5 Things You Didn't Know About the Mazda Miata

[@AlexPerrucci]

So I’m learning the no interior trunk release is actually 89-91. Cheers to my fellow early model owners!

[@oskykun2198]

Well i've got a 96 And it doesn't have one

[@NoName-zz9ls]

My 1990 does have the trunk release

[@the0844]

EU Spec 97 1.6L 90hp base model here, no interior trunk release

[@rhy5001]

Hi, I need help. My dad is a car lover and works in the car industry. I really want to get a Miata but he shot that idea down very quickly because it isn't that safe. How can I convince him to let me get one???

[@DutchGamingTSM]

My 1990 has one too now, I recently installed it :)

[@peterbailey4126]

Another hack: If you've locked your keys in your trunk, and NEED to get in. Remove your back license plate and you'll see an indent from the factory. Like a little dimple. However you can, make a hole in the center of the indent. Then stick a screwdriver inside and up a few inches towards a cable sitting horizontally inside. If you use the screwdriver to pull that cable downwards it will trigger the trunk release👍

[@pianomaster455_official]

wow

[@anthonygrimaldi9483]

Yup. Locked my keys in my trunk a few weeks after buying the car. Since then I've routed a pull cord up front for the trunk.

[@xx_nazuro_xx7768]

well now i know how to get a miata for free, thx ^^

[@localdryersheet139]

had to do this in the first week of me owning my ‘90 lmao all i saw was my lanyard hanging out of the trunk and i knew i had messed up lol!

[@lordthicknipples-gt2oq]

great tip! now it's time to steal some Miata spare tires so I can sell them to fund my weed growing operation

[@merlyn2121]

I like how he does an oil change like nothing while talking.

[@arieltavarez522]

It’s is nothing he probably gets a oil change every 3 weeks lol

[@jesusberlanga4346]

I dont

[@flamics]

Im really surprised by all of the likes this comment has

[@o0xjaymex0o]

You've obviously never done an oil change and if so you gotta be a pretty lonely person. I can't get away from people wanting to talk.... like it's nothing. 😂😂😂😂

[@josh_mart13jm39]

i mean it’s pretty easy

[@vilious]

My 91 doesn't have a trunk release either, I don't mind it lol

[@johnberumen1666]

Same 91 gang

[@mason_mann]

Mine neither. Although, I have a keyfab connected to the truck that opens it. The most convenient mod I've ever done.

[@taylorramey9498]

92 is when they put the release in

[@bram3969]

I have a 97 and I don’t have it either

[@wiltzenmedia6175]

I was gonna say. I got a 91 and it also doesn’t have one inside

[@FriedTurkey]

I have a '97 without a trunk release. Europe do be special like that....

[@AlexPerrucci]

Hahaha, was gonna say, that HAS to be a Europe thing.

[@kostasv3114]

My '97 didn't have one either, but it's easy to retrofit.

[@osalcedoucmsae]

Thought you were going to pull a cup holder out of the engine bay at 2:51 lol

[@AlexPerrucci]

😂

[@nathenperri2826]

Makes sense in my case because my project has had the hood off or open for the last four years.

[@Sertao2013]

At 2;39 where your talking about the trunk lock . If you do have the inside trunk lid release you can lock it so no one can reach in and open the trunk with the trunk lid release . They call it trunk lid release lock-out . What you do is close the trunk ,insert the key in the trunk ,and turn it counterclockwise,then return the key to the center position and remove it . Once you want the inside lid release to open the trunk again you insert the key in the trunk and turn it clockwise . Hows that for 1 thing you didn't know about the mazda miata .

[@timstewarttim]

Here's another tip. If you're doors stick out proud of the quarter panels when closed, there are three ways to fix. 1. The first is to loosen the latch striker (the metal loop), adjust it inwards, and re-tighten. 2. If the door still sticks out, try reversing the striker. I found that mine were a little worn, and reversing them worked perfectly. 3. If that isn't enough, you can loosen the latch mechanism in the door, slide a shim between it and the inner surface of the door, and re-tighten it. This moves the latch towards the outside of the door and moves the door inwards.

[@AlexPerrucci]

Good tip! Might have to mess with my passenger side door, it sticks out a little bit.

