paqman

Hey everyone, I'm heading down south soon to look at an '04 MSM for sale in St. George, UT. I live about 4.5 hours north of St. George, and was wondering if there are any Miata owners down there that might help me with checking out the car, and getting an overall feel for it. Maybe even go give it a quick look/test drive before I drive all the way down?

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

Talk to Jeffbucc. He lives in Cedar and spends a lot of time in St George.

Good luck, the MSM is a great car.

You live in SLC or north of it?

paqman

Thanks! I live about 40 minutes north of SLC.

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

What, brigham city area? I came from Utah and visit fairly regularly.

Anyway, I'm sure Jeff would love to at least accompany you to see the car.

paqman

Ah, cool. I'm from Syracuse. If you're not familiar with it, it's in between Layton and Ogden.

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

Gotcha. Cool! Pretty chilly this time of year but I'm sure you'll have some sunny days to enjoy the car.

Paging Jeffbucc.....

paqman

lol yeah I'm just hoping for good weather long enough to drive it home! Then I can let it rest till the spring. I plan on hanging on to this one for quite a few years, so I may actually think about getting some 15's and some Blizzaks and driving it year round, we'll see.

I'm hitting Jeff up via PM. I don't want to pressure him though. Cedar City is a good 45 minute drive away. And I'm pretty sure this is a good clean car, just thought it would be good to have an experience Miata owner lay a second set of eyes on it.

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

Totally. Jeff is in St. George all the time. He'll tell you the same thing.

If you want, PM me the link. I won't snipe the car but I can give you my opinion on it... I've been around the block a few times with these little guys

paqman

Ha, not a problem. It's not a bad price for the car, but it's not a deal worth sniping anyway. I'll PM you think link. And here's a link to a thread I started over at Mazda-speed with some info about my communication with the seller. It details a problem with what we think is the fuel pump that he is resolving before I head down there to look at it. Very nice, straight up guy, and very willing to share everything with me.

But here are some pics from the ad, and the engine and tire tread were not in the ad, but I asked for them anyway.

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

I read your other thread. So, I have to ask, why are you set on an MSM? It's a great car, but for just a little more money you could buy a clean low mile '01 or '02 with the 6-speed and Torsen, add an FM2 kit and have a super solid, wayyy better car.

I hope you've talked him down on the price a bit?

have you driven a stock MSM? What are your plans for the car?

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

This seems like a freaking fantastic find: 2001 Mazda MX-5 | ksl.com

paqman

That was one of my original options. I'm with you, for similar money I could add a turbo kit to a regular NB. And I seriously considered that for a while. Problem is, I don't really have the lifestyle right now that will allow me to do that. I have four kids, and am super busy. So I don't have the time to do something like that. Nor would my wife approve of me buying a perfectly good car, then spending another $3500-$4000 on said car lol. I have seen that one you mentioned on KSL, and seriously thought about it. But I decided that the MSM is the easiest, most reliable way to get into a turbo Miata right now. I talked him down a bit, but not a ton. There are cheaper MSM's across the country, and if I could take a couple days out of my life to go pick one of those up, I would, but I just can't. It's hard enough finding the time to drive down to this one. And it really is about average for the price of MSM's. I've been watching them for months. And yes, I have driven a stock MSM, and I do know of the downfalls they have. And while I wouldn't have the time or money to install a turbo kit all at once, I will have the time to install small upgrades over time on the MSM, and it doesn't take a whole lot to make 200rwhp out of those. Anyway, your idea is a good one, and in another 15 years I might be in the position to do that, just not now.

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

I hear you 100%. You are obviously not just some noob diving in because MAZDASPEED OMG WTF BBQ YOLO.

If I were in your shoes, I'd be doing what you're doing. In fact, a year ago, I was shopping and planned to do the mod thing, finally had my wife on board, then found my modded MSM for just a bit more so I picked it up.

Anyway, I hope it works out. Stick around here after you get it. It's an ECU, intake and exhaust away from being a really, REALLY fun car.

Edit: and wheels and tires. Heh.

paqman

Ha yes. I am looking forward to slowly improving my MSM into what it should have been while enjoying on a daily basis. And I agree with you on the wheels. At the risk of starting a flame war, am I the only one who prefers 15's to these 17" rubber band wagon wheels?

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

No.

paqman

Very nice.

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

Eventual goal for wheels/tires:

paqman

That's a great look. I don't want to think about the decisions I'm going to have to make when it comes to wheels and tires lol. But for some reason I'm liking the look of bronze on the Ti.

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, looks pretty good.







Dat meat doe.



Ah, but this looks awful IMO.

Jeffbucc

Sorry I missed your PM and this thread Nathan, been busy with the holiday retail preparation at my store. I'd be happy to take a look at it this weekend if that works for you.

Just let me know his number and tell him I'll be by.

Ed, seeing as I'm more familiar with the NA Miata, anything I should watch for in particular on the MSM? Can't imagine there is something I'd miss, but just in case.