This is not a drill! Would You Take This Perfect 1992 Black Edition or R Package Miata For $5,000?

"Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available" (whoistheleader2) 10/29/2020 at 10:20 • Filed to: Miata, 1995 M Edition Miata, unnecessary car shopping without E90M3, r package miata

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Let me at it! Let me at it! This mint condition 1995 M Edition ( !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! pointed out this is actually the less well known 1992 -only Black Edition) NA Mazda Miata appears to have flown under the radar due to poor advertising. This is one Craigslist seller that does not know what they have, as they haven’t bothered to put the year and trim of this rare and desirable car with only 75,000 miles.

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Mmmmm, and it even has the correct tan interior. It is black, not the M Edition plum color, but still.

Update: All Black Edition Miatas were black, duh.

At least, I’m fairly certain that is an M Edition. Take a look at those wheels.

Update: No, it’s not. The Black Edition got the same wheels.

It does indeed have the M Edition specific wheels and black was offered on the trim despite most being purple. I believe all had the tan interior and tan top too. So the only real question as to its authenticity is the badging. Could be someone removed it, as I’ve found quite a few pictures of M editions without them. Then someone bought it not knowing how special it is. The seller mentions nothing about anything in their ad.

Classic original Mazda Miata in excellent condition available. Black exterior with tan leather interior. 5 speed manual transmission, this car is a thrill to drive. Only selling because we’re moving out of the area.

Even if it is a regular NA with M Edition wheels, this is a seriously NP. If it is an M Edition? Nice Price to the moon and back!

Yup, it’s a genuine Black Edition.

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But what’s this? A new fighter enters the ring!

I don’t know much about R packages but according to this !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , under 1,130 Miatas were made in this spec. The were supposed to be ultra lightweight versions with more track-ready suspension. The seller warns it is not ideal for daily driving.

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Here’s the full ad copy: (emphasis mine)

For those who haven’t run across a Type R before, it was a limited production of lightweight (no power steering, no power windows etc) very stiff suspension (Bilstein struts) racy version of a Miata. Same power, but with a feel all its own . Some love it. some don’t. Anybody still reading probably knows all this already

This is a high mileage but meticulously-maintained, daily driven but garage kept, rust free Miata. Factory original everything except for the radio, the top (replaced with a gen 2 top with glass backlight ) and the wheels (15 inch OZ Racing).

The GOOD: Looks in person like it does in the pics. Drives straight, suspension is very tight. Logbook of all service dating back to 2003. Bilstein ($$$) shocks relatively new, Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R tires with only 6500 miles on them, seats have ALWAYS been covered (probably no better example of stock seats anywhere), new brakes etc etc.

The Not as GOOD: Rear bumper (plastic parts) paint is faded as expected for Miatas, belts squeal briefly on startup, two small abrasion holes in canvas top (patched, no leaks), 229,000 miles (a not-as-good but runs strong).

Price $4,900 obo.

The reason I’m selling this car is that I recently bought a 2016 MX5 because I’m an old lady now and wanted a Miata with a top that I can put up and down with little effort. In a perfect world I would keep both cars, but 2020 has been far from a perfect world!

Sounds like a real Oppo kind of gal. I’m impressed someone drove one that many miles presumably on hard city streets. I think just $4,900 is a crazy good deal for what this is. A low mileage R Package did !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! but I think the market has heated up substantially since then.

So, Oppo, make your case. Which NA Miata has your 5 gs? I’d go for the mysterious maybe-an-M-Edition but many that R Package is really tempting.

Milky > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 10:29

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The miles on that M are low too, if it was purple I’d be inclined  to say “fugitdude” and get it.

Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 10:29

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Does the M-edition have AC? Probably that one.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 10:30

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The R is obviously a better price. M editions are cool but they’re nothing special.

I had a hard time enjoying a Miata in my brief NA ownership. IMO they’re not good enough to drive to demand the price they go for. There are dozens of better options for small sporty cars for 5k.

Just Jeepin' > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 10:30

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The thumbnail credit is just a temporary visual glitch that goes away when published.

That looks like a good price.

Cash Rewards > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 10:30

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Holy shit those are nice price. Buy now!

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] 10/29/2020 at 10:33

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I think you could get your R Packages with or without AC and it doesn’t mention it so I’m not sure. I just think the M Edition would be a better driver.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Milky 10/29/2020 at 10:34

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In person that purple is spectacular. There’s a purple M Edition rolling around my hometown that has made me really like them. But man, those wheels! Those wheels!

