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an older car might have had an engine transplant.

easiest way to tell is to look at the harmonic balancer on the engine.

4 slots = Short nose crank.
8 slots = Long nose crank.

Details and pics here..
http://www.miata.net/garage/crankshaft.html

I recently purchased a motor to help a friend replace his wobbly SNC motor.
got a low km (122k kms according to the cluster) for $400
Complete motor from clutch forward.

so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

The crank issues are possible with all models, just more likely with the SNC models. So check any of them for odd noise or wobbles.

G

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What's the reason for getting rid of the brz?

How was the BRZ's gearshift?

I have a friend with a GT 86 and he hates his gearbox SO much that he's considering selling it at a massive loss for a Toyota FJ Cruiser. It's been back at the dealership multiple times and all they do is change the oil it uses, hoping it will fix the issues (when cold, it's hard to find the lower gears so driving in traffic in the morning can get dangerous when trying to cross/enter busy roads).

I thought this was odd when he first mentioned it since every review I've read on the car indicated that the gearshift was fantastic - a few Google searches indicate that the problem is far more prolific than I ever expected from a new car these days.

you need to understand that these are oldish cars i.e. NA- all cars wear out even though the MX5 is regarded as well designed and manufactured vehicle. No manual change is perfect and they wear especially when abused and plenty of cars have been treated carelessly.

here you go..

http://www.mx5life.com/forum/index.php/ ... mx5-guide/

mainly common sense but some MX5 only points to look for.

Lokiel wrote:I have a friend with a GT 86 and he hates his gearbox SO much that he's considering selling it at a massive loss for a Toyota FJ Cruiser. It's been back at the dealership multiple times and all they do is change the oil it uses, hoping it will fix the issues (when cold, it's hard to find the lower gears so driving in traffic in the morning can get dangerous when trying to cross/enter busy roads).

I thought this was odd when he first mentioned it since every review I've read on the car indicated that the gearshift was fantastic - a few Google searches indicate that the problem is far more prolific than I ever expected from a new car these days.

I had that too. Wasnt too big of a problem but enough to speak to the dealer about. I put it down to colder weather in Tassie and we were going to discuss further next service after summer. Didnt make it that far as I sold it.

NAs are old. They have problems - nothing you can't fix but you need to recognise the costs when you figure out a price on a car.

As a quick guide I tend to count the problems in $500 chunks:
new engine = $500
clutch and gearbox = $500
full brake reconditioning = $500
new shocks = $500
new bushes = $500
new diff = $500
new roof = $500
new tyres = $500
new interior = $500
stuffed body = forget it

I do the work myself and I source quality parts from all over. Otherwise you should double all the $500s.

Older cars, suffering from their 'reliable' reputation. That is... a lot of them haven't been maintained too well.

Don't worry too much about the short nose crank issue. Engines are fairly easy to get and not over the top pricey.

They just need the usual suspects that you'd check on any older car. Fluids, wheel bearings, steering play, brakes etc. The normal stuff on any car.

The one thing I'd check is for rust in the boot, around the windscreen frame (all around. Top and bottom), under the doors, sills, etc.

If running standard power, the gearbox, diff and engines are pretty much bullet proof. Unless a previous owner liked to shift like someone in the Fast and Furious.

They're pretty simple stuff. Just do a thorough check and you'll be fine.

Also:
Used Miata Inspection List:
http://wiki.miata.net/tiki-index.php?pa ... ion%20List

Checking Out a Used Miata:
http://wiki.miata.net/tiki-index.php?pa ... ed%20Miata