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We would need your plans/goals to make decision. They're close, but I think I'd probably lean toward the 02 with the 6sp and torsen.
paying 1k more for almost same miles and 5sp/open just cause its a couple years younger doesn't make any sense. |
Originally Posted by 18psi
(Post 1153601)
We would need your plans/goals to make decision. They're close, but I think I'd probably lean toward the 02 with the 6sp and torsen.
paying 1k more for almost same miles and 5sp/open just cause its a couple years younger doesn't make any sense. Part 2, the black one just looks much, much cleaner overall. |
Do you have to buy one up north and right now? NB's are so cheap down here in SC compared to those prices.
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Originally Posted by z31maniac
(Post 1153618)
Part 2, the black one just looks much, much cleaner overall.
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Originally Posted by z31maniac
(Post 1153618)
Agreed with part 1.
Part 2, the black one just looks much, much cleaner overall. maybe if the paint on the blue one is fading vs on the black one being mint.....but that doesn't appear to be the case.
Originally Posted by shuiend
(Post 1153620)
Do you have to buy one up north and right now? NB's are so cheap down here in SC compared to those prices.
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Originally Posted by 18psi
(Post 1153601)
We would need your plans/goals to make decision. They're close, but I think I'd probably lean toward the 02 with the 6sp and torsen.
paying 1k more for almost same miles and 5sp/open just cause its a couple years younger doesn't make any sense. In a few years, once I have a garage again, I'll probably do something really silly involving a needlessly complex ECU system and a reasonably-sized turbocharger. I consider the 6spd to be a disadvantage, as it merely requires more shifting. I only just got the steel rods removed from my right hand yesterday. I'd like honest feedback from those with actual experience as to whether an LSD is a help or a hindrance on snow and ice. After I installed a T1 in my turbo '92 years ago, I learned that when traction is marginal, an LSD means that neither wheel slips until both wheels slip, and then you go sideways. I've never driven a Miata (or any RWD vehicle other than a moving truck) in snow before.
Originally Posted by shuiend
(Post 1153620)
Do you have to buy one up north and right now? NB's are so cheap down here in SC compared to those prices.
Originally Posted by dieselmiata
(Post 1153621)
But it won't stay that way. Black cars are very labor intensive to keep looking good.
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My vote is the 2004.
I never liked the LS models. The added body parts look like crap to me. The lighter 5 speed base models are faster out of the box. If you get to the point where you need heavier drivetrain parts, upgrade them then. |
After that post I'm thinking you should probably stick with 5sp and open. The torsen is great if you want to seriously attack some twisties, or get the car sideways in the rain on command. The 6sp is obviously only cool for track and/or holding down torque, neither of which it sounds like you'll be pursuing any time soon.
That said, I still don't think 8 grand is a good deal for that 04. Around here you can get a super clean super low mile nb2 for 9, and a super clean uber low mileage msm for 9-10 ....and black is terrible to keep clean. |
You know you want that cloth. I just want you back in a Miata.
All colors take washing to look good, but it only takes, like 10 min to wash a small car. |
Oh and just for the record, I think my suggestion would be more along the lines of looking for yet more options, rather than just focusing on these two.
Or maybe you can talk the 04 owner down to a more reasonable price, which would make the deal good enough to tolerate the black paint ;) y8s sold his for not much more than these, and it was all turbo'd and really cool. |
Hey Joe, buddy ol' pal. I have an 01 NB2 base for sale on here, you can lowball me and i'll even include the snow tires if you want. It's like half the price of these. But i still voted for #1.
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I guess I am partial to black, and to base model Miatas.
Open diffs are not that bad. I never had problems with my open diff car sliding sideways if I really wanted it to. |
Whichever has the least rust.
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I have no intention of paying the quoted price. These are both small-time dealerships, meaning the cars are listed at "oh, sure, your trade is worth $3k" prices.
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Not that it's a big deal, but you notice there's no pics of the 02 top. It would kinda suck to have a new DD that needed emergency surgery. I have no knowledge of the relative sleaziness of the dealers, but I doubt that was an oversight.
