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Thread: 97' "M" or 97' STO

  1. #1

    Default 97' "M" or 97' STO

    97' M addition: green and tan, no hard top, polished 7-spoke, 120k
    97' STO: blue and tan, hdhcdd, 5-spoke enkies, 98k
    both cars in good shape with clean car-fax.
    kbb and nada pull almost identical prices.
    The prices are within $200.

    Thx for any pro's and con's and info. :)

  2. #2

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    Guess it comes down to what do you like better Green or Blue.

    Or run a compression check on both and the one with the highest number wins!

  3. #3

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    Quote Originally Posted by POS Racing
    Guess it comes down to what do you like better Green or Blue.

    Or run a compression check on both and the one with the highest number wins!
    Compression test advice taken. Need a gauge though. Know where any cheap ones or loaner ones are

  4. #4
    Obnoxious at any speed altiain's Avatar
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    Like I mentioned at the tech day, the only real difference performance-wise between the two is that the STO won't have a Torsen, while the M will. If the prices are similar and the condition of the cars is similar, I'd probaby pick the M based on that fact.

    Besides, everyone knows the green ones are faster.
    Iain

    "We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw

  5. #5

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    My money is on the "M" for the main reason of what Altiain said. Plus the STO was a touring package, but I do like the wheels
    "Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional." Haruki Murakami

  6. #6

  7. #7

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    Like the looks of the STO better but no LS sux.

    Not a fan of the 97M though...
    ...and across the line.

    1996 Mazda Miata - R-Package (Eve-L)
    2012 Mazda CX-9 - Grand Touring (Dory)




  8. #8

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    i know of a very nice black and tan 97 M. IT IS VERY VERY NICE. the place is very trustworthy, i bought mine from him and have had nothing but fun with the car. and it has 140k on it.
    03 LS FM2ish TDR I/C
    99 Disco, the go anywhere ride

  9. #9

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    Quote Originally Posted by fwMiata
    I know of a very nice black and tan 97 M. IT IS VERY VERY NICE. the place is very trustworthy, I bought mine from him and have had nothing but fun with the car. and it has 140k on it.
    As Samm said to me last week:
    Quote Originally Posted by sammm
    Quote Originally Posted by TurboDuane
    The PO tells me it has the M-Package with a Torsen. Does that sound right?
    The '97 M was green, not black. Still a nice car regardless!

    '08 Copper Red GT PRHT, '06 Accord EXL, '05 Dodge Magnum R/T, '01 V8 Dakota for pulling 2135 Chaparral.

  10. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by fwMiata
    I know of a very nice black and tan 97 M. IT IS VERY VERY NICE. the place is very trustworthy, I bought mine from him and have had nothing but fun with the car. and it has 140k on it.
    Do you know the price???

  11. #11

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flyin96M
    My money is on the "M" for the main reason of what Altiain said. Plus the STO was a touring package, but I do like the wheels
    what is the downfall of the touring package?????

    And i can always add a torsion later and still stay in CS or ES what ever it will be next year.....the roll bar in the STO means alot to me (basically $400) and i would probably end up selling the wheels on either one....not a big fan of many of the stock wheels. Well maybe some 93' BBS.....

  12. #12

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    From my understanding the STO has about half the options of the M. Check on Miata.net for a better comparison of the two. Oh and exspect to pay $700-$900 for a used torsen. I'll be honest I like the blue better than the green, but the lack of a torsen would keep me away.
    "Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional." Haruki Murakami

  13. #13

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    Is there any diff. in susp.???? And also the "M" has cruise and the "STO" does not....is that correct?

    The dealer said the STO has Ac, Cd, Cup Holders, Floor mats, spoiler, scuff plates, and wheel locks.....

  14. #14

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    No difference in factory suspension, but if it is origional then the shocks will be shot. The no cruise part sounds right don't know about PW or not. I guess I would just look over all maintenance records real well with that kind of mileage. Timing belt, water pump, brakes, fluids, slave cylinder, top condition, CAS O ring, ect.
    "Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional." Haruki Murakami

  15. #15

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    I hate to keep harping the point, but if it's black it's not an M, unless repainted, and Why would you do that?
    '08 Copper Red GT PRHT, '06 Accord EXL, '05 Dodge Magnum R/T, '01 V8 Dakota for pulling 2135 Chaparral.

  16. #16

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    Quote Originally Posted by SPEEDRACER
    Quote Originally Posted by fwMiata
    I know of a very nice black and tan 97 M. IT IS VERY VERY NICE. the place is very trustworthy, I bought mine from him and have had nothing but fun with the car. and it has 140k on it.
    Do you know the price???
    90k miles
    $5500 firm (iirc).
    It is a good bit faster than my 96 also.
    Located in arlington.
    call Sam at A&B Auto. 817-461-8119
    its off of division, in west arlington.
    03 LS FM2ish TDR I/C
    99 Disco, the go anywhere ride

  17. #17

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    Quote Originally Posted by fwMiata
    Quote Originally Posted by SPEEDRACER
    Quote Originally Posted by fwMiata
    I know of a very nice black and tan 97 M. IT IS VERY VERY NICE. the place is very trustworthy, I bought mine from him and have had nothing but fun with the car. and it has 140k on it.
    Do you know the price???
    90k miles
    $5500 firm (iirc).
    It is a good bit faster than my 96 also.
    Located in arlington.
    call Sam at A&B Auto. 817-461-8119
    its off of division, in west arlington.
    not to sound stupid but what is "iirc"????????

  18. #18
    Team Cheap Bastard
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    Quote Originally Posted by SPEEDRACER
    not to sound stupid but what is "iirc"????????
    If I Recall Correctly.

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