Miata Mailing List: June 1997, Message #25
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From: 	eschwar1@ix.netcom.com (Eric Schwarzentraub)

Subject: Re: Is this too good to be true?? (buying a used miata)

Date: 	Sun, 1 Jun 1997 16:23:51 -0500



You wrote: 

>

>In a message dated 97-06-01 15:11:23 EDT, you write:

>

><< Your potential Miata has been smacked.  It is a fragile car.  



    I might respectfully disagree on the notion that the Miata is a     

    fragile car (I speak with experience on this note).  As with any    

    wreck, it is my limited experience that an off-center smack results 

    in the car frame being torqued and twisted.  This throws the        

    suspension alignment points off.  If the car hit more square and    

    the frame was not damaged, or the frame was chinked *before* any    

    suspension location or pickup points then the car will *probably*   

    be able to be pulled back to the factory range or specifications.





>If the  door jambs are off a little on the doors then you can safely 

>bet that the whole car is slightly bent or twisted in some way.  Your 

>baby will never be perfect, and given the delicate nature of Miata 

>handling, and the sensitive chassis, it will not be a very enjoyable 

>car if you actually drive it like a sports car.  I'd avoid it unless 

the price is too tempting.



    I agree here.

> 

> - Mike >>

>

>How much could something like this mess the car up??



    It all depends on the location and velocity of the wreck.  If the   

    car cann't be pull back into factory specs. then it will always be  

    "off" in some way.  The scope of "off" could include doors that     

    don't quite shut right, a top latch that may take some "jiggling"   

    to catch, to premature tireware to other indicators of a misaligned 

    suspension



>The cosmetics things i would repair and fix, but how could i tell if 

>the whole chasis or whatever has been damaged??

    

    A computerized 4 wheel alignment may be able to locate where the    

    car is bent and by how much it is out of the factory spec. range. 

    Once you find where the car is off, then you'll need to take it to  

    a body shop and see if they can't pull it straight.  If they can't  

    then you are stuck with an ill handling and fitting car.  Is this   

    worth the orignal price?  Probably not.  If you look around you     

    will be able to find the Miata for you.  Bide your time and be      

    patient.  Most of all have your money on hand so that when the      

    opportunity that feels right comes, you'll be able to act.



    Eric Schwarzentraub

    '91 Silver