"CKeffer" (KefferCameron)
01/25/2014 at 12:27 • Filed to: None
0
5|
"CKeffer" (KefferCameron)
01/25/2014 at 12:27 • Filed to: None | 0
| 5 |
http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/4303125382…
From the ad:
2000 Mazda Miata MX5
4 Cylinder 5 Speed Manual
Ice Cold AC Warm Heater
Good Tires
Clean Texas Title
No Problems At All
Runs and Drives Perfectly
Gleaned from the pics:
The car has a few dings in it, but nothing to suggest a wreck or other major hapening that could be detrimental to the way it drives
There is no radio in the car, not an issue for me since this will be a tack toy rather than a DD anyway.
Minor tear on the side of the driver seat, once again, not a big issue since it looks to be pretty small, and I plan to replace the seats with single piece buckets eventually anyway.
Only other issue I can think of is that the mileage is not listed so I'm not sure how far along the motor is.
All in all though, this looks like it could be a very promising base for a track toy build.
Edit: met up with the seller, and had a look at the car and took it for a test drive. Car seems mechanically sound, though not perfect. The shocks aren't quite dead yet, but are getting soft (so bonus this year would be going to a set of flying miata coilovers and swaybars). Driverside door card needs to be replaced or reattached at the bottom, clutch needs to be adjusted (there is some play in the pedal, but it engages and disengages smoothly), tranny feels solid and there is no play in the shifter, engine pulls hard (well, as hard as a miata engine can pull), met up with the seller at his house and there was no sign of leaks under the car or in the engine bay. All in all looks like the only issues that car has are cosmetic; the clearcoat is not in the best shape in a few spots, and there is a hole in the front bumper like someone rolled back into it with a trailer hitch. and while the top doesnt leak according to the seller, the rear window is a bit Jerry-rigged to stay up. AC and heat both do indeed work, and the car makes no odd noises. I'm thinking I'll call him back, offer 2900-3k in cash for it and see what he says, I'm willing to pay the 3100, but a better deal means more money left for part to make it than it currently is.
DollaMoneyAve
> CKeffer
01/25/2014 at 12:35 |
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In my experience, sellers will not list the miles when the mileage is high. It's a psychological thing, and it works. It prevents the buyer from immediately dismissing the car due to the high miles. Given how often there are scams on the net, once the buyer establishes contact they are relieved to find that the car and seller is legit. After talking up the car, the seller hits you with the 145k odometer reading; the buyer is more likely to overlook high mileage when presented with it at this stage of the process.
Orange Exige
> CKeffer
01/25/2014 at 12:37 |
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No mileage listed plus it's a super generic description, but he does include several pictures so it's not an all bad ad.
NP though definitely (unless it's got obnoxiously high mileage, though very unlikely).
Like valve_float said, if you offer lower, it'll be an even nicer price - but haggling is basically implied with craigslist - and even $3100 isn't bad at all for a mechanically decent 2000 Miata.
JasonStern911
> CKeffer
01/25/2014 at 13:13 |
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Mileage is probably high, top is probably due to be replaced, timing belt/water pump is probably due to be replaced, but it's still a nice price for a great car if you are willing to put a bit of work into it.
ksmay71
> CKeffer
01/25/2014 at 14:19 |
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Gotta know the miles! Haggle his nuts off, And don't take "I don't know" for an answer.
Bird
> CKeffer
01/25/2014 at 15:44 |
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NP. In my experience with Miatas, miles don't matter if it's in good shape. I've tracked a 1991 with 185,000 miles on it. The only reason it gave up is I pushed to hard. 4 sessions of the Roval at autoclub speedway in 100º heat is pretty tough on any motor.
If you're worried compression test it, if it passes, it's good for at least another 100k.
Or, yank that out and put in the built motor I'm about to list for sale...I've got a fully built, never installed, 1.8 long block (MY 2000). Carrillo H-beam rods, +1mm supertech 8.5:1 pistons (turbo motor), billet oil pump, ARP head and main studs, -10 AN fittings welded to oil pan and valve cover...then I've got a Garrett 2860 with a Tial v-band housing, absurdflow low mount manifold and a bunch of other bits and pieces. MS2, intercooler, etc....I've got well over 8k in go fast miata parts. I think I'm going to see if I can get somebody to take it all for 5k.