First Miata Purchase Help - Rocker Rust Check
#1
First Miata Purchase Help - Rocker Rust Check
Hi, I'm closing in on purchasing my first miata. I'll be checking out the car tomorrow.
The only issue seems to be rust on the rear rockers. I'd like some opinions on how bad this might be and what I should be looking for specifically when looking at the car.
There's another identical model, completely rust free example for about $2k more and I'm not sure if its worth the difference.
Thanks!
The only issue seems to be rust on the rear rockers. I'd like some opinions on how bad this might be and what I should be looking for specifically when looking at the car.
There's another identical model, completely rust free example for about $2k more and I'm not sure if its worth the difference.
Thanks!
#2
Elite Member
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It's starting from the inside. So it's always worse than it looks. It's fixable, you can buy patch panels, or you could at one point. It starts from the top not draining well plus the climate you live in. I would not be paying 2k more for the same car if it's just "rust free". But i live in the rust belt and everything has rust.
#7
well Im in the northeast so almost every miata has a bit of rust. I've been trying to get a 1995-1997 M which doesn't leave me with too many options.
I just came across a '95 with a decent interior (driver seat is messy but Ill be getting a bride or sparco anyway) for about <3000.. seems like a much better deal. since the obd 2 issues can be avoided post turbo / engine rebuild in the future.
I'm yet to receive pictures of the engine bay and rockers on this one so *fingers crossed*
note: would be a nobrainer if it had the bbs wheelcaps but unfortunately the caps were lost :(
I just came across a '95 with a decent interior (driver seat is messy but Ill be getting a bride or sparco anyway) for about <3000.. seems like a much better deal. since the obd 2 issues can be avoided post turbo / engine rebuild in the future.
I'm yet to receive pictures of the engine bay and rockers on this one so *fingers crossed*
note: would be a nobrainer if it had the bbs wheelcaps but unfortunately the caps were lost :(
Last edited by PReddy; 05-13-2018 at 12:55 AM. Reason: info add
#12
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60-90k is a pretty wide range. The 60k cars are going to be owned by old men, so not driven hard, but probably need all the standard maintenance stuff, and will command a premium price. You won't find one except by luck.
90k is much less rare, but is still pretty low mileage for a 20 year old car. Prices will reflect "low mileage". Condition will be all over the place, depending on past owners.
110-130k is not out of the question. You'll probably notice no significant difference from a 95k car. Prices will be much more reasonable. People here have boosted stock engines at well over 100k with no issues.
Look for a clean car, that appears to have been at least marginally maintained. Go from there.
90k is much less rare, but is still pretty low mileage for a 20 year old car. Prices will reflect "low mileage". Condition will be all over the place, depending on past owners.
110-130k is not out of the question. You'll probably notice no significant difference from a 95k car. Prices will be much more reasonable. People here have boosted stock engines at well over 100k with no issues.
Look for a clean car, that appears to have been at least marginally maintained. Go from there.
#13
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Lakeland Florida 33805
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*** NOT MY CAR(s) ***
https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto...590634348.html
https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto...584672810.html
https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto...574580474.html
buy a plane ticket to FL and drive one home.
I bought a rusty Miata, because I wanted a 2002, and had a limited budget, and I'm good a welding and fixing rust. Its ALOT of work, or EXPENSIVE. Don't do it unless you have to.
https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto...590634348.html
https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto...584672810.html
https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto...574580474.html
buy a plane ticket to FL and drive one home.
I bought a rusty Miata, because I wanted a 2002, and had a limited budget, and I'm good a welding and fixing rust. Its ALOT of work, or EXPENSIVE. Don't do it unless you have to.
#14
Bought my miata ^^ drove down to NY for it.
https://www.miataturbo.net/meet-greet-40/hello-everyone~-boston-97013/
https://www.miataturbo.net/meet-greet-40/hello-everyone~-boston-97013/
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