[@ScottJ175]

The proper way to adjust the headlight covers is to remove the plastic shroud around the popup assembly, loosen the 4 screws holding the lid on, adjust and tighten. Much better than ham-fistedly bending.

[@timstewarttim]

Maybe nobody leans on yours and bends them, because the only way to fix that is to unbend. For mine it was not a simple lift. I had to use two hands to fix the curvature.

[@drmoss_ca]

Isn't the proper way to disconnect the battery (so the motor doesn't fight you) and twist knob behind and medial to the headlight, then reconnect battery?

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

Not many people know that the 1.6 was sold right along side with the 1.8 up until 1997 in new Zealand.

[@vajklimbacher82]

in Europe as well, but the 1.6 became a de-tuned 90 hp version after 1.8 was offered

[@patrickhill7973]

In japan they sold 1.6's in nb's as well

[@EddoWagt]

@@patrickhill7973 In Europe aswell

[@tolrem]

@@patrickhill7973 I have a 98 NB 1.6 Japanese import.No VVT complication.Seems fast enough especially in light of a cop on every corner here in NZ.

[@extrahourinthepit]

@@vajklimbacher82 I heard from an owner that the de-tune was only on paper for regulatory reasons and the engine is actually the exact same. And I like to think he knows his Miatas. His 50, that is.

[@300zxdriver]

Headlights don’t move by themselves, people lean on them.

[@mountainflyhigh]

And if you're going to flush them up again, there are 2 bolts you loosen that allows them to be moved without tweaking the metal.

[@egsrhatchnick]

May not be a secret but on the NA chassis you can remove a layer of padding in the seat back to gain a little leg room. Very helpful for us tall drivers. Not sure if the later models are designed that way.

[@McGregor007]

Fun fact. I’ve owned a 1990 Miata for years now and accidentally locked my keys in the truck once. There’s actually a bevel underneath the license plate where you can drill a small hole and access a metal rod with some pliers which will pop open the trunk. I only recommend doing so in an emergency of course, but good to know in case someone also locks their keys in the trunk 😆

[@drmoss_ca]

I took the valet key (plain metal with no plastic top) to a hardware shop and had it altered so that it is a full function key. Being thin and flat, I can keep it in my wallet just in case I lock the keys in the car.

[@EquiliMario]

Love the method of storytelling. Didn't know about the frankenstein bolt caps on the hardtop. Neat. And surprisingly I have two battery fasteners in my '94 xD No idea why

[@Shiznit304]

You can disable the interior trunk release by turning the key to the left

[@ami_87]

WHAAAT I gotta try this now

[@cameronglowacki3250]

A little known fact about the miata is that if you undo the latches at the top of the windshield, you can actually take off the roof!

[@Ben-Rogue]

A tip for soft top owners who happen to lock their keys in the car (me XD). Depending on the soft top rear-window design and weather you have a lock on the rear window zip, you can reach in the flap at the bottom right of the rear window, slip a finger in the gap at the end of the zip and you'll be able to unzip the window and climb in. . . I would also suggest that if you're concerned about someone breaking into your car with this trick, attack a length of chain and a lock to this zip and bolt it down, leaving enough length to reach in and unlock it, leaving the key for the lock somewhere accessible at home, and a copy on your key-chain in case you want to unzip the rear window when out and about. Another tip for soft top owners who don't have AC and find it too hot even with the windows down. Drop the rear window down. It should stay down even at high speeds, regardless of weather it's a plastic or glass window (from experience with a plastic one). If you'rs doesn't stay down, attach a Velcro strip to the top of the window flap and it'll hold it down to the rear shelf securely. An alternative use for the cup holder/ash tray; if you want somewhere to sit your phone instead, remove the cup holder. This dip is the perfect size for most phones, and is close enough to the cigarette lighter than a 0.3m (normal length) charging cable will reach a charger adaptor. You can also slip your charging cable under the edge of the centre console and rout it out through one of the holes in the cup holder dip.

[@AlexPerrucci]

Love these, great tips!

[@kennethcohagen3539]

Having a loose battery will cause them to fail much quicker than if they were tied down in any vehicle. The plates in the battery don’t like to get jolted. No hold down allows the battery to bounce around whenever you turn, accelerate, brake or hit bumps or potholes in the road. If they move enough to dent the body you’re damaging you battery!

