Today in SVTyler's Ill-Advised Hunt for a Miata (Merlot Mica Edition)

"SVTyler" (svtyler) 09/19/2018 at 13:25 • Filed to: None

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promoted by the color red > SVTyler 09/19/2018 at 13:36

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Stunning car, but not so much a Miata to drive and tinker with. $8500 buys you a NB with some play money or early NC. 

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > SVTyler 09/19/2018 at 13:42

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But $4,300?

https://kalispell.craigslist.org/cto/d/2000-mazda-miata-special/6700718728.html

Tapas > SVTyler 09/19/2018 at 13:58

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Of course it’s outside my price range.

Most things are outside my price range right now :(

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > SVTyler 09/19/2018 at 14:06

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95 Ms with the Merlot paint, tan top, Nardi interior accessories, and BBS wheels are my favorite Miatas. There was one I’d see on the bus ride to school in high school and I swooned over it every time 

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 09/19/2018 at 14:06

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But flip ups

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > SVTyler 09/19/2018 at 14:15

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If this is the one I think it is (and I’m pretty sure it is,) it’d still be a CP at $5800, forget $8500.

SVTyler > promoted by the color red 09/19/2018 at 14:50

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That’s the truth, i n this same search found a 03 NB with 60k miles for about $ 2k less. No NC’s though unless you want one with 120k miles for nearly $ 10k.

SVTyler > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 09/19/2018 at 14:51

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You know this car? What makes it a cracked pipe?

SVTyler > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 09/19/2018 at 14:53

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This is the first time in my life I regret not living in Montana.

SVTyler > Tapas 09/19/2018 at 14:56

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Tbh it’s realistically more than I should be sp ending too but I could  swing a more expensive car if I really find a good one. I don’t think this is it, but damn is it purdy.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > SVTyler 09/19/2018 at 14:56

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Well if you get on it, should be about a two day drive to O hio. Delta and United fly to Kalispell.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > SVTyler 09/19/2018 at 15:32

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Might . Emphasis on might . There was a Merlot Mica over tan, Nardi and BBS optioned, Miata M at one of the C&C’s I went to last year. This may or may not be the same one. Westerville is about 2 hours away, but, it’s one of those special C&C’s. So people make the trip. (Remember the Aston Martin Vulcan still for sale? There.)

But again, that’s a big if . They made 3500 M editions, and this is Mid-Ohio territory, so they sell a lot of Miatas around here. It is not even unlikely that there are more than 10 M editions in-state alone.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > SVTyler 09/19/2018 at 19:37

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Ooh baby. That's about an hour from me- need an Oppo Inspection?

daender > SVTyler 09/19/2018 at 20:02

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Price is VERY strong for that Miata. It’s a collectors car unless you’re wanting to put some wear on a very clean ‘95 M-Edition.  Like everyone else has mentioned, that’s good to equally-clean NB territory for a faster and better-handling Miata.

SVTyler > daender 09/19/2018 at 22:41

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This is honestly just wishful think ing on my part because it’s such a great color com bo, this  Saturday I ‘m going to go check out a 2003 with about the same miles but for about $2k less. It'd be a much better option.

SVTyler > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker 09/19/2018 at 23:07

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Really ap preciate the offer man but the more I think about this car the more an NB makes sense. I found an 03 for a few grand less that seems almost perfect ( s ame mileage but with service records, less collectible so I wouldn’t feel bad dailyin g or modifying it, less rust and wear, that kinda stuff). T his car is absolutely gorgeous, just not the one for me I don’t think.

daender > SVTyler 09/19/2018 at 23:21

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‘03 is a good year. FYI, Mazda changed lots of minor mechanical and electrical things, mostly for the better, but the Fuji-diff isn’t one of them. It has a habit of spitting out cone clutch-tabs whenever you drain and refill the diff. Putting in a 4.30 Torsen is my recommendation.

SVTyler > daender 09/20/2018 at 08:55

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Yeqh I just did a little research on the Fuji , that’s kind of concerning. Is it as common a problem as the forums make it seem like? The Torsen might be a good call in that case.

daender > SVTyler 09/20/2018 at 17:57

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Dunno about it being common but as far as I know it doesn’t really affect the performance of it. IIRC ‘03 also got a supposedly more efficient and effective A/C compressor, a dummy “low gas” light that comes on at 1/8th-tank, tan interior got replaced with “camel” that looks identical to the ‘00 SE’s “cashmere” interior, black leather seats were finally an option on a non-limited Miata, and silver trim became available on the LS model. I do know the wiring harness is different from the ‘01-’02. Panic Motorsports, the local Spec Miata shop, has a ‘03 race car and there were a lot of electrical headaches when they first built it because they were used to using ‘01-’02 cars.

SVTyler > daender 09/21/2018 at 08:00

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Dude thanks for all the info, I had no idea they changed so much from year to year. Performance is kind of secondary to reliability in my search so that’s why I’m concerned if stuff starts falling out of my diff lol. I’ve only heard good things about NB2s so any potential problem areas are always extremely helpful to know about when I go see the car, again I appreciate your help in all my Mata threads , you’re like the Miata whisperer dude lol.

daender > SVTyler 09/21/2018 at 17:54

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Haha, I’m no whisperer, I’m just a walking library of stuff I’ve learned and remembered from forum posts, FAQs, and experiences.

The only other major reliability issue of NB2s are three sensors in the engine: VVT crank angle sensor, cam angle sensor, and cam position sensor. They’re known to go out over time, especially the cam sensors because they’re in hot locations. One of my friends runs around with a spare of each in his Miata’s glovebox.

Other than that, the only major issue is frame/body rust. Namely in the double-boxed section near the front axle and in the rear quarter panels if the water drains are clogged from not being cleaned out occasionally .

SVTyler > daender 09/21/2018 at 20:52

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D you know if those sensors tend to be wear items that need periodic replacement or if track use/hot climate/heavy use accelerate s their failure ? The forums seem to be kind of split on it. The car I’m looking at tomorrow is a 2003 with 60k miles for reference.

daender > SVTyler 09/21/2018 at 20:55

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Should be fine.  I haven’t had any trouble with mine and it’s at 112k or so.  They might need to be replaced every 100k or so but that’s it.

SVTyler > daender 09/22/2018 at 00:23

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Oh awesome then, I was worried they were something you'd constantly have to be on the lookout for. Thanks again man, now I got a whole list of stuff to look for and ask about. Seriously, I appreciate it.