Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

Mr_Shiftright · July 2004

having owned quite a few convertibles with leather interiors, I'd like to suggest that you figure out a way to protect the dashpad area and also, oddly enough, the tops of the seats. They seem to "get it" the worst from the sun.

I'm not sure if some Miata accessory outlet makes a "cockpit cover" or tonneau for the entire passenger compartment, so that you can zip it up and leave the car in the sun with the top down. My MGs and Porsche had that, it was great.

A Leather Interior's worst enemies:

sun
comb in back pocket
ball point pens
dog with nails
Over-zealous person with scrub brush

fredmcmurray · July 2004

Here's one tonneau cover: http://www.miatamania.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=332- 35

Mr_Shiftright · July 2004

There you go. That one looks perfect! A tonneau like that also keeps you toasty if you are driving top down in chilly weather.

greggo · July 2004

Thats probabably about right, and I agree with the economics. I paid $5k for this car, so I figure I can run it (I put on approx 12K/yr), enjoy it, maintain it (like any car), and it will always be worth say 2.5K, probably never less than 1.5K--so the depreciation is miniscule compared to the new models. I think the maintenance is the biggest issue. By the way, I did the front discs/rotors last night and no problem at all. Now to the back. I think the tires show the shocks may need replacing soon. Got "Nitto"s on it, which I know nothing about--but this is part of the funn--
Greggo

kymike · July 2004

Two key factors in preserving the leather -

(1) Keep it cleaned and conditioned;
(2) Keep the sun off of the interior as much as possible

I also use and recommend the Lexol products. As for keeping the sun off of the interior, I am a big fan of the cockpit covers sold by Crazy Red and found here - http://www.crazyred.com/cri/pages/covers.html

I have purchased two of the cockpit covers - one for each of the Miatas that I have owned. Very well constructed and easy to use. They will also work over the convertible top if you really want to be a fanatic about protecting the interior. While they are water-resistant, they are not waterproof and will let in moisture if you ahve a heavy downpour or a constant rain over a period of time.

mazcarfan1 · July 2004

Mr_Shiftright · July 2004

Shock absorbers and ignition wires are always something you want to pay attention to on an older Miata. You might not think the shocks are worn because the car is basically tight and nimble anyway, but once you put some new ones on there, you'll notice it, no doubt. As the race-boys say, better shocks tires and brakes is worth 50 HP.

greggo · July 2004

Thanks--I think this M edition had Bilstein shocks (?)--but are these something I can do myself or are they really McPherson struts (and not shocks) needing professional service. I don't want to get into spring compression, etc. In the last car (a domestic) I did, the rear shocks were a snap, but I had to have the front struts done professionally...
Greg

kymike · July 2004

The Miata has struts on all four corners that require spring compression to remove and replace.

PF_Flyer · July 2004

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tu754z · July 2004

OK new Miata owner needs advice on vinyl top care. I have searched the web and now am even more confused. Please would a Miata owner tell me what is best

Armor All
303 Protectant
2001 vinyl treatment
Maguires 40
Or something else.

Thanks in advance,

Doug

thel · July 2004

I've always just used the same car wash soap I've used on the rest of the car...if there was a really tough stain, I'd jsut use some Simple Green.

kymike · July 2004

Armor All tends to run when the top gets wet. I have used 303 with pretty good success - it's just harder to find.

greggo · July 2004

I just bought a 96 and the original papers had a brochure describing proper care of the soft top. It states that you should NOT use any of the vinyl preps that leave a shine or "wet" look to it, as these can be damaging over time when exposed to sun light. It recommends using only mild aqueous solns specifically for convertible tops avail in auto stores. Armour-all etc and similar petrol-based products should never be used. (Also, fyi I learned that one should never leave top down over night).

tu754z · July 2004

Thanks.

