Nice SBY in Houston under $2K [Archive] (2024)

KeeperNC

22nd April 2016, 23:29

Okay, what possible "TLC" could justify this low a price for the miles? Or is this a scam?

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/5552235459.html

1992 Mazda Miata MX-5.. Runs and drives.. Needs TLC.. $1950 Cold A/C.. - $1950

Up for sale is this miata, this is a 1.6ltr and 5 speed manual trans. Only 125k miles.. Engine and trans are EXCELLENT! A/C works Great. Clean title. The top is in decent shape but the rear window has come unstitched. Needs tires soon. Take a look at pics and call or text if interested. VERY IMPORTANT!!!

NO TRADES AT ALL!!!!! No negotiating over phone!

http://images.craigslist.org/00S0S_cAhV2aOYK7H_600x450.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/00707_jcfoNM6ZuYL_600x450.jpg

mx52go

23rd April 2016, 01:21

I am SSSOOOO tempted! :ohno:

SBY is my favorite and I live East of there about 30 minutes.

I also have the cash, but....... my garage is full :( .

Anybody want a beautiful STO??!!! LOL! ;)

Still doesn't mean I won't watch it and possibly text the seller.

Shoot, any non rusty Miata that runs is worth $3K these days, let alone $2K. A steal!

I have not been watching CL lately in light of all of our flooding. I figured "who is gonna try and sell a Miata right now"? :dunno:

There is a slight chance it was a recent ( like a few days ago) flood victim, but it probably would not run and inspection would tell.

Half of me hopes it sells quick and takes away the temptation. The other half of me will be kicking myself for not acting sooner.

BTW - the roll bar appears to be an older Auto Power piece. Just FYI.

Also note, no "Mazda" sticker on front of bumper below driver's side running light.

Bob_MX5

23rd April 2016, 09:38

I am SSSOOOO tempted! :ohno:

SBY is my favorite and I live East of there about 30 minutes.

I also have the cash, but....... my garage is full :( .

Anybody want a beautiful STO??!!! LOL! ;)

Still doesn't mean I won't watch it and possibly text the seller.

Shoot, any non rusty Miata that runs is worth $3K these days, let alone $2K. A steal!

I have not been watching CL lately in light of all of our flooding. I figured "who is gonna try and sell a Miata right now"? :dunno:

There is a slight chance it was a recent ( like a few days ago) flood victim, but it probably would not run and inspection would tell.

Half of me hopes it sells quick and takes away the temptation. The other half of me will be kicking myself for not acting sooner.

BTW - the roll bar appears to be an older Auto Power piece. Just FYI.

Also note, no "Mazda" sticker on front of bumper below driver's side running light.

Geoff, in my humble opinion, it won't last thru the weekend at that price. If you "watch", you'll you'll only see it go to another owner.

B.

Joe_in_Houston

23rd April 2016, 11:40

What a day for me to have my cell phone at home! Working off my ipad here...
It seems this SBY was sold in an auction in Austin at Copart Salvage Yard on April 14, 2016.

Here is the link with pics:

http://www.copart.com/us/Lot/21474876

Here is a pic of the page:

242227

Pic of interior:

242228

Copart page claims it is a clear title but that sure looks like flood damage to me.

Caveat emptor my friends.

Greg 713

23rd April 2016, 12:10

Copart page claims it is a clear title but that sure looks like flood damage to me.

Caveat emptor my friends.
Not just this Miata but ANY used car the buyer should beware, it is an USED car!

I don't know if it was in a flood but if the back window was broken and the car was in a torrential downpour this Miata could have had plenty of water inside and not have been sitting in water (if that makes sense).

btw-thanks for the link! it is very helpful in getting some background on this SBY.

iamareplicant

23rd April 2016, 12:20

What a day for me to have my cell phone at home! Working off my ipad here...
It seems this SBY was sold in an auction in Austin at Copart Salvage Yard on April 14, 2016.

Here is the link with pics:

http://www.copart.com/us/Lot/21474876

Here is a pic of the page:

242227

Pic of interior:

242228

Copart page claims it is a clear title but that sure looks like flood damage to me.

Caveat emptor my friends.

If that isn't flood damage, I'd like to know what caused what we seen in those pics.

Yikes.

