2005 Miata 5speed with 102k miles. Owner is an older woman. She has agreed to sell it to me for $6,500. Car is stock as far as I can tell and it drives great. These are the issues I noticed: Oil is seeping from the valve cover and the soft top is falling apart with the rear window pretty much just hanging there. Is the valve cover leak a bigger problem than it seems on the surface? Location is Northern California where these are generally going for over 10k. Is this a decent deal or should I walk away? I’m looking to buy this as my second “fun” car.

  • Slyons89@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Valve cover leak very common, new gasket and it’s good. The top is more involved, personally I wouldn’t replace a soft top myself so I would consider that a $2000 repair for a shop (less if you’re lucky) and use it to negotiate price if they are willing to budge. Other than that seems like a good deal. Inspect the rocker panels for rust but if it’s a CA car it’s probably good.

  • Quinticuh@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Idc what issues it has if the last owner was an old lady it’s in better condition than 90% of thrashed Miata’s by 6 owners

    • khirss@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      Gotta love older owners. it has an extensive service history on carfax. Everything you can think of maintenance wise has been done without missing a beat on this thing. Including a brand new radiator, belts, brakes, valve cover gasket, all fluids flushed and replaced in the last 10-20k miles and oil+filter changed every 3-4k. I’ll be picking it up this weekend. Super stoked!