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Should I avoid this car? Large panel gaps

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Old Feb 10, 2025 | 09:57 AM
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Default Should I avoid this car? Large panel gaps

a local dealer has this car on their lot. I looked at it yesterday and saw it has large and uneven gap between the hood and the passenger door. I don’t know if this can be adjusted or if i should run. The passenger door sits below the plane of the hood (dips inside). Dealer claims a clean carfax.






Last edited by vettel07; Feb 10, 2025 at 10:06 AM. Reason: Added my question
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Old Feb 10, 2025 | 10:29 AM
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Have you seen it in person? It's possible the hood is not latched completely on that side.
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Old Feb 10, 2025 | 10:47 AM
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Hood is unlatched on the pass side.
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Old Feb 10, 2025 | 10:48 AM
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Thanks everyone. I went yesterday so they were closed. I’ll swing by this week and take a closer look and test drive it.
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Old Feb 10, 2025 | 12:57 PM
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It looks like the hood isn't latched. That said, yes that gap can be adjusted. And yes you should avoid it, it has the wrong transmission.
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Old Feb 10, 2025 | 01:06 PM
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By wrong transmission you mean it’s auto and not manual? It’s a 1996 should most issues addressed. I’m in no rush to buy and this car has been on the lot since November



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Old Feb 10, 2025 | 02:05 PM
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Originally Posted by vettel07
By wrong transmission you mean it’s auto and not manual? It’s a 1996 should most issues addressed. I’m in no rush to buy and this car has been on the lot since November
If it's been on lot that long, might be able to negotiate a price you both can live with have you done a carfax report, or google the Vin# and see what shows!
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Old Feb 10, 2025 | 02:09 PM
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Here’s the listing

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...IORITY/DEFAULT

I agree they might be flexible on the price. It’s in central Illinois and not the best time to sell a car like this. They want too much for it IMO but I’ll talk to a salesperson and see how low they’re willing to go
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Old Feb 10, 2025 | 02:16 PM
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Originally Posted by vettel07
By wrong transmission you mean it’s auto and not manual? It’s a 1996 should most issues addressed. I’m in no rush to buy and this car has been on the lot since November
Yeah, was a joke mostly, lol. Some people want automatics I guess?
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Old Feb 10, 2025 | 02:21 PM
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Haha sorry it went over my head. I’d love a manual too, so much more fun to drive. Thankfully I have an MX-5 that scratches that itch
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Old Feb 10, 2025 | 08:48 PM
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One of the outdoor photos shows the hood latched properly, then a pic with the hood up, then another with the hood down and not latched properly. The photographer just didn't close the hood correctly, IMHO.
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Old Feb 10, 2025 | 10:54 PM
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Originally Posted by vettel07
Haha sorry it went over my head. I’d love a manual too, so much more fun to drive. Thankfully I have an MX-5 that scratches that itch
Ew. Trade the Miata in on it and get a manual Vette, lol.

Half joking, half serious. You won't want to drive the Miata once you get a good Vette.
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Old Feb 11, 2025 | 05:11 AM
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Originally Posted by FAUEE
Yeah, was a joke mostly, lol. Some people want automatics I guess?
Only those who want the best quarter mile time lol.
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Old Feb 11, 2025 | 07:55 AM
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It looks like a nice car. I think if you like it, you should go drive it and see how well you like it. If you like it, talk numbers and if you can make it work, then go for it.

For those questioning the Miata's abilities, I can personally say how wonderful of a car they car. They dont compare to the Corvette's speed, but the feel of being behind the wheel in a Miata is incredible. Its an exceptional experience and a true driver's car.
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