Mazda Miatas - NA body style [Archive] - DMCTalk Forum

sdg3205

11-26-2013, 10:37 PM

Does anyone here also own a Miata MX-5? I'm specifically looking at the 1990 - 1997 NA (1st generation) body style.

I've been doing a lot of research. The wife has been getting around by scooter for years and she's wanted a purple miata as long as I've known her. It might be time to get her into a miata. There are a number of mid 90's MX-5's for about $2,500 - $3,000 locally, with about 120k miles, which Kelly Blue Book puts a value on at about the same price ($2,800).

My wife's scooter is valued at $1,750, which keeps the difference comfortable.

Rust is apparently a big problem (gee... sounds familiar), as are timing belts on these vehicles. Other than that, they seem to go long past the 300k mile mark with little trouble.

Mark D

11-26-2013, 10:59 PM

That's really cool you're helping your wife finally get her dream car!

For all the negativity that they sometimes get from the 'manly man' types they are fun as hell to drive.

Josh

11-26-2013, 11:30 PM

Just going to leave this here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp1kuo6xkbE

Good luck on the hunt!

Mike F

11-26-2013, 11:59 PM

I own a '96. Had it since 2001, and it's been great! To be honest, I've never heard of rust being an issue. I don't have any on mine, and the original owner lived in Michigan (road salt). As far as the timing belt, it should be changed at 60k, but people have been known to go much further. I wouldn't really recommend that, but even if it snaps it's not really a catastrophe since the Miata has a non-interference engine. The '90-'91 models had a crankshaft issue, but other than that they are pretty solid cars.

sdg3205

11-27-2013, 12:03 AM

I'm looking at a 1996 with 140k miles. It's listed at $2900 but I think i could get it for a bit less.

I'm going to check it out tomorrow.

My friend had a 99 and it was a BLAST to drive!

It's funny, there is a whole subsection on the miata forums about the jokes they have to put up with. Sound familiar?!

Mike F

11-27-2013, 12:23 AM

Yes, they are definitely fun! It's true, the Miata carries with it a bit of the same quirkiness as the D. :) I've found the enthusiast communities for both cars to be quite similar in a lot of respects!

That seems like a pretty decent price for a '96, particularly if it is a B (power options) or C (leather) package car; even better if it has the Torsen diff. That's about what I have on mine for mileage as well. Good luck with it tomorrow! If you can, make sure to check a few things out:

1. Open the trunk and check out the battery. Look for any signs of leakage. Much like the D, with the battery being inside you can get some major damage from a leak. Hopefully the current owner has installed an AGM battery.

2. Look under the carpet behind the passenger seat and in the trunk for evidence of water. The top drains tend to clog and back up, and when that happens it runs into the car. I say look behind the passenger seat because the ECU is there. If that looks like its been wet it could be a problem later.

3. Check the top for a good seal around the window, etc. Not a deal breaker if the top is worn, but it's an expense you'll have to factor in.

Other than that, just the normal stuff to check with any car.

Let me know if you want to talk Miatas some more! :)

sdg3205

11-27-2013, 12:40 AM

just going to leave this here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp1kuo6xkbe

good luck on the hunt!

amazeballs!

bladerunner

11-27-2013, 10:50 AM

amazeballs!

This thread instantly made me think of the Regular Car Reviews channel. Awesome stuff.

Chris 16409

11-27-2013, 11:35 AM

This thread instantly made me think of the Regular Car Reviews channel. Awesome stuff.

I like the inclusion of the DeLorean tail light in video.

jamesrguk

11-27-2013, 03:45 PM

Before...
23209
Before.....
23215
After...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-17084954

It was a super little car while it lasted

James

djdogbone

11-27-2013, 07:00 PM

Sad day

sdg3205

11-27-2013, 07:07 PM

Well, the car was "ok." Definitely not a $2,900 car.

Here's the dirt:

133 k miles (213k km's)
small chip in windshield
Unknown history
Not certified
Blown rear shocks
Rust in front of rear wheels is quite bad
aftermarket Stereo wired incorrectly
Wandering temperature gauge (fluctuates between ice cold and about 11 o clock - gets cooler in motion - bad thermostat?)

There was also a buzz around 3,500 rpm. I'll attach some videos too.

My guess is a value closer to $2000 or $2,200.

