Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

freddy_k

While I think the evolution orange is really ugly, and a just a bad idea in general, I almost want one just because I'd be the only one in town with it.
It' nice to see other Miatas on the road, but to be honest I prefer seeing them in a different color then mine. Lucky for me most of em are silver around here.

ateixeira

The popular color around here is probably arrest-me-red.

-juice

logic1

Count me silver guilty. I am a Raiders fan. I wanted the car to be silver and black.

davecrook1

2000 Miata Special Edition-Check Engine Light stays illuminated. Have eliminated all possible causes listed in owners manual EXCEPT emissions problems. I'm guessing it's an O2 sensor-any suggestions? Is so,how easy is it to change? Thanks.

isellhondas

You might be surprised what carbon can do. know I was.

We recently took in a nice 92 Civic that belonged to an elderly couple.. Very nice with something like 70,000 miles on it.

When we inspected it it had terrible leakdown results, something like 12 - 40 -25 -18, something like that. After a "carbon blast" they came down to all 6's and 8's.

See this pretty often. I know I would try that first on that Miata.

Also, and I didn't believe this one either...but, a bottle of Rislone in the oil will work wonders! The stuff really does work.

And this comes from a guy who always thought oil additives did more harm than good.

locke2c

Dave,

oxygen sensors generally are easy to change provided that they are in reasonable reach.

I discourage your idea though, there are a literally hundreds of things it could be. You should get the code scanned and find out what it is, not to mention if you're under the mileage limit you're under the 3 year warranty so why pay at all?

If you persist, the first thing I'd try (besides buying an OBDII code scanner like this one) would be to disconnect the negative terminal from the battery and wait a hour. Reconnect and see if the MIL is still lit. If not, see if it comes back after some driving.

-Colin

karl1973

If you want to clear the CEL, check the fuse box and remove a fuse called "Room". Take it out and then put it back, that should clear the light (and the code) without going through taking the cable off the battery.
But to get to the bottom of the problem, you should get the code scanned and see what's wrong. My bet is it is going to be P0421.

ateixeira

I've changed my O2 sensor on my 1.6l engine, and it was a stretch to reach but not too hard. I used a cresent wrench to get to it.

-juice

freddy_k

I finally got a picture of my baby up on the web (I hope she doesn't mind!)

http://miata.cardomain.com/id/freddy_k

maltb

but why do states/provinces have to require front license plates?

The nose looks so much nicer without a post-it note stuck to it.

Nice car Freddy!

dgraves1

freddy - What kind of wheels are those? TSW?

juice - Crescent wrench? Tsk, tsk, tsk.

freddy_k

The wheels are CSA. And yes, I can't stand the front plates. I'm sometimes tempted to remove it, but It probably isn't worth all the tickets I would get!

logic1

Nice. I like the wheels. I also like your keep it pure philosophy. Illinois requires front license plates as well.

99miata

Very tasteful wheels (and wood plans). It's a tad hard to tell from the sunlight, but that looks like Twilight Blue to me - am I right? My '99 Sport Package is dark blue. I kept the stock 15" wheels. As much as I would love to have 16" wheels with 205/45 tires, I actually really like the styling of the 15 inchers, so I stuck with them. But I like the ones you have too. I haven't added anything, but mine came with the front air dam, which I love, and the rear spoiler, which I hate. I took off my front license plate and it looks about one billion times better. It's been off for 2 years and I haven't gotten a ticket yet. First fine is $50 I hear - in MD. It'd be worth it!

freddy_k

It is twilight blue, though for a while I thought that it was the midnight blue, which I think yours must be, 99miata?

After all this front plate talk guess what I did when I got home? I took off the plate. Unfortunately whoever did the bracket installation was lazy, so the bolts that hold the plate to the bracket has been rubbing up against the bumper this whole time, and the paint is all scraped up. I put the plate back on for now - I don't know if I can fix this wound without having to repaint the whole bumper.

ateixeira

I agree about the front license plate spoiling the look.

-juice

99miata

My '99 is also Twilight Blue Mica. Mazda renamed the color (not uncommon) for the 2001 model year. It has been known as Midnight Blue Mica since. In '99, it was the only color blue they offered (not counting SE).

Sorry to hear about the bolts on the front plate damaging the bumper. Same thing happened to the used '95 that my sister bought in 12/00. She still kept the plate off. When I picked my car up, I noticed the exposed bolt ends on the front plate and told the dealer they would have to put some rubber caps on the ends, which they did. So, luckily I had no marks on my Miata's snout.

Anyone else have the 195/50VR15 Michelin Pilot SX GT tires? How many miles you think they are good for? I still have the original set and will hit 30K miles tomorrow. Just curious to see how many miles anyone else got before they had to replace them...

reward72

I've been driving Miataes (a '95 then a '00) for seven years now and love this car to death. But with a kid coming I need a back seat. I'm thinking about a previous generation BMW 3-serie convertible. With maintenance and all it should cost about the same money. What do you think?

maltb

. With maintenance and all it should cost about the same money. What do you think

Cost of ownership on the Miata is much cheaper, but I can't fault you for your choice of cars.

