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I'm looking for a '97 Miata. Does anyone have feelers out for where I might find some. I've been around the generic internet car sites and have found three in the Dallas area so far that I can check out. I didn't know if anyone here knew of better places to look or knew of anyone wanting to part with theirs.
SK
Just curious but why only a 97?
For several reasons:
A) I don't have money and an older miata would be more likely to have problems pop-up out of the blue.
B) I want that body style, so '98 and up is out.
C) Before I bought my '97 in 2001 I did a lot of research and the data stated that the '94 and the '97 years were the best quality wise, but the '97 had additional safety features that previous models did not have.
The only safety feature it has over the '94-'96 Miata is that the door panels have more cushion near the passengers arms. Not much more safety than other models.Quote:
Originally Posted by saffikeagan
A) A well cared for 90 would be a better deal than a ragged out 97. Don't limit your options based on year. There are plenty of well cared for Miatas out there if you are patient and year model is no guarantee of anything.Quote:
Originally Posted by saffikeagan
B) Agreed! NA (90-97) Miatas are the best Miatas!
C) See above. A padded door panel is not a significant safety feature. As far as best year, 1994 is the best because it's the only 1.8 with a real working Oil Pressure Gauge. This is easily added to any Miata. Any manual 94-96 above the base model had Torsen Differentals. Torsen not as easily available on the 97. 96 and 97 added OBDII. Depending on your point of view, this is either a good thing or a bad thing. OBDII is easier to diagnose problems but more finicky to after-market engine upgrading.
Thanks for all the info. My expertise is in computers not cars so advise is always welcome.
Quote:
Originally Posted by saffikeagan
Always glad to help. That's why were here, well that and to F*ck with Titus. ;) Collectively, we have decades of Miata/car experience. I'm sure if someone has a techie question, you'd chime in.
My search started out with a '96-'97 in mind. I found a great, well cared for '94. I bought the '94 and am very pleased with the car. Find the best car for the money you have to spend, don't get hung up on a year model or a color.
::Rant::Quote:
Originally Posted by black roadster
Okay I've got a stupid question. Out of curiousity, I ran the Kelly BB for some of the Miatas I've seen and am considering. The asking price from the private parties is about 1-1.5k over what KBB recommends. Is this normal? Is it a supply and demand thing?
Very normal... Not sure why.
This is the time of year a convertible will bring the most money. You could have probably picked one up cheaper this past winter. ::2Cents::Quote:
Originally Posted by saffikeagan
you should get a 98, 97 was a bad year.
KBB has always been questionably low for their values.
My Credit Union and most banks use nadaguides.com to source used car values/trade-in/etc. NADA will have the most accurate pricing.
Here's what could be a nice example in Austin(no pic): http://austin.craigslist.org/car/336038822.html
Miatas in California are also much cheaper than the rest of the country. as well. ::Rant::Quote:
Originally Posted by sammm
:roll:Quote:
Originally Posted by mr brg
Well, the car I was driving died yesterday, so I'm convertible shopping now. I'm just so excited about being able to get back into a Miata. I had to sell my last one when I moved abroad for a few years. I think I've found a good one.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ce=&cardist=52
"you should get a 98, 97 was a bad year."
If it doesn't have popup headlights it just isn't a true Miata in my mind. I love those headlights. Heck, I love everything about the old style miata.
I like this guy. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by saffikeagan
I'm trying to keep an open mind about the tan on tan miatas because there are a lot of them for sale, but I'm having a hard time.
What should I think if the person says that the engine has just been rebuilt with all new parts. Is this a good thing, bad thing, or need more information/take a mechanic type thing?
He was pulling your leg, there was no 98 year model miata.Quote:
Originally Posted by saffikeagan
...in North America. There was over seas. It's all marketing.Quote:
Originally Posted by CosmosMpower
Is that what the man said about the one on AutoTrader? With only 60K miles? Hmmmm... I dunno. It takes talent to crater a Miata motor in only 60K miles - I'd be wary of other funny business (generally "rode hard and put up wet" - zero maintenance and/or care). Check it out very thoroughly, and you're probably okay...Quote:
Originally Posted by saffikeagan
Of course... what the hell do I know? I bought mine sight-unseen off eBay from some dude in backwoods Oklahoma... so far, so good!