Bob_MX5

23rd April 2016, 13:23

If that isn't flood damage, I'd like to know what caused what we seen in those pics.

Yikes.

Baby jeebus tears?

(I humbly withdrawl any previous words that would suggest a certain m.net member, and friend, should even think about this purchase. Or anyone for that matter. I'm sorry.)

B.:thumbs:

KeeperNC

23rd April 2016, 13:40

Baby jeebus tears?

(I humbly withdrawl any previous words that would suggest a certain m.net member, and friend, should even think about this purchase. Or anyone for that matter. I'm sorry.)

B.:thumbs:

And I humbly withdraw the "nice" in the subject line. :eek:

Great research/input here - yet another Exhibit A on the value of m.net! :thumbs:

Joe_in_Houston

23rd April 2016, 13:47

Even if & that is huge "IF" you rack up the interior damage to the blown in rear window, one look at the engine bay should convince you that the "flooding" wasn't just isolated to the interior. At least it looks that way.

Sure has a nice body though. :(

Bob_MX5

23rd April 2016, 15:12

...Sure has a nice body though. :(

Yes, but Joe you know she still has flood-cooties in every nook and cranny. :eek:

B.

iamareplicant

23rd April 2016, 15:19

Baby jeebus tears?

(I humbly withdrawl any previous words that would suggest a certain m.net member, and friend, should even think about this purchase. Or anyone for that matter. I'm sorry.)

B.:thumbs:

For me, I'm glad you posted the post. I learn a great deal when I am on this site, and Copart is new to me.

As well, the research that goes on on this site - and the experts with years of expertise that are willing to share - is remarkable.

So, thanks for the post : )

And "flood-cooties" ....actually an lol

Joe_in_Houston

23rd April 2016, 15:34

First flag for me was the paper tag. That let me know someone hasn't owned it long enough to plate it....ding, ding, ding.

It's amazing how much info you can find out sometimes by just Google searching a VIN number, which is how I found the rest of the info.

I agree, Miata.net is awesome! I learned a lot from Bob_MX5, KeeperNC and MX52Go.

Great teachers.

Zoom zoom!

iamareplicant

23rd April 2016, 16:03

Owner of the SBY texted me back and said "No flood damage" and the title is clear.

:dunno:

XavierL13

23rd April 2016, 16:56

Maybe you can Text / MMS him this collage?
(the future buyer really does deserve to know, not have this history hidden just so seller can make a quick buck…)

http://i.imgur.com/IzGsR3K.jpg

iamareplicant

23rd April 2016, 17:06

Maybe you can Text / MMS him this collage?
(the future buyer really does deserve to know, not have this history hidden just so seller can make a quick buck…)

http://i.imgur.com/IzGsR3K.jpg

Just did. I will post back his reply if I get it.

And I will message him again if he replies and ask how it is that he was able to obtain title to the car in just 10 days so that he can resell it today. Or maybe in his state they send out the permanent title that quick. Where I live, it takes 4-8 weeks min.

iamareplicant

23rd April 2016, 17:21

I emailed the owner with the attached picture/collage of flood-cooties:

"I am still interested in your car. Can you tell me how it received the damage in the attached photo?"

His reply:

"As in was not in a flood. You can obviously see if came from austin. And was not in town when it flooded"

Not an answer to my question, but a sure answer that confirms a not-so-good seller, to say the least.

cajun312

23rd April 2016, 17:27

On the copart page it shows this..... Vehicle
Donated Vehicle The net proceeds from the sale of this vehicle will benefit a charity

If the owner had had no comp insurance and the car wasn't covered for flood damage , by donating it the title would show clean because the insurance company would not have been involved.

iamareplicant

23rd April 2016, 17:30

On the copart page it shows this..... Vehicle
Donated Vehicle The net proceeds from the sale of this vehicle will benefit a charity

If the owner had had no comp insurance and the car wasn't covered for flood damage , by donating it the title would show clean because the insurance company would not have been involved.

Nice catch. I saw the DONATED part as well but didn't connect it with a clear title.

