Hi, nice video. You touched on a problem my car has. Sometimes whenever I stop at the traffic lights, or maybe I'm just sat somewhere with the engine running, the revs will drop from approx 900 rpm to about 300 or 400 rpm. It will feel like the engine is going to cut out, but then the revs go back up to normal. Do you know what this problem is and how I can solve it? I have already changed the spark plugs, ignition leads, coil packs and MAF. Thanks!
You are so right. I have had so many different motors over the years but always got round to changing them. Not this time. I've ve had my 1.6 Eunos1991 since 2012 and will keep her and repair her until the doc takes my license away. Brilliant car.
@@danielskrskr yo man's I'm so jealous and that made me so happy to see that u actually remembered writing that. Bro now I'm jealous and I'm only 12 so I ain't got no money apart from when I get my business up and running once I make enough money from that imms buy myself one and I'm legally allowed to drive it on private property and my dad owns a bunch of private property so I can go drive it about and it will be sick so yeah. You guys are making me jealous asf
1. Rust 2. Rust 3. Rust 4. Rust 5. Rust Another good place rust lives is the metal pillars the hold the wind shield together check the bottom of them if anyone reading is buying.
Yeah, talk about rust.. Mine also has some serious weight reduction going on. Mine's more than 30 years old and mother nature's slowly reclaiming her.. Also, clutch hydraulics are a nightmare with these cars. Other than that: I have to mention that it is one of the most fun, best handling, most reliable cars I've owned and I've owned boatloads of cars. I really love it. Once you owned a Miata, you'll never want to get rid of it. I'm keeping this little car until it falls apart :-)
I have cured several overheating problems in Miatas where the customer has replaced almont the whole system, including head gaskets. The main cooling fan, while coming on, loses efficency and will start to slow down. Half the air speed equals overheating. This is something to check before spending big bucks.
Great job. I have a plethora of Miata’s and I was hoping to add to your content but you addressed all the main faults. Remember : British Roadster + Japanese Reliability = BEST CAR EVER
Absolutely great comment. I loved those old Triumph spitfires. But I needed my whole toolbox wherever I went. Then the Miata came along. I still miss the old British Leyland cars.
For #2, get a little box flashlight and glue into the dash pointing at the keyhole. Get in, light it up, see the keyhole, turn the light off. Problem solved.
Owned 2 now: 1995 bought new--9 years no problems, 50000 miles with normal tire replacement, brakes, and top was tired with yellowed and cracked plastic top window when I sold it with mysterious miss developing (not fuel filter
or plugs). Never garaged from 1995-2003! No rust, but rarely driven in winter. Bought low miles 1994 in 2015--++ always garaged 3 owner Miata. In my garage no problems in 8 years. Great sports cars!
I just bought a 99 Miata. Top ruined. Interior wet. Needs a valve cover gasket. But it has 106k on the clock and I can’t imagine wasting a mechanically sound car over that.
I had the same experience. I bought a 2001. I knew it was going to need the basics. When I opened the trunk it was like a fish tank. But a new canvas Robbins top, installed by a pro and a little bit of TLC and I have a fine little Roadster.
if you have a top put on, be sure the installer uses the rubber (washers) around the rain rail mounts. Also make sure the rubber strip that runs around the outside of the top is positioned properly. I highly recommend Robbins brand. Great support and warranty. Lastly, a trombone brush is ideal for cleaning the water run off drains that guide the water from the ends of the rain rail down to the ground. You will end up with a bunch of water leaks and mildew. Great little cars. Inexpensive and simple to fix an keep running.
@@Matthew_M11 I have a ND and am 6.1 my brother also has a ND he is 6.3 we both fit although it's a squeeze for him. For me I have the seat one notch forward.
@@Lee-70ish I went and sat in a NB and no luck. Had to sit in the drivers seat with my shows off and even then my knee had to be against the door so my hand could go all around the steering wheel. Am thinking NC now, even though it wouldn't be as fun to drive as an older one.
@@Matthew_M11 I had a 2000 NB LS, you can fit well in them with a bucket seat and putting a spacer on the steering wheel to bring the wheel closer to your body and not right above your knees
consider a wheel spacer. Frankly, I think it'll be a stretch (no pun) for you but you need the leg room and arm reach otherwise you'll be all out of shape.
Yes these problems are common on many high mileage cars, but these are the ones that are most likely to come up on Miatas. And some of them are quite Miata specific (short nose crank, for example)
Thanks for the video, very nice, mine is a 93 and I got her in 1995 after 23 years, she is still with me. Gotta get some time to replace the rug and install a new deck unit and speakers. My eldest is starting to learn to drive and the first time he drove her, he said "woah" so responsive when compared to my modded 01 Civic. Both cars have a sports suspension but the Civic is faster and yes the Miata is slow but way more fun to drive specially around curves.
1990 TO EARLY 1991!!!!! Had short cranks dude!! 92 thos shitty motors were LONG GONE!! I OWN 6 EARLY & rather RARE MIATAS..3 of them are ROUSH COYOTE /T56 Mag/8.8 IRS Swaps and one is a full Flying Miata LS Build with a ProCharger...I libe less than 45 minutes from Flyin Miata. They 2015 Coyote & T6060 Swapped my 1992 Mazda B2200 WHICH IS ON ACCURIDE BAGS,a 4 Link rear with a 8.8/4:56 Solid Axle and Tubular K-Member up front.
I might get a miata as my first car and after watching this video I think I can now finally sleep at night knowing that I can now properly choose a miata, thanks for the vid man!
After three years of ownership I discovered another blocked drainage hole that no one ever mentions. I started finding loads of water under the fuel flap whenever we got heavy rain. So I got out my trusty drain hole cleaner (a straightened out wire coat hanger that I use to clear the drain holes under the soft top) and sure enough it drains under the lhs rear wheel arch. It was full of crap so water was just sitting. All power to the mx5 miata. Brilliant car, fun, reliable, cheap to run, easy to maintain and repair. Best car I've ever had (and at 56 there have been quite a few!!)
Yep, you pretty much got to the biggest offenders. I agree, don't let any of these things scare you from buying one. Most issues are easily fixed. But you SHOULD use these things to bargain with the seller to get a better price when buying one.