I looked in my book and it states, "use a water based vinyl or leather dressing. The problem is most manufactures dont state the ingredients. I think the 303 is water based but I am not sure. Armor All may be water based but it does run when it get wet and smears on paint. I think it would be good to put something on it but what is best is the hard part.

Doug

mattchalmers · July 2004

Howdy. I am looking to replace my 88 Accord with something for commuting and having fun on the week end. The Miata seems like a natural choice. My commute is 20 miles on the Interstate, so I am thinking that should not be a problem. I am looking for a used model, but not sure what the major differences are between 95, 97, 99, etc. I know that the 99 changed the top to have a defoggable glass insert, but any other changes? I am 6' tall, so I am guessing that even the 99 will offer enough leg room?

Thanks,
mc

thel · July 2004

Well let's see.

90-91 or so you have to contend with the possible short-nose crankshaft issue.

In 94, the Miata went to the 1.8 L engine and a passenger side air bag...so if you have a little kid (like I do that wants to ride along, forget it from 94-97)

In 99, the Miata got a facelift, the glass rear window and a passenger side-air bag cut-off. It also had a couple of growing pains as well.

In 01 the Miata recieved variable valve timing (and the 91 octane recommendation), and a clutch chatter problem on some of the cars until late 02.

IMO, if you have a little one get either a pre-94 for cheap or an NB (post 99). My favorite NB model year was the 02's. No clutch chatter, cooler, more aggressive front end than the 99-00, and neat paint-interior schemes. In 02 there were many special colors such as Crystal blue, Vivid Yellow, Laser Blue, Titanium Grey and Blazing Yellow making the 02 model year one of the most colorful years. In 03, all of these colors were dropped for garnet red (maroon) and splash green.

There's more differences than just these of course, but these were the most important to me.

fredmcmurray · July 2004

They got rid of the Titanium grey? That was far and away my favorite Miata color.

thel · July 2004

Ti grey is still around (03 Shinsen, 04 Mazdaspeed).

ateixeira · July 2004

I have a '93 and take my 5 year old in it to the pool. It's nice.

The 1.6l is lighter and more fuel efficient. 25/30 on EPA vs. 23/28 IIRC for the 1.8l used the next model year. The slightly bigger gas tank means range is still similar.

The pop-up headlights were around until 1997. There was no '98, but '99 got the new fixed headlights.

Good luck shopping.

-juice

mattchalmers · July 2004

...now a couple other questions. What is the best on line tool to find used cars. I have used cars dot com and Edmunds, but are there any other good ones? Also, what is the safety on the Miatas? My wife is already griping about me not being safe enough on the SUV infested roads of Texas.

ateixeira · July 2004

It's safe for this size/class of car, and death rates are much lower than cars like the Corvette or Mustang, FWIW.

-juice

locke2c · July 2004

install a true rollbar if you want additional safety. a "style bar" won't do diddly in a rollover, so make sure you don't get one of those.

besides a rollover, I wouldn't be at all concerned about safety in a Miata. then again, I'm a dedicated motorcyclist.

~Colin

stickguy · July 2004

although my Miata isn't the first car I would pick to be in if I got T-boned by a Suburban. Not much crush room from the side.

thel · July 2004

Try autotrader.com and carsdirect.com to find some used Miatas in your area.

As for safety, the laws of Physics are against you should you get into a collision. That said, the Miata is quite good at getting out of the way in a hurry and there are many anecdotes about victims walking away unharmed from there totalled Miatae. Quite remarkable how tough the little Miata really is to see some of the photos I've seen.

petro33 · July 2004

Don't forget about the Toyota Spyder. Same charastics as the miata and about the same price, but storage space the dismal... But in my opinion I like the styling better.

ateixeira · July 2004

In my experience the MR2s cost a *lot* more used, for whatever reason. It's not even close. You could get a Miata 2 years younger for the same price.

YMMV.

-juice

stickguy · July 2004

I agree with Juice. The MR2 seems to be a premium hot ticket, and the Miata is a used car. Maybe because the Miata outsells the MR2 by a bunch? I hardly ever see one on the road.

