Buying a Miata - Everything You Have To Know!

So you're set on buying a miata, but you don't know what you should look out for? Well you've come to the right place. First off, congratulations, a Miata is always a good choice, and buying one can be an awesome experience! Secondly, watch the video to see what you need to watch out for!A Miata is a very reliable choice, so there aren't too many quirks to look out for, but there's some key spots you want to check before buying.
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:21 - Exterior
7:37 - Engine
20:17 - Interior
27:54 - Test Drive
33:10 - Outro
Napp Motorsports Social Media:
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Contact us via email at: [e-mail]

[@adamgaber4711]

I just bought my minty 90 na miata 2 weeks ago. I can confirm that this is the best buyers guide by far! Very detailed and covers everything! Great video!

[@NappMotorsports]

Thanks! Congrats on the new Miata!

[@stantheman5163]

This is the best video I've seen on this topic! I would just add that the purchaser should pop the trunk and check for leaks there from the drip rail drain getting clogged and overflowing. It would probably show up with the sniff test in the interior, but it can't hurt when you're searching for rust spots.

[@NappMotorsports]

Good tip!

[@joelavallee3074]

Awesome content. Very thorough and detailed!

[@NappMotorsports]

Thanks!

[@Ali-yp8bj]

Im def getting a miata for my first car, this helps alot, love your video dude!

[@NappMotorsports]

Glad I could help!

[@Beardchanics]

Nice, useful and very complete guide :)

[@NappMotorsports]

Thanks man!

[@knowglow]

Best miata channel on YT... thanks ... i'm a newbie mechanic SLASH '90 NA owner. Been wrenching on my NA for a couple of years; I really appreciate the content you put out. Will definitely go back and spot check my car. .... in terms of content - i'd love to see a stereo swap in video from start to finish - with subwoofer ... there's not too much out there

[@NappMotorsports]

Dude much appreciated! Love the support. We could definitely do a radio install. I know Dylan is planning on adding some sound back to his this winter. Wouldn’t have a sub though, as that’s not how these are oriented. I *might* add a small one to mine in the future but I’m not certain.

[@rjcraft18]

I second his request, coming from you and the boys that would be awesome ​@NappMotorsports

[@SillyMonkeys]

thanks man, great video

[@NappMotorsports]

Glad it helped

[@rachelporter7568]

This is perfect thanks so much!

[@NappMotorsports]

Glad I could help.

[@wisconsinbadgers384]

I just picked up a west coast owned NA with 50K. Really great video, nice detail and great knowledge. Well done!

[@NappMotorsports]

Thanks!

[@EnfieldJoe]

Great info. Very thorough and great presentation (audio, video, commentary). I bought my first Miata (94) about a month ago.....engine out, basket case. Engine is almost finished being assembled by me (machine work by a local auto machine shop) and ready to reinstall. Lots of great info on your channel for my project. I reference your videos often in my build. Thanks for sharing.

[@NappMotorsports]

Glad we could help!

[@Repotsirk]

Great video, how does it only have 4k views??? I really liked the fact you put prices on all the repairs, makes me a bit more confident in going to look at this Miata now. As long as the rust isn't bad everything should be good then.

[@NappMotorsports]

Thanks! 👍

[@orangeshake1]

I'm about to go test drive my first 1990 miata, this video has really helped me up my confidence when it comes to things to look out for. Thanks!

[@NappMotorsports]

Good luck!

[@BillyBlaze7]

Another thing people dont usually consider is if you buy a LOW mileage car that is like 25 years old....figure on having to replace nearly everything. Timing belt, water pump, sensors, belts, hoses, radiator, emissions parts etc. sitting and not being driven i believe is worse than having higher miles. My current 99 has around 63K original miles, Ive done all the above and still have to replace the top and repaint the entire car. It's a nice car and luckily from before it was driven off the showroom floor it was treated with undercoating so that has helped a lot with the rust it would have had, but a LOT of stuff has went bad from sitting that long

[@NappMotorsports]

Correct!

[@boursitocard]

very nice, to the point. Thanks

[@NappMotorsports]

Happy to help!

