WTB: NA Miata in excellent condition

[ChimChim]

I'm still looking... So if you guys could tell me if you see any for sale anywhere.

My criteria:

I'm looking for either a close to showroom looking car for under $7k or a car that could be bought and restored for under $8k total.

I intend this to be primarily a street car, with the occasional autocross. Want a more aggressive street handling set up - but preferably stock body.

I may also consider a NB if the price is alright. I've seen a 99 for $8K in the papers lately.

Mahalo!

[roehrig]

I tell yah... Eliz had lots of work on her car... that would be the one I'd get.... plus you know were it has been...

[ChimChim]

Think I found a low mileage 91 that fits the bill... Will check it out tomorrow. :D

[RodneyR]

A 1991?! Pay attention to the crank pulley. If it wobbles, it's a damaged short nose crank.

4 holes on pulley = short nose crank (look for damage)
http://www.miata.net/garage/images/crank_shortnose_th.jpg

8 holes on pulley = upgrade long nose crank w/ bigger bolt
http://www.miata.net/garage/images/crank_bignose_th.jpg

If you have a 1991 with VIN 209447 or more, you're safe.
http://www.miata.net/garage/crankshaft.html

[ChimChim]

Yeah... I got the VIN and checked already. It's safe.

Apparently it was garage kept in Michigan (hopefully no road salt!) for most of it's life where it was involved in some minor fender bender before getting shipped here where it's been sitting outside for the last year. Other than possibly needing a new top and new wheels (clueless present owner and aftermarket wheels), sounds primo.

Geico quoted me about $350 with comprehensive insurance for 6 months, which is a lot better than I expected... So if it checks out, I hope to get it later this week. Hopefully no disappointments this time...

Will check it out this morning.

[RodneyR]

You're a smart guy Jeff... When I bought my '91, I did the basic checks and bought it because 'it looked good and priced right'.

I didn't know about the short / long nose problems or the detailed nitty gritty Miata stuff. I just got lucky. If I'd have known more like you did prior to purchase, I would've got the 1.8L with a limitted slip (20/20 hind sight) :oops: Though I absolutely adore the revvy 1.6L.

Good luck. Hope I can see you guys Thursday meeting after my tennis session. I'll have to sit at the end of the table again because I'll be all sweaty and smell like B.O. (again)...

<edit: the word "wouldn't" should have said "would've" :oops: >

[panos]

Email Egmar at e@kailuasailboards.com

He recently gotten a 95M for his girlfriend and was about to start making a stiff little street car out of it, but they decided against keeping the car.

This is a 95M with BBS wheels. I have no idea what he wants for it, but I suggest you check it out.

[avery]

Hi ChimChim,

I may be selling one of my '91 Miatas. Let me know if you want to look at them.

Regards, Avery

[ChimChim]

Doh... I would have liked to look at the M...

I just signed on the Red 91 now. It's all mine. So, I'll try to bring it out tomorrow.

Needs a new window or top and a new stereo, but it is in extremely good condition - bright paint, no fade other than the red buttons in the interior... and only 73k on it! Interior is in incredible condition. Timing belt seems to be aftermarket. Will definately want new tires and wheels, but I'll wait until I get a job. :) Did notice it has a 94 nose on it, but the work looks good. Paid $4200... which isn't so bad for it's condition.

Does have a little rattle that seems to be the heat shield... Anyone fix that before?

What would you guys recommend as far as getting a stereo? Best Buy or buy online and install it myself? It has good speakers in the doors and in the headrests already. Just head unit is missing.

[rodster]

i got my pioneer mp3 stereo from walmart for about 250 and i bought the install kit from mmmiata.com...made things go a lot easier. hope this helps.

[avery]

I just signed on the Red 91 now. It's all mine. So, I'll try to bring it out tomorrow.

Timing belt seems to be aftermarket.

Hey ChimChim,

Congrats on your new Miata :!: Welcome to the Club :!:

How can you tell the condition of the timing belt?

