04-28-2014, 02:36 PM
I don't get the logic in this thread.
150k miata = 100% guaranteed to be bulletproof and ready for track use just throw a bar in it and party right? This makes sense because as we all know Miata's have never ever blown out their shocks, or bushings, or needed a clutch, or spark plugs, or brakes, or a radiator ever in their life...
150k E36 = 101% guaranteed to require suspension and cooling system services and shock tower reinforcements within 2 hours of purchase. Because we all know it's completely, 100% impossible to find a seller who has completed these items within the last year, right? Is that what we're going with? :roll:
My point is, with any old car, buyer beware. Whether you're shopping for a BMW or a Honda or a Miata you better know the weak points of that car inside and out before you go check it out so you can ask all the right questions and inspect all the right areas. Don't go running into a Miata (or any other) purchase and just slap the cash in the guy's hand without thoroughly inspecting the car and grilling the seller, you could end up balls deep in it if you aren't careful.
I'm still not recommending an E36. If you're not going to dive straight into tracking then a Miata with a foam-ectomied seat is a pretty ideal car. I know you're worried about power but there is A LOT to be said for a car you can drive at 10/10ths pretty much everywhere and still be legal. Even in something with 220hp a few seconds on the go pedal and you're risking a nasty ticket. In a 115hp Miata that's a total non-issue. You can redline shift that thing past cops all day long and they won't even notice you. Even in heavy traffic you're either hard on the throttle or hard on the brakes, so running out for a gallon of milk turns into an adventure. That's the one thing I miss about mine, as the saying goes, "it's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow."
150k miata = 100% guaranteed to be bulletproof and ready for track use just throw a bar in it and party right? This makes sense because as we all know Miata's have never ever blown out their shocks, or bushings, or needed a clutch, or spark plugs, or brakes, or a radiator ever in their life...
150k E36 = 101% guaranteed to require suspension and cooling system services and shock tower reinforcements within 2 hours of purchase. Because we all know it's completely, 100% impossible to find a seller who has completed these items within the last year, right? Is that what we're going with? :roll:
My point is, with any old car, buyer beware. Whether you're shopping for a BMW or a Honda or a Miata you better know the weak points of that car inside and out before you go check it out so you can ask all the right questions and inspect all the right areas. Don't go running into a Miata (or any other) purchase and just slap the cash in the guy's hand without thoroughly inspecting the car and grilling the seller, you could end up balls deep in it if you aren't careful.
I'm still not recommending an E36. If you're not going to dive straight into tracking then a Miata with a foam-ectomied seat is a pretty ideal car. I know you're worried about power but there is A LOT to be said for a car you can drive at 10/10ths pretty much everywhere and still be legal. Even in something with 220hp a few seconds on the go pedal and you're risking a nasty ticket. In a 115hp Miata that's a total non-issue. You can redline shift that thing past cops all day long and they won't even notice you. Even in heavy traffic you're either hard on the throttle or hard on the brakes, so running out for a gallon of milk turns into an adventure. That's the one thing I miss about mine, as the saying goes, "it's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow."
Now: 07 Porsche Cayman S | 18 VW Tiguan
Then: 18 VW GTI Autobahn | 95 BMW M3 | 15 VW GTI SE | 12 Kia Optima SX | 2009 VW GTI | 00 BMW 540i Sport | 90 Mazda Miata | 94 Yamaha FZR600R | 1993 Suzuki GS500E | 2003 BMW 325i | 95 Saab 900S