JamesEggers

Hi group.
I've recently "discovered" the Miata and have been looking to buy a good used one.
I've found a 2004 MS Miata, 70k miles. Can anyone be so kind as to recommend any known problems for which I should look and/or be aware, or which I can expect to experience in the near future?
Many sincere thanks,
James

9671111

iTrader: (10)

*puts on flame suit*

jobambo

Ask that here. http://www.mazda-speed.com/forum2/

Savington

iTrader: (31)

You are in for a world of hurt.

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

are you going to dish it?

Ben

iTrader: (33)

Why are you guys so MSM negative?

70K is a lot of miles compared to most that are out there... I've seen a handful with under 10K for sale in the past month alone. Is it cheap?

Doppelgänger

iTrader: (12)

James,
I don't know you, or what kinda of person you are. But I have the feeling you were running a google search containing the words "miata" and "turbo" and stumbled upon this website. Looking that the style of English you used, being ever so proper, i'd guess that you would do better on a forum like www.miata.net or www.mazda-speed.com/forum2. They both have dedicated forums specifically for the 2004 and 2005 Mazdaspeed MX-5. This forum however, is dedicated mostly to "do it yourself" turbocharging and tuning. This forum requires a special kind of personality in order to "fit in". This personality requires words like "please" and "thank you" to be replaced with words like "hey *******" and "thanks a ******* lot". That's just how we "roll". We try to understand that not all Miata owners are the same and will kindly direct you to a forum that best fits your needs.

To give you a quick answer. No, there is NOT any known issues. There were some people getting a random "bogging" issue, but it's fixed my removing a plastic cap on a part under the hood. 70k miles isn't anything to worry about, but I wouldn't pay more than $10-12k if it's VERY clean.

And to you MT *******.... sometimes ya gotta realize that people just want to know some simple ******* information and don't need a load of horseshit. Now, if they constantly post useless ****, then it's open season. (Like Repo4Sale...******* *******).

evank

iTrader: (2)

James,

The forum at www.mazda-speed.com is indeed the home base for MSM info.

I have an '04 MSM. Some of the "issues" are terrible programming in the stock engine management computer, the aforementioned "bogging" problem (which is NOT fixed by removing a cap), and wheels that are heavy and bend too easily.

The good news is that in addition to the entry-level turbo, you also get upgraded suspension, a stronger transmission, extra chassis bracing, and (in my opinion) cool-looking bodywork / upgraded interior, etc.

More good news is that the MSM responds VERY well to simple bolt-on performance mods.

But, as others noted, simple bolt-ons are not the focus here on miataturbo.net .... the MSM forum is vastly more mainstream.

(Personally I like it better here 'cause I'm an outcast. )

hustler

iTrader: (6)

I know a few people with MSM's and I'm happy that I don't have to jack with that computer. However if you want a 150whp, reliable car then you're on the right track.

Doppelgänger

iTrader: (12)

In the case, what is the solution?

kotomile

iTrader: (24)

YA RLY?

This guy seems legit. Are we really going to chide him for using punctuation and typing clearly, while simultaneously running off others who can't seem to string together a coherent thought and type like they're a 14 year old on AIM? We need more of our n00bs to be like this guy.

evank

iTrader: (2)

There isn't one (other than switching to Hydra, Megasquirt, or some other non-piggyback ECU), unless it's been discovered in two or three days since I stopped visiting that forum.

About a year-ish ago, several people including me were convinced that replacing one of the car's two boost solenoid valves was the answer. Most people though there was a "bad batch" which is pretty unscientific, but, replacing the valve DID seem to fix the problem for everyone. Then, a couple of months ago, some people who did that said the bog returned on their cars.

I don't care anymore now that my car is 'squirted.

elesjuan

iTrader: (11)

I had a bone stock one for a year. While it only had 150rwhp, it was still a 14 second car and quicker than a vast majority of vehicles on the road. Most people are oblivious the MSM was ever made, they just think it was brakes/suspension/wheels.. There are quite a few little differences between the the MSM and 2004 Miata.

MSM has Turbo, single plain intake manifold, no Variable Valve timing, and supposedly a beefier trans/rear end including the halfshafts. The interiors are trimmed a little differently, headlamps are different, stock 2004 bumper has an extra piece stuck on with double sticky tape, the rear lip, exhaust, sway bars, shocks, springs, and finally the thing 98% of people on this board hate the most... 17" Racing Hart cinder block wheels.

For a 2004 with that high of mileage I wouldn't pay more than 13k for, honestly. I bought my 2004 in 2006 for $15,000 with a window sticker of $19,999, sold it to a dodge dealership for 17k almost exactly a year later, and saw it a week later with a $19,999 sticker. Had 18k miles when I bought it, 31k when I sold it. Dealership I bought it from owned the car for over a year and really wanted to move it off their lot.

Like said above, if you want a rock solid reliable car with 150rwhp and its cheap enough, buy it.

hustler

iTrader: (6)

my sister's 04 msm has never had msm bog and I seriously doubt anyone has more track time in an MSM than her. That car was good aside from the master cylinder going bad and the intake tube blowing off until she bought the BEGi piece. I'd love to have an MSM for a daily.

samnavy

iTrader: (7)

Anybody noticed that the OP started this thread a week ago and hasn't been back yet to check our responses or provide feedback? Last login was one minute after he made this post.

... smells suspiciously troll'ish.