Purchased with 114,000 on the odo in Aug 2005, when gas first went to $3/gallon, it looked like what I needed for an economical ride (30 mpg overall observed), since our other vehicle was a full-size GMC van with 15mpg gas economy.
Maintenance since 2005, other than oil/filter:
(a) new timing belt (standard 120,000 mi service)
(b) change of all fluids, 120,000, 153,000
(c) new clutch & flywheel (135,000 miles)
(d) new fuel pump
(e) replaced camshaft position sensor
(f) new brakes, new slotted Brembo front rotors
(g) new battery + battery minder (cuts off current below 11.7v, leaves enough to start engine)
The tiny trunk-mounted battery in an NA Miata goes belly-up without warning when it gets old.
(h) replacement of the large and small shift boots (if the center console gets hot, replacement is indicated)
(i) new radiator, new v-belts, new hoses. No more leaks.
------------------ improvements --------------------
(j) new KYB gas shocks (144,000 mi). Solid ride!
(k) set of 4 Blizzak snow tires for snowy winters
(l) set of 4 Borba alloy wheels for the street tires
(m) complete renewal of the A/C system (new condenser, compressor,
etc.) - $1K. Worth every cent on a muggy day
(n) removal of rust both rear quarter panels
(o) replacement of driver's side front fender (rusted out)
(p) driver's seat seam repair (typical wear), new leather panels (James Upholstery, Fletcher, NC)
(q) replacement of the top's rain rail and opening of clogged drains to stop leaks (same place as above)
(r) uneven headlight door covers - even them out at the four screws under the plastic side covers (use a wrench, not a screwdriver!)
(s) installed daylight running lights fitted with bright LEDs. Makes a small black car a little more visible
On the WWW, Miata.net is a great jumping-off point for the owner looking for tips and resources, plus there are a good number of aftermarket toys available. Members of the Ridgerunners, Asheville's Miata Club. Route 129, our local challenge: The "Dragon", an 11-mile, 318-turn twisty run down the Smoky Mountains near Deal's Gap between NC and TN is a fantastic ride in a Miata. Fais gaffe aux flics!
For us non-contortionist oldies, the *@$!! fuse box is located in the red ring in the photo.
Ça vaut la photo... current mileage 153,000