Here is the second reply I received when I again asked the owner how the damage occurred:

"Leaves in engine compartment from sitting in a yard around trees for a couple if years and water inside due to rear window not being sealed. Thanks"

If the damage in those pics are from sitting around trees, and the water level in the interior reaching all the way to at least the top of the dash came from a bad back window, I will repeat my earlier post about this car and this seller: YIKES.

eddielasvegas

23rd April 2016, 18:33

The dishonest seller aside, for 2 grand (and offer $1,500) this might be worth the trouble. The starting price is so low, it is probably worth a chance.

It sure cleaned up nice and if a good test drive and PPI reveal nothing major, it could be a drive until it stops type car and then sell the parts.

If this were Phoenix, I'd be taking a look with the above in mind simply because it's an SBY.

Eddie

Greg 713

23rd April 2016, 18:37

The dishonest seller aside, for 2 grand (and offer $1,500) this might be worth the trouble. The starting price is so low, it is probably worth a chance.

It sure cleaned up nice and if a good test drive and PPI reveal nothing major, it could be a drive until it stops type car and then sell the parts.

If this were Phoenix, I'd be taking a look with the above in mind simply because it's an SBY.

Eddie
Eddie, I am with you on this one (except the Phoenix stuff, that would still be too far away :) ). Even if it took a puke you could easily make your money back on a quick part out then simply give away or trash the slower selling stuff.

El Fez

23rd April 2016, 19:00

Joe_in_Houston

23rd April 2016, 19:31

Vince3

24th April 2016, 03:03

I emailed the owner with the attached picture/collage of flood-cooties:

"I am still interested in your car. Can you tell me how it received the damage in the attached photo?"

His reply:

"As in was not in a flood. You can obviously see if came from austin. And was not in town when it flooded"

Not an answer to my question, but a sure answer that confirms a not-so-good seller, to say the least.

Well the least we can all do here is flag this sleazy and unscrupulous sellers ad till he fesses up to the real history of the car. :) :)
http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/5552235459.html

twisties

24th April 2016, 07:16

KeeperNC

24th April 2016, 08:16

Well the least we can all do here is flag this sleazy and unscrupulous sellers ad till he fesses up to the real history of the car. :) :)
http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/5552235459.html

Good idea - flagged. Also, if someone felt the seller were being intentionally deceptive, someone could do this to protect the greater Miata enthusiast community.

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/5554107441.html

iamareplicant

24th April 2016, 11:05

Good idea - flagged. Also, if someone felt the seller were being intentionally deceptive, someone could do this to protect the greater Miata enthusiast community.

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/5554107441.html

The seller emailed me and accused me of flagging his car. He seems not too happy.

However, better him not happy than an unsuspecting buyer.

Joe_in_Houston

24th April 2016, 16:37

Houston Miata Club community has been well advised.

The ad is down by the Seller.

chriscar

25th April 2016, 11:29

On the copart page it shows this..... Vehicle
Donated Vehicle The net proceeds from the sale of this vehicle will benefit a charity

If the owner had had no comp insurance and the car wasn't covered for flood damage , by donating it the title would show clean because the insurance company would not have been involved.

I read that as CoPart donating the proceeds, not the original seller donating it to CoPart.

And FWIW, it looks to me like that car has been sitting outside for years, not flooded. That leaf filled engine bay didn't happen overnight.

C

iamareplicant

25th April 2016, 15:15

And FWIW, it looks to me like that car has been sitting outside for years, not flooded. That leaf filled engine bay didn't happen overnight.

C

If it was in a flood, those leaves could have filled the engine bay, and interior, in seconds.

As well, the engine compartment was flooded at some point. Or someone popped the hood, and then left the car outside for 10 years.

Greg 713

25th April 2016, 15:48

If it was in a flood, those leaves could have filled the engine bay, and interior, in seconds.

As well, the engine compartment was flooded at some point. Or someone popped the hood, and then left the car outside for 10 years.
Are you saying this because you KNOW this or are you assuming your position based on the photos?

I am not saying it was or wasn't but you are asserting your position as it is fact. Do you have first hand knowledge (insurance adjuster, previous owner, CARFAX) indicating it was a flood car? Seriously, not trying to put you in a corner, it would just be good to know how you know it is a flood car because we have a VIN number and once fact is know I would like to link this to the Miata registry in Collector's Corner so future prospective buyers know where this car has been. Once again, we need verifiable facts and not just assumptions.

Thanks

iamareplicant

25th April 2016, 23:21

Are you saying this because you KNOW this or are you assuming your position based on the photos?

