bike instead?
 
How cheap does it have to be?

I'd agree with @Harry6784 , either pay a bit more for one that's sorted already, or get a bike. Miatas are cheap to maintain, but when stuff goes wrong it can easily add up to more than the car is worth for the older ones.

I'd look at paying enough so that you get one that isn't likely to need any major repairs. Which probably means getting an NB. It'll be newer, they're just as good to drive, if not quite as cute.

I guess it really depends what the prices are like in your area, but I don't think you'll regret spending the extra money. If nothing else, most of these cars are pretty near the bottom of the depreciation curve, and so if you get a good condition NA you'll probably get the extra money back when you sell it. They're well on their way to becoming classic cars, and while there's a lot around, you don't see many in great nick.
 
Harry6784
Miata is great. Cheap Miata, not so much. If I'll be using a car solely for spirited driving on the weekends, I wouldn't trust a 20 year old rattletrap that I picked up off craigslist for 2k to carve mountain roads with. Do it right and pay the extra penny for a low(er) mileage, car in good condition.

Have you thought about getting a bike instead?
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I was actually looking at bikes but I don't know a good one from a bad one.

We don't have any mountain roads ( everything is flat in florida ) and I wasn't thinking about carving roads, more like cruising.

What would be a good milage point to aim for? I don't really want to spend much ( basically looking for something new / fun ).
Imari
How cheap does it have to be?

I'd agree with @Harry6784 , either pay a bit more for one that's sorted already, or get a bike. Miatas are cheap to maintain, but when stuff goes wrong it can easily add up to more than the car is worth for the older ones.

I'd look at paying enough so that you get one that isn't likely to need any major repairs. Which probably means getting an NB. It'll be newer, they're just as good to drive, if not quite as cute.

I guess it really depends what the prices are like in your area, but I don't think you'll regret spending the extra money. If nothing else, most of these cars are pretty near the bottom of the depreciation curve, and so if you get a good condition NA you'll probably get the extra money back when you sell it. They're well on their way to becoming classic cars, and while there's a lot around, you don't see many in great nick.
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I'm looking between 1,500 to 3,000.
 
carracerptp
I was actually looking at bikes but I don't know a good one from a bad one.
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Not much different from cars, just find one that looks nice, is relatively new, low miles and owner has kept up maintenance.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/buying-your-first-motorcycle-everything-you-need-to-know/#!E7qMD
http://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Used-Motorcycle
http://www.allstate.com/tools-and-resources/motorcycle-insurance/tips-how-to-buy-bike.aspx
http://www.clarity.net/adam/buying-bike.html

Some great starter bikes in my area that are within your budget (with a little bargaining ;)):

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/mcy/4429944386.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/4424944806.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/mcy/4423902795.html

carracerptp
We don't have any mountain roads ( everything is flat in florida ) and I wasn't thinking about carving roads, more like cruising.

What would be a good milage point to aim for? I don't really want to spend much ( basically looking for something new / fun ).
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I'd shoot for a sub-100k Miata but obviously there are exceptions and it all comes down to how well the previous owner maintained their car. In your case you have 3 options; a car fun, cheap, reliable. Choose 2.
 
carracerptp
I'm looking between 1,500 to 3,000.
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In Australia that would get you something unroadworthy or only suitable for parts.

No idea what $3k would get you in Florida. Maybe that'd be more than enough to get you a good 'un.

Honestly, milage is probably less of a concern than getting a good one. I wouldn't buy one over 180k miles personally, but I know examples of NAs in the club in Melbourne that are still running sweetly at track days on 250k miles, because they're looked after. And I'd rather by a good one with 180k than a dog with 120k.

If you're after an NA, beware rust on the inside of the front fenders, terminal hydraulic lifter rattle, serious oil leaks, the plastic on the radiator perishing, grinding gearboxes and dodgy diffs. Also, look up the short nose crank problem and make sure you understand what it means and how to identify them. It's complicated so I won't go into the whole thing, but the early 1.6 engines can fail very easily and catastrophically if some things are done wrong to them.

