THSCC Forums

Ok, I am still considering selling my 3 and getting a Miata and a second vehicle. One of my customers is selling his 1994 Miata soon.

Here is what I know:

~110K Miles
New Top
Koni Yellows
Kosei Wheels with Falken ZE-512s
The body is in good condition from what I remember
I am pretty sure it is a single owner car

He is thinking of asking $5K for the car. That seems kind of steep, but at the same time it is low mileage and unmolested.

KBB lists the range of about $4,600 retail in "excellent" condition and about $3,500 for private party in "excellent" condition.

I think ideally I am shooting to spend no more than $4,500, or should I hold out, buy from an unknown for less?

Are there problem areas on these cars that I should be looking at/for?

Any other insight/comments would also be appreciated.

1994 = OBD1. Which is choice.

Find out when he last had the timing belt/water pump done. If he hasn't, financial leverage for something that'll cost you a c-note and an afternoon.

Also, the Cam Angle Sensor (CAS) is an o-ring that is prone to failure and leaks oil onto a hose going into the heater core. Also the rear main seal may leak. Look for evidence of this and offer money accordingly. The lifters will tick, but c'est la vie for what they do. Don't worry about remedies, because it isn't a big deal, but can also offer bargaining power.

A new soft top is the bomb, wish that I had one; verify that he installed new cables when he did it.

On the stuff that you'd have to do: The bushings are likely shot, but that's to be assumed on a 14 year old car; the tools and knowhow to replace them are within the club. I'll guarantee that you'll need motor mounts too. Tranny shifter upper and lower boots were shot 5 years ago. The tranny and rear end fluids need to be flushed. All of the coolant hoses need replacement. If it's the original clutch, plan accordingly.

FYI, it's the shit. Don't let the piddling maintenance scare you away.

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Has no responsibility whatsoever.

That seems a little high. You could probably hold out for a little while and find a really nice one for less.

The pluses I see with this one are the new top (they are usually expensive unless you find a deal like I found for my sister) and can be a pain to install, the Konis are nice, now all you need are a set of Ground Control sleeves and you would be set, you already know that the tires will suck for autocross, it is a single owner.

That milage comes out to ~8500/year, not much.

There really aren't too many problem areas with the Miata. That is why it is so popular. About the only problems that you will read about are clutch slave cylinders that go bad and the total lack of torque.

If you haven't driven one, you are more than welcome to take my 92 out on a fun run up in Danville. It won't have quite the same power as the 94 but should give you an idea of how the car will drive.

EDIT - Wergle types faster than I do and apparently remembers more than me!!!!

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Todd Breakey
STS 42 - 1992 Sunburst Miata
Dammit!
"You souldn't play leap frog with a porcupine. You might get hurt." - Eliza

Oooh, are you a member of Mazda Motorsports yet? That will save you ducats towards maintenance / go fast shizzle.

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Has no responsibility whatsoever.

I don't know a whole lot about miatas other than the one my buddy bought about 6 months ago. It was a '96 M edition, with an extra set of wheels, 78k miles (timing belt/water pump just replaced), top in good condition, paint was almost flawless, hard top included, lifters recently replaced (it actually didn't tick!), and he paid $6k for it (although I think he got a screaming deal at that price).

From that data point, I'd say offer him $4k, then bargain up as necessary, depending on maintenance as others have mentioned.

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2012 MX-5 Sport SUV

Give 'em time. They'll tick again.

Wes, how long did your's go without ticking??

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Todd Breakey
STS 42 - 1992 Sunburst Miata
Dammit!
"You souldn't play leap frog with a porcupine. You might get hurt." - Eliza

They only tick when the oil needs changing or after a run. Such is life with hydraulic lifters. But the old ones were shot at 110K.

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Has no responsibility whatsoever.

I seem to be moving along with my thought process and have narrowed down the second (read primary vehicle choice) to two contenders. I know they are at opposite ends of things, but both are very appealing in thier own right:

I have narrowed my vehicle choice to two contenders.

Choice #1, the aforementioned, 1998-2001 Toyota 4Runner.

Pros: can tow the Miata, room for family (two kids) and gear. 4wd (winters are mild here in NC, but the capability is nice to have), seem to be pretty dang reliable and safe. Head gasket issues were resolved and non occuring in the 3.4l motors.

Cons: gas mileage, insurance on a 4wd?

Choice #2, 1995-1999 Lexus LS400

Pros: Stellar reliability, premium nameplate, plenty of room for a big sedan, safe, i can also put some dubs on it yo!

Cons: vanilla styling, V8 mileage, can't tow if needed, maintenance costs if something does break

Mileage range for both seem to be in the low to mid 100k range. Any other thoughts, recommendations, etc?

Go with the best condition, lowest mileage on either and you can't lose.