Coworker asking about a Miata
My friend at work is considering a used Miata and was asking me what would be a good year Miata to buy. He wants one that would still be running well and would be reliable. I am guessing he doesn't want to be doing much work on it himself, so it would need to be still in good shape. I told him the 99-05 NB series, so a late '94 to '97 1.8L NA. I am simply seeking other's opinion on this.
I guessed that a good condition NB would run him about $10k or so. Is that about right?
I sold my '99 Sport with a boatload of extras, including a fresh motor, hardtop, three sets of wheels, trailer, etc. last fall for $8500, so I'd say $10k ought to buy you a very nice '99-'00, or a pretty good '01+ Miata, if you look around a bit.Originally Posted by MX-5EE
Iain
"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
I would have to call BS on this.
Everyone has there preference for the "Best" bodystyled Miata. Let your coworker search around and drive both an NA ans NB and then decide
2005 Lava Orange MSM #601/1428
211 rwhp, 195 ft. lbs on 1/6/07
+1... I love my NA, but the NB's looks are growing on me, and they seem more civilized if you're looking for a daily driver.
...I'm not trading mine just yet!
'94 Black & Black & Tan
'99 head swap, JR header, TDR intake & header blanket, MegaSquirt, RB hollow bar, Tein Flex, 15x8 6ULs, HD M2 Sport, FM cat, Borla cat-back, black '95M interior, MOMO Zebrano, IL Motorsport console...
Dyno Days
8/16/08 (bone stock): 103.1 hp/99.0 lb-ft - Dynojet
8/23/08 (Borla cat-back): 108.2 hp/104.1 lb-ft - Dynojet
8/13/11 (more stuff...): 126 hp/116 lb-ft - Mustang dyno
Roger Moore: the Danny White of James Bonds
BR has owned both.As many say, the NB is a better car, but the NA is a better Miata.
BR has owned both.
I realize he has owned both, but he has not owned the MSM, which is THE best Miata!
2005 Lava Orange MSM #601/1428
211 rwhp, 195 ft. lbs on 1/6/07
Now, now cool of Magma, the '99 Sport was the greatest Miata EVAR!I realize he has owned both, but he has not owned the MSM, which is THE best Miata!
BTW I have had an NA and now have 2 NB's, I do like my NB's.
Now, now cool of Magma, the '99 Sport was the greatest Miata EVAR!
BTW I have had an NA and now have 2 NB's, I do like my NB's.
2005 Lava Orange MSM #601/1428
211 rwhp, 195 ft. lbs on 1/6/07
Not all NA's make 80 whp.Now, now cool of Magma, the '99 Sport was the greatest Miata EVAR!
BTW I have had an NA and now have 2 NB's, I do like my NB's.
Thomas
V-to-the-Dub
Not all NA's make 80 whp.
Yep just yours! Maybe your new motor will help...Not all NA's make 80 whp.
Mine made 88 whp!
Here's a good, solid car for sale: (it's mine)
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...g=en&cardist=0
Price neg.
I can vouch for Joe's car. It's a nice one.
Thanks for the replies. From the price he wants to pay, he will get an NA. From the condition he desires, he wants an NB.
If he were to get an NA with say, 120k miles, what sort of work would you guys expect to have to be done to the car?
That's a loaded question. Could need nothing, could need everything. Timing belt and water pump at the very least if they hadn't been done yet.
OK, good to know for later reference: were all of the BP series engines timing belts and not chains?
There are still some really nice M1's out there.As many say, the NB is a better car, but the NA is a better Miata.
Be patient and get a well maintained one.
Yes. And all Miatae (I guess the NC's do too, but not positive) from day 1 have a non-interfering motor. If the timing belt breaks it won't do any damage other leave you stranded.
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