I am not saying it was or wasn't but you are asserting your position as it is fact. Do you have first hand knowledge (insurance adjuster, previous owner, CARFAX) indicating it was a flood car? Seriously, not trying to put you in a corner, it would just be good to know how you know it is a flood car because we have a VIN number and once fact is know I would like to link this to the Miata registry in Collector's Corner so future prospective buyers know where this car has been. Once again, we need verifiable facts and not just assumptions.

Thanks
No, just assumption having seen a number of cars that came out of the flood in Los Angeles in the '90s. The engine compartments looked like...they had been in a flood. An car wholesaler friend of mine got a hold of a few flood cars and the engine compartments look just like this Miata's.

As I posted, it was (IMO) either in a flood, or left out for years in the rain.

I will be more clear should I comment on such things again.

Greg 713

25th April 2016, 23:46

I will be more clear should I comment on such things again.
No problem, because if you had information we would archive it.

There is a list of cars in Collector's Corner (http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=550402) that have been at auction, sold or have known salvage titles when the car was sold with a clean title. The originator of the thread wanted the Miata community to have access to as many VIN numbers as possible so the guy with a "900 mile" 90 wouldn't get burned when he found out the title had been washed and was sold by a questionable seller.

Anybody can go into collectors corner, go to the search function and enter the VIN of the car they are looking at. If John listed it, it will show up in your search. Understand not EVERY Miata sold at salvage auction is in this list. But you gotta give the guy credit for listing what he did. Since we have a VIN he may link this SBY anyway. Once again this is a small list in comparison to how many are sold but give the OP credit for how much he has done.

iamareplicant

25th April 2016, 23:56

No problem, because if you had information we would archive it.

There is a list of cars in Collector's Corner (http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=550402) that have been at auction, sold or have known salvage titles when the car was sold with a clean title. The originator of the thread wanted the Miata community to have access to as many VIN numbers as possible so the guy with a "900 mile" 90 wouldn't get burned when he found out the title had been washed and was sold by a questionable seller.

Anybody can go into collectors corner, go to the search function and enter the VIN of the car they are looking at. If John listed it, it will show up in your search. Understand not EVERY Miata sold at salvage auction is in this list. But you gotta give the guy credit for listing what he did. Since we have a VIN he may link this SBY anyway. Once again this is a small list in comparison to how many are sold but give the OP credit for how much he has done.

This ability to search for vins vis a vis salvage titles, etc. is rather slick.

Props to all who took time to make this so.

mrus

27th April 2016, 18:58

Archived it a few weeks ago in the specialty area of collector cars.

Probable flood car. Clean title is what it showed at copart. And is how I archived it.
Really not a bad deal on a Yellow car though. Good thing she got archived and had pictures in this post.
Keeping people honest and protecting buyers in the future !!!!!!!!!!!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Originally Posted by Greg 713 View Post
No problem, because if you had information we would archive it.

There is a list of cars in Collector's Corner that have been at auction, sold or have known salvage titles when the car was sold with a clean title. The originator of the thread wanted the Miata community to have access to as many VIN numbers as possible so the guy with a "900 mile" 90 wouldn't get burned when he found out the title had been washed and was sold by a questionable seller.

Anybody can go into collectors corner, go to the search function and enter the VIN of the car they are looking at. If John listed it, it will show up in your search. Understand not EVERY Miata sold at salvage auction is in this list.

But you gotta give the guy credit for listing what he did. Since we have a VIN he may link this SBY anyway. Once again this is a small list in comparison to how many are sold but give the OP credit for how much he has done.

Thanks for the heads up Greg.\ and iamareplicant
John

arthur106

8th February 2017, 23:05

So.....awkward thing happened today. As I was talking to an interested buyer for my car, he sent me a link to this page. Turns out, this is my car! :eek: :bang: :dunno: :ohno:

I'm in shock, really. I bought it in late July from a half-sketchy, half-friendly "car dealer" in Houston. I will refrain from mentioning him or his business to give him the benefit of the doubt here. Honestly, I paid too much, even for the condition it was in then. I paid $2500 for the car. Pros: it ran well, the AC was ice cold, it had a clean title, and was rust free. Cons: The shifter assembly was absolutely wrecked, the sound insulation was mildewed (I now know why), the PS pump or AC compressor would make loud awful noises after hitting bumps (only found this out after test drive), the soft top was useless, and as I would find out in a few months time, the syncrhos in the tranny were shot (I wonder how many are like this without the owners knowing, though). I really think $1500 would have been a fair price; but hey, you live and learn, right?

