Is this miata worth it?

[chiapetchua01]

Hey Guys
Know this is a a/c forum but I've been thinking recently of getting a miata for all my kicks and giggles so I was thinking if you guys think this miata is owrth it for 680

Thanks!

Details
1993 miata

1) The car was driven to where it is parked six months ago and it ran perfect then. The battery is about five years old and I assume it is the battery because I cannot get it to hold a charge anymore but I am not guaranteeing it. we have not started or driven the car in that time as my son bought a new car and could not afford to insure both, thus the non-op.
2) the care is primered flat black though it was originally red
3)The cover over the gauge cluster is missing as is the carpet on the rear passenger compartment where the top folds down to.
4) I only have the one picture I sent you but will take more if you are interest
5) from other email- it is a five speed
6) I have the title in hand

The good: It has a newer motor that only had 67,000 on (my son says it had 47,000 on it... I don't remember as it is his car. We did head work on the motor to port match the intake and exhaust which improved the performance. We also bumped the timing 3degees BTDC (which is suggested by the Mazda performance book that is included with the car). We paid $675 for the motor in June of 2009. we also installed new filters, plug wires, etc (I believe that added an additional $200 to the engine replacement)
We installed a new Cat converter $250 when we installed the motor
New Alternator when we installed the motor $60
We installed a Megna Flow stainless steel Cat back system with the motor $400
We lowered the car just before we installed the motor with, I believe Takiko struts and springs $350
We installed new 17" Drag 21 spoke flat black wheels in June of 2008 with 205 40 17s which cost $750, after lowering the car we replaced the front tires with a 205/50/17 for clearance $250
The hard top is newer. I purchased it from a Mazda dealer for $1800 in the winter of 2007

We have over $4700 into the car. We are not looking to get that back but $1850 is a great deal for the car. I have no intensions of messing with the car to make it run as I do not have the time. It is being sold AS IS and I am happy to take offers. I am willing to sell the car without the top for $950 or best offer, which is $2000 less than what we have into the car without the top. I am willing to deal as I just need the car gone as I have several street rod projects that I would rather spend time on. I have an offer for the top of $900. These tops are very desirable and sell for $2200 from the dealer. You can find them on ebay for 900-1500 but shipping is $300+ to get it to CA. I have an offer of $650 for the car without the wheels or the top (I have another set I can throw in that have 15" five spoke aluminum stars with new tires. I just paid $280 for the tires.

The stuff that needs work:
The interior is mostly there but needs refreshing. A carpet kit is about $100
The gauge cluster works but the cover cracked from sun exposure. I have seen them on ebay for $20
The seats are like the carpet. They are worn and can be covered in leather for about $300 or new seats are available from Tognotties, Kragen, or Autozone for about $140 for a set
The body is in really nice shape. There is one ding in the drivers door which is difficult to spot. The car could be ready for paint in a few hours (I paint). The primer that is there needs sanding to clean it up as it has faded a bit since we parked it
The soft top comes with the car though my son took it off because it needs to be revered. Because we had the hard top we saw no reason to have the soft top.

[LinkNuc]

Two answers based on this question:

#1 Are you gay?

Answer a (yes). then absolutely, its a magnet

Answer b (no if it even was 1000HP). not in a million years

[chiapetchua01]

Two answers based on this question:

#1 Are you gay?

Answer a (yes). then absolutely, its a magnet

Answer b (no if it even was 1000HP). not in a million years

are u kidding
i don't need your useless comment u s***
if u have nothing productive to say f*** off
why do u need to add your little macho bulls*** go f*** yourself

if anyone has useful input please ad
if they have useless s*** like above please go f*** yourself

[mcheddadi]

miata is AWESOME (seriously, the ones that think its gay are fail).

the handling is balls out insane and will make even corvette zr1 owner be impressed. its double wishbone suspention ALL AROUND! for 680$ its a steal!

dude I was considering a 200 000km + first gen mint yellow one with hardtop for 5K$!

try to get the hardtop too. makes the car more safe to park outside than with the clotch top.

i'm so glad to see that people know there cars here! miata FTW! that thing is a serious joy to drive to the limit! and its super badass to mod

[Hussain]

lol not going to hate on you aaron... but a miata isnt a car i'd get. but thats just my opinion. i have seen vids online of ppl doing an LS1 swap into a miata so it has potential.... just not a car i would personally get but everyone has their own opinion and if you want a miata then more power to you.

