Thinking about buying a Miata

Discussion in 'Off-Topic' started by silver03, Sep 6, 2023.

  1. silver03
    Offline

    silver03 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    1,274
    Trophy Points:
    348
    Seriously thinking about it. Looking at a pair of 2003 Miatas. Ironically both need 100k mile timing belt service and new tops. Any other Miata-specific issues that I should be aware of? Looking only at cars with an AT. Thanks
     
    pinjasaur likes this.
  2. pillboy
    Online

    pillboy Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    3,500
    Trophy Points:
    348
    You need to buy a skirt. Depending on your legs, maybe a mini skirt.
     
    Nhibbs, euro, silver03 and 3 others like this.
  3. pinjasaur
    Offline

    pinjasaur Active Member

    Likes Received:
    169
    Trophy Points:
    53
    Depends on the generation, I've only looked into the NAs (first gen) which is what I bought last year. NBs (2nd gen i.e. your 03MY) share a lot with NAs platform-wise.

    For NBs check for rocket rust caused by clogged drain lines. I've heard that's more prevalent on those for whatever reason.

    Otherwise just the standard stuff that comes with a 20+ year old vehicle. Replacing old rubber components (tires, belts, hoses) and neglected fluids is par for the course in my experience.

    An absolute blast to drive and pleasant to work on imo tho. Holler if you pull the trigger and we can go cruise or something.
     

    Attached Files:

    silver03 and tangledupinblu like this.
  4. pillboy
    Online

    pillboy Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    3,500
    Trophy Points:
    348
    Gotta be easier to do plugs than on a Subaru.
     
  5. Krazylegz1485
    Online

    Krazylegz1485 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    3,274
    Trophy Points:
    248
    I'd rather do plugs in a Subaru than be seen in a Miata... Haha.
     
    pillboy likes this.
  6. tangledupinblu
    Offline

    tangledupinblu Event Coordinator Staff Member

    Likes Received:
    8,645
    Trophy Points:
    573
    Could you even fit in a Miata? Rick, have you sat in one?
     
    pillboy and Krazylegz1485 like this.
  7. silver03
    Offline

    silver03 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    1,274
    Trophy Points:
    348
    I'm going to try to fit into one on Monday. Also looking at several Mitsu Eclipse convertibles.
     
  8. tangledupinblu
    Offline

    tangledupinblu Event Coordinator Staff Member

    Likes Received:
    8,645
    Trophy Points:
    573
    Don’t you already have a two door convertible? lol
     
  9. silver03
    Offline

    silver03 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    1,274
    Trophy Points:
    348
    No convertible in our garage for the past two years...kinda sad. Hoping to change that :)
     
  10. euro
    Offline

    euro Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    1,020
    Trophy Points:
    348
    Funny enough I was eyeing up NA/NB Miata after riding in one at Final Bout 6. I was told that NB had the more desirable engines but more or less have a lot of the same parts as an early miata.
     
  11. Nhibbs
    Offline

    Nhibbs Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    2,206
    Trophy Points:
    348
    Get an AP1 S2000 ;)
     
    tangledupinblu likes this.
  12. tangledupinblu
    Offline

    tangledupinblu Event Coordinator Staff Member

    Likes Received:
    8,645
    Trophy Points:
    573
     
    Nhibbs likes this.
  13. sneefy
    Offline

    sneefy Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    1,075
    Trophy Points:
    348
    I've owned two Miatas and can heartily recommend them. They are extremely reliable, easy to work on, and are very grin-inducing.

    I had a 1994 M-Edition and a 2004 Mazdaspeed. Every spring I regret selling the Mazdaspeed. Stock MSM is quicker 0-60 than an AP1 S2K, BTW.

    As stated, rust can be an issue on NA and NB if the rocker drains were not cleaned. NA and NB engines are non-interference, so drive until the timing belt snaps. The belt is right up front and very easy to change, I gather. I never had the opportunity.

    Plastic end tanks on the OEM radiators are known to blow. Look for the color change to know when the plastic is brittle. The drainage for the top can clog if leaves and gunk get in there.

    There's really not a lot to watch out for. The hard part these days is finding one that hasn't been douched-out. If you can find a clean one, they are appreciating in value.
     
    Last edited: Sep 11, 2023
  14. tangledupinblu
    Offline

    tangledupinblu Event Coordinator Staff Member

    Likes Received:
    8,645
    Trophy Points:
    573
    IMG_1256.jpeg
     
    silver03, Nhibbs and Krazylegz1485 like this.
  15. Krazylegz1485
    Online

    Krazylegz1485 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    3,274
    Trophy Points:
    248
  16. tangledupinblu
    Offline

    tangledupinblu Event Coordinator Staff Member

    Likes Received:
    8,645
    Trophy Points:
    573
    IMG_1259.jpeg
     
  17. sneefy
    Offline

    sneefy Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    1,075
    Trophy Points:
    348
    A lifted one would be super fun yet terrifying around corners.
     
  18. silver03
    Offline

    silver03 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    1,274
    Trophy Points:
    348
  19. euro
    Offline

    euro Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    1,020
    Trophy Points:
    348
    I've always loved 2nd gen eclipse
     
    silver03 likes this.
  20. Krazylegz1485
    Online

    Krazylegz1485 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    3,274
    Trophy Points:
    248
    I can't wait to go for a ride with the top down and both of our heads above the windshield. Haha.
     
    tangledupinblu and pillboy like this.
  21. silver03
    Offline

    silver03 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    1,274
    Trophy Points:
    348
    Oh, that's definitely going to happen my lanky brother!
     
    Krazylegz1485 likes this.
  22. tangledupinblu
    Offline

    tangledupinblu Event Coordinator Staff Member

    Likes Received:
    8,645
    Trophy Points:
    573
    Same! I want to see that too!
     
    Krazylegz1485 likes this.
  23. Krazylegz1485
    Online

    Krazylegz1485 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    3,274
    Trophy Points:
    248
    I dislike Miatas with a passion (not just because I don't fit) but have this weird "fantasy" of owning one and driving it year round with the top down/off while wearing the proper gear for the weather at the time. Most likely a full face helmet during winter and rain.
     
    silver03 likes this.
  24. tangledupinblu
    Offline

    tangledupinblu Event Coordinator Staff Member

    Likes Received:
    8,645
    Trophy Points:
    573
    That would be fantastic to witness. Call me when you get your Miata! Or if you ever want these plastic oem mud flaps that I have been holding for you.:)
     
    Krazylegz1485 likes this.
  25. sneefy
    Offline

    sneefy Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    1,075
    Trophy Points:
    348
  26. silver03
    Offline

    silver03 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    1,274
    Trophy Points:
    348
    Started with 3rd gen. Gen 1/2 are cool, gen 3, not so much imo.
     
  27. sneefy
    Offline

    sneefy Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    1,075
    Trophy Points:
    348
    When it went FWD only.

    My brother had a Talon TSi back in the day. That was a fun car.