Mr. 2 is a nice car to drive, and better than the Miata in some ways (I think it was roomier), but has zero trunk space (makes the Miata seem down right practical)

ateixeira · July 2004

I sampled one with SMG, don't bother with those, the tranny is just awful jerky.

The top folds down more neatly. The cowl is a lot higher but that makes you feel like your sitting in a tall bath tub.

Not as open feeling as the Miata. The Mazda is cheaper and just feels more ... fun.

The only other thing I can think of is the MR2's mileage is excellent, but you'll never recover the extra intial investment anyway.

-juice

appstate88 · July 2004

Thanks for the responses. I'll be getting some Lexol soon, and taking care of those leather seats. Will also look into Cockpit covers.

Thanks again!

Cam

kva15 · July 2004

Dear Blake,

I realize that you posted a message regarding gearshift problems over three years ago, but I am now experiencing what sounds like the same troubles with my '96 Miata. Without warning while driving around town I am unable to shift into gear, causing me to pull to the side of the road. Most of the time if I turn off the car and re-start it I can shift easily again. Did you, or has anyone else found out the cause of this problem? I have taken it to be repaired and the mechanic says the transmission is okay.

Thanks, Kristin

Mr_Shiftright · July 2004

How long have you been running on the same clutch? Also, has anyone checked the hydraulic clutch slave cylinder for leakage and/or very dirty fluid?

kva15 · July 2004

I am running on the original clutch, but my mechanic said that wasn't the problem. After researching a few internet sites, it sounds like the problem is probably the clutch slave cylinder. Thanks for your help...I will let you know what I find out!

Kristin

PF_Flyer · July 2004

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ateixeira · July 2004

You're in luck, I kept photos of my clutch slave rebuild, check it out:

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=4289876491

You may have to register but it's worth it.

I am by no means an expert mechanic, but I do basic maintenance on my cars. This is not a difficult task, especially if you have a handy person to help you out. It cost me $10.74 for a clutch slave cylinder rebuild kit (try Pep Boys or NAPA) and a little brake fluid to fix.

Basically, if you feel the clutch pedal go soft, or even inconsistent, that's probably it. Check the level of the fluid, again refer to those pics to see where to find the reservoir. If it's low I'd bet anything it's the clutch slave cylinder.

Good luck. This should be a cheap/easy fix.

-juice

setzer · July 2004

i heard that Toyota is dropping the MR2 and the Celica. I think that Toyota should move MR2 over to Scion or develope some convertible for Scion.

ateixeira · July 2004

Celica was a trendy car and what happens with those is they get old quick. I'm surprised it survived this long.

But I am shocked that they let the nameplate get discontinued, I don't think they've ever lacked a Celica in the lineup. The Scion tC should have been the new Celica. It doesn't match the other quirky Scions anyway.

Miata's style is more timeless, so it doesn't seem nearly as aged as the Celica, IMO.

-juice

locke2c · July 2004

I think the Scion brand name has a lot of excitement and curiousity for younger buyers, so that would be a very good reason the tC is not a new Toyota Celica.

The MR2-S had a very big problem in being utterly impractical even for a weekend getaway. I simply can't believe a company as successful as Toyota would release something with absolutely no trunk or other cargo room. The only way that would've come close to working would be if it were an outstanding performance car for the money. And guess what, it was a wash with the far more practical (and more comely) Miata.

~c

phankane · July 2004

I ordered a set of wheels and tires from tired-rack, fitted and balanced and delivered. After installing and driving around a little bit, I felt like riding a horse. Spent 40 clams at a local tired shop, still jumpy; Bring back again to have it balance, the guy admitted that he can't balance this set of tires/wheels perfectly!!

Brought it to Mazda dealer for 30,000 miles service (the service including wheel balance). It still shaky at around 75 miles. The service manager said that with after market wheels, especially the ones without the outer-lips, it is hard to balance them perfectly!!!

