Cuban Missile

Hi Everybody-

I recently sold my first "toy" car, a 2001 Mustang Cobra, the car I always wanted in high school. I didn't love it, for various reasons, and sold it. The good news is I got more than I paid for it @ $10,500.

I think for half the money, I can get a NB miata which is more fun, and faster on the track.

I split my time between Southern CA, and Omaha, NE and am finding NB miatas for anywhere from $3,000-$7,000. This weekend I test drove three miatas

1. 2002 enthusiast owned LS miata. 5 speed, koni shocks, GC coils, top is in good shape, 109k miles. Seller wants 7k, could probably get it for 6. Owner is an older guy who has had fun with the car but doesn't seem to have beat it too hard
2. 2001 teenage owned miata. 6 speed. Thrashed.
3. 2000 anniversary edition miata. 6 speed, 161k miles. Recently rebuilt engine, old FM turbo kit with link engine management. Runs like garbage over 3,000 RPM. Needs Megasquirt, a new top, seats, roll bar, etc. Asking $5,600. Could maybe get for 4-5k. (engine bay photo attached)

Any advice? Should I buy a clean non-turbo car and piece together parts from the classifieds here, or buy something like option #3 and clean up the previous owner's mess?

Thanks for your help all

-Chris

adryargument

iTrader: (1)

Do you want one for the fun of driving it, or the enjoyment of building it yourself?
That will narrow down your 3 options...

yossi126

iTrader: (6)

I think you already know you want the first option car.
That turbo car seems like a mess.

slowcarfast

This part does matter, there are significant savings to be had buying a modified car. I think whether number 3 is worthwhile depends on the other mods, what suspension, what clutch, wheels, was it a performance or stock engine rebuild? The most bang for buck is probably waiting for a well sorted turbo car, possibly from the classifieds here. Of course you may want a car right away or want to build it yourself, which is completely reasonable.

Cuban Missile

I'm 100% confident in any miata I buy, I'll end up wrenching on it, so I'm not super concerned with having one with some aftermarket parts.

Looking at the original example

Option #1 - Buy for 6k, add a roll bar ($500), megasquirt v3 ($1200) and injectors ($300) and daily/track it boost-free for a year or so. After getting familiar with MS, I can put a turbokit on in the future ($3k). It'll need a beefier clutch also ($500) At this point, I'll be $11,500 into the miata

Option #3 - Buy for 4k, add megasquirt v3 ($1200) wheels/tires ($400-600 used), struts/coils ($300-600 used), daily/track it nearly immediately. All in will be about $6-6.5k.

Waiting for a screaming deal here, similar to this one, (esp with the Volks) https://www.miataturbo.net/cars-sale...t-cheap-86633/ could be a solid option too.

I emailed FM about the car in option #3, we'll see what they suggest.

Any other advice on what to look for in a used miata, especially a turbo one? I can pull the intake and check for shaft play. Compression test would be helpful also. This was helpful but doesn't mention turbo'ed cars Miata Community Wiki | Checking Out a Used Miata

Thanks for your help all. Excited to get a miata. Happy Memorial Day