I helped a guy re-cover his cloth driver's seat, and it wasn't so bad. You might be able to change from leather if it bugs you enough. |
Originally Posted by RedCarmel
(Post 1153668)
Whichever has the least rust.
If you're foolish enough to buy a car that has lived north of VA, it should be the one that has little to no rust. Even if there is no visible body rust, working on suspension and chassis parts will be mind numbingly frustrating. The correct answer is what Shiuend alluded to earlier...buy a car from South Carolina or the like |
I spent many years driving RWD cars in the New England snow and ice and can't remember getting stuck more than once. Actually, I enjoy a RWD car on snow much better. I guess I'd prefer the LSD (from experience) but could live without it.
My 2000 is a base model but I never drive it in snow anymore. My preference would be the '04 because of the color and I hate the tan interior anyway. My biggest advice would be to check the core support rails thoroughly for rust through from the inside out (look for the bubbling and take a small hammer to tap on the rails). That's from personal experience.... Nothing like the feeling your otherwise pristine car has cancer. The NE would make it a prime candidate. Good luck Joe. |
the black looks in better shape, but i dunno...
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Black cars look better in your neighbours driveway
Just bought a black Audi for my wife , unless you like washing your cars three times a week ,don't go there .
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Passed the 2002 in danbury yesterday. It's about 2 minutes from my house. Looks pretty good, if u want anymore pics of it, lemme know. Ill be over that way around 1pm
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Regarding TORSEN in snow, I believe there are two schools.
If you're an idiot driver, a TORSEN will kill you. You'll be on the freeway, and you'll want to accelerate in the snow, you'll punch the throttle, both wheels will break traction, the car will start spinning, you'll careen off of the road and into a frozen lake or river, the medics will come to pull you out of the water, hypothermia will start to set in on your way to the hospital, and then the driver of the ambulance will hit a bump and a large heavy object will fall on your head in the ambulance, killing you instantly. If you're a good driver, a TORSEN will be a dream come true. First off, you won't punch it on the freeway during a heavy snow, because you're not a bumbling idiot. Anytime you come to a stop sign or a stop light or in a traffic jam, or whatever, and the road has any sort of an uphill grade to it, you'll just drive away like the road is dry. I've got a RWD "SUV" (Mitsubishi Montero Sport) with an open diff in it. I've even got a full set of snow tires and wheels for it. If there's snow on the ground, I'm only driving it if my Miata doesn't have the required utility for the trip (cargo/personnel/towing capacity). If I'm in the SUV and there's snow on the ground, I get anxiety when coming to a stop at the exit of my subdivision. It's not plowed or salted, and there's an uphill grade equivalent to that of a garage apron. If you're an idiot and you don't want to die, get an open. If you're not an idiot, and you want confidence that you're not going to slide into the car behind you at an uphill stop, get the TORSEN. 02+ doesn't exactly have a TORSEN, but it's close enough. |
I daily my NA in the snow even though there is a 4x4 Toyota parked right next to it. With summer tires, it is white knuckle even at low speed. With studded snow tires, it is a blast.
Find an empty parking lot and hoon the shit out of it when the first snow hits. My vote is for the black one because it seems more inline with what you want, and you seem like the type that would keep it meticulously clean regardless of color. Down the road when slap a turbo on it upgrade to a torsen. All that being said, those both seem overpriced. |
8 Attachment(s)
Visited the blue car today.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407023963 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407023963 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407023963 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407023963 Going top see the black one tomorrow, along with another '04 that Nicole spotted. |
As the owner of a black miata, it's not that hard to keep it a ten foot car. Five foot usually require a weekly wash.
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I've a feeling most of them will look like that in your neck of the woods.
Another reason to fly to CA and drive one back :party: |
Burn it...burn it with fire!
How cheap are flights to Charlotte or SC. So many clean cars down here... |
I may have overpaid for my 1-owner 99 from Atlanta, but the only rust was on the exhaust shielding bolts. Such a joy to be able to take any bolt/nut loose with no problems.