Does he have receipts? Do you see any new parts?Quote:
Originally Posted by saffikeagan
BTW, I prefer the black interiors myself. Tan does look good on certain colors though. It's just not for me.
...and, BTW, I ended up with a '94 because I wanted a 1.8 car, and the one I got was within striking distance, so I could actually lay eyes on it before I drove it home. I found a lot of crap cars locally, so I ended up looking on fleaBay.
The new model Miata was released in the Spring of 1998 in the US. Or so that's what I've read. There seem to be an aweful lot of 1998s for sale for a car that didn't exist :DQuote:
He was pulling your leg, there was no 98 year model miata.
The add reads: I have a 1996 Mazda Miata for sale. It is black with black interior and black top. Engine was recently rebuilt with all new parts. Has a new top since the old one was faded. Car runs great and looks good. Has 5 speed manual transmission and a in-dash dvd player, and factory alloy wheels. E-mail me for pictures, or to come see it.
Not terribly detailed.
I've read that the 1.8 in the 94s were tweaked in 96 to give better gas mileage and performance. How much better (if any at all)?
That's because a lot of people really don't know what they've got. :wink:Quote:
Originally Posted by saffikeagan
The 2nd gen Miata (NB in Miata-speak) was released in the US in the spring of '98... as a 1999 model. There was not officially a '98 Miata in the United States, although the UK and Japan both got the NB as a '98 model. I believe Canada may have some '98 Miatas as well, since year model is tied to registration date in that country, iirc.
'96 got you OBDII instead of OBDI, a couple of extra horsepower and... not much else. I don't think the fuel mileage changed noticeably from '94-'95 to '96-'97, but I could be wrong.Quote:
Originally Posted by saffikeagan
The only thing that really jumps out to me from your ad is the in-dash DVD player. In my experience, the kind of people who install DVD players in 2-seat sports cars are riceboys. I would tend to avoid a car like that, since my next assumption would be questionable maintenance and/or a car that's been poorly modded and put back to stock. Maybe he blew the last motor practicing his drifting while watching Best Motoring videos on the DVD player? :roll:
I could be wrong, and maybe that's your thing, but there are enough older Miatas out there with clean histories that I'd probably keep right on looking.
Got it! Thanks for the clarification on that and the rebuilt engine.Quote:
was released in the US in the spring of '98... as a 1999 model
1998 models came with tilt steering. :clown:
Good luck finding your dream car.
And a hatchback too!Quote:
Originally Posted by Radio-Active
And that hatchback can fit my road bike with both tires still on.
I think I've found one
"94 Red Miata Convertible, Red, 54K Miles, Sandard. Fun little car to breeze around town in. $4500.00" sounds too good to be true.
Take mine off of my hands. ;)
I could sure stand to loose the car payments! :(
I could install popup headlights for you. uhh, maybe not. :rolleyes:
Oh well, I have too much fun in it anyway. :drive:
Good stuff on buying a used Miata here -> http://www.miata.net/faq/faq2.html#A
Under the FAQ on that site:
Is my Miata's computer Y2K ready?
Yes. Why, has it stopped running?
Snicker. There's some great information there. I'm going to go have a read. Thanks a lot.
Saffikeagan, unless they did the engine build themselves, you can get a report from the "said" shop. I believe they have to report some of this kinda stuff since CARFAX came about. Also, if you look at the valve cover bolts, they should be bright finish as compared to the cast finish, as replacements are sold through the dealer that way. Atleast that's what Town North claimed when I asked about difference. Mine is not rebuilt, but others have noted this and questioned when I replaced head.
Sounds like a hell of a deal to me... check it out and let us know how you make out!Quote:
Originally Posted by saffikeagan