Anyway, I've done A LOT of work on this car and it's in great condition. The paint job is pretty solid and I've done some cosmetic work on the interior. I've been doubting everything I know about this car since figuring this out, but I haven't found significant rust anywhere, so I really think I dodged a bullet.

tbearmiata

9th February 2017, 09:42

Wow, any other issues like electrics?

Funny how things pop up in the forum.

KeeperNC

9th February 2017, 11:10

So.....awkward thing happened today. As I was talking to an interested buyer for my car, he sent me a link to this page. Turns out, this is my car! :eek: :bang: :dunno: :ohno:

I'm in shock, really. I bought it in late July from a half-sketchy, half-friendly "car dealer" in Houston. I will refrain from mentioning him or his business to give him the benefit of the doubt here. Honestly, I paid too much, even for the condition it was in then. I paid $2500 for the car. Pros: it ran well, the AC was ice cold, it had a clean title, and was rust free. Cons: The shifter assembly was absolutely wrecked, the sound insulation was mildewed (I now know why), the PS pump or AC compressor would make loud awful noises after hitting bumps (only found this out after test drive), the soft top was useless, and as I would find out in a few months time, the syncrhos in the tranny were shot (I wonder how many are like this without the owners knowing, though). I really think $1500 would have been a fair price; but hey, you live and learn, right?

Anyway, I've done A LOT of work on this car and it's in great condition. The paint job is pretty solid and I've done some cosmetic work on the interior. I've been doubting everything I know about this car since figuring this out, but I haven't found significant rust anywhere, so I really think I dodged a bullet.

It's been so long since this post originated that I forgot I was the one who started it! :bang:

Arthur, for your sake, I wish you had googled the VIN, it would've brought you to this thread before buying (as it did your friend, probably). That's why we post what we do here, to try to watch out for each other.

Glad to hear you've done a lot of work to try to bring this car back from near-death. Given their rarity, SBYs are worth saving when possible.

You mention you had an "interested buyer" - are you actively trying to sell this car now that you've done the heavy lifting, or did this guy approach you and ask about it?

The rules of this forum prohibit you from promoting your car for sale, but we started the thread, you didn't, so you're not breaking any rules. Listing the work you did to this SBY to get it back running might help you here, in case any other potential buyers run a search on that VIN.

P.S. Yes, while this is not a place for slamming dealers, if I were in the Houston Miata club, I'd be sending you a PM offline to ask, just to tell fellow club members to stay away from that guy. :mad:

arthur106

9th February 2017, 11:39

Tbearmiata, theres rust under the carpet on the passenger side where the ECU is. It's limited to the bracket holding it in place and a little bit on the box itself. The potential buyer is aware of this and I've been sending pics to him about this. I haven't had a SINGLE electrical issue. As someone pointed out in a PM, it's likely it wasn't in a flood, rather it was left open to the elements. This still sucks, but it's a lot better than getting the inside of the frame soaked.

KeeperNC, I found this guy on a FB page for a local sports car club. I really hope to sell the car to him because he seems willing to pay my asking price, which I think is very fair, and more importantly he has almost the exact plans for this car that I do, so all the work I did won't be in vain.

