Considering this Craigslist '02, would really appreciate feedback! [Archive] (2024)

DrSilverworm

18th March 2015, 15:21

https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/4881378455.html

Since 2011, I've been eagerly awaiting the PRHT ND to the point that it's become an unhealthy obsession.

I've always drove auto vehicles with the shifter in "manual-mode" 99% of the time. I like pulling paddles, and the fool-proof reliability of an auto. However, considering how every sports car enthusiast swears up and down that a true manual is better, I thought it'd be a good idea to live with an older manual miata for a while, to see what the other side of the fence is like. Since I eventually plan to sell my GTI anyway, this could be a good way to keep the miles on it low too, and if I'm lucky... I may be able to sell it privately in advance of the release of the PRHT Miata.

Since I got this idea, I've been looking at local miatas, and this particular '02 in a wheel color / body color combo that I love sounds too good to be true. Yes, it needs new wheels and a new head light, as the seller stated, but not mentioned in the description is the lack of a steering wheel cover. What's going on there? I suppose my main question is, is fixing that steering wheel a simple matter of replacing the cover? Does this make you think that there is an issue with the driver's airbag? Are there any other issues that you anticipate just from a casual perusal?

Another thing not mentioned in the seller's post is that strap hanging from the trunk. It suggests to me that the trunk does not stay closed. If that's the case, how hard is that to fix?

I plan on doing much more research before calling this seller (need to talk to my insurance guy and read over the stickied buyer's guide forum post still), but I thought I ought to post this up ASAP to get your feedback. With these stated issues and potential unstated issues, should I be running in the other direction? Or should I buy and attempt to fix her up? And if you think I should go for her, what price do you think I should shoot for? I'm hoping to be able to resell it without much of a loss about 2 years from now, when my ideal ND becomes available. Many thanks for your time, your help is much appreciated!

http://images.craigslist.org/00505_gQmJLuqCQGm_600x450.jpg

tom4416

18th March 2015, 15:34

It's certainly cheap enough but I just get the feeling there is a lot wrong under the surface of this car.

Airbag missing because of (a) theft, (b) owner thinks it looks "cool" or (c) deployment. If deployed, obviously a wreck somewhere in its history. It also means no horn which is a safety requirement in all states (and the airbag in most). I notice the keys on in the passenger side airbag off switch - perhaps because it too is missing?

It worth a look see if it's within a reasonable distance of you. An airbag replacement unit is cheap on the used market unless it truly did deploy in which case the controller is also shot and they are a tad more expensive and difficult to replace.

Buy it for $2500 and it could be a nice littler fixer upper that serves you well for several years and then still brings $2500 when you go to sell it. Or, it could be a money pit that would make you hate Miatas forever.

Dartboy

18th March 2015, 15:36

There is no airbag in that wheel as far as I can tell. I'd assume the car took a hit to the front and the airbag blew, rather than fixing it properly, he removed it.

I think the strap in the trunk is a tow strap, maybe he had to drag it out of the mud in order to sell it?

160K miles is not "low"

Did he move the ignition switch to the airbag switch near the shifter? Or is that just a handy place to keep the keys? Makes me wonder if the passenger airbag is there either.

I would keep shopping.

2trains2

18th March 2015, 15:41

DrSilverworm

18th March 2015, 16:42

mattsedona

18th March 2015, 16:46

snowallergy

18th March 2015, 18:18

DrSilverworm

18th March 2015, 19:12

Do you want one to wrench or to drive?

One to drive... For a couple years. Since I don't plan on keeping it for a long time, I figured I shouldn't mind a bit more extra wear and tear. If there was a fair price for miatas with visible wear, that's the price I wanted to pay, and then sell at later on... Unless I'll end up incurring heavy repair costs throughout those 2 years.

I figured at this amazing NB price, the $1,500 or so I put into fixing it could possibly be recovered... Is that a pipe dream?

Basically, is it worth buying a lightly rusted / worn-out miata at any price? I'm hoping to make this a temporary / weekend car for me, until the new miata comes out. It's worth noting, I have little to no experience with used cars of this nature... Got to start somewhere though. I'm a bit lost though, so that's why I'm asking for help here. Definitely appreciate all the help!

Edit: I'm impressed that there is now a picture of the original miata I was considering posted in my original post. I don't remember doing that at all. If that was action from the moderation team, kudos! I'm a bit startled, but it's a nice addition!

jprocknow

18th March 2015, 23:05

DrSilverworm

19th March 2015, 00:27

Yea, the mods did that. If you read the rules of this forum topic, you're supposed to avoid just throwing down a link without details about it because once the link dies, there's no information about the car at all.

Sorry, I'm new here. I should have read the rules more carefully. I just uploaded this for reference: http://i.imgur.com/RD0Gn5M.png Hopefully this was all kosher. Feel free to delete if it's out of code. Thanks for all the help and patience.

snowallergy

19th March 2015, 00:42

One to drive... For a couple years. Since I don't plan on keeping it for a long time, I figured I shouldn't mind a bit more extra wear and tear. If there was a fair price for miatas with visible wear, that's the price I wanted to pay, and then sell at later on... Unless I'll end up incurring heavy repair costs throughout those 2 years.

I figured at this amazing NB price, the $1,500 or so I put into fixing it could possibly be recovered... Is that a pipe dream?

Basically, is it worth buying a lightly rusted / worn-out miata at any price? I'm hoping to make this a temporary / weekend car for me, until the new miata comes out. It's worth noting, I have little to no experience with used cars of this nature... Got to start somewhere though. I'm a bit lost though, so that's why I'm asking for help here. Definitely appreciate all the help!

Edit: I'm impressed that there is now a picture of the original miata I was considering posted in my original post. I don't remember doing that at all. If that was action from the moderation team, kudos! I'm a bit startled, but it's a nice addition!

Could be, probably. Likely, you'll get it set up the way you want & it'll be time to let it go or you'll dump so much into it, it would have been cheaper to buy one already good to go.

Vince3

19th March 2015, 03:17

That much rust on the 96 would be a deal killer for me, unless you were looking for a beater. It is not cost effective to chase rusty rockers, and it usually reoccurs in a year or less anyway. Much better to pay more and get a rust free car, even if you have to travel out of your area to find one. The cheapest cars often turn out to be the most expensive in the end. This is what I would be looking for, unless it isn't in your budget. http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=570521&page=3

Totally agree Matt.

This type of car is much less expensive to own then the clapped-out high mileage rust machines. But if all you have to spend is $2000 (?) then you're in a bind.

The red 1994 of your's is in the classifieds here now for an attractive price for a nice car.