Miata Help

"Logansteno: Bought a VW?" (logansteno)
08/03/2016 at 18:16 • Filed to: None

So with the sale of the Safari, we’re looking for a car for my brother. We found a 1991 model Mazda The Answer he’s really interested in.

One day this week him and I are going to go take a look at it, and I’m wondering if there’s anything I should look out for. I know to ask about things like the timing belt and shocks/struts, but is there anything Miata-specific I need to look for?

It has 250k on it so I’m guessing it’s made it that far being taken care of but I don’t know.

Actual car pictured.

DISCUSSION (19)

gawdzillla > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
08/03/2016 at 18:19

Rust, frame rail, rear wheel wells

Honeybunchesofgoats > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
08/03/2016 at 18:21

Make sure he brings his hairdressing supplies for the test drive, the trunk is kind of small.

Sorry.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Honeybunchesofgoats
08/03/2016 at 18:21

Hardy har har

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > gawdzillla
08/03/2016 at 18:22

Right, it is a Mazda after all.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
08/03/2016 at 18:22

At these miles, it’s probably a non-issue, but the short nosed crank liked to fail.

Decay buys too many beaters > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
08/03/2016 at 18:24

Make sure it’s absolutely nothing like mine.

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/worst-of-the-b…

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
08/03/2016 at 18:26

Check for the amount of holes on the crank pulley. If it has four, don’t buy it, especially with that many miles. If it has eight, you’re good to go. Other than that there aren’t really many common issues Miatas have. Just check general maintenance stuff and you should be good. If you care, use a garden hose or Big Gulp full of water to test for leaks in the top.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Decay buys too many beaters
08/03/2016 at 18:28

Based on looks alone, I think we’re good on that front.

Decay buys too many beaters > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
08/03/2016 at 18:35

Make sure you check the crank pulley, 91's are SNC.

Honeybunchesofgoats > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
08/03/2016 at 18:35

In my defense, my mom just bought an NC, about which I dutifully lied and asked to take home “to look over, because you don’t want to have a tie rod break in a small car like that.”

Kinja'd!!!

I’m either going to steal it from my own mother, or end up buying one for myself.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Decay buys too many beaters
08/03/2016 at 18:37

So like Jake said, 4 holes bad, 8 holes good?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Honeybunchesofgoats
08/03/2016 at 18:39

I already told him if he buys it there are no promises I don’t drive it every opportunity I get, even if it might be a tight squeeze for my 6'4" self.

Honeybunchesofgoats > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
08/03/2016 at 18:43

I’m 5'8" (according to my driver’s license, which makes it a legal fact ) and it’s kind of a tight fit even for me.

Decay buys too many beaters > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
08/03/2016 at 18:45

Correct, read up here

http://www.miata.net/garage/cranksh…

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Honeybunchesofgoats
08/03/2016 at 18:48

Apparently NCs are the worst for tall people from what I’ve heard/read. NAs are the best and NBs are sotra in between if I remember right.

Decay buys too many beaters > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
08/03/2016 at 18:52

Also oil leaks, the oil pan gaskets will be brittle and prone to leaking at this age and mileage, this is an engine out fix...

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Decay buys too many beaters
08/03/2016 at 18:54

Guess I’ll be doing some crawling around then!

Decay buys too many beaters > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
08/03/2016 at 19:00

Just stick your hand under and rub the bell-housing, if your hand comes back clean you’re good. My entire under-body has a nice oily film.

Mechanically > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
08/03/2016 at 22:29

6'5" and 270lb. There wasn’t any spare room, but I fit in my NA just fine.

The secret is to buy one with power windows, so there’s no crank on the door where my left knee went.

Then, unscrew the simple armrest and replace with a nylon strap like those fancy stripped-down racing automobiles. Poof. An extra 2 inches where it rely counts.

Damn I miss that car.