But apart from that the engines are fundamentally very strong, and will probably go forever if maintained well. Also, beware suspension on 25 year old cars, if the shock absorbers haven't been changed they'll almost certainly need to be. Will improve the driving experience immensely.

NBs are mechanically almost identical, so a lot of the same things apply.

Miata.net has some great guides to buying, I recommend having a read.

If you have specific questions I can do my best to answer. I do own a white '90 NA, which is kind of giving up the ghost at the moment. The hydraulic lifter rattle has become very strong recently despite chemical additives, I had the radiator blow it's top, and the gearbox is starting to grind more. I have in the past done a fair bit of work on suspension and bracing the car, and it's still really sweet to drive, it's just the mechanical bits are kind of giving up. I'm at ~150k miles, but it's on it's second motor with unknown kilometers (someone swapped in a big nose before I bought it).

I'm trying to organise daily transport for myself so that I can take it off the road for the winter and fix it up, because I'd rather not sell someone a dog.
 
Harry6784
Not much different from cars, just find one that looks nice, is relatively new, low miles and owner has kept up maintenance.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/buying-your-first-motorcycle-everything-you-need-to-know/#!E7qMD
http://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Used-Motorcycle
http://www.allstate.com/tools-and-resources/motorcycle-insurance/tips-how-to-buy-bike.aspx
http://www.clarity.net/adam/buying-bike.html

Some great starter bikes in my area that are within your budget (with a little bargaining ;)):

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/mcy/4429944386.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/4424944806.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/mcy/4423902795.html



I'd shoot for a sub-100k Miata but obviously there are exceptions and it all comes down to how well the previous owner maintained their car. In your case you have 3 options; a car fun, cheap, reliable. Choose 2.
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Thanks I look into this more.

Imari
In Australia that would get you something unroadworthy or only suitable for parts.

No idea what $3k would get you in Florida. Maybe that'd be more than enough to get you a good 'un.

Honestly, milage is probably less of a concern than getting a good one. I wouldn't buy one over 180k miles personally, but I know examples of NAs in the club in Melbourne that are still running sweetly at track days on 250k miles, because they're looked after. And I'd rather by a good one with 180k than a dog with 120k.

If you're after an NA, beware rust on the inside of the front fenders, terminal hydraulic lifter rattle, serious oil leaks, the plastic on the radiator perishing, grinding gearboxes and dodgy diffs. Also, look up the short nose crank problem and make sure you understand what it means and how to identify them. It's complicated so I won't go into the whole thing, but the early 1.6 engines can fail very easily and catastrophically if some things are done wrong to them.

But apart from that the engines are fundamentally very strong, and will probably go forever if maintained well. Also, beware suspension on 25 year old cars, if the shock absorbers haven't been changed they'll almost certainly need to be. Will improve the driving experience immensely.

NBs are mechanically almost identical, so a lot of the same things apply.

Miata.net has some great guides to buying, I recommend having a read.

If you have specific questions I can do my best to answer. I do own a white '90 NA, which is kind of giving up the ghost at the moment. The hydraulic lifter rattle has become very strong recently despite chemical additives, I had the radiator blow it's top, and the gearbox is starting to grind more. I have in the past done a fair bit of work on suspension and bracing the car, and it's still really sweet to drive, it's just the mechanical bits are kind of giving up. I'm at ~150k miles, but it's on it's second motor with unknown kilometers (someone swapped in a big nose before I bought it).

I'm trying to organise daily transport for myself so that I can take it off the road for the winter and fix it up, because I'd rather not sell someone a dog.
Click to expand...


I was told about that "crank" problem. Any other key problem places I should be looking for rust?
 
carracerptp
I was told about that "crank" problem. Any other key problem places I should be looking for rust?
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Front fenders and under the parcel shelf carpet if the roof leaks are the main ones. It's mostly pretty good, they don't rust too badly.
 
Would something like this one:

http://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/cto/4432575185.html

But with a manual transmission (AT cars seem to be lower mileages?) be a bad price at ( $2,500 USD )?

Only looking to get a year or so of sunday driving out of it.

Maybe I should drop the idea of a manual, more cars with sub 140K 130K miles in the automatic category near 3K in price.
 
