If this seems like a liberty, just pass on by. I just figured that I would do it for someone else if asked, so maybe someone else would do it for me. Anyway, here's what I need...
Is there anyone out there in Los Angeles who would meet me in Westwood this w/e, take a look at a '90 Miata with me, take it for a drive and give me their (I hope expert) opinion? I have the chance to buy a used Miata and, because it is very cheap but has some clear and definite downsides, could use the advice of someone who REALLY knows Miatas well. I have driven it round the blcok but will be seeing it again on Saturday.
I am not completely ignorant about cars; In fact if you needed advice on my current car (a '91 Sentra SER, an incredible car, BTW), I could give you loads. But general knowledge is not nearly as useful as specific knowledge. BTW, I have read the FAQ on buying used Miatas.
Just for general interest and to get some opinions, here are some details:
It's a red '90 with a fairly poor roof and back window. Somewhere down the line they will need replacing but they are liveable-with for now. It also has intermittently frozen rear calipers (which I read was a problem), but I figure this is no big deal. I can try just cleaning and greasing the pins and, at worst, rebuilt Miata calipers seem to be available pretty cheap, $50 a side at Autozone.
It is going to need a clutch job within months if not weeks, but I have priced this (and budgeted for it) at $320.
The drivers window won't roll down. I figure I can take the doorskin off and see what I can do. Worst case, I have had a quote from the same shop for about $110.
Interior is worn but nice with slightly better than expected condition for the year. No tears, just fading.
The exterior has had the front and rear bumpers and both front wings repainted but I am not sure if it was because of an accident or perhaps (read, I hope) just because of sun damage. I can see no evidence of Bondo work so, if it was done because of an accident at least it was reasonably well done.
The title is not salvage and the odometer has 96k. I dunno if this real or not. Anyone got a free carfax coupon?
One thing that worries me is that the owner (a nice and honest guy who has only had it three months) says that when he took it to Jiffylube for an oil change, they said there was no filter in the airbox. I dunno how long it went without, but that is pretty scary. On the other hand if the engine sounds good and it has a filter in there now, is that any reason to just turn it down flat? Opinions on this would be welcomed.
The motor sounds okay, but I can hear something making a noise that shouldn't. If it just the clutch on the way out, then no big deal. If it suggests something else (tranny, differential???) then I will pass on it. This is where I could use expert help.
Stereo works but has the standard, slow to turn on in the damp, problem. NBD. I know there's a fix.
Cheap tires, but a set, and all in 85/90% condition.
I can get it for $1200. So what do you guys think?
Dan (who has never had a Miata but who got to change the brakes on his girlfriend's '91 for a while and has wanted one ever since).