Miata as a daily driver/commuter, thoughts?

[sammm]

is there anyway to tell from the VIN if it has LSD or not?

Since it has leather, it will have power windows and cruise. That's all part of the PEP package that includes LSD.

http://www.miata.net/faq/Miata90-97A3.pdf

[BFPW]

It makes a great commuter car, but just beware of the other idiots on the road who will want to race you, cut you off (sometimes on purpose...it's rare, but it does happen), etc....

[Matt V]

So, I already linked you guys to this car but I wanted some more opinions:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/1860975714.html

Someone said it has paint work, how can you tell from the pics?

[sammm]

Someone said it has paint work, how can you tell from the pics?

Miata's never came from the factory in pearl white. They made plain ol' white ones.

[POS Racing]

Miata's never came from the factory in pearl white. They made plain ol' white ones.

Plus the Mazda nose sticker is gone and the tow hooks have been painted white. From the factory the tow hooks were black.

You may want to print out this link (http://www.miata.net/faq/inspection_list.html) great tool for when you are looking at a NA Miata.

Here is an example of why:

Front Underneath

Structure behind bumper. Check for:

1. bent metal
2. paint overspray (usually indicates a repair)
3. missing pieces
4. oil leaks
5. shock leaks
6. bent suspension
7. coolant leaks
8. rust

[Matt V]

Oh ok cool. I'll avoid that car then. Thanks guys.

[Matt V]

Also, found another one:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

and this one:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

Honestly I'd like a 96+ for the 1.8L and possible LSD but I'd like to hear opinions about both.

[jeepinbanditrider]

Just because the car has been repainted doesn't mean you need to walk away from it. Take my early NA for example. It's about to start having body work and paint done to it. It's older it just needs a paint job and a little bondo which may have been the case for that car saving you the need to do a paintjob later if it was done recently and by a competent shop. You could always ask the guy if he has documentation on where the work was done so you can check their credibility.

[Matt V]

That's kinda what I was thinking. It looks immaculate from what I can see.

[jrj512]

I think the early white cars had paint issues, so it is not uncommon to see them repainted.

[juxt3r]

I think the early white cars had paint issues, so it is not uncommon to see them repainted.

Correct. Early white paint is known to come off in sheets in some cases. My '90 had this issue on several panels. The PO had parts of it resprayed.

[Matt V]

Thoughts about this one?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

[jelliott25]

Correct. Early white paint is known to come off in sheets in some cases. My '90 had this issue on several panels. The PO had parts of it resprayed.

I can attest to the sheeting of the white paint. My 92 has been my DD since....well since 92 when I bought it. Runs like a champ...looks like ass. I swear every morning I walk out and there's a new bald spot on it somewhere. I guess I'm going to have to break down and do something about it before too long.