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I've nothing against autos in general, but an auto Miata really isn't worth it. It's a tough gearbox, but that's all it really has going for it - the manual is a great deal more fun in a car like that. And you're buying the car to have fun with, so...
 
As far as rust goes also check the area between the doors and the rear wheels. The soft top has drain tubes that run through the body there and if they get blocked with debris it can hold water and start to rust.

Good cheap Miatas can be found, just keep an eye out. My car was a '90 (June '89 build, one of the first 500 cars) with 207k miles and it certainly was not a rattle trap. It had a rebuilt head and cheap tokico suspension but it ran like a champ. Short nose crank and all. Paid $2k for it.
 
The only thing that stands out to me is the coolant hose clamps, bolts and the shock mounts appear to be quite rusty. So the underside of the car might need a good looking at to make sure it's not full of rust.
 
Hate to hijack your thread, hope you don't mind since I'm in the market for a Miata too.

At 6'2 and about 140lbs, would I be comfortable in a NA Miata or do I need something bigger?
 
Automobilismo
At 6'2 and about 140lbs, would I be comfortable in a NA Miata or do I need something bigger?
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It seems to depend. I'm 5'8" and fit in them perfectly, yet I think it was @UrieHusky who's only a few inches taller and can't get comfortable. I'm sure others even taller probably could, but it all depends on body shape.
 
homeforsummer
It seems to depend. I'm 5'8" and fit in them perfectly, yet I think it was @UrieHusky who's only a few inches taller and can't get comfortable. I'm sure others even taller probably could, but it all depends on body shape.
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I don't think overall height is as important as proportions - the MX5 is the only car I've felt truly uncomfortable in.

Apparently there are things you can do to make the MX5 more comfortable for tall people but for me my height is all in my legs, sitting down I'm about the same height as anyone else. Which results in having to bend my legs too much which means my knees are perilously close to the steering wheel, the visor was in my face and I couldn't easily see around the pillars so getting comfortable is just impossible. I was pretty comfortable as a passenger with the hard top however.

From the sounds of it, if I actually owned one myself and performed modifications to accommodate my height it would be fine.
 
carracerptp
Get a cheap 1994 Miata with about 170,000 miles ( a few in my area ) and use it as a sunday drive car for a year or two?
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Yes. Consider earlier models also, though I imagine you want the 1.8L engine. Keep in mind that good looking inside-and-out Miatas aren't cheap. Expect to pay about $4000 for a good one, or less for one that runs fine but isn't pretty.

What would the repair parts bills look like just to keep it running (assuming it was "ok" to begin with)? I'm relatively handy.
Click to expand...
Every old car has problems but many Miata replacement parts can be had cheap. The drivetrains are generally very reliable beyond regular maintenance and even catastrophic failures like transmissions can be replaced for relatively cheap.

Any reason this would be a bad idea?
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The only downside is that you're going to want to drive the thing all the time. Driving a Miata all the time means sacrifices which you'll probably realize you are willing to make. That's why I mentioned the fact that good Miatas aren't cheap - if you're going to get one you should probably get a good one because you'll want to be in it a lot.

Automobilismo
Hate to hijack your thread, hope you don't mind since I'm in the market for a Miata too.

At 6'2 and about 140lbs, would I be comfortable in a NA Miata or do I need something bigger?
Click to expand...
You'll fit height wise but it will probably be close on the stock seat. I'm not one to keep a car stock and I'm extremely picky about my driving position so I've got an aftermarket seat rail and bucket in my RX7 along with a new steering wheel and steering column extension. You might want to consider both things. I'm 5'11", 150, and have pretty normal thin/athletic proportions but I find in almost every car that when my legs are comfortable the steering wheel is always too far away. Thus, the column extension. I have the same problem in Miatas. If you value a performance driving position then you might have the same problem.
 
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R1600Turbo
The only thing that stands out to me is the coolant hose clamps, bolts and the shock mounts appear to be quite rusty. So the underside of the car might need a good looking at to make sure it's not full of rust.
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Cars have a corrosion problem around here ( sea salt ) so I would check that. Thanks.