[mcheddadi]

miata are seriously underated to the max. its got PERFECT handling. PERFECT weight balance. its the ultimate roadster and it has been for years. its not about power or looks. its about the feel and the experience of opentop motoring at its finest. people usually don't get that. too bad for them

[chiapetchua01]

thanks for both comments

to mc
ya the miata are pure sex
its not going to take anyone in a straight away unless i turbo it but i think it'd be a blast to have
with the hard top though, its a little out of my budget so maybe down the road if i do purchase this car but not right away


o and dude on a side note, the hardtop is not included. it would be included but i think i'd have to pay like 700 extra. I think he will thorw in a soft top but he said i might have to revnyl it whatever that means


and yo hussain
dude lol too each his own thanks for the input though
but dude fi i go check it out wanna come out with me
its in elk grove so no excuses!

[Hussain]

oh for sure dude. i'm always down to check out cars

[crayzitalian3]

im for the miata. that car has always been one of my favs when it comes to track cars. it truly handles amazingly. lol it was always one of my cars when i played gran turismo or forza motorsports lol.

good luck with it. get the hard top!!! and throw some fat competition tires on there lol!!! dang i wish my dad was into cars like that, hookin them up and stuff!! i'm deff going to have so much fun when i get my kid his/her first car. lol ill just pretend its mine

[chiapetchua01]

im for the miata. that car has always been one of my favs when it comes to track cars. it truly handles amazingly. lol it was always one of my cars when i played gran turismo or forza motorsports lol.

good luck with it. get the hard top!!! and throw some fat competition tires on there lol!!! dang i wish my dad was into cars like that, hookin them up and stuff!! i'm deff going to have so much fun when i get my kid his/her first car. lol ill just pretend its mine

haha
i'm going to have to talk to my parents for this cause i would need help with insurance and still deciding whether to buy but ya
miata ftw
the a miata with a flyin miata turbo will make mince meat of serious cars so ya. ftww!

[Hussain]

lol my family has too many damn cars. my dad likes cars but was never really into modding cars. i thought he might not like me messing with my car (because hes the one who bought it for me) but to my surprise, he was even willing to help me lol but ya, i'm def going to be messing with cars with my kids.

[mcheddadi]

lol my family has too many damn cars. my dad likes cars but was never really into modding cars. i thought he might not like me messing with my car (because hes the one who bought it for me) but to my surprise, he was even willing to help me lol but ya, i'm def going to be messing with cars with my kids.

me too in 2047 I'll buy them a banged up 2008 GT-R and we'll rip out the motors and add warp teleporting wheels to it can't wait for future tech!

[bunda4th]

I was actually going to buy a Miata Speed but I couldn't find one...The Miata is indeed a fun little car and very good handling.

My brother friend had like 3 Miata with different set up. Two of them had an SR20 in them and dam that thing was quick. I ran against him when I still had my GS-T and he pretty much took off on me lol.

I say go for it if you have the time and money to invest in the car.

[Racingline]

I'd get an miata as a track slut fun car for just over $600 I'd do it if you have the cash and space. But I'd never get one as a DD

[rcboy514]

miata are seriously underated to the max. its got PERFECT handling. PERFECT weight balance. its the ultimate roadster and it has been for years. its not about power or looks. its about the feel and the experience of opentop motoring at its finest. people usually don't get that. too bad for them

EXACTLY! I bet they would be a blast to drive.

[big_rig]

see dude, just get it already lol lets go get our used tire sponsor haha

[jungleboogie]

Hey Guys
Know this is a a/c forum but I've been thinking recently of getting a miata for all my kicks and giggles so I was thinking if you guys think this miata is owrth it for 680

Thanks!

