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Buy the fancy Miata and wait to turbo it

11 (17.7%)

Wait for a cheap 94 w/ LSD Miata and turbo it ASAP

18 (29%)

Shoot my fucking face off

33 (53.2%)

Total Members Voted: 45

[bigwig]

http://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/1586027675.html

Buy this for $5500 cash.  Because it's more than I was thinking about spending for a car like this, wait for fall to see if I want to turbo it.

OR

Wait until I find a clean 94 non-leather, still LSD'd, cheaper, Miata to turbo ASAP.

If I like the Miata enough, I'd sell my SV650 for $2-3k and turbo the Miata and possibly pick up a CB750 to cafe.

[SloS13]

I'll sell you my turbo miata for $5500

[bigwig]

I'll sell you my turbo miata for $5500

Drive it to my house for a test drive.

[patsmx5]

Miatas are gay.

Now that that's clear....

Depends what you want. If you want a cheap fast car, get a 94. If you want a quieter, slightly nicer, slightly more refined, get a 99. You can find better deals than that too, keep looking. I paid 5700 cash for my 99' in August 06' with 111K miles on it, otherwise excellent condition.

[Whitey]

It would look good with a hard top

[vtech]

ls1 miata

[Teg2boo]

On the pictures it looks nice. Looks like a S2000

[patsmx5]

ls1 miata

I kick myself in the ass for turboing it instead of putting a V8 in it. If Ii could do it over again, I would put a V8 in, no doubt.

[bigwig]

I'm definitely going to go look at the car on Sunday and see where the guy stands.  He already told me in an email he would go down to $6000 without the body kit and intake.  I'm thinking if he sees $5500 in cash, he will take it.  I'd really like to buy the car for $5000 as I think that's what it's worth.  Edmunds puts the car with all the crap at $4600 roughly, and I'd be willing to say the condition and the features all in one car are rare enough to suggest a $400 premium.  $2000, not a chance.

If I actually got the car for $4600, I'd start buying turbo parts ASAP.  I still wouldn't turbo it ASAP, due to the fact I have no idea if I'll actually want to keep the car more than a minute and I have no interest taking the car, turboing it, and then selling it and losing $1000.

As for the V8, it just seems like too much work.  If I had more resources at my finger tips, I'd be willing to go that direction maybe, but working with what I have, a turbo would be more manageable.

[patsmx5]

Don't buy one if you're not gonna turbo it or something. They are slow as shit stock.

If you want that one, offer him 5K cash in hand, if he says no, leave. I wouldn't pay more than 5K for that. No way.

As for the V8, there are several kits out for different V8s. Fords 302's and LSx kits are common. Obviously 302 kits are cheaper cause they've been out for like 15 years. It is a good bit of work, but it's not that much if you buy a kit. But depending what you buy, the kit can be expensive.

[bigwig]

Don't buy one if you're not gonna turbo it or something. They are slow as shit stock.

If you want that one, offer him 5K cash in hand, if he says no, leave. I wouldn't pay more than 5K for that. No way.

As for the V8, there are several kits out for different V8s. Fords 302's and LSx kits are common. Obviously 302 kits are cheaper cause they've been out for like 15 years. It is a good bit of work, but it's not that much if you buy a kit. But depending what you buy, the kit can be expensive.

Yeah, I looked at the kit after talking to you the other day.  The one I saw was $2000 - $3500.  That's not including the engine, trans, and everything else.  Now we are talking about $8k in the car.  I'm buying a SLR for that kind of money.  I know I can turbo the car for $3500 including all the clutch and exhaust BS

Just nice round numbers:

Exhaust: $300
Clutch: $300
Turbo: $250
Manifold: $500
Downpipe: $150
Fuel Pump: $100
Injectors: $150
Intercooler: $100
Intercooler Plumbing: $150
BOV: $75
Megasquirt: $300
Wideband: $200
Gauges: $100
Oil Lines: $50
Water Lines: $50
New Radiator and Fan: $100
Dyno Time: $200
Misc: $300

Total: $3,375

So, is a LS1 swap better?  Probably.  But the difference in price allows me to buy all new suspension, tires, brakes, rotors, and a decent looking hooker.

[Doug]

Don't buy one if you're not gonna turbo it or something. They are slow as shit stock.

If you want that one, offer him 5K cash in hand, if he says no, leave. I wouldn't pay more than 5K for that. No way.

