Hello, Im looking at getting a 2004 Mazada miata speed. This car is turbocharged and has 89000 miles, Looks to be in great condition I'm really on the fence over this car I want because it will fit in my garage with my motorcycles. I'm in san diego and so it is a so cal car...is this car worth it or am I asking for problems due to it being a turbo? They want 12.4K$ with the hardtop.
Thank you
Gerald
Well, … ‘04 Miata was, … and still is a pretty good car out of the box if, that is, the car was not outright trashed - and Miatas beg to be trashed!
As to not trashed Miatas: … not much wrong with them except two shifter bellows - upper and lower - on the manual transmission tend to need frequent replacement, … say every 3-5 years. They crack. Especially the one attached to the transmission turret is important, … it opens a large hole for dirt getting all the way down to the bottom of the transmission guts.
That said, … you are looking at the turbocharged version, hence, you have to remember that a turbocharger kit installed on that car by Mazda is just a bolt-on type, … and there were no mechanical changes of any significance to the engine itself. This means that Mazdaspeed version develops ~178 hp. vs. none turbo’s 145 hp. Much higher stressed engine with the turbo, …
Anyway, … it’s a car that you just can not not to like! But, … have it checked out by honest mechanic, … and go for it if he/she says the car is sound.
Best,
F.S.
@figmund-sreud
Yes, it was a bolt-on, but changes were made to the drivetrain to handle the turbo. And they removed VVT too. The turbo only provides 7 pounds of boost, which is normally safe on a stock engine.
the turbo and that price would skeer me, but they are a lot of fun, like a large go-cart
@clemsonrangers
MazdaSpeed Miatas do get a premium prices, … if unmodified and low mileage, … at least in my end of the woods. I watched one with 23,500 km on the clock go for bit over $20k Canadian.
Anyway, … if the one you are looking at is all original, no modifications, never bent or damaged in anyway, original paint, clean in and out, perfect soft top, … I have seen them go for more than what you are indicating. Mind you, mileage is a bit high for that price. But if it checks out, … is fully documented with service records, … and it passes rigorous inspection, ~3/4 of that price may just be a reasonable? Dunno, …
Best,
F.S.