Faults:

Nothing! Still has original alternator, water pump, A/C compressor (and freon!), etc., etc.

General Comments:

Best car ever made!

Feels like part of your body rolling down the road and in the twisties.

I get up to 35 mpg highway, and 28 lowest in the city.

Unbelievable handling, like the smoothest roller coaster you've ever been on.

Faults:

Used Japanese engine at 208,000 kms due to crankshaft key wear. Original engine was leaking a lot of oil when purchased.

Water pump at 217,000 km had the timing belt done.

General Comments:

I purchased this car as a project car on Labour Day 2006.

Major improvements included a used Japanese engine soon after purchase at 208,000 kms, short crankshaft problems, now have a long crankshaft engine.

New Yokohama AVS tires are a great upgrade from the Michelin X ones. 208,500 kms.

Water pump and timing belt at 217,000 kms.

New paint at 218,500 kms.

New shocks, springs and ball joints at 219,000 kms.

These were all improvements or upgrades, except for the water pump.

This is my third Miata; sold the first after a hip replacement, the 2nd was an import from the USA to make some profit on. The 3rd is a real fixer upper and still a great car to drive in the warmer months, March to Nov. I also ride a motorcycle during the same time period.

We also have a 2001, which is less roomy, smoother, quieter, but not as much fun to drive.

Faults:

Headlights won't go down on their own.

Alternator made a couple weird noises, but otherwise works fine.

Dash lights go out when you switch to the brights.

Spark plugs and wires need to be replaced.

General Comments:

First and foremost, everything anyone tells you about the Mazda Miata's handling capability is true. This thing can take any turn at almost any speed. The perfect balance of a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive car makes everyday driving or sporty sprints around town nothing if not fun.

However, acceleration is slow, due to the 1.6 liter four banger. The light weight of the car makes up for some of it, but it is not something to take to a drag race unless you've got some serious mods, or are racing a Geo Metro. However one has to understand that acceleration is not the goal with this car, handling is.

When you sit in the car, you feel like you're really sitting IN the car. Everything is within reach due to the small nature of the car. I don't even have to take my hand off the shifter to reach the stereo.

Aftermarket for this car is amazing. Body styling, interior styling, suspension and drivetrain upgrades are all readily available, and cheap. People are still making things for the NA Miata (model years 1990-1997) long after they've stopped production.

With the top down, it gets pretty noisy. Don't bother with the stereo until you're at a stoplight.

Overall this car is amazing, and i'll make sure to keep it forever.