I came across a stupid cheap 6 speed manual transmission from an 01 SE Miata with roughly 236k miles. Is it still worth buying even though the maintenance history is unknown?

My NA8 will be boosted soon, I already have a 3.9 Torsen (pending install), and the car’s main role is a fun backup for when my other car is down maintenance/upgrades. I don’t expect to make more than ~220 torque on my setup. I'm thinking of buying it as a back up if my 5 speed goes out. I do some highway driving, so the 3.9 diff will help drop my cruising rpms but I've heard that the 6th gear is roughly the same as the 5th gear I currently have.

 

I mean, if it turns the output shaft in every gear, I am happy to take the risk, with a few simple checks.
I am in Marin, PM me and maybe I can go check it out with you for 2nd dibs.

 

I will keep you posted.

 

The 6th gear is shorter than the 5th gear in your 5 spd. In other words, your highway cruising RPM will actually increase.