[@patyellowbear9928]

Thanks bro I have bought 04 NB a week ago. Love this car already. I had NC before buy I feel the first two generations are the best Miatas.

[@TJ-rx4zl]

Cup holder in between the seat belt clip and the side bolster worked best for me. The seat belt clip held it nicely.

[@jenniferalves152]

I totally use that behind the seat drink holder trick all the time! Works like a charm!

[@AlexPerrucci]

Used it today!

[@Midnightt]

I know it may be a bit of a silly request, but I’m a new Miata owner - could you do a video on jacking points? Thanks!!

[@603Media]

Man I thought I was the only one that stored my water bottle there😂

[@BadMax02_VR]

this is definitly a thing yes, i always keep my big 1.5L water bottles in tehre cause than even if the seat is adjusted a bit forwards it will just slide down to the bottom but still be there :D

[@rhythm7426]

I love the Miata. My goal for this year is to work hard and hopefully buy one.

[@AlexPerrucci]

You got this!

[@danielskrskr]

I thought the previous owner had removed the trunk release for whatever reason. Made me feel better to hear that it was made like that

[@xDskreevle]

For the people with a trunk release, you can still use your key to lock the trunk and disable the interior release. If you have some valuable stuff in there it might be usefull for your peace of mind to know this trick ;)

[@Username-ng8jy]

Wait. Trying to figure this out. Mine won’t lock the trunk. It opens only. Could you elaborate. Please and thank you!

[@lorrieking5975]

How do you disable the inside trunk release? I love my top down from spring to fall but I have found my center consul messed with when returning to the car.

[@xDskreevle]

Well I can turn my key one way to open the trunk and the other way seems to do nothing, but actually locks the trunk and disables the trunk release. In my European nbfl at least

[@egguw]

battery tie down also great for daily driving through the canyon i live in

[@灰灰-d9f]

I have a 1990 as well. I like the trunk setup. I feel really comfortable putting stuff in trunk.

[@skye5689]

bro love the content, sorry i haven’t been watching in a while. When your famous don’t forget me 😂

[@edventures9884]

I was about to comment “my 91 doesn’t have trunk release either” but then I read the comments lol

[@deruniversalindikator]

4:02 - Just unscrew the plastic covers / housing and then you can adjust the Headlights with a Screwdriver ;)

[@lorrieking5975]

Alex both driving lights shut off simultaneously. I checked fuse and looked through the glass lens. I did not see any melting or fusing and my fuse is good. Now what do I do. Thank you, Lorrie Forgot to tell you that my Miata is a 2002. And I love my car, so much fun! And I love your videos! I am always referring to my owners Manuel but you cover things that are important to an owner and you can see instead of just reading.

[@grim-ripa]

I must have a 90 interior cus I swear it's a 91 but no trunk switch lol

[@AlexPerrucci]

huh, maybe its a really early '91 haha.

[@NateNoShlong]

Same with mine

[@oskykun2198]

I've got a 96 and i don't have it 😅

[@florislalleman1135]

i have a 1991 limited edition it also doesn't have a trunk switch

[@swift9417]

[@jg5001]

Only 2 things I can relate: the 'secret cupholder' since I have been doing that for years, but my Miata is an 01 and the trunk latch doesn't work so it's like I have a 90s Miata lol.😅

[@Dada-fl9qn]

you just changed my life with that water bottle trick

[@veahpereabras6969]

The battery placement could not be in a worse position. It's nigh on impossible to attach clamps to the negative terminal without causing serious injury to your hand and 30 mins of your time. I had 2 extentions made to increase the length of the terminals and now it only takes 30 seconds to attach both the terminals. Simple, cheap and effective.< ====extention=====>attach to terminal.

[@lucaoffline]

Words cannot express how much i love miatas, god..

[@jameselko7232]

I'll never get that almost 6 minutes back.

