It's true that a car will fail the smog test if the OBD computer hasn't
gone through enough "drive cycles"

The only problem is though, that you don't know for sure that he didn't just
clear the codes to sell the car, and a "check engine light" will pop up
after a while.

It very well *could* be just what he says, but unless you trust him, or have
some recourse you don't know for sure.

4k for a 97 sounds like a good price if the car is in nice shape.

You might try telling him you will hold back $500.00 until it can fully pass
the inspection. If he has nothing to hide, he shouldn't have a problem with
it.

good luck!

"Nielsen" > wrote in message
...
> Hi all,
>
> I am about to purchace a 97 Miata Limited Edition which has been
> sitting in a garage for some time. Seller has to smog and register it
> before sale.. well... it passed the smog test but the ODB2 computer
> failed ???
> Seller claims it failed because he recently gave it a new battery and
> it needs to be driven a while before the ODB2 computer comes back up -
> is this just a minor issue or should stay away from this one ?
>
> Another factor: it has 97K miles on it and he's asking $4K is that
> reasonable ??
>
> Thanks for any answers
> /Rene