Looking at a '99 Miata - what else to check for?

Dustin Fredrickson · **Posted:** Mon Mar 15, 2004 10:57 pm

Ok, so for some reason we feel the need for a Miata - go figure.

We're looking at dealers right now, mostly because it gives us a way to unload the Saturn easily and quickly. So, the dealer is a little high on price, BUT is working with us on the trade more than I thought they would. So, we may own a '99 Miata tomorrow. However, what should I look for in the final inspection before we sign our lives away (besides price, of course)?

So far, here'w what we're looking at:
'99 Miata, ~62k
Power Equipment Package
Tan Leather and other interior very good.
Appearance Package 1 and 2
Bose Audio
White paint - great condition, only one VERY small ding on the rear quarter and some normal scuffs on the front lower lip
Tan top like new with glass window (dealer thinks it may be new)
Clutch is very smooth, shifts are crisp
Engine seems solid based on a quick drive

Also, based on the equipment above, this one should have the Torsen. In fact, it has everything except (I think) ABS.

What else should we be checking before we sign?

Thanks!
Dustin

Frank Catena · **Joined:** Wed Aug 27, 2003 1:08 pm **Posts:** 418

I'm not aware of any particular quirks in a '99. You might want to see if you can get a maintenance history as the car is about due for a new timing belt. IMHO - that's a good time to replace the usual assortment of gaskets, idler/tension pulleys, even the water pump. Not that they break, but since you're "in there" sort of thinking.
Here's a snip from miata.net with asking prices for some cars in the same model age range as yours ...

http://tinyurl.com/2dw9z

Frank Catena

'95M, '96M, ...

Scott Johnson · **Posted:** Tue Mar 16, 2004 7:55 am

You can call Mazda USA with the VIN number and they will tell you the exact option package the car shipped with (and should be able to confirm the Torsen).
I've done this a few times, and they are quite helpful!

Scott

jimpastorius · **Posted:** Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:10 am

Are you planning on racing this car?

Vincent Keene · **Posted:** Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:30 am

Dustin Fredrickson wrote:

Ok, so for some reason we feel the need for a Miata - go figure.

Welcome to the dark side :twisted:

Like Scott said, only Mazda can tell you if it has a Torsen. There are no visual clues unless you want to remove an axle. :roll:

With the packages you've stated I'd be very surprised if it didn't have it though.

Jeff Eng · **Posted:** Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:34 am

For the most part a 99 miata is very reliable, however there are a few of issues to look out for.

The first issue is the #4 thrust bearing issue that affected 99-2001 miatas. With 62k I doubt there would be a problem, but would have it checked for piece of mind.

Next check that the top folds down correctly and that there are no pin holes behind the driver and passenger window. Some tops had weak springs that caused the rear bow on the top not to go down correctly and pinched the fabric when folded. This can be easily corrected with a couple of new springs.

The last issue is coil packs. These have been known to be a problem for some. Although I haven't had a problem with mine, I've read a lot of posts about the problem on miata.net.

I would certainly ask the dealer if there are any service records. As another poster mentioned it is due for a timing belt change. Maybe you can have the dealer throw that in if you decide to buy the car. When you change the timing belt it is also recommened that you change the water pump, since it is easily accessible when you do the timing belt change.

Do a couple of autocrosses with the car and sign up to Mazdamotorsports to take advantage of cheap parts.

Last suggestion is to go over to www.miata.net and read, ask questions, read, ask questions, read...

Good luck,
Jeff

Jeff Eng · **Posted:** Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:36 am

Here's some basic info on the 99 miata.

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/5361/99.html

Aaron Buckley · **Posted:** Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:47 am

If you want to know about coil pack problems with Miatas, talk to Eric Peterson. When he and Tim Aro co-drove Tim's 10AE, they ran into a lot of trouble with the coil packs. The coil would overheat, and the car would just stop running if I recall correctly. I think this was random problem with only a select amount of cars, but I don't think Eric and Tim had a lot of luck in '99 with support from Mazda on it. I'm sure someone has figured out what the deal is now

- AB

Dustin Fredrickson · **Posted:** Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:55 am

Quote:

Are you planning on racing this car?

Yes, but Stock Auto-X only, at least for the immediate future. Any suggestions?

Quote:

You can call Mazda USA with the VIN number and they will tell you the exact option package the car shipped with (and should be able to confirm the Torsen).
I've done this a few times, and they are quite helpful!

Scott

Excellent idea, I will do that this morning. Based on the data on Miata.net, I have a fairly good ida, but it's always worth checking.

Thanks!

jimpastorius · **Posted:** Tue Mar 16, 2004 10:30 am

Dustin Fredrickson wrote:

Quote:

Are you planning on racing this car?

Yes, but Stock Auto-X only, at least for the immediate future. Any suggestions?

If you are not in a real big hurry, I would take a little time and look for a 99 Sport package. I would also hold out for the ABS. It will pay for itself in the cost of flat spotted front tires.

To have ABS and Torsen will be a nice set up. But if you realy want it now, then go for it

Vincent Keene · **Posted:** Tue Mar 16, 2004 10:47 am

jimpastorius wrote:

look for a 99 Sport package. I would also hold out for the ABS. It will pay for itself in the cost of flat spotted front tires.

To have ABS and Torsen will be a nice set up. But if you realy want it now, then go for it

Depends on what you're willing to spend. I love the NB body style and the '99 Sport is the one to have from what I read. The problem was I couldn't find one with less than a 5 digit price tag with low mileage.

I did end up with Torsen and ABS, however at a cost of getting the heavier M-edition. Price was good though and mine only has 68K on it.

BTW, it didn't take us too long to adapt to the non ABS Talon. After ruining one set of Kumhos at $600 your "feel" gets better...fast. I still love ABS though and wish we had it on the Talon.

jimpastorius · **Posted:** Tue Mar 16, 2004 10:52 am

Vincent Keene wrote:

BTW, it didn't take us too long to adapt to the non ABS Talon. After ruining one set of Kumhos at $600 your "feel" gets better...fast. I still love ABS though and wish we had it on the Talon.

That is one upgrade the MR2 will get in the off-season if I decide to keep it. I am tired of tearing up $180 Hoosiers. Even if you use street tires, you can flat spot those. Especially on a surface like Sanford. Then the daily drive in a Miata is not a lot of fun.

I miss my old Miata sometimes.

Vincent Keene · **Posted:** Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:17 am

jimpastorius wrote:

Then the daily drive in a Miata is not a lot of fun.

Ain't that the truth! It's a very fun Auto-X car and nice to have when it's convertible-type weather. I've driven it to Sanford twice (2 hours for me) and it's tight...especially if you're almost 6'-3" like me.

If I intended to drive it everyday I would have never bought it. :refuse:

Dustin Fredrickson · **Posted:** Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:50 am

Quote:

I would also hold out for the ABS

Yeah, this is my main reservation - Running hard-as-rock tires on the CRX lends itself to non-flatspotted tires fairly easily, but Azenis will likely be a different story :wink:

MazdaUSA confirmed the options I listed, and a Torsen IS included, but no ABS. Decisions... Decisions...

Aaron Buckley · **Posted:** Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:56 am

I miss my Miata, even though I only had it about a year. It was a lot of fun. Sure it was a heavy C package '93, but that car screamed. Good thing Jim's brother has it, so I can see it now and then

- AB

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