Here are some pics

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Mike F

11-28-2013, 02:15 AM

Hmmm, yeah there's definitely some rust there. Looks like the rear suspension rust is pretty pronounced in some spots. Interior doesn't seem too bad; seems like a good cleaning would have it looking fine.

The temp gauge is probably a bad sender. Mine exhibited pretty much the same behavior you described when my sender went bad. Bounced around like a VU meter. The sender is easy to reach (unlike another car we know...) and readily available at local parts stores.

The buzzing you heard is quite possibly the exhaust. The cat heat shield is notorious for that (common fix is to just pop it off) as well as the heat shields fore and aft of it. They are two piece shields that are prone to rattling loose; particularly if they are rusted (which would agree with the condition of the underside of this car).

Are you going to try for a better deal, or are you thinking of walking away from this one?

sdg3205

11-28-2013, 02:22 AM

Mike,

I looked at 2 more today. One was worse than the car above.

But then I saw this one:

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/4214413753.html

No rust, the undercarriage was fantastic. New top. The ad shows a lot of recent work. Nice to know the timing belt is done. Usual wear inside. Paint is above average, but a few blemishes.

Needs a new headlight motor and oil pressure sender.

Has had a rear quarter panel replaced from on accident.

Carfax has 50 notes, nothing unusual except for it failing smog/ air care 3 times over the past 23 years, getting repaired then passing.

I might make an offer on this one tomorrow. I can deal with mechanical fixes, but I don't want to do body work and chase rust.

Mike F

11-29-2013, 12:30 AM

Wow, that seems to be a pretty well sorted car. Great color, and it has an LSD. That's a huge thing if you ever plan to autocross, etc. Looks pretty clean inside and out (from the pics, anyway). The oil sender and headlight motor are easy fixes.

You think you'll make an offer?

sdg3205

11-29-2013, 02:12 AM

I offered $3250.

Think I ought to eat the 250 and just get it?

He said he'd think about it.

Mike F

11-29-2013, 10:37 AM

Well, see what he says first I guess. That $250 could pretty much take care of the oil pressure sender and headlight motor. If you get the feeling that he's going to pass, though, and you really want it I'd say go for it! You definitely don't want to lose it over $250, but it's always nice to get a LITTLE something off. :)

One thing I'm curious about; has it been painted or had other work done on the front? The reason I ask is that it has the emblem on the front that didn't debut until 1993. From '90-'92 it only had the "Mazda" decal on the front bumper (which this one has, but in a slightly wrong place). Just wondering.

Either way, this seems like a good price for a '91 BRG SE. These aren't the easiest ones to find.

sdg3205

11-29-2013, 12:03 PM

You're right. Someone else over on miata.net pointed out the badge to me too as being incorrect.

I am going to go back an see it again today. Take a second look

sdg3205

11-29-2013, 01:16 PM

Here a 1994 (http://abbotsford.en.craigslist.ca/cto/4145010714.html) I'm going to check out.

It has rust, but the interior looks a little nicer and has the stock radio (I'm not a fan of aftermarket radios in old cars).

I'd say the car is a 3k car. KBB values a 1994 at $2300 - $3000. Hard to justify $4k on a car with a hole in a panel.

Mike F

11-29-2013, 04:08 PM

Save for the hole in it, that one is quite nice as well. This one being a '94, it has quite a few upgrades over the '90-'93. Biggest being the 1.8 vs. the 1.6. Not a huge difference in power, but definitely an advantage. The brakes are larger on the '94-up, as well as there being some upgrades to further stiffen the chassis.

Judging by the mods done to this one, it looks like the owner is/was more of an Miata enthusiast type than the other one (the '91). Not to mention the condition of the interior; it really does look good. Sometimes that's hard to find on these cars; people tend to trash them. The glass window top is also a huge plus. Do you know if this one has the Torsen diff? How's the undercarriage on this one?

What about history? Does it have any service records available? The other one had some accident(s) in its past, if this one is clean that would definitely be something that might be worth swaying more in this direction.

As far as the price, Miatas have always had a market that trended a bit higher than what the kbb/NADA/Edmunds types have said they were worth. Guess that's often the case for a car with an enthusiast niche. That being said, with a hole in it, it IS hard to justify this much of an increase over what the car is booking for.

