1991 Mazda Miata Turbo 36k miles Hardtop

1991 Miata for Sale

The Basics:

· Just under 36,000 original miles

· Classic Red

· “A” Package

· 5-Speed Manual transmission

· Aftermarket BEGI turbo kit

· Factory hardtop

· Texas car. Always garaged. Very rarely driven in rain

· I’m the 3rd owner and have owned the car since 1997

· VIN: jm1na3511m0202373

· Clean Texas title

Background:

This car has basically been a weekend fun car for me for a very long time. I’ve been thinking about selling it for the last few years, but just haven’t brought myself to do it until now. I don’t drive it very much (as evidenced by the mileage), but I typically drive it once or twice a month. Overall, it is a very fun little car that I have really enjoyed over the years. I’ve auto-crossed the car a few times, but it’s mostly just been driven on the street. Unfortunately, with 2 kids, I don’t get that many opportunities to drive a 2-seater. I’m also just ready to try something new.

Modifications:

· Aftermarket turbo system (described further below)

· Flyin’ Miata turbo exhaust (installed ≈ 2013)

· Aftermarket stereo system with 6x9 speakers on deck behind seats.

· HardDog Roll-Bar

· Lowering springs and antisway bars (installed ≈ 1998)

· Wheels (installed ≈ 1998)

· Front turn signal air intakes

· Note – the car does not come with other spare or original parts.

Engine / Turbo System:

· The car has a Bell Engineering (BEGI) turbo system with front mount intercooler.

· Runs approximately 7 psi of boost. Aerodyne Aerocharger turbo.

· The turbo was installed by the original owner shortly after the car was purchased new and is likely one of the very earliest turbocharged Miatas. It’s my understanding that the install was done by Corky Bell himself who was friends with the original owner of the car.

· All stock engine internals.

· Fuel control by rising rate fuel pressure regulator (stock fuel injectors, stock ECU).

· Boost gauge and A/F ratio meter.

Condition:

· Interior – The interior is in really good condition. No tears, cracks, stains, etc. worth mentioning.

· All gauges, switches, electronics and lights work (including pop up headlights).

· “A” Package model – Crank windows, no cruise, no ABS. Has original driver’s side airbag.

· Exterior – The paint is original and, in general, in really good shape for being 25 years old. The car has a few small scratches and minor door dings if you look closely, but nothing too obvious. Paint is generally still shiny, although the front and rear plastic bumpers definitely show some fading relative to the rest of the car. The trunk was repainted by the original owner and has worn a slight bit different than the rest of the car, but again, nothing too obvious. In the occasional times I have waxed the car, some red paint will show up on the cloth, so the clearcoat is likely gone in some places.

· The car has never been involved in an accident other than a very minor rear-end bump that cracked a taillight, which was replaced many years ago.

· Tires are ≈2-3 years old, but have close to full tread. BF Goodrich G-Force Sport 205/45/ZR16.

· New battery in May 2015.

· No rust of any kind that I am aware of.

· Car has used synthetic engine oil (changed yearly) for as long as I have owned it.

· The soft-top is original and in generally good shape (no rips, holes, etc.). However, the plastic rear window was cut-out and replaced about 10 years ago (a crude but functional homemade repair). I typically drive it with the hardtop on.

· Passed TX state inspection (August 2016).

· The car has a few squeaks and rattles inside, but nothing too concerning for a 25 year old convertible.

· The car still has a lot of original factory parts installed including, but not limited to: paint, timing belt, clutch, soft-top, brakes, shocks (?!).

Known Problems/Issues:

· Overall, the car starts, runs and drives very nicely. It has never broken down on me or left me stranded. The engine does have some intermittent, but noticeable, hesitation when first started, but it disappears fairly quickly and runs great when warm.

· The car is an “early” 1991 model and does fall into the range of cars susceptible to the short nose crank issue. I’ve never had a problem with it or done anything about it.

· The car does have a very slow oil leak from somewhere (possibly from the valve cover gasket?). It’s never enough that I add any oil between changes, but I will see a few spots on my garage floor.

· The car has AC that works – sort of. The system was converted over to R134a about 5-10 years ago. The system appears to have a slow leak somewhere. It will hold a charge for several months and when charged, it will cool the car provided the outside temperatures are less than about 90F. Above that, it will struggle to keep the interior comfortable. Heater works fine.

If I were planning to keep the car any longer, I would likely replace the springs & shocks and buy a lighter set of wheels. I’d also try to fix the hesitation, AC and the oil leak. Beyond that, the car just needs to be enjoyed.