Need Adice Buying Used

[Jertronic]

I have to say that my car would be your perfect perfect purchase. I have no mods. Never tracked the car, has a set of winter rims and snow tires. I don't beat on the car nor do I baby the car. It's a stick and a 10 series. PM me unless boston is too far for you to go to buy a car.

[BrianW]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

You may be better off getting one from a dealer. At least then you have warranty.
Not sure if warranty is transferable through private sale. Anybody know (remember Canada eh)?

Yup...warranties are transferable up here.
But this car is out of warranty.

Unfortunately dealers up here are asking for about $5,000.00 to $7,000.00 over their Black Book value.

I think I'm well prepared now to see this car.

Cheers, guys!

[BrianW]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

I'd love to DRIVE that!

[BrianW]

OK,
just got back from veiwing the car.

Unfortunately the car was parked in an underground condo garage so it was hard to see details.
I got the V/N and will do a check next.

I asked the guy if he raced the car and the answer was no.
I also asked if he had any of the problems listed here and got another 'no"
So I'll also check to see if the car falls into the window of problems listed here

One thing has me a bit concerned and I will eventually ask before my next step is IF he only drives this car in summer...WHY are there 20,000 Km/Miles on a 2013 car?
Add to that the cold intake filter he added.

Does anyone else think the mileage of 20,000 is a lot for a two year old only summer driven car that hasn't been tracked?

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by BrianW

OK,
just got back from veiwing the car.

Unfortunately the car was parked in an underground condo garage so it was hard to see details.
I got the V/N and will do a check next.

I asked the guy if he raced the car and the answer was no.
I also asked if he had any of the problems listed here and got another 'no"
So I'll also check to see if the car falls into the window of problems listed here

One thing has me a bit concerned and I will eventually ask before my next step is IF he only drives this car in summer...WHY are there 20,000 Km/Miles on a 2013 car?
Add to that the cold intake filter he added.

Does anyone else think the mileage of 20,000 is a lot for a two year old only summer driven car that hasn't been tracked?

I drive about 6500 kms a months so that looks just fine to me!
As odd as it sounds I think the statement that he has none of the issues here is a bit suspect! Not everybody has issues but absolutely none? No crickets? No window squeal? Nothing?
The intake is a very common change so I wouldn't worry about that .

No test drive?

Why is he selling?

[BrianW]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

I drive about 6500 kms a months so that looks just fine to me!
As odd as it sounds I think the statement that he has none of the issues here is a bit suspect! Not everybody has issues but absolutely none? No crickets? No window squeal? Nothing?
The intake is a very common change so I wouldn't worry about that .

No test drive?

Why is he selling?

Good to hear about the mileage.
The car couldn't be test driven (at the moment) because of no insurance...he said his insurerer is closed on weekends
He told me he's selling because he's expecting twins and the car was just his summer toy.

[BrianW]

Originally Posted by Jertronic

I have to say that my car would be your perfect perfect purchase. I have no mods. Never tracked the car, has a set of winter rims and snow tires. I don't beat on the car nor do I baby the car. It's a stick and a 10 series. PM me unless boston is too far for you to go to buy a car.

Thanks for the offer but it costs too much to ship to Canada.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by BrianW

Thanks for the offer but it costs too much to ship to Canada.

Ya, could buy a new one after they are done with all the fees and taxes!

[richardM]

At 20,000 miles if you want to check for Hoonagan Involvement:

1) CHECK THE TIRES FOR WEAR!
2) Check the pads and Ebrake liner for wear

Its too early for new tires, so a mechanic (or you) will be able to see drift-abuse.

I'm not sure.. can the dealer see the number of times the engine has hit the rev limiter? I am assuming someone with the dealer level stuff can find this out.

Or.. how about spending some time talking to the owner.. maybe go get some coffee and ask why he is selling, tell you about the car.. and trust your gut about the guy.

Then take it to a mechanic for an inspection.

Good Luck!

(I want an old miata to abuse and take apart and put back together again! Fun cars!)

[BrianW]

Originally Posted by richardM

At 20,000 miles if you want to check for Hoonagan Involvement:

1) CHECK THE TIRES FOR WEAR!
2) Check the pads and Ebrake liner for wear

Its too early for new tires, so a mechanic (or you) will be able to see drift-abuse.

I'm not sure.. can the dealer see the number of times the engine has hit the rev limiter? I am assuming someone with the dealer level stuff can find this out.

Or.. how about spending some time talking to the owner.. maybe go get some coffee and ask why he is selling, tell you about the car.. and trust your gut about the guy.

Then take it to a mechanic for an inspection.

Good Luck!

(I want an old miata to abuse and take apart and put back together again! Fun cars!)

Thanks for the input, Richard.

"I'm not sure.. can the dealer see the number of times the engine has hit the rev limiter? I am assuming someone with the dealer level stuff can find this out."

That's a great question.
I'll bet they can hook it up to a computer and find out.

Anyways, this guy is busy as he works from 5:00AM to 6:00PM and has a wife and kids besides he's not the friendly type (I think)

[BrianW]

OK, with a little research thanks to the thread on FRS problems here...I THINK this car is clear of the problems.
I don't know exactly how to determine the dates of the VINs but I did notice after the letter "D" the car I'm thinking of buying has SEVEN numbers instead if six.(except for *)

Here's the break-down of problems.


Applies to V/N BEFORE the following

JF1ZNAA1#D#008792
JF1ZNAA1#D#709026
JF1ZNAA1#D1605967*
JF1ZNAA1#D#706034


This bulletin applies to vehicles produced WITHIN the applicable VIN ranges shown below.

JF1ZNAA1#D#000001 TO JF1ZNAA1#D#725114
JF1ZNAA1#D#725115 TO JF1ZNAA1#D#725560
JF1ZNAA1#D#725561 TO JF1ZNAA1#D#725982




The car I'm thinking of buying has the V/N of...JF1ZNAA14D1702639
Am I correct in thinking so?

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by BrianW

..............
He told me he's selling because he's expecting twins ..........

I suggest you have an ultrasound procedure done on his wife, to see if he is telling the truth .....


humfrz

[Hotrodheart]

Check for con rods sticking through the oil pan. If you find this, I'd pass.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by humfrz

I suggest you have an ultrasound procedure done on his wife, to see if he is telling the truth .....


humfrz

You jest but I think you may be closer to the truth then we know!
Dude works 13 hours a day? Can't insure for test drive since it is the weekend (He is trying to sell the car so I would think being prepared for test drives would be prudent)? Had no issues not even taillight condensation or crickets? Summer toy with 20,000 mile (or kilometers OP is not clear) on it?
Things are starting to add up to a level I am not sure I would be comfortable with.