Mazda Miata
Mazda Miata questions and answers
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Q: Mazda Miata?
I'm looking to buy a used mazda miata in the spring. Any advice on what year to look for and what problems they might have? I'm looking 97-00 with low miles, above that is stretching my wallet a bit too thin.
A: Although your looking for a 97-00, don't steer away from a 90-96 model. They are a lil more spartan, but they are way better on sipping gas, have tons of available parts and ad ons, and they get way better MPG than the more recent versions which are heavier and have larger engines. First don't jump at the first bit. Second get yourself a CarFax check so you don't end up with a Katrina totaled Miata, that even though refurbed, you can't ever resell. Third have a mechanic you trust check out the Miata(s) you like as well. Miatas are a great car, but if you don't protect yourself you can end up with a lemon. Lastly, remember you looking at treating, cleaning, and protecting the interior and exterior from the sun as who drives with the top up?
Q: What should I do with a broke down Mazda Miata?
My boyfriend has a 1990 Mazda Miata with over 200,000 miles on it and the transmission locked up on him today while driving on the interstate. I told him I think he should try to sell it for parts but he's thinking of getting a new transmission for it. I don't think it'd be worth it considering he only payed $1000 for it.
What do you guys think?
A: That thing is pretty much on it's last legs. It's not worth throwing any more money at it. Sell it for parts.
Q: How good is my 2003 Mazda Miata Shinsen Edition?
Well, its a 2003 Mazda Miata Shinsen. It has 39,000 Miles and i paid $4,000 for it. I want to know if it's a good car. It has leather inside, its a dark silver/gray color. What can i do to make it better? anything you think about it.
A: Sounds like you got such an awesome deal that either the car is stolen or you bought a savalge title car. 89-94 Miatas with that mileage go for more than you paid for your 2003 Shinsen Edition. You can do some add ons such as roll bar, suspension changes, and so forth, but why do that. If you like the way the Miata looks and handles just enjoy the cheap ride you got.
Q: Mazda miata not starting after being hit?
I have a 1991 Mazda Miata. It was backed into with another car while parked. Now it turns over but wont start. Does this car have a fuel shut off switch like some cars when it gets hit? If so where is it located?
A: I owned a '91 for 8 years and never heard of any such thing.
There is a fuel pump relay that is in or near the fuse box. A slight hit from another vehicle should not affect it, but you could pull the relay and reinsert it to see if that makes a difference. That certainly doesn't cost you anything. In fact, it's recommended that you pull the fuel pump relay if you're storing the car for the winter so you don't forget to check the air intake to see if a family of rodents built a nest in it... also so you can turn over the engine and build up some oil pressure before the engine starts for the first time in months.
I did a quick search on this website:
http://www.miata.net/garage/
and found out nothing about a fuel shut off switch. You might find something there that would help you if you post a question there or if you do some reading.
Hope this helps.
Q: Advise on changing a convertible top on 1991 Mazda Miata?
I have been bouncing around the idea of purchasing a new top for my 1991 Mazda Miata Convertible. I am however afraid that I would not be able to install this myself, has anyone done this with any convertible? It says online it's simple to do, but I have heard that before. Any tips/advise is welcomed
A: I am getting ready to do this on a 90.
The web site instructions differ from the factory manual. (miata.net/garage/miatatop/index.html) where it is done with out removing the top.
Mazda factory manuals have you remove the top.
Special tools- drill (with 1/4 bits), channel locking type pliers (with non marring jaws).
Having done a 63 Falcon and 62 TR4's I hope to be able to do it. If you can afford to gamble the cost of a second top (worst case scenario) try it.
Or just take it to a shop and plan on paying about 200 to 500 US dollars in labor.
Q: How can I get my stuck spark plug out of my 1991 Mazda Miata?
Its the #4 spark plug, I think the bolt might have rounded out. How can I get it out?
1991 Mazda Miata
A: Get a socket that is designed to remove bolt heads that are worn/rounded. That should remove it without causeing more damage or debries. Vise grips will not fit into the spark plug well of a 91 Miata. So if a spark plug tip designed for rounded or worn plugs won't work you looking at a shop getting it out for you. It sounds like the previous owner or shop tightened the plug down far too tight.
Q: what is a bad year to buy a mazda miata?
I heard that one shouldn't buy a used Mazda Miata either the 1990 or 1991..I'm not sure..Need to know what year was a bad year.
A: 1990, 1991, 1992 and possibly 1993 are all plagued with crankshaft problems. According to autos.msn.com it would cost over $2000 in parts to repair and even more with labor. The 1994 model uses a new more powerful engine which wouldn't suffer from this defect.
1993 and before also have R12 air conditioners so if you bought one you would have problems having it recharged if it ran out of R12 if someone hadn't converted it to R134a.