As for the V8, there are several kits out for different V8s. Fords 302's and LSx kits are common. Obviously 302 kits are cheaper cause they've been out for like 15 years. It is a good bit of work, but it's not that much if you buy a kit. But depending what you buy, the kit can be expensive.

Agree. Decide what you think it's work and offer up to that amount. If they won't take it then walk away. I'm sure once he sits there for a few more days the thought of a guaranteed sale and that wad of cash will eat away at him...either that or it's just not for you.

[patsmx5]

It depends how much you can do yourself, and how resourceful you are. I've seen people do V8 swaps for 2K, start to finish. But that's pretty much building everything you can yoruself, only buying what you have to have.. And I've seen 30K dollar v8 swaps too.

BTW- look up a BEGI. They make turbo miata parts, them and flyin miata (FM) are the two big leaders of quality turbo parts for miatas. BEGI will customize you pretty much anything you can dream of. So say, if you want to make 250whp, have a T3 turbo already, they'll sell you whatever parts you want that will work with your setup. They have a Begi S (their cheapest begginer kit) which is like 1400 for a kit, it's less if you have your own turbo. Check out their site and call them up, they're not bad, but slow to ship shit because they buiild everything in-house.

[bigwig]

I can't see me needing them for anything.  The only thing I can think I need anyone for is the manifold.  I'm either going to see if someone from here will do it or I'll just buy a precut collector and make it myself.  I have a chinese TIG.  I'd just prefer to have the manifold built by someone more experience.

I just know I wouldn't have the patience to do the V8 swap by myself.

[SloS13]

BTW- look up a BEGI. They make turbo miata parts, them and flyin miata (FM) are the two big leaders of quality turbo parts for miatas. BEGI will customize you pretty much anything you can dream of. So say, if you want to make 250whp, have a T3 turbo already, they'll sell you whatever parts you want that will work with your setup. They have a Begi S (their cheapest begginer kit) which is like 1400 for a kit, it's less if you have your own turbo. Check out their site and call them up, they're not bad, but slow to ship shit because they buiild everything in-house.

WTF are you talking about noob?  Look at yo muthafuckin address bar.

Stock miatas are hardly even fun.  They require at least 100 extra horsepower or they are actually gay.

[LS1pwNzJ00]

thats probably the nicest looking miata i've ever seen.  Most of them scream "i love to fuck gay men, and I love how my red paintjob faded to pink as it advertises my homosexuality even better"

[turbob16hatch]

thats probably the nicest looking miata i've ever seen.  Most of them scream "i love to fuck gay men, and I love how my red paintjob faded to pink as it advertises my homosexuality even better"

[bigwig]

thats probably the nicest looking miata i've ever seen.  Most of them scream "i love to fuck gay men, and I love how my red paintjob faded to pink as it advertises my homosexuality even better"

Ever make a Miata manifold? 

[turbob16hatch]

thats probably the nicest looking miata i've ever seen.  Most of them scream "i love to fuck gay men, and I love how my red paintjob faded to pink as it advertises my homosexuality even better"

Ever make a Miata manifold? 

I made one a long time ago. 

[mandrel-bends]

Clean car. I think I would do the V8 conversion myself. Nice little LS9 in that would be killer.

[bryantaylor]

i would buy that car in a heartbeat.  and as far as pat says about its not worth more than 5000.  that really depends on where you live.  here in florida you will not buy any NB for 5 grand unless its wrecked or has a blown motor and trans. 

and a V8 swap is super involved.  i looked into it and quickly said fuck it.  you have to at the very least build/buy a new front subframe and then build/buy a custom oil pan.  too much time and money when the bone stock motor will easily make 250whp.

and as said before, they are dog piss slow stock, but are still fun to drive.

[Whitey]

i would buy that car in a heartbeat.  and as far as pat says about its not worth more than 5000.  that really depends on where you live.  here in florida you will not buy any NB for 5 grand unless its wrecked or has a blown motor and trans. 

Its the internet, there's always that asshole that says, "I could buy that car for $50.00" or "around here that car would only sell for $2.00" and you know damn well that you couldn't buy it for the price they are saying.  If your seriously looking for a particular car, you know what the value and fair price of a good one is. 

That's always been a pet peeve of mine, the people on the internet driving $2,000 shitbox's saying they could buy a mint condition Z06 for $1500. 

[bigwig]

i would buy that car in a heartbeat.  and as far as pat says about its not worth more than 5000.  that really depends on where you live.  here in florida you will not buy any NB for 5 grand unless its wrecked or has a blown motor and trans. 

