I found a 1997 Miata for sale around my neighborhood and I am quite interested in it. I stopped by and saw it parked on the side of the street and decided to check it out. THe owner wasn't there but his wifey came out and told me what she know about it. I briefly walked around the outside of the car and that was it. Here's what I know about the Miata so far.


- 1997 Dark Green Miata (most likely a M-Edition with all the fancy optional packages and Marina Green)
- ~73k miles.
- Interior has tan leather, Nardi wood shiftknob and wooden brake handle. Condition is about 9/10.
- Tan top. The wifey said it cost her husband "2000 dollars to replace including the rear window", which is somewhat hard to believe. I'm not sure but the top looks 8/10 with some discoloring or maybe dirt.
- Chrome stock wheels with somewhat new tires.
- Exterior is ~7/10 due to the typical city parking dings and scratches especially around the bumpers. THe front bumper (right next to the right signal) has a ~5x6" rip/hole in it. I don't know if there is any major damage under the bumper cover, I doubt it.
- "timing belt needs to be changed".
- Asking price is $5,000 if her husband gets the bumper "fixed" and $4,500 as is.

I got the owners phone number and email. I decided to email him about his car yesterday and he said the timing belt needs to be changed. His wife said the car runs fine?

I want to know if the Miata is worth what they're asking for. They said the price is not negotiable, but we all know money talks. What else should I be aware about when I check the Miata out?

 

The top is probably the biggest issue which you say is new. However, check the interior good (sounds like you already did) to make sure there wasn't water leaking into it form the older top causing rotting carpets or later rust.

 

too high for the motor work that needs to be done..

 

It's a non-interference engine so don't worry too much about the timing belt. Supposed to be done at 60k but it may last a lot longer if you like to live on the edge. My '93 with 160k is still going strong with near perfect compression levels and I flogged it as a daily driver through 12 winters. It will still be my snow car since I have a 2nd set of wheels with snow tires. It's a great little car and gets good mileage to raise your fleet average. One of the nicest things about a Miata is how cheap good summer tires are: You can get 205/50R15 Falken Azenis for $73 at EdgeRacing. For that engine you can also get a really light cold side supercharger to take those Azenis to their limits.

 

I got new pictures from the owner. Seems like I didn't notice the headlight cover not lining up with the fender and bumper. The signal is also broken also. How much should the repair cost?

 

Thanks for the info, guys. I took a short look at the car today (which was still parked on the street). THe owner wasn't available but I was passing by anyways. One thing i'm concerned about is paint cracking on the passenger side quarter panel, right next to the door jamb. THe paint is cracking in about a 2x2" area. I didn't poke at it because it's not my car and the owner wasn't there. I posted a picture to show where the paint cracking is located. The Miata in the picture is not the exact car i'm looking at, just an example.



Is that an area prone to rust? What other areas on the Miata body is notorious for rust spots? I would like to know so I can closely examine it when the owner is available.


About the bumper... The bumper is warped and the signal is broken. The fender is also slightly warped at the corner.

 

That price is fair but only if the damage is fixed and there is no rust. My dad paid about 5k for his Miata but it is in immaculant condition. My dads is a 92 with about the same miles but on the bigger 1.8 engine and also has a roll bar and brand new wheels and tires. But from what I hear, cars are cheaper in Texas.

 

yeah, thats more money than I'd pay for that car in that condition.

 

I'd say look elsewhere. That damage and that price is just a little worrysome.