The biggest problem I have with my '04 Mazdaspeed NB Miata is finding enough time, and lately good weather, to drive it. It has 140+k miles, 70 k when I bought it three years ago.. I've replaced/upgraded' - timing belt & front main seal @ 90k miles - radiator @ 100k upgrade - vacuum relay, ("bog relay") @ 100k - both headlights w/oem clusters, (very hard to find driver side in the 04 'speed because of turbo piping,) one was broken, @ 100 k - same with fog lights, @ 90 k - replaced torn vinyl top w/black fabric @ 110 k upgrade - clutch master/slave cylinders & replaced clutch line w/stainless @ 120k upgrade - rubber flex brake lines w/stainless @120k upgrade - OEM muffler w/Helmholtz stainless (Goodwin Racing) @140 k upgrade Thanks for the tip on water in the rocker panels. I'm rarely out in the rain, and the car goes in the barn for the winter, but I'll check for proper drainage. Zoom Zoom!
@@CashedOutCars A few small things haha. Red paint, front lip, 2 piece alloys, new clutch and main seal, etc. Just a well maintained NA 1.6, mostly unmodified really. Thats all I was looking for :)
It's the same with the TT, mani- and pedicures and wet wipes. Most boys claim that these things are for girls and too gay and so on, but the men that have had a taste of these things appreciate them way more.
Thank you! I've recently inherited one from my grandparents and currently its not road worthy but i'm looking at tackling each of these issues one at a time so thanks for the info!
Some advice on your car idling - I had a Mazda 6 that would have the idle dip down whe coasting in neutral, and would idle high at a stop. When I pressed the clutch in, the car would idle normally. This turned out to be the neutral switch - basically, the car didn't know it was in neutral when you release the clutch, so it wasn't getting any fuel since it cuts fuel off in gear when you release the gas (it doesn't need gas to keep the idle up because the car is moving obviously). I think these cars may have neutral switches - they're cheap, so that could fix your idle problems if they're as I described above.
I drove my 1994 Miata for 11 years and 160K miles, and apart from normal wear, e.g. brakes, shocks, tires, top and interior, all of which I did replace, but which replacement was either regular .maintenance or else not strictly necessary, there were very few problems. The only unusual, or as it turned out in my case, USUAL problem I had was the clutch slave cylinder, which failed twice, almost stranding me both times. It was not an expensive fix however, at only about $125 each time.
Good job! I've dailied mine for the past 22 years. A few additional things - fouled plugs can cascade into bad wires and take a coil pack with them in short order... Shifter turret oil needs to be changed regularly, and cars with lifter tick (esp in the hands of uninformed sellers) can be a great negotiating tool... Once bought one with really bad lifter tick that a "master" ASE tech told the owner needed a new engine because... "all 4 rods were making noise..." (and that was the first thing the seller told me when he said he didn't want to start it up so I could hear it run...) I wonder how long your yellowing radiator lasted... By the time they reach that shade, they are as unpredictable as a grenade with a loose pin...
What a good video - it’s well presented, touches on all the issues one needs to know about, and balanced in its judgment. Thanks for doing such a good job!
My Miata is 13 years old / driving it for 12 years now ...... Which is why I am watching ...... Shes so cozy ......but want to know what I need to look out for ...... I Love this car Thanks
Well made informational video, accurate description of problems. Apart from rust isues, if you already have them, there is nothing which can't be repaired easily. Especially because parts are still available and relatively cheap, even for the NA model. I was lucky to find a NA which had been cared for very well and all holow spaces had been treated with an anti rust agent quite early in the car's life, so it pretty much rust free apart from a little spot on one of the rear fenders.
Nice video. Just a few comments, a new convertible top takes ten years (minimum) off the appearance but I don't recommend you DIY, it's possible but not fun. With respect to the idle, ours was rough and getting poor mileage, I replaced the O2 sensor and the idle smoothed out and the mileage improved substantially. They really are great vehicles, we'd hate to part with ours.
Ahaha I completely agree with you on the drastic change of appearance after replacing the top. After I replaced one top with the frame out on one of my miatas, the top replacement went very smooth with my other one; the only problem was the rain rail was cracked. Replacing the top with the frame in the car is signifigantly easyer.
I've replaced a top on my NA and it was definitely the most difficult DIY project I ever tackled with a "5 wrench difficulty" in the manual when a supercharger was listed as an easy 3. My big hands were to large to fit into pillar and so a tiny ratchet was purchased as well.
I have the rough idle and poor gas mileage. Both improved when I replaced the plugs and wires, but not completely. I was suspecting the 02 sensor might be the other culprit. Thank you for mentioning that.
Great review! Verbal bullet points and very easy to follow and understand. I have a na short nose engine and this review of common problems was very useful. Keep the clips coming cash!??😚
Thank you for making this video. You are spot on with these issues! I have a 1991 Miata and it is a fantastic car. It ‘s amazing to drive and very inexpensive to run. I would highly recommend this car!
This was really an excellent video...much better than I was expecting! A couple quick things...when you first talk about rocker rust, I couldn't tell if you were clearly explaining the rubber downtube from the water collection trays (for the convertible top) which plug with dirt and need to be opened up occasionally. I wasn't sure because actually they extend down below the rockers and when they plug, they back up to the collection trays up high, not in the rockers. The rockers usually rust from dirt thrown into them by the tires. And about that soft top rubber bladder that funnels water to the side collection trays...you mentioned that it could leak. You know it's leaking if the trunk starts to accumulate water. About your idle issue....here's something to check. That big plastic tube that runs from the air filter to the air/mass sensor (about 2' long, runs right across the front of the motor). It can develop a hairline crack in the corrugations from either repeated air filter installations or more likely clumsy handling by a mechanic replacing the timing belt or water pump. A crack in that tube will give you intermittent idling issues like you describe. Hope that helps!
You are correct, sir. The roof drains clog up high, right where the roof meets the.body. The "wells" can hold a few inches of water, after which it drains down into the carpet behind and below the seats. Dont ask me how I know. It took towels, a heater and a couple days to get it completely dry, but there was no damage to the computer beneath the carpet behind the seat other than some surface rust.
Nice video - I have a 91 that I acquired with a friend last fall. Been working on suspension stuff now, and I need to deal with some oil leaks. DEFINITELY a lot coming from valve cover, and when I have that off I'll check timing belt etc... Would love to clean up all of the oil gunk so I can see what else is leaking. I fixed the idling issue already. Can't wait to get this thing back on the road! Oh, and rust - I hope to take a welding class this fall...
