91 Miata $1300

http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/974446908.html

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I checked it out. Pic's to follow. Mileage is actual. The panels are not rusty in front of the rear wheels. No rust in the under carriage that I could see. The floor pans also looked good. Top does need a new window but I think it's only the zipper that is busted. Leaky valve gasket and CAS seal. Rad fluid looked good. PO mentioned he thought the timing belt was done but was unsure. All interior pieces there and in good shape except for the center console top which is broken.

A timing belt is an easy enough fix, and they don't do damage to anything if they break. It's pretty easy to check - remove the oil filler cap and see if the exhaust cam is spinning when you crank the engine over.

Thanks Keith. It's a runner. I put a deposit down on it after checking it out. Tomorrow should be the pickup date.

Here's the end result of this CL ad and alleykat's shout-out. I bought it. I wasn't in the market for a new-to-me Miata. I have my turbocharged 93 but it's rusty with 215k miles on it. It's currently my track rat. I was hoping this one would be in better shape as it's a 92 with 141k on the odo. Upon inspection it is in much better shape than my 93. Here are the pics to illustrate what I'm talking about. I'm also posting these pics to help other forum readers get an idea as to what is out there and at what prices.

The car will need a new top soon. It looks like the PO had an opaque rear window. He cut it out and duct taped the new window in place. The stitching on the top is also coming undone.

Unrusted rockers...

The 93's rockers for comparison..

I think it has a CAS seal leak..

..and a valve cover gasket leak.

Quick specs are:

1992 Miata 141k 5 spd manual windows, locks. A/C PS To pass safety inspection here in VA it's going to need a new windshield at a minimum. I'm certain it had some sort of front end collusion at some point. I think a guard rail was involved as the drivers side has some dents and scrapes. The frame is fine. As is the rad support and it even looks like the front bumper styrofoam is intact. The bumper cover has been changed an the hood is a bit misaligned. Maybe the PO slid under something? Either way it doesn't look like any lasting damage was done. I used this as a negotiating point to get the car for $1200.

I wish the rocker panels on my 91' looked as good as those. Good buy.

Bump for a good buy, Good lookin car for the $!!!!

Lucky SOB, maybe in the spring I might travel to buy one, all in my area are usually 5K, any year

I found the maintenance records in the glove compartment. The car lived in Atlanta GA all it's life. Southern car so no snow or road chemicals to rust the undercarriage.

Maybe travelling is the way to get a rust free car?

Yeah, I had buyer's remorse as I was like "I've already got a car! WTF?" Then, I checked it out more and feel much better about it now.\

Btw - Shin Chan rocks. Elephant dance FTW.

FYI neon, a search of New York using craigsfinder turned up almost 10 miatas under $1500

Nice car! A white Miata is on my list of cars I'd like to have. Er...interested in flipping it?

speedblind wrote: Nice car! A white Miata is on my list of cars I'd like to have. Er...interested in flipping it?

Stay tuned. I may be flipping the '93. Either with turbo or without. I haven't decided yet. I would definitely entertain offers. I can't post it it in this forum as it will be over $2009. It has other goodies besides the DIY turbo setup. A Hard Dog roll bar for one. Also, illumina adjustable's and H&R Race springs.