What should I look for when buying a used Mazda MX-5 ?
Asked by
iwamoto (
5277
)
May 10th, 2012
I want to buy a used Mazda MX-5, preferrably an MB Model, so the ones from around ‘00 without the flip up headlights.
Are there any special things to look for when inspecting one or taking it for a test drive ?
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5 Answers
Not the test drive to worry about. Take it to a GOOD mechanic and have the engine examined.
Fortunately for you, there are many Miata owners who bought their Miata because it’s a cute little sportster as opposed to the first-gen Eclipse which many kids bought because it’s fast. That means that you are less likely to find a Miata with a funny bulge in it’s hood from that time when the engine blew. That said, enough wannabe racers buy Miatas that there is still a risk that somebody tried reenacting scenes from Tokyo Drift with it, so have someone qualified take a close look at the engine just in case.
Aside from possible street-racing induced issues, the Miata is generally problem-free. The only real Miata-specific issue is that some of them have been owned by idiot kids… but many have also been owned by responsible people who just like small two-seaters.
I would check repair history if they have it, with an eye to how frequently the brakes/clutch have been replaced (hard driving=lots of new brakes, bad driving=lots of new clutches) also looking at the wear patterns on the tires is a pretty good indicator. Taking it to a mechanic is also a good idea, but they can only tell you so much, as they aren’t going to really dig deep.
Almost everything.
But particularly, suspension.
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