Good job covered the majority of issues. I've had my '90 for 27 years and the only items I've needed to replace that were not maintenance/normal wear were the clutch slave and top. Given mine is garaged kept and only has 70k miles, but still pretty remarkable for a 30-year-old car. If I were going to buy a used NA, I'd budget for full fluid changes i.e. coolant, engine oil, pwr steering fluid, clutch/brake fluid, transmission, differential. Also, replace all hoses/belts and the fuel filter. May also want to change spark plug wires depending on age.
I'd say you just about covered everything. Thanks for the tip about the heat shield. I have a 2001 and I'll bet I'm hearing that rattle. As you know there are some rebuild tricks for the dashboard "eyeball" loosening. My car is just at 109,000 mils so it has a way to go before I start seeing too many problems. I highly recommend investing in a custom car cover. Thanks for the video and th reminder that these are cars that can be kept running for a long time. Especially if you do most of your own work.
I was quite surprised when I got my 1990 NA and the AC vents don't sag got it with 154k miles interior is clean asf only con was it had 2 blown shocks which I replaced fairly quick with a set of coilovers
Excellent job young man! Im retired from 45 years in the BodyShop biz. Im thinking of taking a clean 1 owner, low miles, Red 1992 Miata as trade-in for a 2009 Mustang Convertible GT-500 i Built while quarantined... (Miata is One of the few cars ive never owned) Very informatve video. Thank You
Thank you for the info I'm a 62 yr old woman trying to buy a Miata for my son who used to have one, got sick ( schizophrenia) his landlord scared him into getting to getting rid of it. Real jerk. Anyway I m trying to get him another.i think his was 92 So it's good if I learn a bit about them. Thanks.
3rd year of ownership. After a while where I was unemployed and couldn't maintain the car up to my liking. If been tackling some issues that were long bothering and it's funny how their are all in the list. In the past months I've managed to replace all bushings on the front and a bad wheel bearing and a bad ball joint. The ride it's perfect now. I had the head shield rattle a couple years ago but it suddenly stopped. I dunno if the muffler guy gave it a hand when I needed to weld a small tear on the exhaust. Replaced at home both clutch cilinders and the clutch feels just right. And now I need to tackle the common cas and valve gasket leaks. Replace the shifter seals and boot as the boot leather is also ripped and brittle. As long as a wiring problem that is blowing my tail fuse that powers daylights, dashboard background lights and the left night taillight. (Weird combination of components in one circuit). Also replaced both alternator belts early on. And had at one point the tick. But an oil change with a little additive made it way better. Had some waterlines getting ripped. Got new ones and new termosthat and flushed the water circuit never had heating problems again. I also have a rip in my driver's seat seam as mentioned in the video lool and a rip on the back plastic window by the seams and leaks on the softop seals on the door windows. I'm also not very experienced with cars but I'm an adept of DIY and I have tons of fun following tutorials and fix those issues my self in my spare time... So far never had a replacement part cost me triple digits. So there's that going in my favor. I guess every single one of those problems are like clichê by now in the Miata comunity
Hey man, just watched your video and just wanted say that you did a great job and that your MX-5 is looking fine. B) Keep up the car and the good work!
@@bakerXderek yeah definitely a good deal. na and nb prices have been going up as of late so it's worth it cause u can make money selling it if you don't like it. they're great cars tho, supercharged is much preferred over turbo imo, linear power band is best for these things.
To fix low idle/idling problem I found that removing the oil sending unit (located left of the oil filter under exhaust manifold) and cleaning it with brake cleaner/isopropyl/starting fluid helps a lot. I have a 1990 Miata (it’s my moms lol) and I’ve redone the timing three times so I’m afraid I have a short nose crank issue also. Having any sort of exhaust leak will also cause issues with idling too, mine had a bad leak where the cat was removed and terribly rewelded. Anyhow. Awesome video. Cheers! 😄🍻
I've owned an NA and currently an NB and done all my own work on them and while not a car for Canadian winters they are inexpensive to own and operate. I store mine on axle stands each winter. Parts are readily available and quickly shipped out especially from outfits like RockAuto in Wisconsin. Most fun for the money!
Very very good video had some problems with my 91' MX5 and managed too solve it using your video. I subbed you and turned on the bell. I am a pretty new channel but i am planning too do some mx5 videos myself. Greetings from Germany keep up the great work
Buying one is the right choice, it’s the best car I’ve owned and I never plan on getting rid of it. Take care of it and it’ll take care of you, and they’re also very easy to work on
Way easier than modern cars and especially easier than german stuff. There’s also a huge community (like this one) to help you learn about working on them!
Martin, it's like any used car, you need to really examine the car before you buy it. If you're not good with cars, take it to a dealer and have them look at it.
I own a 1991 Miata and this is accurate. My drains got clogged so bad that I actually had water get through my floor and flood the bottom of my car. Luckily I am a mechanic so my friend and I got busy fixing it but it still made my car smell like mold for a solid month. This is an accurate video. Luckily I have avoided the rust problem.
Same. Took a 1/4 lb. of leaves, twigs and sludge out of both of the front fender drains. Took a bit less out of the two roof drains, but only after they clogged and put some water on the floor behind the seats. Both the fender and roof drains can be difficult to locate and access. I have the Haynes manual, but still needed to watch a couple videos.
These little problems don't even seem bothersome. I'm looking into getting my first car and I've wanted a Miata ever since I could remember. This would probably be a great first car for me.
coolant reroute is good always. Leaving the lights popped up will help dissipate more heat from the engine bay than aftermarket 'hi-flow' turn signal intakes or whatever you find for sale. If your slave or master cylinder breaks, change both of them even if one part is fine!
the color of your radiator can help you know when to replace it, his was brown so he used change it anytime soon the brown shows that its old and that the plastic has aged and is dry
I live in Japan bought a pretty well maintained 94 with add-ons, upgrades and replacements with records, however not used for 3 yrs. Had to rebuild power windows mechanism, wiper mechanism, washer lines. With this age the window nylon bushings disintegrate and then the cables go. NOT an easy fix but I did it. If you replace the rubber shifter boot go ahead and put in a rebuild kit w/ washer & bushing: cheap and easy. It had a very nice VINYL top with Hard rear window plus a pop on hard top. I'm a geezer having more fun than my hot rod teenage years (with the car) Good vid man.
lifter ticking. just do rapid oil changes and add Lucas. this fixed mine. Also replace the motor mounts. they go bad and should be replaced every few years
If you live in a state that has snow or a state near the sea: grease up your panels good. Plus always run a hardtop in bad weather if you can. I already lost one NA to rust, but I live in the alps. They are getting more expensive each year and rust free chassis come at a premium and we're slowly approaching used ND priceranges for low milage NAs
Informative video, but If I may add $0.02 I'd suggest: Change out the wimpy OEM horn! (Unless you have a death wish) Smaller cars are like motorcycles, lots of other drivers just don't see them! People will pull out of parking lots or make left turns in front of you like you're invisible. After a few close calls in my '99 NB I installed a horn set from a 1980 Cad Eldorado... gets their attention every time! Lots of Crown Vics and full-size GM horns in your local boneyard for cheap and the stock relay will handle the extra current load. BTW, I'm originally from CT (New Britain) but lived in NV since 1975. Lots of top-down weather out here!