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Just Jeepin' 10/29/2020 at 10:37

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I corrected that, thanks. Yes, these are very much NPs. I would go pick up that M Edition today if I had the money.

Oh, and:

https://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/d/louisville-2013-mitsubishi-outlander/7205070425.html

Found you a Mitsu Jeep si. Manual, very very teal, but FWD. Not very expensive for what it is but I still think $8,000 is too much. 

Milky > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker 10/29/2020 at 10:37

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b uys slammed unreliable $900 miata

doesnt like m iatas

Milky > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 10:39

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Reminds me thats is a shame the  BBS wheels on the new one are part of a $4k package.  Damn shame.  

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker 10/29/2020 at 10:39

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M Editions still aren’t exactly common. They actually seem to be less common in black, even if it isn’t as fun that way. I love me a good M Edition and the wheels alone are worth a good deal of the asking price.

You say that, but when you factor in ownership costs the Miata is a great value proposition. I would ideally want an NB because I’m tall but I can still admire NAs. Especially given these haven’t succumbed to their recent price increases it seems.

Now that R Package, you won’t find another one anywhere for that price.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Milky 10/29/2020 at 10:41

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The wheels alone are worth a good deal of that 5k asking price. I would be hard pressed to name a wheel that better fits a car.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Cash Rewards 10/29/2020 at 10:41

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I wish, I wish. That M Edition won’t still be around when I get to a place where I can buy. 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Milky 10/29/2020 at 10:44

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“I dislike all Miatas because I once bought a cheaply modified and thrashed broken one and it was still broken when I woke up the next morning”

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 10:50

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See if one of them will take your Cruze as a straight up trade. Maybe the R version, since she is an “old lady now” and she might like a frugal automatic sedan to compliment her 2020 ND Hardtop.

If it were my money, I’d be going for the R. I like that it’s the “sportier” car, and on to of that t he M edition doesn’t do it for me. I know I’m in the minority here, but that particular style of BBS wheel, on that car, doesn’t really do it for me.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Milky 10/29/2020 at 10:54

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I’ve driven “good” ones. They’re all pretty much the same.

Just Jeepin' > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 10:57

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That does look like a fun little car, but CP.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Snuze: Needs another Swede 10/29/2020 at 10:57

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I recently bought a 2016 MX5 because I’m an old lady now and wanted a Miata with a top that I can put up and down with little e ffort. In a perfect world I would keep both cars, but 2020 has been far from a perfect world!

Probably not the R as she implies she can’t keep two cars. Though such a trade would be very balanced in terms of monetary value. The NDs are much more comfortable than the NAs so even that will be a big step up. Though the R is a properly rare car and has clearly been impeccably maintained. Owned by an elderl y enthusiast who clearly knows how to sell something ? I can’t imagine a better person to try to buy from.

Now that M, mmmmmmm. Something about those wheels just does it for me.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Just Jeepin' 10/29/2020 at 10:59

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Less than 60k miles, but it’s also a base Mitsubishi with FWD and a stick. I think NP at 6k for sure. 

onlytwowheels > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 11:10

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The black   car is one of 4,626   “   Black Edition ” Miatas .

https://www.justacargeek.com/2011/03/1992-mazda-miata-black-edition.html

https://www.miata.net/faq/miatase.html

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1992-mazda-mx-5-miata-12/

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > onlytwowheels 10/29/2020 at 11:20

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Huh, I didn’t know another trim besides the M Edition got those wheels. So this is rarer than total M Edition production but more common among 1994 models, the only year it seems to have been produced. I like it! Seems to have been a package to make the car more livable besides appearance stuff.

So this is also a relatively rare car to find in such condition. I’ll update. Thanks.

Chariotoflove > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 11:21

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Only if it had an auto trans swap. It’s probably so cheap because of all the extra work you have to do to shift. Who wants extra work in their fun car?

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 11:25

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Don’t you dare do an automatic swap. There’s enough autos as it is. 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 11:26

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Wait a minute, is that. . . is that. . .

Chariotoflove > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 11:26

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If the Almighty had intended us to shift for  ourselves, they wouldn’t be called auto mobiles.

onlytwowheels > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 11:27

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1992 advertisement.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 11:27

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Meaning we don’t propel them flintstones style.

I have some words for you: clutchless semi auto

Chariotoflove > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 11:29

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Fred’s wasn’t manual either. He used his feet.