99miata

It's not a bad idea, but I have a two year old and my wife is two months pregnant with our second child, and my '99 Miata isn't going anywhere. In fact, when it's paid for in March, I am getting her and the kids a new 5 speed IS300 (to replace her car, not my Miata). That is a very sporty sedan. But it would be fun having a four place convert so the whole family can enjoy open-air motoring. I couldn't part with my Miata, but if you really intend to, I'd look for a present-generation 3 series, money permitting. The non-M BMW models out now (3 and 5 series) are rated quite well in reliability. I'm not sure how the previous generation fared, but you could check CR for that. If you have a second car with a back seat and four doors (one that is reliable), I don't see why you can't keep a two seater as your second vehicle (or third).

freddy_k

I don't know. Go check out a 3 series convertable and tell me if you can fit the stroller and all the other accessories in it. There tends to be much more thenjust the kid to haul around.

Also, the Miata can't just be replaced by any convertable- it ain't the same. You might be better off buying a car with some real room, pay it off, and then buy a Miata or similar again when you can.

The Subaru Imprezza outback is a smaller, fun to drive, safe, and convenient car. I think it's a great car under the surface, and it seems to be a popular other car among Miata owners in general.

I've already thought a bit about this stuff, even though I have a couple of years to worry about it... I hope.

ateixeira

I'm with Freddy, a 3 series convertible probably won't even fit an infant seat. You need room to lower the handles, and I seriously doubt they have enough. So you still haven't solved the problem.

Then you have only two doors to get in, and you'll never have the top down because it would be too windy for the baby, too sunny, too hot, too cold, etc.

If you have to be practical, which I can understand, get a 3 series sedan. Better yet, a wagon, 'cause you'll need the space for the port-a-crib, the stroller, the bath tub, the diaper bag, the baby back pack carrier, the luggage, etc.

There are fun choices out there, like the WRX wagon, the 3 series wagon, and the A4 Avant. Bargain shoppers might add the Outback Sport, the Matrix, and the Protoge5.

Good luck. I did what Michael recommended - the Miata is my 3rd car. I have a Forester (great cargo space, AWD, 5 speed for fun) and my wife has a Legacy wagon (good passenger and cargo space). Plus our Miata.

Insurance only adds about $500/year and pays for itself when we have a loaner for guests that don't need to rent a car, or for service/body shop visits.

-juice

locke2c

I have an E36 coupe. Forget about a child seat in an E36 convertible!

Ruins the whole idea IMO anyway. If you want a drop-top, get a roadster.

I second the WRX wagon idea. Lots of fun and utility.

-Colin

WarpDrive

...E36's have their share of known "quirks", way more so than any Miata...not to mention the very high cost of maintenance. Great cars!, as long as you don't mind the occasional unexpected out of pocket expensive.

I've had my Miata for three years now, but if I needed to sell it for some reason, I'd go with a WRX solely (with some tweaking of course) and then later get another roadster.

reward72

Thanks for your answers. I should have said that my girlfriend already own a practical car, but it's getting old and unreliable. My Miata is mostly for my own communiting (and for fun!). I think I'll keep it and just put some money into a new family car to replace her piece of junk...

freddy_k

I'm hearing the word 'WRX' thrown around here a lot lately. I wouldn't have $37k to throw into a WRX and found the RS for $28k to be very, very similar except without the rush of the turbo. Even the TS for $21k is almost the same minus all the appearance stuff (rims, lights, more lights) Although the seats alone are worth the upgrade from the TS to the RS

WarpDrive

WRX is $36K, RS is 28K, and TS is $23K after dealer fees (slightly skewed numbers there)

The RS is a great deal, but the WRX engine really does make the car. Rear LSD, better and tighter suspension tuning also. Guess you have to drive it hard enough to appreciate the differences (not a problem for me)!

freddy_k

You are correct, but don't forget that you're not alone in the car anymore, and I'm sure you wouldn't appretiate those differences either with a kid in the back seat!
And of course I would spring for the WRX too- don't get me wrong - my point was supposed to be that IF you don't have the cash, there is no need to discard the idea of Imprezza altogether, that's all.

WarpDrive

I'm sure *my* future baby would enjoy the four wheel drifts as I do I would be quite happy with the RS too, it was actually my first choice

ateixeira

Get a used Miata, Louis. A 1993 model is more reliable than some brand new cars. I bought mine in the fall of 2000 and not a single thing has gone wrong so far.

Don't pay off the new car loan - use the cash to buy a used Miata, since interest rates for new car loans are lower.

Good luck.

-juice

freddy_k

Two questions, but the second only matters if you answer 'yes' to the first.