Tough call, but if it were me I'd lean more towards this one, largely because of the advances that were made for this model year. Of course, the history (service and accident) are huge considerations as well. Which one are you leaning more towards at this point?

sdg3205

11-30-2013, 03:01 PM

So I went to see the 94 today.

Yes, it's also a nice car, save for the rocker panel rust. It does have the glass WITH defrost, cruise control, original radio, more speakers, a slightly nicer interior, no accident history.

A couple negatives - the seat bottoms have been recovered in vinyl, these should be leather. the steering wheel is a bit worn, the LCD on the stereo is not working, the roll bar is going to leave some holes in the carpet and body if removed and of course more RUST than the 91.

She's asking $4000

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sdg3205

11-30-2013, 08:45 PM

After looking at 4 cars, i bought the 1991 SE in BRG.

I can handle mechanicals, but rust and bodywork would be a battle.

In the end I also figured - I'm paying $3k for a 23 year old car. No car is going to be ideal at $3k. Its for my wife so I can get her off her little scooter this winter and this is the car she wanted. So be it! On the flip side, I'm pretty darn happy with the car and hope i can get to drive it now and then. I'll keep everyone posted. The reviews on the NA miatas are always between 9 an 10, so this will be a testament to how a 23 yr old $3k miata holds up.

Another HUGE bonus is that there is another 1991 SE in BRG being parted out locally! I'm going to see what I can pillage. First order of business is one new headlamp motor, reverse lamps and the oil pressure sender.

I'll post some pics tonight after I get it home and cleaned up!

Edit - after the sale of her scooter my total cost for the miata (incl taxes) is only $1,750. Not bad.

Mike F

11-30-2013, 10:30 PM

Congratulations! Owning a Miata is definitely a blast. The fact that there's another '91 SE being parted out in the area is definitely a sign. :) Can't wait to see the pictures!

sdg3205

12-01-2013, 02:18 AM

Pictures!

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Mike F

12-01-2013, 03:33 AM

Looks great! Miatas look so good in BRG. If I may, I like to recommend a couple of things for your first Miata accessory purchases :smile::

Trunk protector - If the PO didn't already buy install one, this is a very simple but very effective upgrade. The left rear quarter is quite vulnerable to stuff shifting around in your trunk. This helps ward off any damage. I have one and it has saved me on more than one occasion!

http://www.mossmiata.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=74299&SortOrder=10

Window protector - Provided that top has a zippered window (looks like it does, but some of the aftermarket ones don't), this is a nice thing to have to protect the fragile plastic. You want to make sure you ALWAYS unzip the window before lowering the top, with or without this protector. If you don't you'll end up with a nasty crease over time.

http://www.mossmiata.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=73473&SortOrder=20

There are other Miata vendors that sell this stuff as well, not just Moss. I've had good service from them over the years, though.

Again, congratulations, and enjoy!

sdg3205

12-01-2013, 03:47 AM

Thanks Mike!

I'm already compiling a list of stuff to get to fix or protect things. I've got sloshing in the rocker panels, so i must have some clogged drains. I got underneath as best i could but couldn't see any though.

Another big job is going to be re-doing the sticky dash. the SE's had the dash painted black, but it turns to sticky tar. you can literally peel it off with your finger nails. Tonight i started to remove the black paint. It's going to get repainted with a duplicator flat black as per the miata.net instructions.

Also, how do you jack up an NA miata? If i want to use jack stands? Miata.net has some advice, but they don't specify which models.

sdg3205

12-01-2013, 03:50 AM

Also, isn't there a cover you can get to snap over the soft top when its down?

Here it is (http://www.mossmiata.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=111729)

Mike F

12-01-2013, 10:29 AM

Also, isn't there a cover you can get to snap over the soft top when its down?

Here it is (http://www.mossmiata.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=111729)

Yep, that would be it. There is also the factory one, which the car would have come with originally. They pop up on eBay pretty regularly, or you may check with the guy parting out the other one to see if he still has it. There is also this option if you want that speedster look:

http://www.racingbeat.com/Miata-1990-2005/Body-Aero-Components/57103.html

As far as jacking, you have the four factory jack points at each corner at which you can put jack stands. To use a floor jack in front, use the cross brace right in front of the oil pan. For the rear, use the center of the rear diff.

sdg3205

12-02-2013, 11:47 AM

The centre of the diff? Okay!

