Hey Miata People - is it worth considering

"412GTI" (sixspeedab)
05/27/2020 at 21:06 • Filed to: Theanswerisalwaysmiata

I recently switched back over to working at a dealer group full time and with that comes..temptations. This baddie was traded in today (for a Renegade lol) and I’m half tempted to buy it for cheap. It’s a 1999 with 144k.

I’ll attach additional pictures below but some concerns are the trouble rust areas behind the doors. They still seem somewhat solid but understand that’s a problem area for Miata’s. Anyways it runs good and we’ll see what are shop say tomorrow when they take a look.

I’m thinking I should be able to get it for a bit over 2k and kinda want to clean it up a bit and flip at the end of summer. Does the seem like an attainable goal? I’d prefer a nicer Miata but this might be fun project to beat on a bit and sell for a little profit. Good idea or bad idea, Oppo Miata experts.

DISCUSSION (17)

MM54 > 412GTI
05/27/2020 at 21:28

How are the frame rails up front? I believe I’ve heard the NBs tend to rust through in that area; if it’s had enough water/salt to get that bad in the back the front may have impending structural failure.

412GTI > MM54
05/27/2020 at 21:32

I believe they looked a bit better than the back but I'll have to take a better look on the rack tomorrow. Thanks for the heads up!

Milky > 412GTI
05/27/2020 at 21:41

2k$?! It works? Yes. I can’t imagine a way that’s a bad idea.

412GTI > Milky
05/27/2020 at 21:55

Yeah seemingly runs pretty good. Old couple owned too so likely not too abused. I figure could at least get some profit out after cleaning it up.

jminer > 412GTI
05/27/2020 at 22:05

I’ve seen Miata’s far worse listed for much higher but I am no expert on these. Seems like it’d be hard to loose money at that, and atleast it wouldn’t be much and might be a fun summer toy. I give terrible advice in this area though as it’s mostly ‘looks like fun and you can afford it - but it!’

Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] > 412GTI
05/27/2020 at 22:10

I’ve put a jack through a rusty NB pinch weld.

If you have the means to deal with the rocker rust , do it. Also check the front cross- member for structural integrity.

412GTI > jminer
05/27/2020 at 22:10

It’s very tempting! Not my dream Miata but might be a fun way to at least no lose money - I've been itching to have a RWD car to play with.

412GTI > Jarrett - [BRZ Boi]
05/27/2020 at 22:12

Thanks I’ll check that tomorrow. I’m honestly very novice when it comes to repair stuff so this might be a little too rough for me but am interested if there’s potential to get a little profit out if it.

Cash Rewards > 412GTI
05/27/2020 at 22:12

Whens the timing belt and water pump due? If they're both done I'd be a lot happier

412GTI > Cash Rewards
05/27/2020 at 22:22

Great question ! Adding to the list

Nick Has an Exocet > 412GTI
05/27/2020 at 23:03

Framerails and get the rockers taken care of. I would also check the front subframe for rust and, while not usually a problem, look at the strut towers for rust.

FYI: 99/00 is a weird 2 years for miatas. The engine is a bridge between the 1995-98 motor and the 01-05. The head is an easy retrofit for a lot of people looking to do higher hp builds on 95-98 motors as 99-00 didn’t have VVT but had an early precursor to it. 01+ had V VT but it’s all a wash as to which is better.

Timing belt and water pump are also a concern.

Check for oil leaks. Particularly around the valve cover. If someone used a cheap seal, it will leak. It’s a cheap and easy fix, but might get you $100 off. Make sure the clutch engages well with no weird vibrations. Listen for a whine from the rear end (would be a differential on the way out). Use your nose for fumes with the top up. If you smell gas, the could be some corrosion around the filler neck (it runs through the trunk).

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > 412GTI
05/27/2020 at 23:06

Thats better than my 03 for rust. For 2k its worth it just to drive during the summer. People have already said the main things. Make sure top doesnt leak, check rear diff for LSD cause 99s had the torsion optional. Since older couple owned it you shouldnt have to worry about front hubs but i would if you plan to beat hard on it.

412GTI > Nick Has an Exocet
05/27/2020 at 23:09

Much appreciate you taking to the time to write all that out, that helps a lot.

412GTI > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
05/27/2020 at 23:10

Thanks! Yeah I don’t think it would be a long term car but since I can get it for wholesale I'm thinking it might be worth it to play and fix up.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > 412GTI
05/27/2020 at 23:12

Yea there are tons of parts for them and many places like FlyinMiata who specialize in them. Just dont fall too in love as its a rabbit hole

Notchback88 > 412GTI
05/28/2020 at 10:08

Mannnnnn watching Donut’s Money Pit has me wanting a Miata bad.

I mean, I have to fix and sell the Fiero GT first, and then we gotta get a new place with more room (wife says I can’t have a Mustang GT and a project car if she can’t have her G-ride and personal car in the garage too.) (Who knew a 3 car garage wouldn’t be enough.) (I did, I can’t fit a lift in it.)

I’ve always been partial to the NB since NFS: Underground, and I’d love to toy around with one for autocross and track days.

412GTI > Notchback88
05/28/2020 at 10:46

I’ve had the Miata itch for years and almost bought one last year. I love both the NA & NB’s. I don’t really have space for this living in a city with only a one car garage but I could make it work.