The $2500 Miata?

[71T Targa]

I'm looking for a play car and am thinking Miata. Can a reasonably sorted out car be had for $2500? No rust buckets, or trashed out interiors, but something that can be daily driven during the Minnesota summer.

[masraum]

Yes, but it'll take a bit of looking around. I suspect that most of the $2500 miatas that you find will be rough, but if you look around a bit you should be able to find a good one.

[71T Targa]

At what point is 'high millage' too high? I'm seeing cars with 175k to 200k+.

[TWork]

I agree with Steve. It can be done, but you may have to look a bit. Check out the garage section for a FAQ on what to look for when buying a Miata and their classifieds. Also, may be worth opening up your search geographically to whatever cities are a reasonably priced plane ticket away and driving a car home.

[rammstein]

I looked around (online only) for awhile, and I think you can definitely get one. Do you care which engine/generation it is? The early ones are definitely in your range.

[71T Targa]

Originally Posted by rammstein

Do you care which engine/generation it is?

I'm guessing I'm limited to the NA cars. And most likely the 1.6's.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I test drove one for $2k. It was mechanically perfect, solid interior that needed cleaning, and a re-spray that was probably a 10 ft quality job. I think it had 130k or so. Can't remember the year, but it was outside the era that had crankshaft issues. It didn't do it for me, but would have made a great DD or track car platform.

[Tim Walsh]

Originally Posted by 71T Targa

At what point is 'high millage' too high? I'm seeing cars with 175k to 200k+.

$2500 cars are out there and they can be what you're looking for. I bought mine 2 years ago in about that kind of shape for about that price.

I know I've said this before but, just a datapoint. I've heard of 250K+ miatas on the original motor/transmission, but after 180-200K I'd expect something major. I got 205K out of my original '94's original motor, but that was with it coming from a heavy motorsports background. It cost me ~$1500 for a DIY rebuild.

Miata's are great summer drivers or winter drivers for that matter. Yesterday's autocross @33F and rain, was a little cold and wet for the top to be down.

[TWork]

I think at 175k miles you might anticipate a rebuild in the not too distant future. Never hurts to expect the worse. I think 200+ is well within reason though. A used motor runs $500. Unless you want a completely fresh motor, there's no real reason not to just buy something used. If you get an 1.6 car (90-93), you can always swap in a 1.8 from a later car (assuming no smog requrements in your area). You mentioned NA cars -- everything except the Mazdaspeed Miata (I think '04?) were NA from the factory.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by 71T Targa

At what point is 'high millage' too high? I'm seeing cars with 175k to 200k+.

From what I understand, you can pick up an engine from Mazda (can't remember long or short block, but I want to say "long", for $2500.

The Mazda bottom end is based on a turbo motor, so the bottom end is, like a Porsche 3.0 or 3.2, supposed to be bulletproof.

I've read that 200k is not a problem. You can always compression test the engine before you buy.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by TWork

You mentioned NA cars -- everything except the Mazdaspeed Miata (I think '04?) were NA from the factory.

By NA, I believe he meant 90-97. In Miata, the 3 different body styles are designated as NA, NB and NC.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by 71T Targa

I'm guessing I'm limited to the NA cars. And most likely the 1.6's.

There'll be more of those at that price, but you'll probably run into a few of the early 1.8 cars too.

[71T Targa]

By NA I meant body style, not aspiration. I like the NB's better, but that's not in the budget.

I want something I can work on without breaking the bank every time I do.

Trying to avoid this:

[71T Targa]

Whats the story with the Japanese 'JDM' engines?

[Endat]

NB is definitely out of your budget unless you are interested in one in my area... $2500 for a 1999 with front end damage. no motor damage, 119k miles. needs a new nose and headlights.

My last Miata was well cared for and ran very well at 179k when it ran into a telephone pole... and even ran well after that. You take care of these engines and they will last forever... however with a 1990-1992, the 1.6L have a problem with the woodruff key wearing a gap between the crankshaft and the timing gear, making your engine retarded... the fix is easy, new key, new timing gear, some liquid metal and the engine is new again. I drove mine very hard and it loved every minute of it... but it was pretty pampered before i got it at 139k...

good luck, if you need any Miata help, I'm seasoned in the world of Miatas.. still have one if you want it. red 1990 with 77k miles.. I would take $3500 if you twisted my arm

[71T Targa]

Originally Posted by Endat

NB is definitely out of your budget unless you are interested in one in my area... $2500 for a 1999 with front end damage. no motor damage, 119k miles. needs a new nose and headlights.

My last Miata was well cared for and ran very well at 179k when it ran into a telephone pole... and even ran well after that. You take care of these engines and they will last forever... however with a 1990-1992, the 1.6L have a problem with the woodruff key wearing a gap between the crankshaft and the timing gear, making your engine retarded... the fix is easy, new key, new timing gear, some liquid metal and the engine is new again. I drove mine very hard and it loved every minute of it... but it was pretty pampered before i got it at 139k...

good luck, if you need any Miata help, I'm seasoned in the world of Miatas.. still have one if you want it. red 1990 with 77k miles.. I would take $3500 if you twisted my arm

How about posting pictures and a location instead of just being a tease...

[Tim Walsh]

Originally Posted by masraum

From what I understand, you can pick up an engine from Mazda (can't remember long or short block, but I want to say "long", for $2500.

The Mazda bottom end is based on a turbo motor, so the bottom end is, like a Porsche 3.0 or 3.2, supposed to be bulletproof.
.

Yes a current 1.8L factory new longblock is less than $2200 from Mazda Motorsports.

BTW "JDM" motors are exactly the same as a "USDM" market motor, at least in the 90-97 world.

[Endat]

oh.. sorry about that. dont know which one you mean so here's both...


NB: Raleigh, NC

[Endat]

post removed

[Arizona_928]

the craigslist here has maybe 5 at under 2500. it's possible