I also have almost was many $$ in the suspension and turbo items as I paid for the car, and have no feeling of throwing good money after bad. One the other hand, there are open tops up north that are only driven in summer, or so the adds say. |
Originally Posted by DNMakinson
(Post 1153892)
One the other hand, there are open tops up north that are only driven in summer, or so the adds say.
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fiberglass over rust? Run away. quickly.
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Yep, fly south and drive one back.
Rust = scrap value for me. Then again, I hate working on things and I'm likely to buy 4th new car in the last few years next week. So I'm not a good example. |
Joe, you need to look south of the rust belt. For example, I have a 99 that's nicer than the cars you posted (though also has a ratty driver's seat), that I'll be asking $4500 for next when ready to sell it next month.
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^ dibs
HA! |
For the type of snow we get in our area (meaning it gets plowed quickly and rarely gets very deep), Miata with snow tires is better than subarus with all seasons. By a noticeable margin.
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I've got to try a miata with snow tires in the snow. My brain can't even comprehend that statement.
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snow tires make a HUGE difference on any car.
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General Altimax FTW
Tire Details - Discount Tire Direct Edit: This looks fun. http://i62.tinypic.com/2edv95z.jpg |
Originally Posted by Braineack
(Post 1154083)
snow tires make a HUGE difference on any car.
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it's overrated.
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When I lived in Cincinnati, I had non-studded snow tires (Blizzaks, I believe) on my Integra. They were ok, but not mind-blowing. I think I shall be running studs this time around. |
Studs!? Are you planning on going offroading on your way to the catskills?
Blizzaks were what I used on my miata when it was my college daily driver. Been to many trips in snow to various lodges in the north east with zero issues. Been the only car on the road besides the plows and truckers in major snow storms...miata with good snow tires absolutely rocks. Stock suspension though, that helped. |
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 1154104)
That's pretty much what I had in mind.
When I lived in Cincinnati, I had non-studded snow tires (Blizzaks, I believe) on my Integra. They were ok, but not mind-blowing. I think I shall be running studs this time around. |
Altimax is a better value IMO. Neither are all that great in the dry, but they aren't really meant to be.
Studs will give you better performance obviously, but they are LOUD. That being said, I am also going to run them this year because we get snow and ice like woah. |
Originally Posted by shuiend
(Post 1154110)
So I am taking it that you did not pick up either of the NB's you looked at yesterday?
Just so we are clear, the car's top. Not Joe's top. |
Originally Posted by TurboTim
(Post 1154108)
Studs!? Are you planning on going offroading on your way to the catskills?
Blizzaks were what I used on my miata when it was my college daily driver. Been to many trips in snow to various lodges in the north east with zero issues. Been the only car on the road besides the plows and truckers in major snow storms...miata with good snow tires absolutely rocks. Stock suspension though, that helped.
Originally Posted by shuiend
(Post 1154110)
So I am taking it that you did not pick up either of the NB's you looked at yesterday?
It was in very nice shape, virtually no rust and a 9.5/10 interior, but Cleetus the Slack-Jawed Yokel who runs the place wouldn't budge from $8k. Pretty sure he doesn't give a shit how long the car sits on his lot. I'm pursuing a few other leads- one in SC, one in TN, one in FL, and Erat's car. One way or another, I'm buying a plane ticket for this Saturday. |
You have slack jawed yokels up there? Weird.
That slack jawed yokel probably did you a favor |
Originally Posted by Efini~FC3S
(Post 1154143)
You have slack jawed yokels up there? Weird.
Amusingly, they (the natives) have a special name for us cityfolk who come driving up into "their" territory on the weekends with our mouths full of fancy teeth and our highfalutin un-ripped clothing. They call us Citiots. The irony is thick enough that you could spread it like caviar on imported Russian blini. Ref: http://www.granitehillsdesign.com/ru...ralHandout.pdf |
What is your preferred color? I found a clean, red MSM near me for about the same money as the black car.