#knowyouranatomy

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > onlytwowheels 10/29/2020 at 11:29

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Dang it, I just can’t get the story right it seems. How many years was the Black Edition produced?

Chariotoflove > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 11:29

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I can’t see well enough to tell for sure.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 11:30

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Yes but that wasn’t an automobile.

It was two foot driving at its best.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 11:30

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It sure looks like it to me. What’s the point of an R Package for extreme weight savings with a heavy slushbox plopped in it?

onlytwowheels > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 11:33

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J ust 1992, the car in the CL ad is also a 1992. Not sure if you knew that or not.

Chariotoflove > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 11:33

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I’d still rock it as my daily if my feet worked.

Chariotoflove > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 11:35

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It’s to make sure the driver is committed to the R experience. If he truly cares, he’ll go on a diet and training regimen to lose the difference in weight.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > onlytwowheels 10/29/2020 at 11:37

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Dang it, I read 1994. Okay, thank you. Seems like it really is a rare spec in terms of overall production.

Also, is that R Spec an auto? Looks kinda like one. That is tragic.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 11:38

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But if you had working feet, you could still become an emaciated husk and then have double the weight savings!

onlytwowheels > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 11:46

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Not an automatic, has a taller shift knob that app ears to be the leather Nardi knob.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > onlytwowheels 10/29/2020 at 11:50

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That just looks like am automatic shift knob, especially in low resolution. Flus it was left in first gear and appears to be where park would be.

Good to know it has the transmission choice that actually makes sense. Can you imagine buying an R Package and then sticking a heavy slushbox in it?

onlytwowheels > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 11:59

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Fortunately, Mazda did not offer an automatic in the R.  I believe there were statistically only 2% of the total NA production equipped with an automatic. I wish it remained that way.

Chariotoflove > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 11:59

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I’d have to balance it with all the drive-thru I’d be eating to keep my fighting weight.

#weighttraining

AestheticsInMotion > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 12:06

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Very nice price on both. I'd take the black edition 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > onlytwowheels 10/29/2020 at 12:06

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Which is why the possibility of an R auto confused me so much. Though the NC probably made the most sense out of all of them with a slushbox. 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 12:09

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Do they do wheelchair boxing? They should do wheelchair boxing. 

AestheticsInMotion > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 12:10

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https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/d/gresham-2001-mazda-miata-115k-automatic/7214441290.html

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > AestheticsInMotion 10/29/2020 at 12:11

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Indeed, I'm very very tempted. 

Chariotoflove > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 12:18

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I think it looks more like head-butting than boxing?

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion 10/29/2020 at 12:20

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O h, I quite like that color! Think I’ll text him and ask if it’s still available.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 12:21

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Sweep the wheel! Sweep the wheel!

Chariotoflove > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 12:23

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Yes, Se nsei!

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 12:48

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You have proven yourself. Choose.

*gestures to field full of rocket powered wheelchairs, all with clutch pedals*

Chariotoflove > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 12:50

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... all with clutch pedals

Here is my choice:

*uses Crane Style kick on Sensei’s nut sack*

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 12:59

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Ow , listen, the commissioner thought that wheelchair boxing was too dull so all of them were converted to two speed manuals with NOS.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 13:06

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Oh, I agree, she’s probably the perfect first owner for a car like that. And you’re also probably right that she wouldn’t be too interested in a Cruze. Then again, you never know till you try!

Regarding the M, I gave it some thought, and I think I figured it out. The wheels look misplaced on that car to me because the car is too new for them. I think that wheel would look good on a Triumph or a Lotus Elan or something like that . But to me, this is the roadster equivalent of people who put Mags or Cragers on new Mustangs* /Camaros/Challengers, and I feel the same way about that . I understand the look these people are trying to emulate, it just doesn’t work for me. Conversely, I think Mini usually kills it with some of their wheel choices, they have some decidedly modern takes on old school wheel styles, in more popular modern sizing, that look perfect .

*Ford sometimes gets this right with some of their OEM offerings. I’m talking more about the people who swap on aftermarket wheels that look identical to the old styles, not as much modern reinterpretations.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 13:17

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I’ll take both, park them on the grass in my back yard uncovered for a decade and then try to flip them for top dollar!

:-p

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 13:19

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“Only if it had an auto trans swap. It’s probably so cheap because of all the extra work you have to do to shift. Who wants extra work in their fun car?”

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Snuze: Needs another Swede 10/29/2020 at 13:23

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Yeah I just don’t see that trade working out. Too bad, since I can’t think of a demographic I’d rather have own a car before me. Just a really awesome grandma who rocks an R Spec Miata like a boss.