Details
1993 miata

1) The car was driven to where it is parked six months ago and it ran perfect then. The battery is about five years old and I assume it is the battery because I cannot get it to hold a charge anymore but I am not guaranteeing it. we have not started or driven the car in that time as my son bought a new car and could not afford to insure both, thus the non-op.
2) the care is primered flat black though it was originally red
3)The cover over the gauge cluster is missing as is the carpet on the rear passenger compartment where the top folds down to.
4) I only have the one picture I sent you but will take more if you are interest
5) from other email- it is a five speed
6) I have the title in hand

The good: It has a newer motor that only had 67,000 on (my son says it had 47,000 on it... I don't remember as it is his car. We did head work on the motor to port match the intake and exhaust which improved the performance. We also bumped the timing 3degees BTDC (which is suggested by the Mazda performance book that is included with the car). We paid $675 for the motor in June of 2009. we also installed new filters, plug wires, etc (I believe that added an additional $200 to the engine replacement)
We installed a new Cat converter $250 when we installed the motor
New Alternator when we installed the motor $60
We installed a Megna Flow stainless steel Cat back system with the motor $400
We lowered the car just before we installed the motor with, I believe Takiko struts and springs $350
We installed new 17" Drag 21 spoke flat black wheels in June of 2008 with 205 40 17s which cost $750, after lowering the car we replaced the front tires with a 205/50/17 for clearance $250
The hard top is newer. I purchased it from a Mazda dealer for $1800 in the winter of 2007

We have over $4700 into the car. We are not looking to get that back but $1850 is a great deal for the car. I have no intensions of messing with the car to make it run as I do not have the time. It is being sold AS IS and I am happy to take offers. I am willing to sell the car without the top for $950 or best offer, which is $2000 less than what we have into the car without the top. I am willing to deal as I just need the car gone as I have several street rod projects that I would rather spend time on. I have an offer for the top of $900. These tops are very desirable and sell for $2200 from the dealer. You can find them on ebay for 900-1500 but shipping is $300+ to get it to CA. I have an offer of $650 for the car without the wheels or the top (I have another set I can throw in that have 15" five spoke aluminum stars with new tires. I just paid $280 for the tires.

The stuff that needs work:
The interior is mostly there but needs refreshing. A carpet kit is about $100
The gauge cluster works but the cover cracked from sun exposure. I have seen them on ebay for $20
The seats are like the carpet. They are worn and can be covered in leather for about $300 or new seats are available from Tognotties, Kragen, or Autozone for about $140 for a set
The body is in really nice shape. There is one ding in the drivers door which is difficult to spot. The car could be ready for paint in a few hours (I paint). The primer that is there needs sanding to clean it up as it has faded a bit since we parked it
The soft top comes with the car though my son took it off because it needs to be revered. Because we had the hard top we saw no reason to have the soft top.

How weird, I've been looking into picking up a miata as well... never driven or rode in one but have just heard great reviews about their handling and fun factor. not to thread jack, but is there anything that particularly stand out (negatively) in regards to the different generations of miatas? anything i should watch out for when trying to purchase one? and will the high mileage affect the driveability and maintenance too much?

I'd prefer the second gen (non flip-up lights) over the first gen in terms of looks.

[chiapetchua01]

Heres a link that shows what you should look out for when your buying a miata.
http://www.miata.net/faq/usedmx5.html

but from the research i've done, as long as you keep up with general maintenance, these engines are bullet proof. Can last 200k+ pretty easy it seems. Even if it goes bad, miata parts are everywhere so it shouldn't be to huge of an issue to find random parts.

i'm sure with high mileage, you just have to keep up with basic maintenace. All your fluids changed, check joints, oil will burn more but its normal i would think.

[PHENOMenalVinyl]

Two answers based on this question:

#1 Are you gay?

