Looking to buy 1999 or 2000 Miata

[altiain]

I really do appreciate the advice. This is a cool group.

We're not trying to bust your chops, Karl. We just don't want you to give up on the best Miata vintage ('99 & '00 cars) because of the #4 issue.

In my particular case, my '99 has 104,000 total miles. I've put 62,000 of those miles on myself, with over 600 accumulated autocross runs and more than 2000 miles of open track time. Even with all of the abuse, my '99 Sport has been one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned.

[karlcundiff]

OK, after further study, I concede that the '99/'00s are worth the effort of checking the endplay on the crank. So can somebody give me the actual name of a topnotch mechanic in DFW that is way good at this procedure? Thanks in advance.

[riverracer]

Wouldn't it be safe to say that since this is 2005 and we're talking about cars that are 5 or 6 years old. The cars that have a problem have most likely had it by now? The rest i think are ok! What do you people think?

Jerry

[karlcundiff]

Well, here's a quote from the miatasolo guy:

<<In my opinion, if your engine is past 20K miles then you are past the point when the failure would have likely happened. All failed 99 engines I opened up were under 12K. If your endplay is fine now and there is no excessive endplay to allow an accelerated wear then your engine will likely live a normal life span. DON'T GO BY MILAGE ALONE though as there are just too many variables.>>

http://www.miata.net/solo/99miatathr...ngfailure.html

There are still some low-miles '99/'00s out there, too:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=en&cardist=25

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=en&cardist=50

[Sharpie]

$18,500 NO Way! Crack smoker selling this one.

$14,500 seems much better and still under 10k miles.

[Treibenschnell]

$18,500 NO Way! Crack smoker selling this one.

No kidding! You can get a deal on a new one for that price!