Things to look for in a Miata?

[87RX7RACER]

Figured with all of the Miata guys on here some people could give me some pointers. If you were gonna be buying a Miata, what are some of the things to look for? Known issues? Problems? Value? I am a Miata newb obviously and I am just curious.

Thanks!
-V

[engled]

You want a 1.8 engine and a Torsen.

NA vs NB is pretty much a buyer preference. The NA is a better Miata, the NB is a better car.

Take everything you read on miata.net with a grain of salt.

Get over the girlie thing, it's not going to go away and you look stupid trying to defend it.

Don't buy chrome trim rings to go on the eyeball vents. (for Alan)

The cloth seats in all cars 89-05 are great, the leather in 89-00 are awful to drive/ride in for more more than a few miles.

Autocross? Make sure you buy the correct car for the class which may mean you don't want a Torsen.


I gotta clean the pool, more later.

[87RX7RACER]

Thanks for the input dude. The car in question is a black/black 95. Not sure on the diff but I can ask. Has coilovers(brand preference?!?!), wheels, hard dog bar, cloth seats.

As far as autocrossing goes, I wouldn't mind doing some with it, but this is probably gonna be a daily driver for me mainly.

What about mileage? How much is too much? Maintenance issues?

[engled]

All Miatas (89-05) have coil overs. Shock preference is dictated by your back pocket.

The only way to know on a 95 for the diff is to call Mazda with the VIN, they don't mind.

It's good that it comes with wheels, it would be hard to get it home without any.

Mileage? Who knows... My 00 had 190,000 on the engine and spun it at 8000rpms for two seasons with no issues. The early cars (pre 99) had hydraulic lifters and may make a noise on start up, unless it's bad it wouldn't be a deal breaker to me.

Of the four that I have had I haven't had a lot of maintenance issues. The brakes are easy to work on, every thing under the hood is easy to get to, even the clutch is easy if you don't listen to the people on miata.net. The last time I pulled all four coil overs to swap springs I had them back on in about an hour.

[TouringBubble]

He meant adjustable coilovers ... but you knew that.

[JohnW8]

There are VIN tags on all the sheet metal panels. look for them and make sure they all match.
A missing tag will indicate whether a fender or quarter panel has been replaced or painted over. The tag are maybe 1/2" x 2" and are found on the underside the hood, on the top flange of each fender, in the door jamb for the doors and quarters and on the inside of the trunk lid. It's an easy way to see if the car has had any body damage.

With the top up spray the car with water and then look for leaks in the cloth top. The rain rail should allow water to run out through the drains just in front of each rear wheel. If water doesn't run out of there you got clogged drains. Clogged drains will lead to a rusty Miata.

Easiest to work on and best car I've ever owned.

[kilgojr]

three things to look for in a miata

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[engled]

One more thing

Bearing that will stay together

[kilgojr]

that is a good one Darryl. Hey, somebody had to do it.

[Cholewa]

Easiest to work on and best car I've ever owned.

Clearly never owned a right wheel drive volvo