Got the headlamps working properly yesterday. Wife had her first drive. I forgot how terrifying it can be learning to drive stick, but she did a great job. I bet in a week she'll be on her own.

nullset

12-02-2013, 01:52 PM

My girlfriend drives a '93 LE and LOVES it. They are pretty reliable and very fun cars for the price.

www.flyinmiata.com if you want to spend some money to make it REALLY fun..... :)

Mike F

12-07-2013, 10:18 AM

sdg3205

12-07-2013, 02:40 PM

So how are you enjoying the car so far? How's the stick shift training going? That's definitely a fantastic car to learn on, although it may spoil her for driving other cars! :) The Miata definitely has a precise, "flip-of-a-switch" action to its transmission that most other cars just don't have.

Hope things are going well with it!

I spent the better part of the week tackling some jobs:

1. Changed the engine oil to Mobil 1 0W-40 full synthetic
2. Changed the oil filter to a Mobil 1
3. Replaced inoperative oil pressure sender
4. Switched out gawd-awful aftermarket Xenon headlamps for stock (they had no high beams and one ballast was toast)
5. Changed transmission and differential fluids to Motorcraft MTF (not cheap at $33 a litre, but with the wife learning how to drive stick, its cheaper than buying a new tranny) and also lubricated the turret below the shifter... the oil in there was nasty. it looked like chocolate milk and smelled like a sewer.
6. troubleshoot intermittent DRL (day running light) back to relay, which will need a rebuild
7. installed a trunk light out of old DeLorean parts!!! I used one of our engine bay switches and lamp assemblies!
8. Began removing the sticky factory dash paint that the BRG's came with. Will repaint it over the holidays.
9. Had an issue with intermittent side marker lights, but it looks like the sockets are beyond salvage.
10. Removed ashtray and installed the Mazda cup holder replacement instead
11. located a used front left wheel well liner to replace my cracked one (kind of a big deal to keep the debris out of the rocker panels)
12. hunted down a back-up lights switch, have yet to install
13. hunted down a used owners manual

So far, I love the car. What's important is that my wife loves it even more. It's her dream car and I'm happy she's off the road with that little scooter.

We spent evenings last week practicing driving and this week she began taking it to work on her own. Very proud of her.

Mike F

12-07-2013, 07:52 PM

sdg3205

12-07-2013, 07:56 PM

Glad that you are both enjoying it! Sounds like you've been pretty busy. The Motorcraft transmission fluid is pretty remarkable stuff. Seems to cure all kinds of transmission woes for people. I'd be very interested to see your progress with the dash paint; take a few pics as you go if you don't mind!

I'll take some tonight since I'll be home at a sane hour. might lift the car again and replace the reverse switch and check up on some leaks at the same time. At some point I'll have to do the rear main seal.

How about some pics of your NA?!

Mike F

12-08-2013, 10:48 PM

I'll take some tonight since I'll be home at a sane hour. might lift the car again and replace the reverse switch and check up on some leaks at the same time. At some point I'll have to do the rear main seal.

How about some pics of your NA?!

Sure; although it's nowhere near as pretty as yours!

2344723448

I started to see the beginnings of clearcoat failure a couple of years or so ago, and it spread like crazy in no time. The trim around the back window is separating also (not actually on the window section itself), but since that piece is largely cosmetic, I haven't yet replaced the top. I keep going back and forth on whether to get it painted and keep it, or get rid of it. It's hard to think about letting it go; I've had it for so long and its been such a fun and reliable car. I was about ready to pull the trigger on a paint job around this time last year...but the opportunity to purchase a certain vehicle came along and I couldn't pass it up. That one never needs paint :wink:

23449

Interior has held up pretty well, though. Save for a cracked center console lid (my second one) from my habit of leaning on it as I get in and a worn driver seat cushion (can't see it in this pic), it's still looking ok.

Finally, I know it's not an NA, but...

23450

Figured I'd toss in a pic of 2861's stablemate (clearly taken during the Summer...grass is much greener!). Not a Miata, but it is a Mazda! :smile:

sdg3205

12-09-2013, 01:31 AM

Apparently 97% of miatas with headrest speakers came wired out of phase from the factory. Of course the speakers are toast. I have an extra set of 3.5s from the Delorean, so I put those in the drivers headrest and ill do the passenger sometime down the road.

