New from MD - Looking to get first miata
 

Hey all!

A little backround- I currently drive a 2005 Hyundai Tiburon which I have owned for 6 years so I am ready for a new car. I have been lurking this site trying to gather as much information as I can before I take the big step of buying my first miata and it has come the time to make my first post.

I don't own a miata yet but I have been looking for about 6 months and I think I found one that would work for me. The car in question being a 1997 R Package. I spoke to the previous owner and he gave me the best information he could with what he knew about it. My plans with the car is to have it as my daily driver.

1997 R package
80,000 miles
60,000 miles on turbo build

Mods-
Flyin Miata turbo with tuner
-Not sure what stage kit
Flyin Miata Suspension upgrades
-Adjustable coilovers
-Eibach springs?
-Sway bars
-Body brace under the hood
Centerforced Clutch
Hard dog Rollbar
Upgraded fuel pump and injectors
-Previous owner didn't know what size because owner before him installed them


So I had a few questions before I pulled the trigger. Knowing that it is a R package, meaning no Power steering, would it be difficult to use this car as a daily driver? Is the mileage on the turbo build (60,000) alot? Also is there anything you guys can tell from the pictures or information that I have provided that would be worrisome? The car is 400 miles away and I wanted to get all information I could before I go check it out.

Any help at all would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks and I hope to join the community soon.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1398963978
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1398963978
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1398963978
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1398963978
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1398963978

Welcome, banzai24!

I was wondering if the 60,000 miles on the FM build is a lot? Also is there anything else I should know about buying a turbo miata?

Don't buy a built car unless you're willing to take it all apart and redo it. What kind of coilovers? What size injectors? What type of engine management? What's the asking price? If you do buy it, the first step should be to disconnect the wastegate arm in the driveway before you take it away.

Manual steering is a breeze. A chick could drive it. A de-powered power rack is a little more difficult.

It isn't running on bandaids so it must have a standalone ECU (VTA BOV).

VTA BOV could be an indication that the previous owner was a retarded guy running it that way for "the cool noizez yo" and wondering why he runs pig rich after every shift (if he has a wide band)... thinking that a VTA BOV means a stand alone ECU is giving a lot of unwarranted credit :)

Keith