2004 MAZDASPEED Miata (Trade for R1) |
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 1154148)
Honestly, once you get outside of the NYC metro area, this place is pretty hillbilly. 'Specially up the Catskills region.
] Compared to. Impressions of my Midwestern natives upon returning from a trip through those same mountains; tall green mountains laced with valleys filled with single wide house trailers with either 1. at least one 1/2 disassembled car/truck/boat/garden tractor or 2. a 1/2 buried bath tub turned into shrine complete with the requisite religious statue. Extra points for both... Oh, don't forget to put it next to your neighbors 1/2 million dollar house.
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 1154148)
Amusingly, they (the natives) have a special name for us cityfolk who come driving up into "their" territory on the weekends with our mouths full of fancy teeth and our highfalutin un-ripped clothing. They call us Citiots.
]
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 1154148)
The irony is thick enough that you could spread it like caviar on imported Russian blini.
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3 Attachment(s)
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Perfect color
Also, I was being a bit facetious about the yokel. In my experience, hill jacks are alive and well in all parts of this country. I was a bit surprised the first time I drove through Western NY state on the way to Watkins Glen. If someone would have blind folded me before going there I would have guessed we were in Eastern Iowa farm country. |
Originally Posted by Monk
(Post 1154155)
What is your preferred color? I found a clean, red MSM near me for about the same money as the black car.
2004 MAZDASPEED Miata (Trade for R1) A. It's still from the rust belt. B. One would have to travel to Logansport to acquire it...ewww. One could stop for B&K and/or Sycamore Ice Cream which would ever so slightly ease the pain. |
Former Hoosier? B&K covers a multitude of sins.
Joe, I like the blue one the best so far and the price is better for sure. Power windows = torsen correct? Any Volunteers near Antioch that can look more closely? |
Originally Posted by Monk
(Post 1154266)
Power windows = torsen correct?
Not a biggie- I can live without it for the time being. |
5 Attachment(s)
Originally Posted by Efini~FC3S
(Post 1154248)
This car looks decent but:
A. It's still from the rust belt. Next nearest contender is an NC/SC car. Lived in Pinehurst and Laurel Hill NC untill 2011, just recently moved to SC. Cars for Sale: 2001 Mazda Miata MX5 in FLORENCE, SC 29501: Convertible Details - 369907633 - AutoTrader.com https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1407182079 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1407182079 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1407182079 Same gay color, with Pinstripes of Shame and leather. Part of my problem is that having lived most of my life in southern states, I really don't have a good handle on how many years of useful life these cars have left once they get to this state: https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407183197 (Not from either of the above cars.) If that car above will go another 10 years before it literally splits in half while taking a hard corner, then that's just fine. If it's only gonna go 2-3 more years before it gets flexier than an early NA, not so much. |
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I drive some pretty old vehicles (20+) and none of them has rusted out yet. Even my 90 toyota pickup has an intact bed. The secret is to just wash the piss out of it every week when there is salt on the ground. Having a good undercoating put on is definitely a good idea as well.
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Originally Posted by Ben
(Post 1154336)
2001 Mazda Miata Convertible
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS 2001 Madza Miata SE Convertible, 85K Miles, $6,800, Nice Car |
3 Attachment(s)
Agreed, I'm liking the first one.
Also looking at this: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...37518411&Log=0 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1407188810 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1407188810 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1407188810 |
Originally Posted by Monk
(Post 1154266)
Former Hoosier? B&K covers a multitude of sins.
Joe, I like the blue one the best so far and the price is better for sure. Power windows = torsen correct? Any Volunteers near Antioch that can look more closely?
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 1154288)
You think?
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
Part of my problem is that having lived most of my life in southern states, I really don't have a good handle on how many years of useful life these cars have left once they get to this state.
The rust gets bad fast, especially if you're planning on driving it in the winter. That spot of rust could be a gaping hole in 1, 2, maybe 3 years. You make way too much money to be driving around in a car with friggen rust holes. I hate rust |
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