Whats wrong with this picture?

[wrxmr2eater]

My brother is looking at a Miata as a commuter car, and came across a 99 (base I think) that he is interested in. The engine bay picture has me a little concerned though. Car is used as a commuter now, supposedly runs without issue. Below is the pic of the engine. There is an odd item between the intake manifold and the valve cover that I can not explain, an oddly tie wrapped hood support stay, the radiator looks like its not quite mounted properly on the passenger side, and a plug on the valve cover is not attached. I just wanted confirmation that my eyes are not deceiving me.

[MiataMike]

Whatever that is next to the PCV valve shouldn't be there. Could you see what it goes to? It does look like the passenger side mount to the radiator might be loose and perhaps thats what the zip-tie is for. But I can't really see because it is a 2 dimensional picture

[Nexus Flux]

No, I see those things too. Looks like a bit of the last-ditch quick-patch before-the-sale kinda deal.
This might warrant closer inspection. It could be the owner just replaced the plugs and wires and broke a dealer-only plastic clip. Or they are trying to hide something.

[channelmaniac]

Yeah.... that unplugged clip... Isn't that the camshaft position sensor? Maybe Iain or someone else that's had a 99 can confirm...

If so, I'd be VERY VERY leery of this car.

RJ

[Majik]

It is plugged in you can see the harness for it going into the main wire harness. That is the cam position sensor. I assure you if that was not plugged in the car would not run. Search for my issues with it if you want. The thing on the PCV valve looks like a tool of some sort left there by accident. And the wire tie could be for anything, a broken hood rod holder, or a wire for the horn. Who knows, I would ask about it though.

[sammm]

I'll bet the passenger side radiator mount (on the bottom of the radiator) has issues. Those top rubber grommets just 'float' in the metal brackets. The zip tie is probably supporting that side. Radiator is an easy swap out, but worth investigating what's going on.

[Ataim]

And the wire tie could be for anything, a broken hood rod holder, or a wire for the horn. Who knows, I would ask about it though.

Anything can happen on a seven year old car. But I'd certainly ask though.

[POS Racing]

And the wire tie could be for anything, a broken hood rod holder, or a wire for the horn. Who knows, I would ask about it though.

That's my guess also! I had a "JDM" tie on the POSII back in the day, I had broke the little plastic deal!

[POS Racing]

Here is an engine shot from a pristine '99 that I have seen.

[wrxmr2eater]

Good old pristine POSIII, err IV, err..... Thanks for the confirmation. Comparing that to my 01 is not the best. I am going to dig around on it Wednesday evening to see what is up.

[Billy Blaze]

Here is an engine shot from a pristine '99 that I have seen.

I dont know about this car, the engine bay looks kind of dirty must belong to an old guy

[Maynerd]

I assume this isn't a Texas car, that inspection sticker location is wacked.

Nevermind, I see you are in Morrisville, NC.

[wrxmr2eater]

Went and inspected it last nite. Car is not in the worst condition. Slave cyl needs replacing, shocks are worn out, motor mounts are tired, and all fluids are probably original but with a small amount of repair and my brother getting to know it for a weekend or two, a 99 with about 99k on the clock for 6 isn't the worst deal. The odd item next to the PCV was a wire brush, the zip tie is just to hold the hood support clip, and yes, the passenger side radiator mount is not bolted tightly. No oil leaks, timing belt/water pump replaced at 80k. Car pulls strong, no loose suspension bits. Top is not the best as it has been "patched" in 2 places, but my brother is going to end up parking on the street in downtown Richmond, VA so it actually might be a good deterent to onlookers.

As a side note, Miatas seem to run pretty high on the eastern coast. Most of the used ones I see, no matter what year, don't go for less than 10k.

[sammm]

As a side note, Miatas seem to run pretty high on the eastern coast. Most of the used ones I see, no matter what year, don't go for less than 10k.

I'll take one for the team and sell him mine for 10k!

[gabkwong]

I'll take one for the team and sell him mine for 10k!

+1 or 2

[wrxmr2eater]

He bought it for under 6. I was keeping him away from the overpriced sellers. I just find it interesting how different regions can value so differently.

Thanks again for the help.