[@nyal1988]

I must say, this channel started off so strong with new unquie content miata (Mx5 as we call them) really got hooked on your journey, now it just feels like "how can I fill the gaps" this kinda stuff probably interesting if you've never been on KZbin before, however for the majority it's been documented and overdone now, not hating on your channel but keep things interesting and original, you've got a good platform don't just do what other have ✌️

[@NappMotorsports]

Thanks for the honest feedback! We will be getting back to our build season content in the coming weeks which sounds like what you are more interested in. Note that we are making this more "how too" style content for two main reasons, one, experimenting with different styles of content and improving our quality of content by continuing to produce videos. Stay tuned, build season is coming!

[@KrisTheSpecialist]

Nice video! Thank you! ...Also a good way to brag about your mint miata🙂

[@NappMotorsports]

Glad you liked it!

[@MrScooterdude2]

Good job buddy thanks

[@NappMotorsports]

No problem 👍

[@transylvaniaithub]

thank you man

[@NappMotorsports]

You're welcome!

[@johnlanphere]

Nice tips. Guess I did pretty well with mine but nice to know for when I go for the sunburst one someday.

[@NappMotorsports]

I know a couple people that can help you look 😉

[@rushgalt196]

@@NappMotorsportsHe told me that the mechanic he took it to said the valve cover gasket is seeping and the rear output shaft is seeping too. I don’t know what that all means really, but I’m gonna buy it anyway.

[@connorPiper0]

Other than the quiet audio, the guide is very nice. You specify issues that are repairable verses not, which seems like many guides don't talk about. I have no issues replacing a radiator or some interior bits, but engine out stuff would be something else.

[@NappMotorsports]

Glad ya liked it

[@Stxr_hxxrt]

I’m 15 and I’m learning how to drive, my dad is a mechanic and I’m glad. But I wanted to teach my dad that I don’t need him to be checking on me so after watching this video he said he was impressed and he was willing to get me a Miata when I turn 16-17 depending on how fast I lear and when I get my license. Just wanted to say thank you so much for this video you changed my future in really thankful 🫶

[@NappMotorsports]

Cool!

[@alaindufresne5391]

Wish I saw that video BEFORE I bought mine 6 years ago. I do experience cowl shake at 62 mph. You say it's easy to fix but it seems no mechanic around me has any clue on the solution. Could you explain, or better yet, make a video on the subject? Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@NappMotorsports]

Installing a roll bar helps a lot!

[@philjones5728]

This is without doubt the BEST MX5 buying guide out there. It could even apply to a lot of other cars too. It was definitely worth 34 minutes. Well done. (waiting with anticipation for the splash-guard video ¦:¬ D

[@NappMotorsports]

I appreciate it! And sadly, the splash guard video might just have to wait. I got halfway through filming it, but it's now supposed to snow this weekend. I don't want to rush through it and get inaccurate data, so hopefully in the spring I'll be able to knock it out, and likely on a BP powered Miata so that it's a little more accurate. I had to cut up my undertray to make it fit, and that seems like it may effect the data.

[@1969EType]

The rust concerns that you cover at the beginning of the video, the areas in front of the rear wheels…is this a concern unique to NA’s or is this a concern for all generations? Thank for posting such an informative and helpful video.

[@NappMotorsports]

NA's and NB's

[@chaassmm]

i bought a Miata yesterday with 150k km and a factory softop and is in the same condition as your Miata

[@NappMotorsports]

Nice!

[@rogelioorroger797]

I just bought a 1999 NB with only 35k miles. The car looks like a brand new vehicle.

[@NappMotorsports]

Nice!

[@rushgalt196]

I wish you could come with me to inspect a 1990 Miata tomorrow…. It only has 54k miles & the guy wants $6,000.

[@NappMotorsports]

Sounds worth it

[@rushgalt196]

Yeah, but I don’t know much about how to fix them other than watching KZbin. Its valve cover gasket is seeping and so is the rear output shaft seal. Are those a big deal?

[@mrblaxto]

It looks like new tops through Robbins are at least $500.

[@NappMotorsports]

Yeah they just suck to install lol

[@richardkarl879]

What do you think is the right price to pay in today's market for a 100k mile na miata?? Love your videos and am ready to buy one asap

[@NappMotorsports]

If it’s rust free and good overall condition, probably in the neighborhood of 6-8k honestly.

[@richardkarl879]

Looks like they went from 3-4k for a stock driver 1-2 years ago to 6-8 now.

[@usererrorpleasetryagain5276]

@@richardkarl879 where i'm at, a stock na with 100k seems to be going from anywhere around 7500-9500

[@billysio]

You film this whole thing with your go pro Stefan?

