the miata I am looking at has a license holder in front.

However the holder has two deep dimples behind it in the upper bumper and one extends into the lower bumper as well. There are also cracks in the rinish of the upper bumper, around the parking lights.

The owner says this is normal wear and tear, but I am wondering if the car was not damaged in a low speed collision. Are the marks around the headlights heat and weather caused, or could they be stress fractures from a collision?

I am new to Miatas (and plastic parts on car in general: used to the older cars). Is this to be expected, or is it indicative of something more?

David

HI

If the 2 dimples are right behind the upper screws, that's common, happens a lot when people tap the front end while parking. The newer ones come with plastic covers overthe screws to help prevent this, butthey can only do so much. Not sure about therest of the damage, but it could have been caused by people tapping his bumper as they parallel parked in front of the car.

my 2 cents

SOLSTER

Thanks, solster.

Apparently the damage was already present when the current owner bought the car and given the flexibility of the material, it would not take much to cause the dimpling.

Other than this and the problem with the rear window I described elsewhere, the car is in very nice shape, so it looks like I will soon be driving my first Miata.

Zoom zoom... :-)

David

sweet! I just bought my first jan 03-05, love it! let's get this forum a rockin, I'm a newbie to this particular forum!

SOLSTER

That would be great, Solster.

I now find out the damage is to the area called the "bumper cover" and these are available on line for about $150.00. And looking over the material they are made of, a very light plastic, I suppose they get replaced pretty regularly.

I also found out just how much aftermarket stuff is available for these cars. It's scary: I've already started a shopping list. lol

Basically, my Miata will be a daily driver. And since I do my own maintanance and repairs, I'll probably be here often.

Looking forward to corresponding with you, and the rest of the forum as well.

David

that aftermarket stuff can get addicting, a word to the wise ;-)

SOSLTER

this forum is usually pretty dead and for the go-to-the-dealer types. look at the forum on www.miata.net if you want to learn things.

RenoDave...to fix those plate dimples;
remove the front plate and heat the nose with a hair dryer..nice and easy...sneak your hand up in the back and you'll be able to push the dents out!

Thanks for all the input. And I will be going to Miata Net now as well.