Miata Mailing List: June 1997, Message #29
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From: 	"john_k..." <kresky@erols.com>

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

Date: 	Sun, 1 Jun 1997 17:49:58 -0500





> 

> Ben Foltz

> Team - I hope I found my Miata !!!





Ben, 



 Let me add a little to the discussion. First, any decent body shop has

tool to "pull the frame". With today's type of auto construction that is a

necessity. Second, every car made today has alignment point all over the

body and frame. Third, If anything is significantly missaligned on the car

I would consider the car improperly repaired. Finally, you get what you pay

for. Sounds like this car is being sold at an asking price that is

significantly under what the car generally brings. 94 Miatas in my paper

today (CT) are asking for between $10k and $14k. Ask yourself if some bent

sheet metal in the rear quarter is worth $3k to $7k. I don't think so. 



Walk away from this one. The price says, "I have a problem". Spend the

money on a good car up front. This one will probably cost more than that by

the time you get it straight. 



If you must go look at it, take a test drive on a straight level road and

let go of the wheel. See if the car pulls consistently to one side or the

other. Then hit the brakes while holding the wheel lightly. Again, see if

it pulls. Be ready for anything!