I have a 1996m edition I have had for a year now and I love it it rattles a bit and the valves tick a bit but not all the time . It has a 127000 miles on it I hope I get a million more lil
Your videos have helped me so much I'm going to look at a 01 mx5 special edition in green. Got him down to 4k but ima try to get it for 3800 when I go to purchase it if it looks good
Want to learn more about common rust spots? Click here! th-cam.com/video/eoFtbtP2ONs/w-d-xo.html
Hi, nice video. You touched on a problem my car has. Sometimes whenever I stop at the traffic lights, or maybe I'm just sat somewhere with the engine running, the revs will drop from approx 900 rpm to about 300 or 400 rpm. It will feel like the engine is going to cut out, but then the revs go back up to normal. Do you know what this problem is and how I can solve it? I have already changed the spark plugs, ignition leads, coil packs and MAF. Thanks!
almost 2 years later and this guy still giving hearts to comments
And you get one too! Glad this video is still getting lots of support and helping lots of people!
*He even posted another comment to help people out more*
That’s why I make these videos, to help people out. enjoy!
@@CashedOutCars And he reacts again XDD this guy is insanely dedicated to commenting on his videos, not something you see all the time
now 3 haha
Biggest problem with a miata: not owning one
You are so right. I have had so many different motors over the years but always got round to changing them. Not this time. I've ve had my 1.6 Eunos1991 since 2012 and will keep her and repair her until the doc takes my license away. Brilliant car.
I just started saving up for a miata and this comment just made me so impatient
I have a Miata now :)
@@danielskrskr yo man's I'm so jealous and that made me so happy to see that u actually remembered writing that. Bro now I'm jealous and I'm only 12 so I ain't got no money apart from when I get my business up and running once I make enough money from that imms buy myself one and I'm legally allowed to drive it on private property and my dad owns a bunch of private property so I can go drive it about and it will be sick so yeah. You guys are making me jealous asf
@@danielskrskr yeah, is that a problem???
Throw MX5 in the title and you'll get more views from people outside the US :)
Done, let’s hope it helps more people find it!
@@CashedOutCars 👍 keep up the good work 😊
From a country who call it the mx5 nos by defualt i think miata when i see it
@@CashedOutCars It worked!
1. Rust
2. Rust
3. Rust
4. Rust
5. Rust
Another good place rust lives is the metal pillars the hold the wind shield together check the bottom of them if anyone reading is buying.
6. More rust
Thanks
But only if you live in snow belt.
a pillar I think that’s called
Yeah, talk about rust.. Mine also has some serious weight reduction going on. Mine's more than 30 years old and mother nature's slowly reclaiming her..
Also, clutch hydraulics are a nightmare with these cars.
Other than that: I have to mention that it is one of the most fun, best handling, most reliable cars I've owned and I've owned boatloads of cars. I really love it. Once you owned a Miata, you'll never want to get rid of it. I'm keeping this little car until it falls apart :-)
Biggest Mx problem what ever model .
Turning it off and getting out.
Dude I'm tiny like 5'2" and 100 pounds I'm 15 so I'm good lmao
jonathan abreu never had a problem with my 1.6 over 200k miles now and pulls great, cheers
Daniel Thomas 1.6na
jonathan abreu ????
1.6 is a way better platform if you wanna go forced induction or IRTBs. 1.6 is better to modify
Good job man. You speak very clear, nice editing cuts, and you definitely got all the common Mazda Miata problems down in this video.
I have cured several overheating problems in Miatas where the customer has replaced almont the whole system, including head gaskets. The main cooling fan, while coming on, loses efficency and will start to slow down. Half the air speed equals overheating. This is something to check before spending big bucks.
Very well spoken. and narrated. Thanks.
As an owner of a miata of questionable quality... this is accurate 😅
Great job. I have a plethora of Miata’s and I was hoping to add to your content but you addressed all the main faults. Remember : British Roadster + Japanese Reliability = BEST CAR EVER
Absolutely great comment. I loved those old Triumph spitfires. But I needed my whole toolbox wherever I went. Then the Miata came along. I still miss the old British Leyland cars.
Stop hogging all the miatas
True! I had a 69 Spitfire when I was 19, at 66 I bought a 2000 Miata. Drives like the Spitfire, I feel 19 again. Thanks Mazda!
@@charlesmcgehee3227 I was thinking about getting a Miata instead of a Spitfire, think I'll go for the Spitfire
@@North49191 if you can afford one I prefer the 1967. I owned a 66 and a 67. Sweet little cars.
If that’s it I’m getting me one
Deuante Kelly same
I wanna get one in like 3-5 years from now maybe if i don't find anything else, but dang a 30 year old car like idk... 😕
@@geometryjosh21 theres no problem with a 30 year old car, hell a supra is approaching that age very soon and they're still clean as hell.
@@geometryjosh21 cars from 30 years ago are much more reliable than new cars
chinchy111 i hate new cars
Problem number 1: Getting in
Problem number 2: Finding the ignition key hole at night
Problem number 3: Getting out
SOLUTION : Miata
For #2, get a little box flashlight and glue into the dash pointing at the keyhole. Get in, light it up, see the keyhole, turn the light off. Problem solved.
69 likes lol
Hahahaha the ignition one is accurate asf. I thought I was the only one having that problem.
@@devondwayne5981 damn this is a throwback 😂 yeah bro I would bend sideways to find that hole 😂
Is it only me or you cant see shit in the dark in this car
I owed my MX-5 for 5 yr.s
Not 1 single issue !
