Miata valve seals

What would you guys think price wise for a 90 miata with 139k on it, smokes a little on startup (valve seals?), may need a clutch ( slave arm may not be extending fully), and has a tear in the top.

$1800 too high? I know for that price I can't expect perfection, but could his self diagnosed valve/clutch issues cost me more in the long run than paying around $4000 for a car in better shape, lower mileage?

I keep reading all these amazing stories of people picking up solid Miatas for under 2k and I'm jealous.

Make sure the crank isn't wobbly.

But I have to say after buying a '90 myself to make a track car, I wish I had held out for a 94-97 Torsen car.

Yeah. I'd rather pick up a 95, but most folks are asking 4k and higher for them in my area. More if they've got mods. I guess getting one is just not in my budget.

erm87 wrote: Yeah. I'd rather pick up a 95, but most folks are asking 4k and higher for them in my area. More if they've got mods. I guess getting one is just not in my budget.

Haven't really been Miata shopping lately, but my experience here on the north-coast is that decent '94-97 1.8's are a bit cheaper than a comparable 1.6.

YMMV