Faults:

I had to get a clutch job done around 90,000 miles. But that is expected, and I don't blame Mazda for it.

Power window slowed down around 90,000 miles as well, but no major problems.

General Comments:

I got in an accident with a CR-V during the first month I got the car. That's when I realized how strongly Mazda Miatas were built. Even with the damage that completely deformed the rear quarter panel, it runs strong without any fixes.

Its reliability is a pleasant surprise.

Performance-wise, most people think that going fast is what determines performance. It is certainly not a car made to be driven fast, but the handling is great.

It has a short shift stick, so it is very fun to drive around.

My Miata has went over 100,000 miles now, and is still running like a champ! A good buy.

Faults:

The EGR valve and Throttle Body valve were congested with carbon deposits and had to be cleaned as they were causing a rough idle. This was about $200.

At the same time, the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder went out while I was driving down the road. This was another $400 and the towing to get it to the dealership was nearly $100.

A week later, the idle got rough again and it turned out to be the coil pack ignition system which was another $450.

A week after that, the oil drain plug fell out. Fortunately I caught it before it caused any serious problems. This was only $26 for the plug and oil.

The top had to be replaced when I bought it which was about $1000. I knew that, though, getting into the car.

General Comments:

I love to look at this car and it's a blast to drive. After reading several reviews on this site, I thought I was getting into a reliable car to get me through college. fortunately I didn't sell my BMW before I had all these problems so I wasn't left stranded for long. Oddly enough though the dealer doesn't stock oil drain plugs for these cars. It had to sit about 50 miles away from my house while I waited on a plug to be shipped in. once again, the BMW came to the rescue. The windows work still, but they are very slow and the leather seats are wearing out prematurely. The glove box is drooping a little, but it still locks properly so I'm not too worried about it and the console hinge is broken.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with this car.

General Comments:

This car is a join to both own and drive.

The dealership has provided wonderful service and support throughout my ownership of this and my previous, 1990 Miata.

So far, I have logged 180,000 miles in Miatas and have loved every one of them. And no mechanical problems!

It is cheap to maintain, operate and defies the stigma of the 'unreliable roadster.' I have owned MGBs in my past and was ready to accept a little maintenance in exchange for the fun. After ten years of driving Miatas, I still have not had a car in the shop.

Faults:

The car was in perfect condition.

General Comments:

Fun to drive. Make you feel young again.

I should have bought the hardtop as an option.

The special edition keeps its value. A little bit more money, but great resale value.

Faults:

The car required new tires. Given the level of performance this car is capable of, the rate of tire wear was within the normal range of wear & tear.

General Comments:

The MX-5 Miata LS is an exceptional automobile. While you can spend considerably more money (the BMW Z3 or the Honda S2000), the increase in car is nowhere near the cost. Anyone who purchases a 2-seat roadster sports car should know the limitation of the type. With this said, the Miata is an absolute blast to drive, cheap to operate and insure and is rock solid dependable. For most people this is enough, but when you can reach up and drop that top. Autopia (car heaven)!!!

Faults:

Nothing. Only problem is it gets too much attention from my three year old boy who waits outside so he could get a ride when I pull in to the driveway.

General Comments:

Beautiful car with TONS of fun. Design is one of a kind with clear distinction from the others. Most bang for your buck in the fun category.