Undetered by his professional opinion, I brought my baby cobra to a fancy/sporty after market tire and wheel shop to have it balanced.

The guy said there are two levels of balancing, one for 60 miles and the other for 120 miles speed. it cost more to balance the wheels/tires for driving speed upto 120 miles. I agree to let him balance the set for 120 miles speed.

He turn around and proded: "have you had wheel aglignment recently?", that is enough I thought and told him to do balancing alone.

With his fancy machine he managed to balance the wheels and tires perfectly.

The last problem: It is still trembling at speed around 65 miles. Does anyone know the problem? do I need to have wheel aglignment?

phankane · July 2004

I forget to mention that there was no shacking/trembling problem with the previous set of tires/wheels.

locke2c · July 2004

if you buy wheels and tires together from them, the tirerack uses a Hunter GSP9700 to balance them.

the funny thing is that I'd think you have a tire out of round or otherwise imperfect at this point-- but the tirerack's machine should have detected that!

use the vibration diagnosis link from here:
http://www.tirerack.com/about/techcenter.html

~c

poorrichard01 · July 2004

It's something I understand only superficially, so maybe someone with more knowledge can expound, but I think it may be relevant here.

Most cars have wheels that are lug-centric: the lugs are used to align the center of the wheel precisely with the center of the axle. The Miata, I've been told, has wheels that are hub-centric. The lug nuts only hold the wheel to the axle flange and the hole in the center of the wheel mates snugly to the hub.

So, guys, am I anywhere on the mark here? Is balancing the wheel/tire assembly off the car only half the solution? I've heard you have to choose wheels carefully for the Miata since most after-market wheels are lug-centric. Or was that just some salesperson blowing smoke?

Poor Richard

wattage · July 2004

Background

My driving experience has been limited to practical, dependable cars. Specificaly, I've driven a Corolla, a Civic, and currently I drive an Accord. It's 10 years old, has 160k miles on it, and doesn't show any signs of breaking any time soon. Though, I'm sure I just jinxed it. Anyways, I plan on keeping the Accord and using it as the Mon-Fri, drive to work, sensible car. This opens the 'fun car' possibilities. Since I've never owned a sporty, fun car, I have a few questions about the Miata.

Miata Questions

First a couple questions about the options.(1)Cruise control. Does it have it? If not, is it available? I read an article on Edmunds that it wasn't present. (2)MP3/CD player. Is this a single CD player or 6-Disc changer, too?

Owning a Convertible

What's it like to own a Miata? To get a feel for one, I rented a convertible a little while ago. The only convertible I could find was a 2005 PT Cruiser Convertible. Not exactly what I was after, but I figured it would at least give me some idea of what driving a convertible felt like. I must admit, driving from Charlotte, NC to Charleston, SC in the blazing early June sun for three hours wasn't the best experience of my life. I perspired like crazy and had to pull over three times to buy water. Luckily, one of my friends who used to own a convertible tipped me off about sunscreen. So I was prepared there. Initially, I was put off by the convertible. Nobody told me the "wind in my hair" was gonna be 90-degrees! : )

As for summertime, driving in the evenings or mornings with the top-down is conceivable. But midday and early afternoon/evening, I just don't see it happening. Spring and Fall are more realistic times of the year, at least in my region of the USA.

I'm not married, so it would be just me. Space isn't a big consideration for me. And luckily, I'm short, so this car is ideal. Plus the price is fantabulous! What do you think? I look forward to your answers and feedback...

James
Charlotte, NC

kymike · July 2004

Cruise control is an option. Not certain about the MP3 / Cd player.

The car is a blast. No comparison to bigger convertibles like the PT cruiser. I have owned two miatas over the past 8 years, both early models.