Its the internet, there's always that asshole that says, "I could buy that car for $50.00" or "around here that car would only sell for $2.00" and you know damn well that you couldn't buy it for the price they are saying.  If your seriously looking for a particular car, you know what the value and fair price of a good one is. 

That's always been a pet peeve of mine, the people on the internet driving $2,000 shitbox's saying they could buy a mint condition Z06 for $1500. 

Buying/selling a used car is always a fucked up process.  Not quite as fucked up as going to a dealership, but still fucked.

If I like the car, I'll offer him $5000.  Let him think about it.  I'll call him in another couple of days and see where he stands and maybe be willing to offer a bit more.  Some people only want to sell if they get their price.  He might be that kind of guy.  If he is, then I'm SOL.

[Doug]

i would buy that car in a heartbeat.  and as far as pat says about its not worth more than 5000.  that really depends on where you live.  here in florida you will not buy any NB for 5 grand unless its wrecked or has a blown motor and trans. 

Its the internet, there's always that asshole that says, "I could buy that car for $50.00" or "around here that car would only sell for $2.00" and you know damn well that you couldn't buy it for the price they are saying.  If your seriously looking for a particular car, you know what the value and fair price of a good one is. 

That's always been a pet peeve of mine, the people on the internet driving $2,000 shitbox's saying they could buy a mint condition Z06 for $1500. 

Buying/selling a used car is always a fucked up process.  Not quite as fucked up as going to a dealership, but still fucked.

If I like the car, I'll offer him $5000.  Let him think about it.  I'll call him in another couple of days and see where he stands and maybe be willing to offer a bit more.  Some people only want to sell if they get their price.  He might be that kind of guy.  If he is, then I'm SOL.

That's why you need to decide before hand how much the car is honestly worth to you. Do it before you look at it/drive it and make an "emotional buy". It's a clean car, but you could always find one in not as good shape and get it to that point for the same amount or less.

[bigwig]

i would buy that car in a heartbeat.  and as far as pat says about its not worth more than 5000.  that really depends on where you live.  here in florida you will not buy any NB for 5 grand unless its wrecked or has a blown motor and trans. 

Its the internet, there's always that asshole that says, "I could buy that car for $50.00" or "around here that car would only sell for $2.00" and you know damn well that you couldn't buy it for the price they are saying.  If your seriously looking for a particular car, you know what the value and fair price of a good one is. 

That's always been a pet peeve of mine, the people on the internet driving $2,000 shitbox's saying they could buy a mint condition Z06 for $1500. 

Buying/selling a used car is always a fucked up process.  Not quite as fucked up as going to a dealership, but still fucked.

If I like the car, I'll offer him $5000.  Let him think about it.  I'll call him in another couple of days and see where he stands and maybe be willing to offer a bit more.  Some people only want to sell if they get their price.  He might be that kind of guy.  If he is, then I'm SOL.

That's why you need to decide before hand how much the car is honestly worth to you. Do it before you look at it/drive it and make an "emotional buy". It's a clean car, but you could always find one in not as good shape and get it to that point for the same amount or less.

I don't agree 100%.  I think there is validity with knowing how much you want to spend and not spending more, but you have to have flexibility in your price sometimes.  So, although I may want to pay $5000 because that's fair market value, if I like the car enough, and think it's worth a few hundred bucks more, I'm not unwilling to go that direction.

A CRX is worth $2000 probably according to KBB or Edmunds, but if you see a minty completely rust free CRX in the Northeast that is $3500, someone will realize it's not worth the $2000 that KBB and Edmunds may price it at because in order to get the same car, you'd have to buy from the West Coast and those will all be Mexicanized.

[raiden571]

there only good for running Spec Miata class

[Doug]

i would buy that car in a heartbeat.  and as far as pat says about its not worth more than 5000.  that really depends on where you live.  here in florida you will not buy any NB for 5 grand unless its wrecked or has a blown motor and trans. 

Its the internet, there's always that asshole that says, "I could buy that car for $50.00" or "around here that car would only sell for $2.00" and you know damn well that you couldn't buy it for the price they are saying.  If your seriously looking for a particular car, you know what the value and fair price of a good one is. 

That's always been a pet peeve of mine, the people on the internet driving $2,000 shitbox's saying they could buy a mint condition Z06 for $1500. 

Buying/selling a used car is always a fucked up process.  Not quite as fucked up as going to a dealership, but still fucked.