Answer a (yes). then absolutely, its a magnet

Answer b (no if it even was 1000HP). not in a million years

hahahaha or 3. are u an old man who knows nothing about cars who wants a "i dont know how old i am anymore" car

go buy an s2k if u want a lil car there quick as s***

edit : im not saying this to piss u off n now that ive read through u wanna do performance thats diff make it look good too please.......this car is known for old geasers OR chicks so dont get all pissy wen people state the facts just make it fast enough to make them stfu wen they see ur tails

[mcheddadi]

[chiapetchua01]

edit : im not saying this to piss u off n now that ive read through u wanna do performance thats diff make it look good too please.......this car is known for old geasers OR chicks so dont get all pissy wen people state the facts just make it fast enough to make them stfu wen they see ur tails

Really? The people who think its for old geasers and chicks don't know anything about cars so I'm not worried what they think. As to making it look nice, will do but its down the road. I just want the car up and running with no problems.

Ok guys
I BIT THE BULLET!
went last night randomly with some friends and bought the car at around 10:30pm in the pouring rain
put a deposit down since I can't withdraw 1150 from the atms...

So Details:
Paid 1150 for the miata with a hardtop
while it is primer, the paint (black) looks pretty decent and will last me for a while.
Like stated above, missing some basic stuff but my friend who really knows his stuff said from what he can tell, the structure is sound. no bondo or anything.
we jump started the car and it sounds sweet
was planning on selling the hardtop to make the car like 400 bucks but i realized, a hardtop is to important haha not willing to sacrifice visibility and stability because i want to save some money

Plans:
1. HID the light output is pretty s***ty

Pictures:
After I pick up the car on Sunday Night

Plans for coupe:
I might begin to sell off some random stuff like racingline front endlinks, maybe my rear sway bar if I get a decent offer, ebc yellowstuf brake pads
Bay area people get first dibs!

[Hussain]

how come you didnt hit me up? I wasnt doing anything last night...

[big_rig]

how come you didnt hit me up? I wasnt doing anything last night...

me too lol i was going to go with you. i ended up going to sf instead because you said you were not going to get it lol. you best hit me up on sunday when you pick that bad boy up lol

[chiapetchua01]

dude LOL it was so random
my bad guys
just randomly like dude i think imma go out and look
thats why i didn't call you adam 2 random for a 1 hour drive for you dude

and hussain
my fault
LOL
s*** dude my bad sorry man haha
we will eat in davis probably not this week since i have mt and paper dued but how about next week dude? you can check out my miata and coupe

[Hussain]

ya i'm down. I dropped my Arabic class at Davis lol took 401 and was expecting an easy A in 402 but that class is HELLA HARD! lol

[downedzephyr]

Have fun with that car aaron! the handling is rediculous! i was looking into rx7's for my funtime toy, although i should work on my a/c first ><

me too lol i was going to go with you. i ended up going to sf instead because you said you were not going to get it lol. you best hit me up on sunday when you pick that bad boy up lol

you were in sf and you didn't tell me or brett? we're both only about a half hour out from there.

come on adam.

[ESP]

Way to go man! I love the 1st gen Miatas. IIRC, the 92+ motors had a great compression ratio for some serious FM boost! I had been considering a Miata previously, but got the Altima instead.

Regarding anyone who has a modicum of knowledge about cars and STILL thinks they're a queer-mobile...I'm pretty sure their testicles never fully descended...which is too bad for them since that little car kicks some serious a**.

[big_rig]

Have fun with that car aaron! the handling is rediculous! i was looking into rx7's for my funtime toy, although i should work on my a/c first ><

you were in sf and you didn't tell me or brett? we're both only about a half hour out from there.

come on adam.

lol i know i should have said something, but for real man, im there every weekend. we'll have to set something up soon... wait, isnt weak sauce fest or whatever coming up this month??

[chiapetchua01]

hey guys
here are some pics of my miata
sorry haven't gotten it sooner busy with school and there is an electrical problem that keeps blowing my fuel injector fuse when i'm on the freeway haha
still have to flush all my fluids but enjoy
on a side note, the magnaflow muffler may look huge but in real life its sexy
and the noise my god
pretty low but nice growl

[chiapetchua01]

forgot to mention
the paint looks ok in the pic but in real life haha it looks pretty crappy
fenders are peeling pretty bad

gonna slap on red body with black hardtop
going for the enjuki competiton red they had on the 240sx