"Ken has Terrible Luck with Bland Cars" (iamkensimon)
01/12/2016 at 12:52 • Filed to: None
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"Ken has Terrible Luck with Bland Cars" (iamkensimon)
01/12/2016 at 12:52 • Filed to: None | 4
| 10 |
My non-car person (FOR NOW) girlfriend has fallen in love with driving a manual transmission car. Specifically, my Porsche 944 Turbo. She’s looking into manual NA Miatas. Post things she and I should know about them. A 1997 M-edition for your time.
Needmoargarage
> Ken has Terrible Luck with Bland Cars
01/12/2016 at 13:05 |
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If considering an early model (‘90-91) make sure there aren’t any issues with crank pulley wobble. Check for soft top leaks that will lead to mildew and rust. Check for rust in the rockers in front of the rear wheels. Look at the radiator plastic; if it’s brown instead of black, it’s a time bomb. Check for excessive vibration from suspension/wheels at different speeds.
If you buy it, replace the heater hoses and cam position sensor seal. I’ve seen lots of people stranded by hot oil dripping on those hoses.
Also, a warning: your gf will likely get hit on by car guys around town.
Bytemite
> Ken has Terrible Luck with Bland Cars
01/12/2016 at 13:08 |
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That would be the wrong Miata.
What she needs is a 1.6 NA.
Noah - Now with more boost.
> Ken has Terrible Luck with Bland Cars
01/12/2016 at 13:15 |
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Will this be her DD? I’d love an NA as a second car but I don’t trust the other drivers on the road enough to pilot something that weighs 2200 lbs on a daily basis.
Zen Master W
> Ken has Terrible Luck with Bland Cars
01/12/2016 at 13:26 |
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If it’s over about 60k to 80k ask if the timing belt has been changed. A lot of minor issues can be dealt with pretty easily and inexpensively but the belt is a chore. Usually it will include water pump, hoses and probably need a new radiator. If it’s the original belt, count on around $800 for the job. Possible leverage.
Good luck, you will love it also.
Nibby
> Ken has Terrible Luck with Bland Cars
01/12/2016 at 13:26 |
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Buy her one instead of an engagement ring.
Justin Hughes
> Ken has Terrible Luck with Bland Cars
01/12/2016 at 13:27 |
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Nerd-Vol
> Ken has Terrible Luck with Bland Cars
01/12/2016 at 13:30 |
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Tom foolery is nigh impossible in the car. I once made out in one. My back was hurting for weeks.
Desu-San-Desu
> Ken has Terrible Luck with Bland Cars
01/12/2016 at 13:45 |
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Ahem:
daender
> Ken has Terrible Luck with Bland Cars
01/12/2016 at 14:06 |
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Best NA 1.8L: ‘96; OBD-II, trunk-operated lights became common, Torsen mechanical LSD, and you can swap in pre-’95's functional oil pressure gauge in.
Best NA 1.6L: Any, just watch out for crank wobble and check to see if the VLSD (if equipped) is still working or has been upgraded to a Torsen.
Try finding one that’s had its softtop replaced with one containing a glass rear window instead of a plastic one.
MiataHawaii
> Ken has Terrible Luck with Bland Cars
01/13/2016 at 15:54 |
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I daily drive an 95' M edition NA. I have to agree OBDII would be nice.
Torsen LSD is a requirement :P. Like most miatas, mine is modified. Rollbar, tein coilovers with edfc, chassis braces, etc. Make sure to get some sticky rubber. I have DZ102s and they’re nice. Cost about 25$ to fill the tank at $2.60 a gallon with supreme.
Whoever said get a 1.6 is silly. 1.8 responds better to power mods although 1.6 has a plethora of parts.
Be careful buying her a miata....she may end up leaving you for her miata :P
http://www.miata.net/garage/garageb…