Regards, Avery :avery:

[ChimChim]

Well, had some weird brand stamped on the timing belt, so pretty sure it's not original. Have some aftermarket plug wires on it too, so I might want to swap those out to the OEM set with OEM plugs. You guys could maybe take a look tomorrow night...

[ChimChim]

i got my pioneer mp3 stereo from walmart for about 250 and i bought the install kit from mmmiata.com...made things go a lot easier. hope this helps.

What year do you have and does the stereo jut out a lot with that kit? A lot of the install kits look a little funny on the 90-93 years. Any pics or will you be going to the meeting tomorrow?

[RodneyR]

What he's asking is it appears that your engine doesn't have a timing belt cover for you to be able to see labels on the belt :| ???!!!

Car Stereo Express off of Kamehameha Highway in Pearl City (kinda across the street from Pearlridge Shopping Center / AnnaMiller's restaurant side) sells Panasonic CD/radio units starting $150.00 installed. The Panasonic CD/radio with MP3, detachable face, and a stupid remote is like $165.00 regular price also with free installation. You might need a harness - I don't think thats even $25bucks. They're trying to 'give away' the panasonics I guess 'cause everyone's just buying their high end $1,500^up Alpine DVD player units instead. Me and my wife put two different Panasonics in our family vehicles and they've been great. Not an Alpine, but "50Watts" per channel and don't sweat about car break-in's. Leagues better than the stock Toyota unit...

Almost forgot - Congrats and welcome to Team Girlie Car Racing :wink:

[rodster]

double post

[rodster]

i got my pioneer mp3 stereo from walmart for about 250 and i bought the install kit from mmmiata.com...made things go a lot easier. hope this helps.

What year do you have and does the stereo jut out a lot with that kit? A lot of the install kits look a little funny on the 90-93 years. Any pics or will you be going to the meeting tomorrow?

chimchim i have a 90....won't be going to the meeting but i'll be at solo 2 this sunday.as for the stereo it sticks out a little but is covered by a plasic shroud. i wouldn't call it an absolutly clean install but i was satisfied.....actually it looks like what rodney mentioned is a much more affordable option.

[avery]

What he's asking is it appears that your engine doesn't have a timing belt cover for you to be able to see labels on the belt :| ???!!!

Yup, unless the valve cover is cut or the front timing belt covers are removed or missing, you can't see the Timing Belt without removing the valve cover.

[ChimChim]

My mistake. I was looking at the accessories belt I think. I'll assume the timing belt was changed at the same time... I got the roadside assistance with Geico, so I'm covered if I'm wrong.

No suggestions about the toasted vinyl window? I may consider doing the Ebay repair kit.

[avery]

No suggestions about the toasted vinyl window? I may consider doing the Ebay repair kit.

If you decide on the Ebay kit. Give us a review when you get it.

[ChimChim]

Per your advice, I think I'm just getting a new top. I can get a zippered glass top from AA Best Co for about $300 plus shipping without rainrail. Think mine is ok if it's like the other plastics in the car. Guy I got the car from is an installer and said he'd do the installation for free - so reinstalling the rainrail isn't so much my problem. :) Luckily, he also lives near the place we got in Kaimuki.

I did find that Moss sells a kit for $150 to repair the OEM window/zipper, but they recommend a professional installer for it.

[avery]

Per your advice, I think I'm just getting a new top.

Wow, someone actually taking my advice. :shock: Yeah, the top looks original, so likely it's 14 years old, you're better off replacing all of it. As the seams and materials are likely to fail soon.

Keep us posted, Junior, will need a new top soon.

[ChimChim]

I think I'm going with AA Best Co... $300 with a glass window and without the rainrail. Can't reach them today to get the shipping costs.

What do you think about tinted glass for $50 more? I'm undecided. It would be 31% tint.


After I land a job here, I'm looking at swapping the wheels for 14" Kosei K1-TSs. If I get them from Tirerack, I can get Yokohama ES-100s. Or there is a shop local called Ron's that seems to carry them and Azenis, but not sure of the prices. Then I'll upgrade the suspension to Tein Basics and some BSP bracing. $$$ :?