1: do you autox?
2. do you live in south ontario?

WarpDrive

1) yes I autox occasionally
2) I live in eastern Ont (near Ottawa).
Why do you ask?

freddy_k

Just cause I'm trying to get into it. The details as to events around here seem cloaked like a cult. Anyway, I figure if I join the local autosport club something should open up.

WarpDrive

That's the way I get into them.

dgraves1

From my experience, the 1.5 car bit doesn't work when you have kids. You can do it but its a real pain in the neck. There are just too many times when having one of the cars being a two seater doesn't work. I did it for a while when my first son was born and I just did it again when we sold our Explorer and were waiting for the new Sequoia to arrive. You can do it but it is very inconvenient. When you have kids, a two seater only works as a third car IMO.

chesdin2

I have been a proud owner for 12 years of a '90 that we bought new.

I'm perplexed by a recent problem, and hoping someone can help out: After it rains, water collects in the chassis under the doors, and sloshes around when I drive. Not IN the doors, but underneath them. If I pull the car onto an uphill slope, the water quickly drains out on both sides through small openings in the front of the rear wheel wells.

This just started happening. Are there drains in the front somewhere that got clogged? I can't seem to find any.

Thanks for any help... Chesdin2.

thel

I agree, I have one kid, Mary-the-wonderchild, and I think I am probably going to go the 3rd car route wehn I can afford it. I would really like to get a new one since used ones are kind of scarce around here and I plan on keeping it a long time, but Miatas depreciate like crazy so a used one seems like the smart way to go.

locke2c

I like used miatae because they often are used as 3rd vehicles and have low miles.

They also have a decent percentage of drivers that are um, well-seasoned and wiser than myself, which makes insurance very affordable.

-Colin

karluvver1

I am 66 years old and not about to sell my 90 Miata. It is too much fun.

We just bought a Chrysler Pt Cruiser and would highly recommend it as a 2nd or 3rd car. Very practical, fun to drive and well built.

Mr_Shiftright

You didn't buy the turbo PT did you?

alo

The local Carmax has a 99 Red LS with hardtop. It has 37K miles and they're asking 16995. Is this a good price?

locke2c

alo,

no in my opinion it is not. by any measure they are asking the absolute max that vehicle could possibly be worth-- if it's anything less than immaculate it is even more overpriced.

of course, your local area can also determine price. convertibles tend to be more valuable in southern california, florida, etc.

-Colin

ateixeira

Right on, mine was 7 years old with only 26k miles at the time I bought it. That's just 3700 miles per year!

Of our 3 cars, it's the cheapest to insure, and both other cars are wagons, go figure.

alo: I'm shopping for a '99, not actively but casually since I have 3 buyers for my '93 whenever I decide to sell it. My target price is $10k. While I'll more likely pay more than that, $17k is way high. I think $12-14k is more like it.

Chesdin2: check the Miata.net garage, there is a specific mention of your problem. It's a matter of unclogging the drain holes, I believe. Miata.net ought to be able to tell you exactly where they are.

-juice

daysailer

yes, there are drains near front and rear ends of the rocker panels but they are small. There is a slight bulge at the jacking points between the two layers of sheet metal that forms the ridge on the underside. The drains are easily plugged by pollen and leaf debris that washes down. A pipe cleaner is a good cleaning tool but any stiff, small diameter wire will do in a pinch (e.g paper clip).

At worst, the ridge may have been flattened against the underside by improper jacking, in which case you'll need to repair the damange and reopen the drain.

freddy_k

I just got back from the most relaxing lunch time cruise. It's warm and sunny with a nice breeze and no sign of humidity. Nothing like an around town cruise with no destination, nor rush, and no traffic. I am very relaxed and content right now, looking forward to my drive home.
Sorry for the pointless post but I had to share it with people who might acually appretiate it. :-)

ateixeira

I had a nice drive like that last night - just went to the neighborhood pool (almost 9pm), took a quick dip, hopped back in and drove home. Felt refreshed inside and out!

-juice

lngtonge18

I replaced the original horn on my 92 yesterday with a 130 decibel high note one. The horn is 1/3 larger then the original and is definitely louder. You can hear it clear as bell at speeds of 60 mph, so it should help keep cars from running over me or out in front of me. I still would like to add the low note one to make it complete, however, I'm not sure if 2 horns will overload the circuit. Does anyone know whether the Miata can handle 2 horns on its one wire circuit?

daysailer

I added a Fiamm "Highway Blaster", low tone in addition to the stock horn with no problems (its been in service for at least 2 years). The Fiamm alone was better than stock but not the improvement that I sought. The combination is a huge improvement over stock.

isellhondas

Do you guys use your horn anyway?

I can't remember when I last honked at someone although I've been tempted.

ateixeira

We're virtually invisible to huge cars and SUVs, so a good horn is a necessity. I get cut off almost every day.

-juice