If I like the car, I'll offer him $5000.  Let him think about it.  I'll call him in another couple of days and see where he stands and maybe be willing to offer a bit more.  Some people only want to sell if they get their price.  He might be that kind of guy.  If he is, then I'm SOL.

That's why you need to decide before hand how much the car is honestly worth to you. Do it before you look at it/drive it and make an "emotional buy". It's a clean car, but you could always find one in not as good shape and get it to that point for the same amount or less.

I don't agree 100%.  I think there is validity with knowing how much you want to spend and not spending more, but you have to have flexibility in your price sometimes.  So, although I may want to pay $5000 because that's fair market value, if I like the car enough, and think it's worth a few hundred bucks more, I'm not unwilling to go that direction.

A CRX is worth $2000 probably according to KBB or Edmunds, but if you see a minty completely rust free CRX in the Northeast that is $3500, someone will realize it's not worth the $2000 that KBB and Edmunds may price it at because in order to get the same car, you'd have to buy from the West Coast and those will all be Mexicanized.

Um, that's exactly what I was saying. 

A car's blue book value pretty much means jack. The value is what it is worth to you the buyer or you the seller. I was saying you need to have an idea of what it is worth to you and set a maximum price to walk away at. Some people will over pay for cars they get too excited about.

[random-strike]

you could buy that car easily for 4999 here.

[patsmx5]

i would buy that car in a heartbeat.  and as far as pat says about its not worth more than 5000.  that really depends on where you live.  here in florida you will not buy any NB for 5 grand unless its wrecked or has a blown motor and trans. 

Its the internet, there's always that asshole that says, "I could buy that car for $50.00" or "around here that car would only sell for $2.00" and you know damn well that you couldn't buy it for the price they are saying.  If your seriously looking for a particular car, you know what the value and fair price of a good one is. 

That's always been a pet peeve of mine, the people on the internet driving $2,000 shitbox's saying they could buy a mint condition Z06 for $1500. 

Buying/selling a used car is always a fucked up process.  Not quite as fucked up as going to a dealership, but still fucked.

If I like the car, I'll offer him $5000.  Let him think about it.  I'll call him in another couple of days and see where he stands and maybe be willing to offer a bit more.  Some people only want to sell if they get their price.  He might be that kind of guy.  If he is, then I'm SOL.

That's why you need to decide before hand how much the car is honestly worth to you. Do it before you look at it/drive it and make an "emotional buy". It's a clean car, but you could always find one in not as good shape and get it to that point for the same amount or less.

I don't agree 100%.  I think there is validity with knowing how much you want to spend and not spending more, but you have to have flexibility in your price sometimes.  So, although I may want to pay $5000 because that's fair market value, if I like the car enough, and think it's worth a few hundred bucks more, I'm not unwilling to go that direction.

A CRX is worth $2000 probably according to KBB or Edmunds, but if you see a minty completely rust free CRX in the Northeast that is $3500, someone will realize it's not worth the $2000 that KBB and Edmunds may price it at because in order to get the same car, you'd have to buy from the West Coast and those will all be Mexicanized.

Um, that's exactly what I was saying. 

A car's blue book value pretty much means jack. The value is what it is worth to you the buyer or you the seller. I was saying you need to have an idea of what it is worth to you and set a maximum price to walk away at. Some people will over pay for cars they get too excited about.

Agreed 100%. People do that all the time. Extremely common. I did it when I bought mine. He was asking 6900, then he finally dropped it to 5900 and I looked at it, but I got excited (knowing I had finally found the car I'd been looking for for 3 months silver-99'-base model) and he could tell I was going to buy it, so when I tried to haggle him down he wouldn't hardly budge. Cause he knew I liked it and knew I wanted it, he pretty much knew I was going to buy it, even if he said 6,000, I still would have bought it. If I had been smarter then, I could have gotten it for less.

[bigwig]

Not that anyone cares, but I went and saw the car today.  It was a good looking/driving car.  It was what I expected.  I got the downlow that he wants to sell the car to buy a car for either $5000 or $6000.  The car he really wants is $5000.

Overall he was a good guy and nice to talk to.  I didn't talk turkey with him because he was such a decent dude, I didn't want to ruin his day if I wasn't going to buy it.  Overall, nothing has changed in my mind.  The car is still worth about $5200.  I just have to decide if I want to spend $5200 knowing I'm going to have to spend another $3500 to turbo it, and after I turbo it, I have no idea if I'll still like it.

One last comment, jesus christ does the car have a tight transmission.  Gears are SO short.