I have officially entered the world of Miata ownership

Kinja'd!!! "CKeffer" (KefferCameron)
01/28/2014 at 09:12 • Filed to: None

Kinja'd!!!2 Kinja'd!!! 19
Kinja'd!!! Kinja'd!!!

2000ym NB with 150k on the clock. She's not perfect, definitely has some cosmetic issues, and needs new shocks, but the engine pulls hard (well, as hard as a miata engine can), shifts clean with no undue play in the shifter while in gear, doesn't burn any oil or coolant and doesn't seem to have any leaks. For $3K, I'd say it was a good and solid deal. I'm looking forward to working on her and building her up into a fun little track rat. Flyin Miata adjustable coilovers and sway bars should be going on later this year, to start off the build.


DISCUSSION (19)


Kinja'd!!! Nerd-Vol > CKeffer
01/28/2014 at 09:14

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Congrats on the purchase.


Kinja'd!!! zmf2112 > CKeffer
01/28/2014 at 09:22

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Congrats. I know I'm headed there myself someday soon. Sounds like a decent purchase. Is that reasonable/expected for the engine/tranny to be strong at that mileage? Or is it unusual and I just need to test drive a bunch and see?


Kinja'd!!! daender > CKeffer
01/28/2014 at 09:22

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Congrats! Going for a track rat build? If so then you might wanna place a rollover bar purchase ahead of the coilovers since from my experience with race tracks, Carolina Motorsports Park, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Roebling Road, required a bar for track time. Also, just a personal preference, skip the Flyin Miata swaybar and go for the Racing Beat unit if you can, RB's is a tad bit thicker than FM's and you want the f'ing largest front bar possible on a NB.


Kinja'd!!! CKeffer > zmf2112
01/28/2014 at 09:24

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Several of the ones I test drove had worn out shifter bushings and thus a LOT of play in the shifter. The trannys were fine, and engaged with no issue, but the boxes felt super vague due to the dead bushings. The engines have been hit or miss, and you really just need to test drive them and see.


Kinja'd!!! CKeffer > daender
01/28/2014 at 09:26

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A hard dog unit with double diagonals is on the list. The shocks are pretty much dead on this car, which is the only reason they are going on before the roll bar. But yeah, roll bar, single piece seats and 4-5 point harnesses are definitely on the list, not interested in gettign squished because I got too brave and couldn't keep the shiny side up.


Kinja'd!!! daender > CKeffer
01/28/2014 at 09:37

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Good calls all around, it sounds like a pretty solid track build!


Kinja'd!!! CKeffer > daender
01/28/2014 at 09:43

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Yup, I'm pretty good about doing very through research before buying anything. Especially since this is being done on a budget and thus I can't afford to just throw parts at it on a whim.


Kinja'd!!! Squid > CKeffer
01/28/2014 at 09:51

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One of us! . . .

Welcome to the club. They are addictive once you start tinkering. . .


Kinja'd!!! CKeffer > Squid
01/28/2014 at 09:55

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:D I'm looking forward to getting into the build for sure!


Kinja'd!!! Squid > CKeffer
01/28/2014 at 10:00

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even though the car is shifting fine you might want to base line all the fluids so you know whats in there and when it was changed out. The gearboxes are finicky and like pure GL-4 fluid and can act up with GL-5 in it. I'm sure you've already been over to miata.net, but that is a great place full of all the answers to any question about miatas.


Kinja'd!!! CKeffer > Squid
01/28/2014 at 10:08

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All the fluids are getting changed....all of them. All I have to go on for records are the previous owners words so, just to be on the safe side, it's getting an oil change, new coolant, and gear oil, and brake fluid, if for no other reason than my own peace of mind.


Kinja'd!!! JR1 > CKeffer
01/28/2014 at 10:35

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Drop a LS1 V8 in it!!!


Kinja'd!!! CKeffer > JR1
01/28/2014 at 10:38

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Lol, eventually.....maybe. Unless you're willing to give me the money to do it now! :D


Kinja'd!!! MC_Leon6494 > CKeffer
01/28/2014 at 11:35

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Congrats! Looks great, wish I could join you in Miata land. I'm just waiting on the right one to come up. 3k for a 2000? that's fantastic, especially one in such a good condition. I'm seeing 3k for meh examples of mid 90s Miatas. 150k miles isn't too bad. Have fun!


Kinja'd!!! CKeffer > MC_Leon6494
01/28/2014 at 11:38

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Understandable, though this one has it's share of issues, they are all pretty easy to fix. And it took me about 7 years of wanting a dedicated track toy to finally be in a position both physically and financially to actually buy one. Hang in there, deals do pop up from time to time (I missed out on a 95 that needed a new water pump for $800).


Kinja'd!!! MC_Leon6494 > CKeffer
01/28/2014 at 11:43

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easy fixes aren't issues in my eyes. I don't want one as a track toy, although who knows what I'll do. For whatever reason people in the Boston area put way too much value into cars. Everything seems to be overpriced and under-delivering.


Kinja'd!!! CKeffer > MC_Leon6494
01/28/2014 at 11:47

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Honestly, if you want it for driving normally, I would look further south if I were you. The states with less frequent snow and ice issues will usually have less problems with rust in the older cars. Plus you'll get to have a fun road trip back home!


Kinja'd!!! MC_Leon6494 > CKeffer
01/28/2014 at 12:30

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I'd honestly love to do that. Pick a car up down south and drive it North. that would be awesome


Kinja'd!!! Big Block I-4 > CKeffer
02/04/2014 at 14:06

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Meep Meep, well that's what my Fiance likes to call the Miata.

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