Zero rust - one owner
Meticulously serviced
Just buy a good one !
Owned 2 now: 1995 bought new--9 years no problems, 50000 miles with normal tire replacement, brakes, and top was tired with yellowed and cracked plastic top window when I sold it with mysterious miss developing (not fuel filter
or plugs). Never garaged from 1995-2003! No rust, but rarely driven in winter. Bought low miles 1994 in 2015--++ always garaged 3 owner Miata. In my garage no problems in 8 years. Great sports cars!
Nothing is perfect 😭😭
I love miatas😥
Cute little face
Spot on video. I've owned a '90 for the last 7 years now. You've covered all the issues you might have in these bulletproof little cars.
I just bought a 99 Miata. Top ruined. Interior wet. Needs a valve cover gasket. But it has 106k on the clock and I can’t imagine wasting a mechanically sound car over that.
I had the same experience. I bought a 2001. I knew it was going to need the basics. When I opened the trunk it was like a fish tank. But a new canvas Robbins top, installed by a pro and a little bit of TLC and I have a fine little Roadster.
How much? Theres a 99 with 140k that I'm looking at, decent condition, needs a top too haha.
if you have a top put on, be sure the installer uses the rubber (washers) around the rain rail mounts. Also make sure the rubber strip that runs around the outside of the top is positioned properly. I highly recommend Robbins brand. Great support and warranty. Lastly, a trombone brush is ideal for cleaning the water run off drains that guide the water from the ends of the rain rail down to the ground. You will end up with a bunch of water leaks and mildew. Great little cars. Inexpensive and simple to fix an keep running.
Top is hella easy to replace. I used to buy used tops in good shape and just swap them out.
I love ❤️ my 99 insanely. Most fun car ever. Slow as molasses, but feels like I’m going fast. And sounds fantastic.
ZOOM ZOOM...
How tall are you? Do you reckon people above 6ft could fit in your NB?
@@Matthew_M11 I have a ND and am 6.1 my brother also has a ND he is 6.3 we both fit although it's a squeeze for him.
For me I have the seat one notch forward.
@@Lee-70ish I went and sat in a NB and no luck. Had to sit in the drivers seat with my shows off and even then my knee had to be against the door so my hand could go all around the steering wheel. Am thinking NC now, even though it wouldn't be as fun to drive as an older one.
@@Matthew_M11 I had a 2000 NB LS, you can fit well in them with a bucket seat and putting a spacer on the steering wheel to bring the wheel closer to your body and not right above your knees
consider a wheel spacer. Frankly, I think it'll be a stretch (no pun) for you but you need the leg room and arm reach otherwise you'll be all out of shape.
You're listing every type of problem for every type of older high milage car.
Yes these problems are common on many high mileage cars, but these are the ones that are most likely to come up on Miatas. And some of them are quite Miata specific (short nose crank, for example)
CashedOutCars as a short nose Miata owner with some of the other problems you mentioned I agree!
@@JavierDiaz-kh2ug what the mileage like?
Ever since I was 13 I wanted a miata finally at 18 I’m so close to getting one I can’t wait 😭
You’ll enjoy it!
Thanks for the video, very nice, mine is a 93 and I got her in 1995 after 23 years, she is still with me. Gotta get some time to replace the rug and install a new deck unit and speakers. My eldest is starting to learn to drive and the first time he drove her, he said "woah" so responsive when compared to my modded 01 Civic. Both cars have a sports suspension but the Civic is faster and yes the Miata is slow but way more fun to drive specially around curves.
I still have my 93, bought it brand new. Has about 170K miles on it and runs like a champ!
1990 TO EARLY 1991!!!!! Had short cranks dude!! 92 thos shitty motors were LONG GONE!! I OWN 6 EARLY & rather RARE MIATAS..3 of them are ROUSH COYOTE /T56 Mag/8.8 IRS Swaps and one is a full Flying Miata LS Build with a ProCharger...I libe less than 45 minutes from Flyin Miata. They 2015 Coyote & T6060 Swapped my 1992 Mazda B2200 WHICH IS ON ACCURIDE BAGS,a 4 Link rear with a 8.8/4:56 Solid Axle and Tubular K-Member up front.
I might get a miata as my first car and after watching this video I think I can now finally sleep at night knowing that I can now properly choose a miata, thanks for the vid man!
You’re welcome, you’ll love it. I hope you can find something you like soon!
After three years of ownership I discovered another blocked drainage hole that no one ever mentions. I started finding loads of water under the fuel flap whenever we got heavy rain. So I got out my trusty drain hole cleaner (a straightened out wire coat hanger that I use to clear the drain holes under the soft top) and sure enough it drains under the lhs rear wheel arch. It was full of crap so water was just sitting.
All power to the mx5 miata. Brilliant car, fun, reliable, cheap to run, easy to maintain and repair. Best car I've ever had (and at 56 there have been quite a few!!)
I drove 300 miles to get my miata in Yuma, Arizona (the sunniest place on earth). Absolutely zero rust!!
This guy is awesome . Describing all the problems articulated perfectly made me want to buy one. Never felt so comfy buying a car with 200k miles
Thanks I just picked one up cheap. needs a lot of rust repair but I knew before I got it. Plan to buy another one they are super fun cars to drive!
Welcome to the club buddy! They're great little cars.
@@CashedOutCars do you know where you could get a decent (little to no rust) miata for cheap?
In your dreams! In all seriousness browse craigslist and Facebook market place and sometimes good deals will come up.
Yep, you pretty much got to the biggest offenders. I agree, don't let any of these things scare you from buying one. Most issues are easily fixed. But you SHOULD use these things to bargain with the seller to get a better price when buying one.
The biggest problem I have with my '04 Mazdaspeed NB Miata is finding enough time, and lately good weather, to drive it.
It has 140+k miles, 70 k when I bought it three years ago..
I've replaced/upgraded'
- timing belt & front main seal @ 90k miles
- radiator @ 100k upgrade
- vacuum relay, ("bog relay") @ 100k
- both headlights w/oem clusters, (very hard to find driver side in the 04 'speed because of turbo piping,) one was broken, @ 100 k
- same with fog lights, @ 90 k
- replaced torn vinyl top w/black fabric @ 110 k upgrade
- clutch master/slave cylinders & replaced clutch line w/stainless @ 120k upgrade
- rubber flex brake lines w/stainless @120k upgrade
- OEM muffler w/Helmholtz stainless (Goodwin Racing) @140 k upgrade
Thanks for the tip on water in the rocker panels. I'm rarely out in the rain, and the car goes in the barn for the winter, but I'll check for proper drainage.