[@michaelpetrakiss]

In my NB2 if you put the key in the trunk lock and turn it anti-clockwise it locks the latch so that you can't open it from inside nor from the keyfob, only with they key

[@remscojo8297]

I'm getting a '95 miata soon, and have been looking for a video like this, but a whole channel?! You said your channel is miata based, and I instantly subbed

[@AlexPerrucci]

Thank you! Love to hear it.

[@bsturn]

Previous owner installed a trunk release in my 90, which is good considering my key binds in the lock

[@AlexPerrucci]

Good point, my spare key binds sometimes.

[@darkrage1138]

@@AlexPerrucci SO funny thing about that, if you read the owners manual of the miata, only 1 of the keys is supposed to open the trunk, the "spare" keys aren't supposed to but are just close enough to work if you force it. So basically every time you open the trunk with the spare, you're potentially damaging the lock.

[@demon1954]

There’s a more precise method of adjusting the headlight lids. It does involve some adjustments and some swearing.

[@gardenclaw6995]

My 92 is missing the battery tie down and has the dent. However the mounting point for the battery tie down is there. So I just put two cable ties together and wrapped them horizontally round the battery and tightened them up to the tie down mounting point. Now the battery doesn't move during hard cornering.

[@skitalkdotcom]

NB2 to NB1 center console swap if you want a usable cupholder. While on this, NB2 cupholder lid's springs break, a paper clip can be reformed as a spring.

[@collingrove9324]

Lmfaooo that water bottle spot you said is where i keep my rolled up apron for work lmao

[@AlexPerrucci]

Hahah a great and versatile storage spot!

[@jualisco8267]

3:19 I told my friend I only carried water bottles for this reason. We ate out some fast food drive through and he mistakenly ordered a drink, he then asked "Have you every tried cups?". Before I could stop him the cup disappeared behind the seat with the lid staying wedged up. Interior of the car isn't anything special so we just had a good laugh

[@AlexPerrucci]

😂

[@imJackyD]

man I thought I was the only person who did number 3 lol

[@AlexPerrucci]

😂

[@timstewarttim]

It's amazing how many people don't adjust the headlight covers. It makes such a big difference in appearance. With this adjusted well, nobody notices my oxidized paint. 🤔

[@ryuman757]

Straight up! Best place to hide shit too, lol.

[@crawford323]

I had a big laugh today. I had my oil changed ( sorry I’m 67 years old and the days of self oil changes are not over just limited) and those kids trying first to find the oil filter and then trying to unscrew it with a hot engine was entertaining. They got the tallest most skinny orangutan armed person in the shop with a pair of Kevlar arm sleeves and they finally did the deed. I tried to tell them where it was with no results. I pulled the operation manual out and finally convinced them. The last filter was black and nestled as it is, they just couldn’t see it. Zoom zoom.

[@leejk3926]

Ok I totally thought this video would have nothing new for me, but now I realise those dents on my rear quarter are because I have no battery tie down and I knew you could adjust the hardtop frankstein latches but didn't know how. Cheers man

[@aygwm]

Another one is that you can adjust the tightness of the latches using an Allen key I believe

[@AlexPerrucci]

Yes! I think mine are a 10mm wrench.

[@Kungpaoshizzi]

In fact I did know these things, minus the 90 trunk release :D I have a 97!

[@AC-sb9ut]

Nice vid. My 93 has a very shiny instrument cover... annoying as it reflects onto windscreen in sunshine and causes a glare spot on eyesight...getting a cover for that...

[@AC-sb9ut]

@Benjamin J leather cover or a velvety dash cover to protect from sun or car dash flocking...

[@Oldladysgin]

The car was largely designed in England by IAD (International Automotive Design) in Worthing, Sussex.

[@woutverhoeff3671]

I've recently seen one secret no one knows and every miata has! One of the black headlight surrounding plastics that are attached to the hood always miss on the passenger side of the car...

[@pringleslegend9448]

It's for an NB but if you flash your high beans while honking it changes tone

[@AlexPerrucci]

Seriously?!

[@pringleslegend9448]

@@AlexPerrucci I've done it on 3 NBs so it should be

[@MHermansson]

Interior trunk release fact probably only applies to us market cars. My 96 from Germany doesnt have a trunk release :)

[@AlexPerrucci]

good to know!

