Considering migrating from a Miata... am I crazy? |
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Considering migrating from a Miata... am I crazy? |
fuzzybeanbag |
Nov 21 2019, 03:17 AM
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#1
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 2 Joined: 21-November 19 From: CA Bay Area Member No.: 23,660 Region Association: Northern California |
Hi all,
First - sorry ahead of time if you've seen a million of these posts... I currently own a rare-ish 95 M Edition Miata (the purple one); low mileage, exceptionally maintained, race suspension bla bla, etc. It is a fun car, a weekend tosser if you will, and the 2nd one I've owned so I know my way around Miatas. Recently, I've been looking around 914s in the CA Bay Area, a car that I've always liked (and only because if the flip-up headlights)... and come across a couple that are priced fairly well and appear to be fairly restored, at least cosmetically. But - I am a stranger to aircooled drivetrains, my familiarity with VAGs is limited to MK6 GTI, B7 Passats, C7 A6 TDI and B8.5 A4s... so fancy modern cars. What am I potentially getting myself into? I am good with a screwdriver and a hammer; can even handle a wire stripper and a soldering iron... But in the years I've owned my Miata, aside from the occasional oil change, brake pad/rotor maintenance, and tightening of a slightly leaky oil pan drain plug, I had to do zero work on the car... ... it also has a working A/C. Thanks in advance! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sheeplove.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sheeplove.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sheeplove.gif) |
ClayPerrine |
Nov 21 2019, 10:56 AM
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#2
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Life's been good to me so far..... Group: Admin Posts: 15,465 Joined: 11-September 03 From: Hurst, TX. Member No.: 1,143 Region Association: NineFourteenerVille |
My wife and I have been around 914s for a LONG time (34 years). When she bought her's, it was 11 years old. Once we worked out the small issues with it, it was very reliable and fairly low maintenance. However, time has taken it's toll. Her car is still very reliable, and is still a daily driver. I would not hesitate to get in it and drive it cross country to another event. But that is at the expense of more frequent maintenance and minor repairs. And it has never a decent defroster......
The reason it is so reliable is it has been maintained by us since 1985. I know every nut, bolt, screw, piston, gear and bearing on that car personally. I know all the history, and there is no DAPO to blame anymore. Taking on an unknown old car that is almost 50 years old is not a venture for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of persistence, and patience. Mind you, I am not trying to discourage you, just to make you aware of the reality of the situation. The 914 of 35 years ago is the same as a currently running Miata. Great fun car, and fairly reliable. In 35 years, the Miata will be just like a 914, needing lots of maintenance to keep it on the road. If you decide to get one, you will have loads of support from everyone here. You will be part of a dynamic group that really loves these cars and will do anything they can to help you. But always keep in mind the age of the 914. At 50, they are still going strong.. with lots of love from the owners. |
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