Zoom Zoom!
Buying my dream miata in 5 days!
Thanks for the tips
Awesome! What makes this one your dream Miata?
@@CashedOutCars A few small things haha. Red paint, front lip, 2 piece alloys, new clutch and main seal, etc. Just a well maintained NA 1.6, mostly unmodified really. Thats all I was looking for :)
Nice! Enjoy it!
@@CashedOutCars Thanks :)
I appreciate the video!
I got a 91 Miata and had no idea how to tell which crank it had!
I am never going to understand the miata. People in the U.S. talk shit and hate small cars but MEN love these cars... Yeah I don't know
Drive one and you'll get it!
@@aidengonzalez8073 I'm not talking about me. I'm talking about everyone else. I don't talk shit about small cars like other people
It's the same with the TT, mani- and pedicures and wet wipes. Most boys claim that these things are for girls and too gay and so on, but the men that have had a taste of these things appreciate them way more.
Whaa who'd take shit about this? It's great
Not all people in the US are assholes, some of us just like cars.
Thank you! I've recently inherited one from my grandparents and currently its not road worthy but i'm looking at tackling each of these issues one at a time so thanks for the info!
You’re welcome, enjoy it!be sure to check my channel for lots of tutorials!
great video but one other thing to take note of is that sometimes the shifters will tend to get stuck in reverse or 5th
Some advice on your car idling - I had a Mazda 6 that would have the idle dip down whe coasting in neutral, and would idle high at a stop. When I pressed the clutch in, the car would idle normally.
This turned out to be the neutral switch - basically, the car didn't know it was in neutral when you release the clutch, so it wasn't getting any fuel since it cuts fuel off in gear when you release the gas (it doesn't need gas to keep the idle up because the car is moving obviously).
I think these cars may have neutral switches - they're cheap, so that could fix your idle problems if they're as I described above.
Mine drops rpm at a stop light havnt figured out the cause yet but when I do. Imma tell everyone because it seems to be a problom after years.
can’t wait to get my mx5
I drove my 1994 Miata for 11 years and 160K miles, and apart from normal wear, e.g. brakes, shocks, tires, top and interior, all of which I did replace, but which replacement was either regular .maintenance or else not strictly necessary, there were very few problems. The only unusual, or as it turned out in my case, USUAL problem I had was the clutch slave cylinder, which failed twice, almost stranding me both times. It was not an expensive fix however, at only about $125 each time.
Good job! I've dailied mine for the past 22 years. A few additional things - fouled plugs can cascade into bad wires and take a coil pack with them in short order... Shifter turret oil needs to be changed regularly, and cars with lifter tick (esp in the hands of uninformed sellers) can be a great negotiating tool... Once bought one with really bad lifter tick that a "master" ASE tech told the owner needed a new engine because... "all 4 rods were making noise..." (and that was the first thing the seller told me when he said he didn't want to start it up so I could hear it run...) I wonder how long your yellowing radiator lasted... By the time they reach that shade, they are as unpredictable as a grenade with a loose pin...
Hey man I’m the guy you spoke to at LimeRock at the track in the Merkur XR4Ti
Lime Rock was a blast today, Glad you found the channel! I'll send my friend the information about the Merkur Club!
I have na and xr both pretty great budget sport cars.
What a good video - it’s well presented, touches on all the issues one needs to know about, and balanced in its judgment. Thanks for doing such a good job!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the kind words :)
My Miata is 13 years old / driving it for 12 years now ...... Which is why I am watching ...... Shes so cozy ......but want to know what I need to look out for ...... I Love this car Thanks
Well made informational video, accurate description of problems.
Apart from rust isues, if you already have them, there is nothing which can't be repaired easily.
Especially because parts are still available and relatively cheap, even for the NA model.
I was lucky to find a NA which had been cared for very well and all holow spaces had been treated with an anti rust agent quite early in the car's life, so it pretty much rust free apart from a little spot on one of the rear fenders.
Got mine about 11 months ago, daily driven every day since then. I'm 6'6''. Zero regrets.
Awesome! Did you do any tall guy mods?
Nice video. Just a few comments, a new convertible top takes ten years (minimum) off the appearance but I don't recommend you DIY, it's possible but not fun. With respect to the idle, ours was rough and getting poor mileage, I replaced the O2 sensor and the idle smoothed out and the mileage improved substantially. They really are great vehicles, we'd hate to part with ours.
Ahaha I completely agree with you on the drastic change of appearance after replacing the top. After I replaced one top with the frame out on one of my miatas, the top replacement went very smooth with my other one; the only problem was the rain rail was cracked. Replacing the top with the frame in the car is signifigantly easyer.
I've replaced a top on my NA and it was definitely the most difficult DIY project I ever tackled with a "5 wrench difficulty" in the manual when a supercharger was listed as an easy 3. My big hands were to large to fit into pillar and so a tiny ratchet was purchased as well.
I agree, it’s my least favorite job to do. Turboing and tuning my NA was easier
I have the rough idle and poor gas mileage. Both improved when I replaced the plugs and wires, but not completely. I was suspecting the 02 sensor might be the other culprit. Thank you for mentioning that.
Awesome that you are so young and know lots about miatas and VW'S. I have an 07 GTI.
Great review! Verbal bullet points and very easy to follow and understand. I have a na short nose engine and this review of common problems was very useful. Keep the clips coming cash!??😚
Thanks man! There will be plenty more to come!
Very knowledgeable young man. Some of the problems he outlines remind me of those with the Austin Healey Bug Eye Sprite had had for 32 years :)
Thank you for making this video. You are spot on with these issues! I have a 1991 Miata and it is a fantastic car. It ‘s amazing to drive and very inexpensive to run. I would highly recommend this car!