[@NappMotorsports]

Yeah with the new mic setup. Learned some things that I need to do different for next time though. But that’s how she goes.

[@jamesflanagan1509]

I am looking for a miata but wanna hard top one what should i look for when looking for a good hard top or like body pannels to buy just incase i have to replace stuff or to look for

[@NappMotorsports]

Cracks at the mounting tabs at the rear, chopping around the base and leading edge, window trim isn’t bad, and that the glass isn’t damaged.

[@markatr6]

i have to change a starter on my NA - should i use an NB starter? IS that a legitimate upgrade? im told its slightly smaller, more torque, and dont need that extra brace.....??

[@NappMotorsports]

You could, but it doesn’t seem super worth it.

[@Golden_AceDBD]

I'm buying my first miata, an NA miata, tomorrow for around 7k ! Around 80k km, I will do all the inspections you mentioned, you think its a good deal in 2024 ? Thanks !

[@NappMotorsports]

Sounds like it!

[@ChrisSturhann]

Actually, the cup holder and the Miata is not the worst. I used to have a 99 Miata, and yes, the cup holder was not that great. With two cups, it didn't struct shifting a little bit. I now have a 2005 Mercedes SLK 350, and it's cup holder is much worse. It's a little tray that pops out of the dash above the stereo, so partially obstructs your view but mostly if the cups are overfull, and you hit a bump, it spills on the dash and the stereo etc. Way way worse.

[@NappMotorsports]

👍🏽

[@suestone6156]

I bought my 1999 Miata new , so I can relate. I Love everything about it. Never had a breakdown! It's go from -0- to 95 in 30 seconds... I drive 80-85 mostly to keep from being late for appointments, shame on me. I need to stop. It drives so smooth at this speed. I'll try to keep it at 70.😅😂❤

[@jamesflanagan1509]

I found one with origonal tires there a lil bald no cracks from what i seen he said there was a lil bit of rust in the back wheel hub so should i walk away ? Cause i did was just not shure

[@NappMotorsports]

Yeah

[@aidancurrier3344]

I know this video was uploaded 2 years ago but is it still viable? Im going to be buying a 1997 within the month and was wondering if theres an updated version or if this is still a valid guide.

[@NappMotorsports]

Yup!

[@actliketonymontana]

Sweet!

[@edwinescobar4207]

A bit of help gent - Looking at 97 NA with 177000 miles on it. Guy is asking for 6k. Soft top. It looks in really good shape. It sounds high to me. What are your thoughts? I live in New England so it's hard to come across a nice with no rust Miata

[@NappMotorsports]

The prices are going way up lately. I think 5k would be pretty fair at that mileage and if the car is rust free.

[@edwinescobar4207]

@@NappMotorsports Super helpful.

[@lizarddude990]

Where did you find a clean miata like that in NY?

[@NappMotorsports]

Some guy just happened to have it sitting at his house! It did need both rockers repaired though.

[@lizarddude990]

@@NappMotorsports Oh Dang, I found an almost perfect one that I picked up in buffalo, No rust on the car I just had to swap the engine because It was knocking.

[@scarface8806]

Any tips for buying a 97 Miata that’s been sitting since 2019! The clock is at 140k miles!

[@scarface8806]

100% I’m going to replace all the fluids, brake pads and rotors, battery and brake lines.

[@NappMotorsports]

Check the rubber hoses since they might have gotten crusty too

[@bobtheteerex]

what would the average price for a Miata be now in 2023 (California market)

[@NappMotorsports]

Rust free, god condition probably 6-8000.

[@bobtheteerex]

Thank you!@@NappMotorsports

[@mrblaxto]

You revealed your drug stash in years ashtray haha

[@NappMotorsports]

It’s my moms car so it’s not my stash if there is one 😂

[@joemilleriv]

Me watching this after I just bought an nb miata👁️👄👁️

[@NappMotorsports]

Time to go take a look haha

[@BillyBlaze7]

My miata smells like tuna and regret...

[@NappMotorsports]

I'd get that looked at...

[@BillyBlaze7]

@@NappMotorsports lol hope it inspired a grin

[@jamesflanagan1509]

All thies fixes are suprisingly cheap are u fr ???

[@NappMotorsports]

Best part about Miata’s.