To Miata or Not to Miata, that is the question?

"UKGTR335" (UKGTR335)
03/18/2015 at 17:07 • Filed to: None

Any thoughts/input on the following terrible idea. Purchase a Miata as a project/beater/autocross car?

Here's the lowdown on the subject vehicle:

1999 with 130k on the clock. Top is allegedly 5-6 months old. Claims to be on lowered springs.

The bad: engine is "locked, will not turn over." It's also missing the stereo, which I don't care about.

Asking price is $2,000.

I am pretty handy when it comes to wrenching, but have never undertaken any major mechanical repairs on an auto. I have changed brakes, replaced exhausts, installed intakes, coil packs etc. Never replaced a seized engine.

If I could get this beater for $1,000 would it be a good learning experience that would one day leave me with a nifty little track machine. Or am I just going to be out $1,000 with a bunch of parts filling my garage, a giant paperweight in the driveway, and an annoyed wife??

Wheeeeeee, pic for fun.

DISCUSSION (18)

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > UKGTR335
03/18/2015 at 17:09

You're a car guy, so "an annoyed wife" is something you should get used to having.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > UKGTR335
03/18/2015 at 17:09

I think you'd probably be better off spending a little more on one that actually runs.

Nibby > UKGTR335
03/18/2015 at 17:10

Miata is never the question. Always the answer.

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > UKGTR335
03/18/2015 at 17:11

Engine is locked? I'm not sure what the poster means about that. If it means that the engine is seized, then stay away at all costs. If it's just security locked, then that's a whole lot easier. A seized engine would require a complete teardown and rebuild with a new block, pistons, etc. Good candidate for an LS swap though.

UKGTR335 > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest.
03/18/2015 at 17:17

Pretty sure it's seized. But a quick Ebay search shows plenty of '99-'00 engines available from highly rated sellers for around $1,200 shipped. Not sure how reasonable it is to throw myself in at the deep end on an engine swap, but I'm willing to put in the time to do the research, and hopefully recruit my father-in-law to try and help as he is pretty mechanically gifted.

TheStigFarmer > UKGTR335
03/18/2015 at 17:17

god I don't really like MX5s but that hot rod stylee one is too good

I must possess it.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > UKGTR335
03/18/2015 at 17:18

2k sounds a bit steep for a NB Miata without an engine.

UKGTR335 > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
03/18/2015 at 17:18

Unfortunately, this is probably the correct answer.

misfitmascots > UKGTR335
03/18/2015 at 17:19

Don't do it. If you really want a Miata might as well get one you can drive now.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > UKGTR335
03/18/2015 at 17:21

I think by the time you've sourced an engine, bought the extra tools and odds and ends you'll need, you could've bought a nicer running example.

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > UKGTR335
03/18/2015 at 17:21

May I suggest, since it needs a new engine anyway, why not go with something with a bit more power? I know an LS is a bit ridiculous, but there are many different options that will fit with no problem. See what you could find for cheap, and make sure it will fit.

UKGTR335 > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
03/18/2015 at 17:39

This is true. But I think the counter-argument is that I don't need the car, it would be more of a hobby or something to tinker with during my 3 minutes of "spare time" i have each week. :) If I could get it for $1,000, it's cheap enough that I could literally do nothing but have it leak oil on my driveway I can turn around and sell it for $750 and be down a whole $250. I think I'd be buying it for the experience of trying to fix it knowing that if I totally screw it up and do not have the necessary skills or patience, not much has been lost. This is just me daydreaming though. Your answer is probably more grounded in reality.

StingrayJake > UKGTR335
03/18/2015 at 17:58

I don't know much about Miata pricing, but $2k for a seized engine sounds excessive.

UKGTR335 > StingrayJake
03/18/2015 at 18:00

Yeah I would never pay 2k for a beater with a seized engine. Max I would pay is $1,000.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > UKGTR335
03/18/2015 at 18:00

That's fair, but if you just want a project that might run... one day... maybe, then it might be worth going even cheaper or getting something with a few issues but doesn't need the large expense of an engine. I don't know how it is there but you can get a complete Miata that isn't roadworthy but will run for about £300- £400 here.

Skamanda > UKGTR335
03/18/2015 at 18:07

For $1000 it could be a fun project, but you should price out what completely replacing the engine is going to cost its new owner - because when they say the engine is seized, you pretty much have to assume that's what you're in for. It could just not start, and the seller could just be inarticulate about that, but it sounds more like oil starvation and a piston fused to the block, when you word it the way you did...

I still say go for the MINI. ;)

greenagain > UKGTR335
03/18/2015 at 21:31

$ 2000 is too much. Get it cheap enough and toss in an Odyssey 3.5 V6

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > UKGTR335
03/19/2015 at 02:50

Not for that money. You can get good shells way cheaper than that.