This was really an excellent video...much better than I was expecting! A couple quick things...when you first talk about rocker rust, I couldn't tell if you were clearly explaining the rubber downtube from the water collection trays (for the convertible top) which plug with dirt and need to be opened up occasionally. I wasn't sure because actually they extend down below the rockers and when they plug, they back up to the collection trays up high, not in the rockers. The rockers usually rust from dirt thrown into them by the tires. And about that soft top rubber bladder that funnels water to the side collection trays...you mentioned that it could leak. You know it's leaking if the trunk starts to accumulate water. About your idle issue....here's something to check. That big plastic tube that runs from the air filter to the air/mass sensor (about 2' long, runs right across the front of the motor). It can develop a hairline crack in the corrugations from either repeated air filter installations or more likely clumsy handling by a mechanic replacing the timing belt or water pump. A crack in that tube will give you intermittent idling issues like you describe. Hope that helps!
You are correct, sir. The roof drains clog up high, right where the roof meets the.body. The "wells" can hold a few inches of water, after which it drains down into the carpet behind and below the seats. Dont ask me how I know. It took towels, a heater and a couple days to get it completely dry, but there was no damage to the computer beneath the carpet behind the seat other than some surface rust.
Nice video - I have a 91 that I acquired with a friend last fall. Been working on suspension stuff now, and I need to deal with some oil leaks. DEFINITELY a lot coming from valve cover, and when I have that off I'll check timing belt etc... Would love to clean up all of the oil gunk so I can see what else is leaking. I fixed the idling issue already. Can't wait to get this thing back on the road!
Oh, and rust - I hope to take a welding class this fall...
Good job covered the majority of issues. I've had my '90 for 27 years and the only items I've needed to replace that were not maintenance/normal wear were the clutch slave and top. Given mine is garaged kept and only has 70k miles, but still pretty remarkable for a 30-year-old car. If I were going to buy a used NA, I'd budget for full fluid changes i.e. coolant, engine oil, pwr steering fluid, clutch/brake fluid, transmission, differential. Also, replace all hoses/belts and the fuel filter. May also want to change spark plug wires depending on age.
I'd say you just about covered everything. Thanks for the tip about the heat shield. I have a 2001 and I'll bet I'm hearing that rattle. As you know there are some rebuild tricks for the dashboard "eyeball" loosening. My car is just at 109,000 mils so it has a way to go before I start seeing too many problems. I highly recommend investing in a custom car cover. Thanks for the video and th reminder that these are cars that can be kept running for a long time. Especially if you do most of your own work.
I was quite surprised when I got my 1990 NA and the AC vents don't sag got it with 154k miles interior is clean asf only con was it had 2 blown shocks which I replaced fairly quick with a set of coilovers
My 94 ac vents barely move haha. Defin better than sagging
I should've discovered this car soo earlier. This is the best car ever made
Agreed :)
i was thinking of getting one, this is a good video to have watched cheers
Hands down one of the best 90's imports for the value. I bought a 93 that I love all thanks to Initial D. Great video, and nice car!
I agree, thanks man, 93 brothas!
Excellent job young man!
Im retired from 45 years in the BodyShop biz.
Im thinking of taking a clean 1 owner, low miles, Red 1992 Miata as trade-in for a 2009 Mustang Convertible GT-500 i Built while quarantined...
(Miata is One of the few cars ive never owned)
Very informatve video.
Thank You
Miatas are great! Definitely try to get cash on top with that trade!
@@CashedOutCars
Oh YES. Tradein + cash.
The Miata is supercharged
N SuperClean
Thank you for the info
I'm a 62 yr old woman trying to buy a Miata for my son who used to have one, got sick ( schizophrenia) his landlord scared him into getting to getting rid of it. Real jerk. Anyway I m trying to get him another.i think his was 92
So it's good if I learn a bit about them. Thanks.
3rd year of ownership. After a while where I was unemployed and couldn't maintain the car up to my liking. If been tackling some issues that were long bothering and it's funny how their are all in the list.
In the past months I've managed to replace all bushings on the front and a bad wheel bearing and a bad ball joint. The ride it's perfect now. I had the head shield rattle a couple years ago but it suddenly stopped. I dunno if the muffler guy gave it a hand when I needed to weld a small tear on the exhaust.
Replaced at home both clutch cilinders and the clutch feels just right. And now I need to tackle the common cas and valve gasket leaks. Replace the shifter seals and boot as the boot leather is also ripped and brittle. As long as a wiring problem that is blowing my tail fuse that powers daylights, dashboard background lights and the left night taillight. (Weird combination of components in one circuit).
Also replaced both alternator belts early on. And had at one point the tick. But an oil change with a little additive made it way better.
Had some waterlines getting ripped. Got new ones and new termosthat and flushed the water circuit never had heating problems again.
I also have a rip in my driver's seat seam as mentioned in the video lool and a rip on the back plastic window by the seams and leaks on the softop seals on the door windows.
I'm also not very experienced with cars but I'm an adept of DIY and I have tons of fun following tutorials and fix those issues my self in my spare time... So far never had a replacement part cost me triple digits. So there's that going in my favor.
I guess every single one of those problems are like clichê by now in the Miata comunity
Watching from Ireland , first guy to not just say "problems are the soft top and rust
Welcome to the channel! Yessir, I try to be as in depth as possible with these videos!
Hey man, just watched your video and just wanted say that you did a great job and that your MX-5 is looking fine. B) Keep up the car and the good work!
Thanks man, I’m glad you enjoyed it!!
92 supercharged Miata that runs good for $1800 worth the buy ?
That sounds like a great deal! If you pass on it send it my way, I’m interested :)
@@CashedOutCars It's a homie deal but going to end up trading him my old ZX-6R for it. Really excited to dive into the Miata life they look sooo fun.
Yeah that sounds like a steal, enjoy it!
I just came from your video haha
@@bakerXderek yeah definitely a good deal. na and nb prices have been going up as of late so it's worth it cause u can make money selling it if you don't like it. they're great cars tho, supercharged is much preferred over turbo imo, linear power band is best for these things.
Great video! Deserves way more views for sure. :)
To fix low idle/idling problem I found that removing the oil sending unit (located left of the oil filter under exhaust manifold) and cleaning it with brake cleaner/isopropyl/starting fluid helps a lot.
I have a 1990 Miata (it’s my moms lol) and I’ve redone the timing three times so I’m afraid I have a short nose crank issue also.
Having any sort of exhaust leak will also cause issues with idling too, mine had a bad leak where the cat was removed and terribly rewelded.
Anyhow. Awesome video. Cheers! 😄🍻
I've owned an NA and currently an NB and done all my own work on them and while not a car for Canadian winters they are inexpensive to own and operate. I store mine on axle stands each winter. Parts are readily available and quickly shipped out especially from outfits like RockAuto in Wisconsin. Most fun for the money!