[@Dazza31]

If you get a dent in the rear from the battery you could try cushioning that area so when it bumps that area there is a cushion to soften it

[@markmueller291]

Much better than fastening the battery properly!

[@1bye4bye9]

My ‘91 BRG doesn’t have a trunk release either. ; )

[@joelatwar]

That EK though

[@brandonlow27]

I just bought a '90 and thought my trunk release had broken off in the center console

[@alexhernandez67]

If you cut a 10 cm off the gasket of the fire wall to the bonnet on the driver side, you can reduce summer temperatures in the car by.. a lot

[@skelassassin]

wow; I’ve had my Miata going on 5 years and yet the only one I already knew what the waterbottle behind the passenger seat trick. Great video

[@nathanbunton7031]

This guys gonna get popular mark my words.

[@andrewruenzel]

my battery’s held down with a bungee cord😂

[@AlexPerrucci]

😂

[@johnnycee5179]

Fortunately I do have a battery tie down on my late '90 but fuel release door is in center console.

[@its_me_dave]

Don’t forget to readjust the headlamp dip after you’ve pulled them back up 👍

[@ryuman757]

Funny enough, I have that metal plate that goes over the battery to keep it in place (I'd imagine that's the "tie-down" you're talking about?), but I guess I'm missing some shit for the battery to sit in, because I didn't realize it was actually still shifting around when I drove it early on (the tie-down was tight, but it doesn't seem to press all the way down onto the battery. A year or 2 into owning it, my car randomly stalls while I'm driving like 40mph, but for some reason turns it right back on in the middle of the drive, and after getting to work, AAA told me the battery shifted, and actually sparked from the one terminal touched the metal tie-down or w/e 😲😲 So now it has some cardboard drink holder shoved in between the battery and trunk panel 🤣🤙

[@tinophom951]

No battery tie-down victim here 😔🤝

[@AlexPerrucci]

Hate to see it.

[@ohmaqzify]

I like the drink holder method, but I use that spot for my steering wheel lock and brake lock

[@chaniem.5422]

my 94 has a cabin trunk release, but its also a Eunos Roadster which is probably the difference, unless it was somehow installed before anyways

[@RyosukeTakahashiRX7]

The release is something every car after 90/91 has

[@caza00caza]

Had my roadster a day before finding the water bottle hack

[@tivarshgovender9184]

On the NB you can put your water bottles in a netted sleeve another hack

[@mancavecustomsnz7140]

I have a 1990 and there’s a trunk release button in the centre console. No lever but a button 😊

[@georges3485]

I lost two motors in a month using mobil one...never again, one was a 580 hp naturally aspirated LS 6.0 and the other was a 86,000 mile minivan. Both lost oil pressure.

[@Fatmonster93]

Only problem with the seat cup holder is its heated

[@damcleandetailing]

Good shit here Alex, been watching a few of your videos, great content, new subscriber!

[@RobWhittlestone]

Should be called "5 Things You Didn't Know About the Mazda Miata NA" - I had a '94 NA 1.8 and now have a very nice 2009 NC 2.0 Sport. Trunk release, battery tie down, hood to light gap, cupholder tips don't apply to NCs. Nevertheless interesting Miata trivia! All the best, Rob

[@codwizard7526]

My 1991 doesnt have a trunk release and its not an early 91’ either cuz it has a long nose crank

[@brendanroy514]

Man doin an oil change

[@bg1321]

2:40 Me: crying inside about the rust wholes in mine 😅

[@TheDJLogy]

Also, there is a secret on the uenos roadster steering wheel, if you pop of where the airbag would be, it reveals a mono steering wheel. Pretty neat

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

I was scrolling down looking for this! I owned mine for 3 years before stumbling on a YT video. The cover hasn't been on since.

[@TheDJLogy]

@@MatthewJohnCrittenden Really? I prefer the wheel with the airbag on. Looks more.. Retro. But, I would take the airbag off for racing, etc.

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

@@TheDJLogy I'll put it back and see your perspective. My NA is stock, getting difficult to find unmodified in Australia. Funny how some people don't know about the headrest speakers too.

