Looked at a Miata - would appreciate some thoughts

Just looked at a 96 Miata, and I would appreciate some input as I have no real direct experience with these cars. Body was great and color was good (dark turquoise) with a newish tan top and tan leather seats. Very attractive, and everything seemed in good shape for a 15 year old car. Mileage was 72,000 and wear seemed mostly appropriate for the age/mileage.

However, when I checked the oil, there was none on the dipstick. The owner, an older gentleman had just pulled up with the car when I got there (said he had taken it to be washed). Anyway, the car was on an angled bit of ground with the nose tilted down, so I had him pull it onto level ground, and I checked the oil again. This time, it came up to the low mark on the dipstick. Oil was relatively clean and didn't smell burnt. I asked him when the oil was last changed, and he said he didn't remember, though he said it was synthetic.

I checked the tail pipe and it was quiet sooty--left a fairly heavy smudge on my finger, though it didn't smell particularly oily.

Car drove nice, and seemed tight. No smoke or unusual noises, and power was about what I expected. Clutch engaged only in the last 3/4 inch of pedal travel, which was a bit worrying.

I asked the guy if the timing belt had been changed and he didn't know. Said he had only bought the car about a year ago for his son, who is now living abroad.

The oil and tail pipe issues are worrying enough that I guess I am inclined to pass on this one, even though the body and cosmetics were very appealing.

What do you guys think?

Thanks, -Chris R.

You dont state a price so it is really hard to assess the risk on the car. More than likely the valve stem seals need to be replaced along with the timing belt. You have to really abuse a miata to damage the bottom end. Miata typically run rich so that would be part of your tailpipe look.

Sorry, meant to list the asking price - $4500.

-Chris R.

The tailpipe 'test' is meaningless. Any internal combustion engine with more than a few hours of run time will have visible particulate in the tailpipe.

Hundreds of Spec Miatas run every weekend with the oil reading just like you described. It's the way they make the most power.

As for the clutch, more than likely it's the master or slave cylinder going bad. Probably both. They're pretty much regular maintenance items.

Sounds like a decent, but not outstanding, price. I'd suggest paying the $100 or so it would cost you to have it professionally inspected by someone who knows Miatas. The peace of mind with your purchase will be worth it. Also, if there are suggested maintenance items (there always are, some of which have already been mentioned) you can use that information to negotiate on price. If you post up a location, I'm guessing someone here will be able to suggest a shop. If he balks at having it inspected, walk away.