Agreed, best car for the money!
Very very good video had some problems with my 91' MX5 and managed too solve it using your video. I subbed you and turned on the bell. I am a pretty new channel but i am planning too do some mx5 videos myself. Greetings from Germany keep up the great work
Awesome man! I’m glad I could be of help, enjoy the content!
Tail light gaskets should be on the list
Looking to pick up a 98'-01' model for my first car, great video mate, really helpful
I’m sure you’ll love it! Enjoy it buddy!
You're scaring me man. I thought I had it planned out. Now I'm second guessing the miata.
Buying one is the right choice, it’s the best car I’ve owned and I never plan on getting rid of it. Take care of it and it’ll take care of you, and they’re also very easy to work on
How easy are we talking. Cause I'm trying to buy a 97 for my first car and I don't know much about cars except for the basics of how a car moves.
Way easier than modern cars and especially easier than german stuff. There’s also a huge community (like this one) to help you learn about working on them!
Martin, it's like any used car, you need to really examine the car before you buy it.
If you're not good with cars, take it to a dealer and have them look at it.
I own a 1991 Miata and this is accurate. My drains got clogged so bad that I actually had water get through my floor and flood the bottom of my car. Luckily I am a mechanic so my friend and I got busy fixing it but it still made my car smell like mold for a solid month. This is an accurate video. Luckily I have avoided the rust problem.
S
Same. Took a 1/4 lb. of leaves, twigs and sludge out of both of the front fender drains. Took a bit less out of the two roof drains, but only after they clogged and put some water on the floor behind the seats. Both the fender and roof drains can be difficult to locate and access. I have the Haynes manual, but still needed to watch a couple videos.
These little problems don't even seem bothersome. I'm looking into getting my first car and I've wanted a Miata ever since I could remember. This would probably be a great first car for me.
I'd go for one. They great, reliable cars!
thanks got another miata 2001 l love it ...miss my 1992 mx5
Those wheels and tires are gnarly... some solid fitment too
Hahah they're aggressive tires and just slightly wider than stock! I have a new wheel and tire set I'll be installing soon :)
I had these problems when i first got mine , literally every problem you brought up i fixed except the bushings which is next haha my chad miata
My brother got one Last year and sent him this video and it helped him
Very helpful video, just bought an abandoned 90 miata, about to see how hard the restoration would be once I can pick it up and look at it
So, basicely, aside from the crank thing, it's got pretty much all the problems that come with an old car, wich is not a real problem...
Thanks for the video, man! Very informative, and spot-on ...
Thank you! Great and informative 👍 My son bought his first 90 NA from his brother in TX.
Great video. You got a lot of content in over those 8 minutes! Very clear and concise. What roll bar do you have installed?
Thanks! Sorry for the late reply, it's a Boss Frog Double Diagonal Clearview bar
Buying one in 2 weeks now I’ll know what to look for when I check it out
You'll love it when you get one, enjoy it!
coolant reroute is good always. Leaving the lights popped up will help dissipate more heat from the engine bay than aftermarket 'hi-flow' turn signal intakes or whatever you find for sale. If your slave or master cylinder breaks, change both of them even if one part is fine!
Nailed it! Love my Miata!
the color of your radiator can help you know when to replace it, his was brown
so he used change it anytime soon the brown shows that its old and that the plastic has aged and is dry
I live in Japan bought a pretty well maintained 94 with add-ons, upgrades and replacements with records, however not used for 3 yrs. Had to rebuild power windows mechanism, wiper mechanism, washer lines. With this age the window nylon bushings disintegrate and then the cables go. NOT an easy fix but I did it. If you replace the rubber shifter boot go ahead and put in a rebuild kit w/ washer & bushing: cheap and easy. It had a very nice VINYL top with Hard rear window plus a pop on hard top. I'm a geezer having more fun than my hot rod teenage years (with the car) Good vid man.
lifter ticking. just do rapid oil changes and add Lucas. this fixed mine. Also replace the motor mounts. they go bad and should be replaced every few years
I have a 1990 NA Miata short nose… lol…. Just had to do a crazy fix Worked out great…..they can be saved if you can weld
Glad you were able to save it!
If you live in a state that has snow or a state near the sea: grease up your panels good.
Plus always run a hardtop in bad weather if you can.
I already lost one NA to rust, but I live in the alps. They are getting more expensive each year and rust free chassis come at a premium and we're slowly approaching used ND priceranges for low milage NAs
I’ve also found the rear brake calipers fail to retract after several years.
i looked the VIN up and i think my car was one of the first WEEKS after the crank got replaced. So lucky
NO Rust ON mine anywhere !!! Even the Top still look like NEW !!
And I live in Texas the Sun can be hard on them!!
Its salt on the road that causes rust not the sun
Good informative video. I'm looking into my first Miata and it's going to be my first older model car.
Awesome! They’re great cars
Informative video, but If I may add $0.02 I'd suggest: Change out the wimpy OEM horn! (Unless you have a death wish)
Smaller cars are like motorcycles, lots of other drivers just don't see them!
People will pull out of parking lots or make left turns in front of you like you're invisible.
After a few close calls in my '99 NB I installed a horn set from a 1980 Cad Eldorado... gets their attention every time!
Lots of Crown Vics and full-size GM horns in your local boneyard for cheap and the stock relay will handle the extra current load.
BTW, I'm originally from CT (New Britain) but lived in NV since 1975. Lots of top-down weather out here!
This dude is a legend.
hey man, this was so helpful, I subbed;)
Thanks for the sub!
I wanna get this car during my junior year and I will enjoy it a lot
You definitely will. Enjoy!
MX 5 Rules Good video. having serious thoughts about buying a Miata. Informative !.
I have a 1996m edition I have had for a year now and I love it it rattles a bit and the valves tick a bit but not all the time . It has a 127000 miles on it I hope I get a million more lil
Thankfully I’ve only ever had a single one of those problems and she’s 36 years old!
Your videos have helped me so much I'm going to look at a 01 mx5 special edition in green. Got him down to 4k but ima try to get it for 3800 when I go to purchase it if it looks good
glad i came up on this cuz i turn 15 in a year and 2 months and this is my dream car
Awesome video. Clear and concise. What did you use to color your tires with?
Thanks! I used a sharpie oil based paint marker. I have a tutorial on my channel if you want to check it out!