The 1994 and up models would be your best bet since everything would be semi-modern and reliable under the hood. The 96 & 97 models are rated with 5hp more than the previous ones. The 1999 model did away with pop-up headlights (probably a good thing, pop ups tend to break over time) and gave it an additional 7hp (not to mention 100lbs of weight). In 2001 they gave it a facelift adding another 135lbs and 10hp.
Q: Is this 1991 Mazda Miata worth the money?
I am planning to buy a 1991 Mazda Miata with 115 K miles on it for about $1100. It has a 5 speed manual transmission. The radiator and engine valves were recently replaced. The AC needs to be replaced. The car drives good and paint is ok.
Please guide me!!!!
A: you really should check the following things.
ask the current owner why the car needed both a new radiator and valves. If he replies that the radiator went bad and the car overheated then you might want to take it to a mechanic and have a compression test done. This will tell you if the rings were compromised. Worn and leaking rings are costly to replace.
Ask the owner to provide you the maintenance records, showing who did the repairs to the engine. Ask if there are any warranties on the repairs that have been done and if it extends to the new owner of the car.
the A/C might be costly to replace as well. The A/C compressor more than likely is the older version and would need to be replaced to accept the newer HCFC refrigerant.
If the car has 115,000 mile I would also ask about the transmission, and see if the clutch has ever been replaced. If not that too will soon need attention.
With all that done when the car is in the mechanics shop, ask the mechanic to look at the front and rear brakes and suspension. The brakes and suspension parts can also get pretty costly if they are nearing the end of there life cycle.
If you would like a super complete list of things for the mechanic to look at please feel free to ask me and I can make one up for you and e-mail to you.
Good Luck.
Q: Mazda Miata "M" edition, what the difference between M and regular edition?
I'm considering buying a Mazda Miata "M" edition.
What's so special about it?
What makes this different than a stock Mazda?
Thanks
A: The M edition had different colored embroidery on the seats, a few other interior accents, paint available only on the M-editions, and pretty much every option available at the time (including the Torsen LSD).
And they were stock. They were different from the BASE Miata.
Q: Replacing the seats in my 1999 mazda miata?
I need to replace the seats in my 1999 mazda miata. Not looking for racing seats, just a cheap replacemenet.
How do people do this? Buy them from Mazda and install them yourself? Or some aftermarket seats?
A: Buying the seats from the Dealer is way too expensive. You'll find much better prices in salvage yards or on eBay, though the condition of the seats could be quesitonable. I suggest you to find a salvage yard around you specialized in Mazdas. Give them a call ahead to see what they have in stock.
If you don't need OEM seats, try chekcing on eBay for aftermarket ones. They might actually be cheaper than buying a used seat.
Q: how do I clean the top to my 2001 mazda miata convertible?
I have a 2001 Mazda Miata Convertible with a canvas top. I would like to clean it...how do I do that? Is there special products out there to use for it or are there certain products to avoid? Thanks
A: there are specific cleaning products sold in major auto supply houses but regular mild detergent and water work well
Q: What is the best year mazda miata ?
Im looking to get a mazda miata for my first car and was wondering what the best year is and why. my price limit is about $4000 and i want something nice that will last me awile and not cost much to maintain.
A: If your budget is 4K then yes the NA series is what you need to be looking at buying. I also would be looking for a 91-93 that has zero power options. They break and those lil motors are expensive parts made out of alot of plastic. Also look for one without cruise control, or one with cruise control in need of repair...mine doesn't have cruise and it is no big deal. Lastly, see if you can find an NA with the original cassette radio. If you want a stereo, I would recommend an after market stereo that you add on after purchase from a reputable installer who will replace the center trim console if they break it. The NA series are a blast to drive and easy for an owner to maintain, so good luck in your quest.
Q: What cars are similar to a 1994-2000 Mazda Miata/MX-5?
I'm trying to figure out the make and model of a vehicle that could at a glance be mistaken for a Mazda Miata/MX-5, year between 1994-2000. Specifically, I'm looking for a two-door coupe that has rectangular (more tall than wide) reverse lights positioned to each side of the license plate. I saw a vehicle a few days ago that matched this description and I need to figure out its make and model. Your help is appreciated.
A: Coupe?
What about the Honda Del Sol? (Search the web for better pics)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_del_sol
Also, the Toyota MR2. (Search the web for better pics)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr2
Another convertible could be the 3rd generation Mercury Capri was brought from Australia to compete against the Miata.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Capri
Q: can you change a 95 mazda miata front end to a 99's and above?
i want to get a mazda miata but im on a budget and i dont like the older models front end. will the hood, fenders and bumper of a 99 fit into it????????? is it hard? do you have to do a major job just to swap it?
A: you can swap all the things but the money is the problem right there, not mentioning the price for paint the new parts
a good shop can do it easy but get your pockets ready