To be clear, I am not advertising this car for sale. I already have a buyer lined up (unless we find any big red flags).
-SBY paint in fairly good condition. Cracking in front and rear bumpers but holding steady. You'd never know if your 10-15' away.
-From what I've seen, the frame is rust free. Fingers crossed, this guy will bring a borescope to the prebuy inspection to get a better view than I've been able to. I'm nervous, but don't expect any surprises.
-Interior in good condition. I stripped out the mildewed sound proofing, removed and thoroughly cleaned the carpets, replaced shifter and handbrake boots, and installed a new radio and bezel w/ gauge slots.
-Last time I checked, the engine ran even compression that weren't far off from factory spec. I've replaced every rubber hose and fuel line and every gasket/seal that doesn't require an engine teardown. I even removed and cleaned the engine so that oil leaks will be traceable. Painted valve cover and clean engine bay, too.
-Newly rebuilt transmission with new synchros, seals, and bearings. Also 3 new gears (I forget which ones) and a new shift rod) fork. The shifter itself has been rebuilt and I'm using the motocraft gear oil--it feels AMAZING.
-New stage 1 clutch, pressure plate, and 10.3# flywheel.
-"New" raceland headers with reinforced welds--thanks codemonkey!
-New speedo cable and replaced instrument cluster with a unit that had similar mileage--thanks 3MiataFamily!
-Bought and installed SBY hard top from another car. I should mention that I had completely remove the soft top. I installed defrost, including the factory switch for it found on later NA models (not activated on the AC/heater control unit)
-Removed AC completely. Blower and heater core still work.
-Removed PS. I disassembled the rack and ground out the seal so that there's no extra resistance. Feels great.
-New timing belt. Air filter, oil filter, fuel filter, alternator belt, and pretty much any perishable item I could find.
-Treated dash support structure for rust (apparently this is common even in well-cared-for cars) and painted it.

I think that covers most of it. I am asking $4k for it, which I find reasonable. ($1.5k initial value, $1k hardtop, $850 tranny repair, $750 clutch and flywheel, plus all the little fixes).
Again, I AM NOT advertising the car, just answering a previously asked question and, to some extent, seeking validation that this is a fair price. If this buyer doesn't work out, you can expect to see this in the appropriate forum :). I hope this can help to clear up the car's record for future buyers.

PS: also, I've driven the crap out of it to prove its durability. :D

Bob_MX5

9th February 2017, 11:58

^^^ Since you had the carpet out, you should have seen obvious signs of flooding had it been flooded: potential water line, dirt/sand/leaves at levels and areas not reachable by rain. Did you see any? Did you take pictures?

If so, you have some level of proof that it was not flooded and that supports a not-flooded sales approach. Plus, it eliminates any "flooded" related hits to you sales price.

GLWS.

B.

arthur106

9th February 2017, 12:46

^^^ Since you had the carpet out, you should have seen obvious signs of flooding had it been flooded: potential water line, dirt/sand/leaves at levels and areas not reachable by rain. Did you see any? Did you take pictures?

If so, you have some level of proof that it was not flooded and that supports a not-flooded sales approach. Plus, it eliminates any "flooded" related hits to you sales price.

GLWS.

B.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170209/49b6ec7470739d21bacda0bf1aa511fd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170209/a6e7a26a0c30f763a8f04d072691b826.jpg
That first pic seems to show a bit of rust in the frame, but it's just dirt and rust that's flaked off that bracket. I guess if it got rained on, it would make since for this area to have the worst damage. I've never seen a flooded car before so I wasn't really sure what to look for, but I didn't think anything of it at the time.

Greg 713

9th February 2017, 13:32

Bob_MX5

9th February 2017, 15:37

I'm not seeing a flood line in the top picture. Looks to me as rust that developed from long-time wet carpet.

On other thought: pull the door cards and look inside the door shell and back of cards for debris/dirt line. The plastic barrier behind the door card will not have prevented flood water from leaking into,the door shell.

B.

tbearmiata

9th February 2017, 19:32

Tbearmiata, theres rust under the carpet on the passenger side where the ECU is. It's limited to the bracket holding it in place and a little bit on the box itself. The potential buyer is aware of this and I've been sending pics to him about this. I haven't had a SINGLE electrical issue. As someone pointed out in a PM, it's likely it wasn't in a flood, rather it was left open to the elements. This still sucks, but it's a lot better than getting the inside of the frame soaked.

KeeperNC, I found this guy on a FB page for a local sports car club. I really hope to sell the car to him because he seems willing to pay my asking price, which I think is very fair, and more importantly he has almost the exact plans for this car that I do, so all the work I did won't be in vain.