I’ll agree to disagree on this one. I do concede that 70s muscle car wheels seem overly derivative on modern muscle cars but I think the Miata pulls off the BBS wheels well. The design of the wheels compliments the smooth lines of the NA while adding a fun point of interest. They carry more of a visual impact than most OEM wheels, really feeling more like an aftermarket addition. But I kind of like that about them. Plus the overall design of the Miata carries mor e commonality with their inspiration in overall form rather than the details as the modern muscle cars, which lends itself more to this treatment.

Though the MINI style retro wheel treatment works very well on designs that carry more retro details than overall form.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 13:52

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Eh, still doesn’t look quite right to me, like the car is too new (new being relative here, it’s a 30 year old design) and swoopy for the wheel. Also some of it is brand identity - I see that wheel and think BMW E30s, 70s/80s Mercs, and even Volvo 240s. I’m just so used to seeing it on those kinds of cars that when I see it on something that’s not a 70s/80s eurob ox, it feels somehow wrong.

All that aside, BBS wheels are really nice. I have a set for the jankwagen, going for this look when it’s done:

And yes, it currently has a set of ASAs that look very similar, but I want the Volvo factory BBS wheels on it, for that 80's euro cred. 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 10/29/2020 at 15:30

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No, you wouldn't. Please no.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 15:35

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Maybe I’ll store some old cans of paint inside them at the same time.  Hard trying to find a good spot to store old paint I’m never gonna use...

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 10/29/2020 at 15:36

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Say, you have room in there for my expired milk  collection?

Shour, Aloof and Obnoxious > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 15:37

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I’m old. Daily-ing a car with a track-ready suspension...no bueno. I’mma need that compromise. M-edition all the way.

Plus, black over tan is GORGEOUS.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 15:39

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No... but I could probably fit my ‘prepper’ supply of salt and vinegar...

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 10/29/2020 at 15:46

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I've got a pet mold colony that needs a nice place to live. . . 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Shour, Aloof and Obnoxious 10/29/2020 at 15:47

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I think I have to go the same way. The Black Edition (not an M Edition) is designed to be more comfortable while the R Spec is designed to be less comfortable. 

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 15:49

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And yeast... so you can make good bread after the apocalypse hits!

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Snuze: Needs another Swede 10/29/2020 at 15:51

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I think your Volvo looks more discordant with the wheels than the Miata. The gentle curves of the Mazda compliment the intricate design if the BBSs while the Volvo brick allows the wheels to steal the show. Not necessarily a bad thing though.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 17:05

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I’m fine with my wheels stealing the show, I think the Propus/RS797 is one of the best looking wheels out there. I don’t even normally like multi-piece wheels with exposed fasteners, and these are the exception that prove the rule for me.

I secretly want to make them into 3 piece wheels with deeper lips. I can also make them wider that way, so I can put some 245 rubber up front and at least 275s out back.

This is the fun thing about cars, so many customization options! 

Taylor Martin > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 18:24

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I’ve never been much of a Miata fanboi, though I certainly get the appeal of a small, light, powerful enough sports car, but for $5,000 bucks I might be. It’s a matter of not wanting to fall into the fold, be like everyone else.

Regardless, the flip-ups are awesome, and the manual would be fun to play around with.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 10/29/2020 at 22:35

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Eh, I'll hold off on the bread as I'm gluten intolerant. Perhaps a large pasta stash instead? All the ramen!

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Snuze: Needs another Swede 10/29/2020 at 22:37

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I think the wagon wheels (hehe) have their own thing going on but not one I'd be likely to do myself. 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Taylor Martin 10/29/2020 at 22:40

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I'm pretty tall so I'd really want an NB but I'd love a clean NA, especially one of these rare special editions. It's a pure roadster with 90s Japanese reliability and great driving dynamics so there's a lot to like. 

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 23:27

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Which reminds me that I’ll also need to store some cheese and soy sauce

Taylor Martin > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/30/2020 at 02:02

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The reliability is what turns me on to these bad boys. If you give them the right love and care, which isn’t hard to do, they’ll return the favor in fun driving pleasures for generations.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 10/30/2020 at 08:30

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Gotta finely age that cheese somewhere. 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Taylor Martin 10/30/2020 at 08:33

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At this point they are nearly 30 years old so a lot of age related stuff will fail. Still, if you treat them right, they shouldn't give you too much trouble.