I'm buying* Canada's cheapest, roadworthy**, 50 mpg*** Mazda Miata MX-5

[MetroMPG]

Yeah, that rust means scratch "roadworthy" from the car's description.

For now.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian

Wasn't designed for MPGs. Metro may have a thing or two to say / do about that before this is over.

Lookee here what I done found!


(From: http://hanchagroup.wordpress.com/201...esign-is-best/)

Racing products design company Hancha did a CFD analysis on 5 different air dam/splitter combinations on a 1st gen Miata.

1) Cd 0.36 = "stock" model: (actual car is 0.38, but CFD model has smooth floor & wheels); 38 hp @ 100 mph

6) Cd 0.29 = model #6 with large air dam & splitter, reduced ride height; 31 hp @ 100 mph.

Neato!

(Although it does seem to be missing cooling inlets.)

Full article, analysis of various other front end treatments: Splitter or Air Dam – Which Design is Best?

[Natalya]

That thing looks like it's got three out of four wheels in that great big junkyard in the sky. Don't buy it man.

[MetroMPG]

Where are my enablers?! I need people telling me what fun I'll have with this cheap wreck!

JUST LOOK AT THAT GREAT PATINA!

(In case it's not obvious, the want is strong for this one.)

Also, I'm not afraid of three-wheels-in-the-junkyard cars that need a bit of reconstructive surgery: eg. the rust repair needed on this year's winter beater Toyota Echo is more involved than the Miata will be.

[picasso1387]

How about everyone who enjoys your exploits on this site chips in $5 and you offer $500 for the car?
It might not be worth $1000 to you, but once you add up our collective entertainment value I think it's worth doing! Do it for your adoring fans!

[MetroMPG]

Picasso: yeah, even if it runs/drives perfectly, it's definitely not worth $1k any more.

(Although a Miata-owning friend of mine swears it's worth that just to part it out. I'm not so sure whether to believe him.... he's an enabler!)

Also, would I have to refund the money when the crank pulley shears off?

Originally Posted by LittleBlackDuck

Fred flintstone mod would have as much power.

Turns out it's already got the Flintstone mod! I just need to make the hole big enough to get my other foot through.

[MetroMPG]

Received via telegram today from the owner:

Cannot find the keys - have looked everywhere.

Is this a sign, or a challenge?

I'm told a Mazda dealer can make a new key if you bring in the ownership.

[picasso1387]

Maybe vskid3 had the right idea; this guy should pay you to haul it away.
Maybe you should offer a case of beer for the car.

[Gasoline Fumes]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Where are my enablers?! I need people telling me what fun I'll have with this cheap wreck!

JUST LOOK AT THAT GREAT PATINA!

(In case it's not obvious, the want is strong for this one.)

Also, I'm not afraid of three-wheels-in-the-junkyard cars that need a bit of reconstructive surgery: eg. the rust repair needed on this year's winter beater Toyota Echo is more involved than the Miata will be.

GET IT! Don't let it be the one that got away!

I missed out on a $900 Miata a few years ago. It even had a factory hardtop! it wouldn't start, hence the low price.

[LittleBlackDuck]

Sounds to me that if you fill the tank you will double its value.

Simon