To be clear, I am not advertising this car for sale. I already have a buyer lined up (unless we find any big red flags).
-SBY paint in fairly good condition. Cracking in front and rear bumpers but holding steady. You'd never know if your 10-15' away.
-From what I've seen, the frame is rust free. Fingers crossed, this guy will bring a borescope to the prebuy inspection to get a better view than I've been able to. I'm nervous, but don't expect any surprises.
-Interior in good condition. I stripped out the mildewed sound proofing, removed and thoroughly cleaned the carpets, replaced shifter and handbrake boots, and installed a new radio and bezel w/ gauge slots.
-Last time I checked, the engine ran even compression that weren't far off from factory spec. I've replaced every rubber hose and fuel line and every gasket/seal that doesn't require an engine teardown. I even removed and cleaned the engine so that oil leaks will be traceable. Painted valve cover and clean engine bay, too.
-Newly rebuilt transmission with new synchros, seals, and bearings. Also 3 new gears (I forget which ones) and a new shift rod) fork. The shifter itself has been rebuilt and I'm using the motocraft gear oil--it feels AMAZING.
-New stage 1 clutch, pressure plate, and 10.3# flywheel.
-"New" raceland headers with reinforced welds--thanks codemonkey!
-New speedo cable and replaced instrument cluster with a unit that had similar mileage--thanks 3MiataFamily!
-Bought and installed SBY hard top from another car. I should mention that I had completely remove the soft top. I installed defrost, including the factory switch for it found on later NA models (not activated on the AC/heater control unit)
-Removed AC completely. Blower and heater core still work.
-Removed PS. I disassembled the rack and ground out the seal so that there's no extra resistance. Feels great.
-New timing belt. Air filter, oil filter, fuel filter, alternator belt, and pretty much any perishable item I could find.
-Treated dash support structure for rust (apparently this is common even in well-cared-for cars) and painted it.

I think that covers most of it. I am asking $4k for it, which I find reasonable. ($1.5k initial value, $1k hardtop, $850 tranny repair, $750 clutch and flywheel, plus all the little fixes).
Again, I AM NOT advertising the car, just answering a previously asked question and, to some extent, seeking validation that this is a fair price. If this buyer doesn't work out, you can expect to see this in the appropriate forum :). I hope this can help to clear up the car's record for future buyers.

PS: also, I've driven the crap out of it to prove its durability. :D

Hi Arthur - wasn't accusing you of anything. Just curious. Knowing where the ECU was I was wondering if would have been underwater. Obviously not (or replaced). I would guess if it's running well this long afterwards then should be okay.

arthur106

9th February 2017, 21:48

arthur106

10th February 2017, 01:48

I'm not seeing a flood line in the top picture. Looks to me as rust that developed from long-time wet carpet.

On other thought: pull the door cards and look inside the door shell and back of cards for debris/dirt line. The plastic barrier behind the door card will not have prevented flood water from leaking into,the door shell.

B.
I had pulled the door panels a while back when I replaced the window bushings.

Rather than sifting through the pictures and just posting one or two, I'm providing access to a google drive that has every picture of the car I've taken, including pics of the insides of the doors. If you don't have time to download, I'll save you time and tell you that the insides of the doors are spotless!
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B85QA9yao33dd2swdzI1MklmcVU
Note:. Pics are in a zip file to maintain their Windows timestamp. This makes it easier to follow projects in chronological order.

Bob_MX5

10th February 2017, 12:12

I had pulled the door panels a while back when I replaced the window bushings.

Rather than sifting through the pictures and just posting one or two, I'm providing access to a google drive that has every picture of the car I've taken, including pics of the insides of the doors. If you don't have time to download, I'll save you time and tell you that the insides of the doors are spotless!
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B85QA9yao33dd2swdzI1MklmcVU
Note:. Pics are in a zip file to maintain their Windows timestamp. This makes it easier to follow projects in chronological order.

If the inside of the doors are spotless and the door cards have no visible water damage, I'd be confident it was not flooded. Yes, the PO could have replaced the door cards and hosed out the door shells. But, given what we know of the car when you bought it, there aint no way the PO went to that trouble yet didn't bother to clean the engine bay or other easy access areas.

Just my 2cents.

B.

KeeperNC

10th February 2017, 20:17

Bob, I might even credit you with 3 cents for that analysis. ;)

Arthur, kudos to you for documenting your work so thoroughly! :thumbs:

Bob_MX5

10th February 2017, 21:03

Bob, I might even credit you with 3 cents for that analysis. ;)

Arthur, kudos to you for documenting your work so thoroughly! :thumbs:

Just add it to my account. :D:D

b.