You can see the paint on the dash needs to be addressed!

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/09/2a7e6agu.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/09/8y6ytupa.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/09/ytare3yq.jpg

sdg3205

12-09-2013, 09:28 PM

Today I finished stripping the sticky, gooey paint off the dash and re sprayed it. I also got a broken wheel well deflector and reverse switch installed.

Began reprinting the daisy centre caps. I filled the black lettering with toothpaste and then sprayed them.

When the paint is dry, I just rinse out the toothpaste!

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/10/eje8azag.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/10/teqy9a6a.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/10/sumudy6a.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/10/ypety9es.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/10/3umebu8y.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/10/y3agupuh.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/10/qa3yzyvu.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/10/puba8epy.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/10/ytygyjys.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/10/vada6eda.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/10/gyhehume.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/10/zuqe4a2u.jpg

Mike F

12-09-2013, 11:40 PM

Man, you are making some killer progress. I'm really interested to see that dash once it's finished. Are you going to have to re-dye any of the lower (tan) parts, or is it just the top portion with the black paint that needed the attention? Just curious if the gummy paint caused any issues at the transition point between the black and the tan.

To your previous post- I'd say ANY 3.5" (within reason!) is an upgrade over stock. I put 3.5" speakers in my headrests as well. Mine didn't have them stock (it's a base w/PS & A/C only), so I never had the pleasure of the OEM "TV" speakers. I put a pair of 3.5"s in each headrest and a set of 6.5" components in the doors, which has always given me plenty of sound. Obviously lacking a bit of ultra-low frequency grunt, but a pretty good balance of sound all-in-all. Are you planning on any other audio upgrades in the future?

Oh, been meaning to ask- have you had an opportunity to check out the '91 BRG that's being parted out? Been able to snag anything?

sdg3205

12-10-2013, 02:57 AM

That other BRG part out was a bust. He was a flake, sold the car whole and never got back to me.

Here are the results of the dash work:

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/10/udy5e6uh.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/10/genuhy5a.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/10/e9e8amyt.jpg

I've got to get the speaker wiring figured out before all goes back together.

hollywood2311

12-10-2013, 07:19 PM

I bought a 2008 MX5 about 6 months before I sold 1776, and then bought a 2013 last year. Probably shouldn't have bought the 13, depreciation and all. I just got a slightly used green 2013 Mustang V6 with about every option available for an awesome price. First time since the D that I've had a car with some power. The MX5 is a great car though, without a doubt the best I've ever had. If I could afford it, I'd keep the '13 along with the Mustang. Both the soft & hard tops are so well engineered. The hard top is a marvel and straight up fun to watch operate. The cloth soft top is nice, and can fold down in less than 2 seconds. It's too bad they didn't offer the MX5 in Spirited Green Metallic like they have on the Mazda2, I probably wouldn't be selling it.

Never have driven an NA or an NB before though. Tons of great info on the forums at miata.net if you're interested. Good luck with your project!

2349623497

sdg3205

12-10-2013, 07:58 PM

Beauty!!!

Mike F

12-10-2013, 11:24 PM

Great looking car, Hollywood! The Club editions with the dark wheels are really sharp.

Dave- the dash came out great!

sdg3205

12-11-2013, 12:31 AM

Mike,

I checked the speaker wiring too. It was messed up. Only the right negative lead was correct. The other three were all wrong. Wild.

dustybarn

12-11-2013, 07:27 AM

hollywood2311

12-11-2013, 07:41 AM

The 13 "Club" model comes with the black/anthracite wheels. Those plastidip wheels held up good, I left it on there when I traded it in for the 13. If you change tires though, they will probably need some touch up around the edge of the wheel.

sdg3205

12-14-2013, 02:29 AM

This little car is way too much fun. It drives like a dream; it's tight, quick, light and so damn small and easy to maneuver. Is it bad I've been thinking about not insuring 3205 next spring?

I love the Delorean, but my wife is indifferent about the car. We both, however, love the miata. We do lots of road trips as well as events like the tulip rallye. It might be a nice change if we both were stoked on the car.

I'm thinking about re-dying the tan leather seats. I'm still waiting for my fall clients to pay their bills, so we'll see what's left after the holidays claim their share!

Now if only winter was over... Oh wait it hasn't even officially begun. Damn.