Would you drive your turbo Miata 1/2 way across the country?


Reason I ask, I am looking at purchasing a turbo Miata, however, it's in texas and I am in Maine. It wouldn't bother me if it was a stock Miata. What do you guys think?

 

I seriously considered driving from the East coast to the west coast and back this summer in my boosted miata. The only reason I am not is I do not have the funds for it. Other then that as long as it is properly maintained there is no reason it could not be done.

 

Yes I would it's very reliable.

I wouldn't rely on a car I don't know turbo or not.

 

I think thats the toughest part for me as I don't know the car.

I am fairly comfortable with the way the car was built as its a quality kit & looks like it was installed well. Previous owner has been through many track days so it should survive crusing just fine.

 

Good shake down, maybe take a few tools, hoses and so on.

 

Take internet access with you. Hit a problem, post here. We have helpful members in just about every town you will pass through.

 

Good idea. I will have laptop with me. You guys are resouceful. I like it.. Instead of jumping on here and saying bad idea...

 

post of info and pics on the car your planning on getting.... if its reliable, why not...

 

Send someone from here that's close to the car to check it out for you. When you go pick it up (if they ok it) buy 'em a beer or 8 and have a nice ride back.

 

If it's internally wastegated you could always just disconnect the wastegate and not drive in boost.

 

I am not really worried about driving in boost as I won't be driving home like it's a track day. I am more afraid of the other things like trouble with the megasquirt or having trouble with a coolant line or bolts backing out or other stupid stuff that is easy to fix, but may not be so easy on the side of the highway.

The car is Eraser X's old car. It was sold, but the new owner needs to sell it for reasons I don't want to get into here. I like the car because it is essentially what I would build if I had to pick the parts I wanted on a car I built. Also really like southern cars as the north east has rust issues.

details
https://www.miataturbo.net/cars-sale-trade-6/1996-mazda-miata-%249250-47568/

 

I did it in four days in mine...

 

I'd say budget an extra week for sorrows.

You can also look over everything, literally, with your eyes before starting the trip. There's really not that much to look at.

Also get AAA plus

and

bring a full load of tools, jackstands etc.

 

Already have AAA plus as I have an old vw for a daily driver. I was going to carry tools never thought about jack stands. Maybe some small ones so I can keep the baggage down.

Maybe I should post my proposed tool list for ideas.

 

I would have no problem, i made it halfway in mine seamlessly, it really just depends on your maintenance.

 

I've driven mine from San Diego to Phoenix and back, twice. That's some pretty brutal desert. No worries.

 

San Antonio to Portland OR. No problems.

 

I'd say no problem...

CHeck your oil regularly and keep an eye on coolant hoses and such.
You should be fine...

Definately get someone on this site to have a look at it for a piece of mind.

 

Oh and 1 more thing, why are all the turbo Miata's in Texas?

 

They're not, they're all in NOVA.