Want to learn more about common rust spots? Click here! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/m9V2p8WltZizfqc.html

almost 2 years later and this guy still giving hearts to comments

Biggest problem with a miata: not owning one

Throw MX5 in the title and you'll get more views from people outside the US :)

Biggest Mx problem what ever model . Turning it off and getting out.

As an owner of a miata of questionable quality... this is accurate 😅

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.

Good job man. You speak very clear, nice editing cuts, and you definitely got all the common Mazda Miata problems down in this video.

If that’s it I’m getting me one

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

Problem number 1: Getting in Problem number 2: Finding the ignition key hole at night Problem number 3: Getting out SOLUTION : Miata

Nothing is perfect 😭😭 I love miatas😥 Cute little face

Ever since I was 13 I wanted a miata finally at 18 I’m so close to getting one I can’t wait 😭

I owed my MX-5 for 5 yr.s Not 1 single issue ! Zero rust - one owner Meticulously serviced Just buy a good one !

You're listing every type of problem for every type of older high milage car.

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.

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 love ❤️ my 99 insanely. Most fun car ever. Slow as molasses, but feels like I’m going fast. And sounds fantastic. ZOOM ZOOM...

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

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 drove 300 miles to get my miata in Yuma, Arizona (the sunniest place on earth). Absolutely zero rust!!

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!!)

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!

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.

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.

Buying my dream miata in 5 days! Thanks for the tips

can’t wait to get my mx5

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.

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!

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...

great video but one other thing to take note of is that sometimes the shifters will tend to get stuck in reverse or 5th

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

I appreciate the video! I got a 91 Miata and had no idea how to tell which crank it had!

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!

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.

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...

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.

Got mine about 11 months ago, daily driven every day since then. I'm 6'6''. Zero regrets.

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!

Hey man I’m the guy you spoke to at LimeRock at the track in the Merkur XR4Ti

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

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!??😚

Awesome that you are so young and know lots about miatas and VW'S. I have an 07 GTI.

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

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 :)

Tail light gaskets should be on the list

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!

thanks got another miata 2001 l love it ...miss my 1992 mx5

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 should've discovered this car soo earlier. This is the best car ever made

i was thinking of getting one, this is a good video to have watched cheers

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.

Wtf men, that car have something ipnotic, even though I know the problems I still wanting a freaking Miata

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.

1:15 The Yata sounds mint bro XD

92 supercharged Miata that runs good for $1800 worth the buy ?

NO Rust ON mine anywhere !!! Even the Top still look like NEW !! And I live in Texas the Sun can be hard on them!!

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

Looking to pick up a 98'-01' model for my first car, great video mate, really helpful

Every time I see your videos I see a dog walk by 😂. I love it!

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'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!

I’ve also found the rear brake calipers fail to retract after several years.

Great video! Deserves way more views for sure. :)

Those wheels and tires are gnarly... some solid fitment too

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

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 looked the VIN up and i think my car was one of the first WEEKS after the crank got replaced. So lucky

This guy just ran down a list of all of my issues 🤣

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.

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

Thank you! Great and informative 👍 My son bought his first 90 NA from his brother in TX.

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!

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

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 wanna get this car during my junior year and I will enjoy it a lot

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

Nailed it! Love my Miata!

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!

My youngest daughter is 13. She's wanted a Miata since the first time she seen one years ago.

Would covering it up with a car cover help? (Forgot what they are called)

Proud owner of a 93 LE, sad that I got a bit of mold on my beautiful red carpet cause the rear drains got clogged, I unclogged them but now I gotta try to get rid of the mold

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

Short nose crank isn't the problem, it's the fact that the crank pulley bolt loosens without proper maintenance which causes a mangled keyway. As long as you loctite the bolt after you replace the belts you will be perfectly fine.

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 for the video, man! Very informative, and spot-on ...

Solution to almost all of these problems: Buy a used Miata with less than 80K miles. I bought my '03 Miata (SE Edition) 3 years ago for $6000 with 55K miles. Only a couple of very minor issues over those 3 years. Wonderful car. Always fun to drive. Always.

Just licked one up with 140k supposedly over 20k was from being pulled behind a camper

Buying one in 2 weeks now I’ll know what to look for when I check it out

You're scaring me man. I thought I had it planned out. Now I'm second guessing the miata.

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

There's one more. Replace the reverse light switch to the updated part. It's what keeps the transmission from getting stuck in reverse. And a pain in the ass because it can happen at a red light.