Miata Mailing List: January 1994, Message #53
sponsored by



     


   From: siegel@klab.caltech.edu (Micah Siegel)
Subject: WANTED:  Used '90 or '91 Miata BUYING TIPS in L.A.
   Date: Wed, 5 Jan 1994 20:19:33 -0500


Dear Friends:

I am purchasing a first real car and am interested in a used '90 or
'91 Miata.  I've done my homework for the L.A. car market, but still
could use some good advice:

	o Any potential trouble spots on these cars?  I will have the 
	  car checked out by a competent mechanic, but what should I
	  look & listen for in a test drive?  

	o What is reasonable mileage / price range?  Other than
	  mileage and accident history, what differentiates a "good"
	  older Miata from a "not-so-good" old Miata?  I have no need
	  for power windows, automatic transmission or other such
 	  appurtenances -- is there any reason I should go for one of
	  the package bundles? (What *were* the package options for
	  the '90 and '91, by the way?)
	
	o Some of the older roadsters came with different engine
	  options (e.g. the stock '73 Porsche 914 had either a 2.0
	  liter or a 1.8 liter engine).  Are there different engine
	  sizes in different '90 or '91 Miatas?

	o What are the advantages of a '91 over a '90?  What about 
	  a '92 over a '91?  The '92 Miatas do seem pricier around
	  here -- do they drive significantly better?

	o Any important questions to ask the previous owner about
	  the car?	

Of course if any of you lives nearby and is interested in (or has a
friend who is) selling a Miata, please do get in touch with me ASAP.
Forgive in advance my hopelessly general questions and thanks for your
help!  Please email replies; I'll post a summary to the list if there
is sufficient interest.

Micah Siegel
siegel@cns.caltech.edu
Los Angeles, CA