I'm going to look at a 91' miata tomorrow with 125k and an automatic transmission. I want to use it as a platform for modifying so the auto doesn't scare me off and the fact that it was garage kept by an older woman is a plus. Only other detail I have on the car is that it needs a battery and hasn't been driven much in the last year. What would be a fair price on a car like this?

 

people don't modify autos to often

 

Didn't mean it that way, its getting swapped out.

 

Easier to buy a manual car than it is to swap. The cams are different and a few other things.

 

Well, by the time you swap out, you will probably wish you just bought a standard. But I sold my 93 auto for $3200. I don't care what people say. I think it would be a faster dragstrip car than the 5-speed.

I would turbo it first, and when it goes out, then 5-speed.

1st and 2nd are useless in a 12psi 5-speed.

In a auto, first sucks. second and third rock. That car would scream in 2nd and 3rd. But pulling out in first will kill you.

Lets say you have 12psi on the auto. First I think would hook up and scream, second would break sideways and move on. and third would be insane.

I think it would be a good drag car. I should of kept that auto I had. It was literally like it rolled off the show room floor. but I came across a 5-speed car already turbo'ed.
The auto was a pig in first. After that you can run with a 5 speed, maybe faster on highway.


But as far as your original question. There are as many people looking for a auto as are looking for a 5-speed. If the seller thinks the auto is a flaw, you can make out good. But I will buy either or to sell. And will not flinch at buying either. They sell.
They are about the same price. And I would read up on swaps, there are somethings involved.

IMO: if you want a track car, 5-speed, If you are draging or tooling, try the auto with turbo, you can always switch the auto out later.

My NA auto would bark second everytime with no cat, and race exhaust. but in stock form, tird in first.

Hope this helps.......Good Luck! the car looks good.

 

13psi on a Auto here, the gearbox is still ***** though.