[@TheDJLogy]

@@MatthewJohnCrittenden Yes, sometimes it's nice to try someone else's opinion from time to time. A stock NA? Pretty rare. Bet its worth a bit if it hasn't got any rust, etc. I remember the headrest speakers, going deaf listening to loud music😂 having to turn the volume down

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

​@@TheDJLogy Stock with original head unit, doesn't work but I like the tape player look. I have an amp in the boot and play the phone through it on an aux jack. The headrest speakers aren't actually connected right now, on my To Do list. Good luck finding one here for under AU$22,000 these days. Queensland life = No rust. Had one in the UK, different story :)

[@marilynrose4941]

Regarding the trunk, I can only get in with a key as well and mines a ‘91.

[@clean1566]

I installed a remote release from Moss motors. The button went where the cigarette lighter was, inside the console.One of the better accy's I bought. It's more secure than newer Miata's, cause I could lock console eliminating access to trunk release.

[@ozarkwheels4158]

My 91 doesn’t have a trunk release either.

[@SlayerVideos15]

It wasn't up to 1992 that miatad got trunk releases in the cabin, I had to modify my 91 to put one in

[@zepic9093]

I have a 92 eunos roadster and it has a trunk release in the cabin so it must have been done early 92 or late 91

[@SlayerVideos15]

@@zepic9093 thats what I meant that 92 and up miatas had trunk releases

[@SlayerVideos15]

@@zepic9093 I need to check more 91 miatas but im sure they didn't have them but I can't confirm that entirely

[@Essin62]

Knew #3. Did NOT know #1, #2, #4 or #5. Thanks man!

[@supremacygaming7123]

@3:21 I figured that thing out since I dont have cup holders

[@NoName-zz9ls]

I have a 1990 Miata with the trunk release 🤔

[@stonedstew]

that steering wheel is cool looking! would it fit on my 2000?

[@AlexPerrucci]

Yeah any aftermarket wheel will fit with a hub adapter and (optional) quick release setup!

[@Oxnard805]

I want a Miata so bad, I used to have an NB & I miss it dearly. It’s ridiculous how much people be asking for their Miatas now. I currently have a G37 which I would say it’s worth around $9-$10k in good condition. I see people ask $8-10k for their Miatas, that’s what my car is worth. It’s insane if you ask me. But I honestly think about trading my G37 in for one. I want a Miata that bad.

[@AlexPerrucci]

Yeah the prices are super inflated recently, it is insane. Hopefully you can come across a good deal and get another Miata!

[@Oxnard805]

@@AlexPerrucci Do you think I should trade in my G37? Everyone tells me not to, but I really want a Miata so bad.

[@michaelvachon1334]

Might have added NA to the title (just to differentiate for us NB, NC, and ND owners).

[@marielohr1947]

Very informative, thanks!

[@AlexPerrucci]

Glad it could help, thanks!

[@sergiobisonte]

how the batery tie down disapears?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?? my 25 years miata has probably changed 5 times the batery... HOW U LOSE THAT?!??!

[@alexgarcia9318]

Love that steering wheel, what brand if you don’t mind

[@AlexPerrucci]

Nardi

[@terrymiller6397]

I have a '92 NA it also has no interior trunk release.

[@SashaTheOneAndOnly]

Dude! This video is great! I'm subbing 👍

[@AlexPerrucci]

Thank you!

[@joelyjowell3]

I sold my mr2 while ago for 3k before they started to get popular and prices went up . I had no car for a while I was driving a Mercedes’ but it wasn’t fun . Yesterday I bought a mint condition miata .and honestly they just as fun as the mr2 .they slower but handle better

[@takeblame]

Pop-up up & down headlights!

[@samnocho]

I have a 90 and always wedge my drinks in that spot!! thought i was a genius lol

[@AlexPerrucci]

Hahah, great minds think alike!

[@dazedmartian5411]

talking about the hardtop bushing on the engine xd

[@ApexWoodworks]

Alex, really interesting. What about electrical issues? My 2020 MB battery slowly discharges - with all electrical components turned off. After about 14 days of not having used it, the battery needs to be boosted to allow the car to be charged. And advice on tackling this issue would be appreciated.

[@AlexPerrucci]

Not 100% sure on that. Doesn't sound out of the question though if unused for 2 weeks. Maybe try setting it on a trickle charger when not in use.