UrieHusky
I don't think overall height is as important as proportions - the MX5 is the only car I've felt truly uncomfortable in.

Apparently there are things you can do to make the MX5 more comfortable for tall people but for me my height is all in my legs, sitting down I'm about the same height as anyone else. Which results in having to bend my legs too much which means my knees are perilously close to the steering wheel, the visor was in my face and I couldn't easily see around the pillars so getting comfortable is just impossible. I was pretty comfortable as a passenger with the hard top however.

From the sounds of it, if I actually owned one myself and performed modifications to accommodate my height it would be fine.
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I seem to have a hit or miss problem with cars, I have fit in some "small" ones only to have problems with bigger one ( 99% seat position ). I'm already planning to move the seat.

Keef
Yes. Consider earlier models also, though I imagine you want the 1.8L engine. Keep in mind that good looking inside-and-out Miatas aren't cheap. Expect to pay about $4000 for a good one, or less for one that runs fine but isn't pretty.


Every old car has problems but many Miata replacement parts can be had cheap. The drivetrains are generally very reliable beyond regular maintenance and even catastrophic failures like transmissions can be replaced for relatively cheap.


The only downside is that you're going to want to drive the thing all the time. Driving a Miata all the time means sacrifices which you'll probably realize you are willing to make. That's why I mentioned the fact that good Miatas aren't cheap - if you're going to get one you should probably get a good one because you'll want to be in it a lot.


You'll fit height wise but it will probably be close on the stock seat. I'm not one to keep a car stock and I'm extremely picky about my driving position so I've got an aftermarket seat rail and bucket in my RX7 along with a new steering wheel and steering column extension. You might want to consider both things. I'm 5'11", 150, and have pretty normal thin/athletic proportions but I find in almost every car that when my legs are comfortable the steering wheel is always too far away. Thus, the column extension. I have the same problem in Miatas. If you value a performance driving position then you might have the same problem.
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Thanks. I have been doing some pricing on parts ( rockauto.com / ebay / junk yard ), even including the price of the tools I'll need for some repairs it's still affordable.
 
carracerptp
Thanks. I have been doing some pricing on parts ( rockauto.com / ebay / junk yard ), even including the price of the tools I'll need for some repairs it's still affordable.
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Don't forget our good friends at Flyin' Miata. ;) Looks like they took their Salvage section off their website, but they do still buy salvaged cars and part them out. They have a TON of parts, and most at reasonable prices. If you need something just give them a call.
 
R1600Turbo
Don't forget our good friends at Flyin' Miata. ;) Looks like they took their Salvage section off their website, but they do still buy salvaged cars and part them out. They have a TON of parts, and most at reasonable prices. If you need something just give them a call.
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How could I? I ran in your series @R1600Turbo so many times :lol:

I already have oder 1 planned:
http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?deptid=5681&parentid=121&stocknumber=35-69000 BIG NOSE
http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?deptid=4548&parentid=0&stocknumber=04-80000 1990-91
 
I just got a new ( used ) car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MX_5.jpg




1996| 5 speed | 160K Miles | Engine and suspension is GREAT ( better than I could believe ) | interior is ok ( all plastics are like new somehow ). It was very close to home. And right on the low end of my budget :)

It has a "cold air intake" installed right next to the exhaust so that will need to be fixed ( among other small things ). All the big things are solid.

Really nice guy sold it to me.

Thread coming soon.
 
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carracerptp
It has a "cold air intake" installed right next to the exhaust so that will need to be fixed ( among other small things )
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Could be a cold-air intake KIT, they're just called that because it's their normal useage. Mine was adjusted very close to the exhaust to get the hottest air in (although you should run 98 instead of 95 in it).

Before anyone tells me off... I have NO idea why that worked but the import specialists did and that was good enough for me :D
 
R1600Turbo
I call those a "hot air intake". It's actually worse than the OEM intake.
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Fair enough :D Mine was made using a cold-air intake kit but fitted near the exhaust, apparently it had drifted away once they'd pulled it back to some hot air the car went like **** off a stick!
 

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