You really need to contact this group

http://www.carolinasmiataclub.com/

and go on a ride with them or join them at one of their club meetings. You will get a chance to see various models with various aftermarket add-ons (the aftermarket parts availability for this car is very good). While we can sing praises about this great little car, you really need to drive or ride in one in order to really understand what the "miata experience" is like.

poorrichard01 · July 2004

First of all, cruise control is available, but only on the non-turbo models. I can only guess there wasn't room in the engine bay for the turbocharger, anti-lock brake mechanism and the cruise control stuff -- only two of the three.

I'm not sure about the audio options. There are brochures to download at MazdaUSA.com. Click on the picture of the Miata, then click on "downloads" for the main brochure and the accessories brochure; similarly, the picture of the turbo-Miata leads you to the turbo brochure. I'm looking at the Miata accessories brochure. It seems they offer a single-CD player with MP3 capability and also an in-dash six-CD changer without MP3, but it looks like you have to choose one or the other.

As for the heat, don't forget the airconditioner works with the top down (quite well, thank you); it's still a good idea to stop for water, of course. When the weather turns cool you'll stay nicely warm with the heater on and windows up. Wear a sweatshirt and gloves, take city streets instead of the highway, and live by the motto that "every mile with the top up is a mile wasted."

What's it like to drive a Miata? In a word, "balanced." Power, brakes, handling all work together. Interior space and luggage capacity are surprisingly large for a car this small. (Here in San Francisco I can scamper into parking spaces that make SUV owners weep with envy.) But it sounds like you're ready for a test-drive to find out for yourself. Try to find some twisty road -- that's where Miatas have the home-court advantage.

Poor Richard

p.s. The Miata is well supported on the web (or is it The Web?), both for technical advice and for after-market shopping.

locke2c · July 2004

I have something relevant to add here about cruise control--

I just had an aftermarket unit installed on my Evo. it is turbocharged as well, so it can't use vacuum-based systems. a Rostra electronic unit with clutch disabling switch was about $400 installed. it's well worth it, and the brain is easily small enough to be installed in any car.

I am fairly sure it could be put on any Miata, turbo or not, with ease.

When using a sporty car for its intended purpose, cruise isn't needed at all... but unfortunately there's all that long boring road in between.

Miata's narrow footbox and non-tilting wheel makes the problem all the worse. don't suffer! I found my installer in the yellow pages, Autos-- cruise control.

~Colin

wattage · July 2004

Wow! Thanks everyone for the input. Cruise control isn't a deal-breaker, but I'd certainly miss it on the longer trips if it is indeed not an option. I'm not at all familiar with the workings of engines, esp. engines equipped with a turbocharger. Is cruise control more difficult to install on engines with turbos?

Thanks kymike for the local link. I'll definitely look them up. Maybe they can give me a more informative and fun test drive!

poorrichard01 and locke2c, thanks for the MP3 and cruise control detective work. I could live without a changer. Just a single MP3 CD player is fine for me. That's what I have now in my Accord (Alpine CDA-7897).

ateixeira · August 2004

Miata an excellent, perfect really, 2nd car.

I would not want one if it was my only car, but that's because I have 2 kids and even alone I need capacity to haul stuff home from those big box stores.

Criticisms? It's cramped, loud, rides a bit stiff, and just isn't great on long distance drives (3+ hours).

Keep your Accord, though, and suddenly you'll find yourself packing a lot lighter when you can.

-juice

audia8q · August 2004

The Convenience Package gives you cruise control....you also get tweeter speakers, pwr door locks and keyless remotes.

This only applies to the base car. The Miata LS and Miata Azure comes standard with these features.

A six disc changer, MP3 player, cassette and minidisc player are all available as dealer installed options.

toydriver · August 2004

Considering these two for a second car (toy). Just starting my search. I have to say they are equally appealing to my eye, so I'm needing information from someone who has driven both.
I've driven many Toyotas but never owned a Mazda.

Which has a smoother ride?
Which is more fun to drive?

Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

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