wrote:

> Hi all, I am considering buying a Miata and I have several questions I
> hope you kind folks can answer.
>
> For the past decade I have driven Honda hatchbacks, which I like
> because they are reasonably small, durable, fuel-efficient vehicles
> that handle well. It sounds like the Miatas meet those characteristics
> -- and I am now looking for something smaller than the Hondas.
>
>>From consumer reviews I've read, the Miatas are also durable,
> long-running, reliable and reasonably fuel-efficient.
>
> Here's what I would like to know:
>
> How long is the average lifespan of a Miata? How much more can I expect
> to get out of one if I buy it at 100K miles? 125K? 150K? (I've seen
> some at nearly 200K). I know it depends on how it's been driven during
> those miles, but I'm trying to get a ballpark idea.

With plenty of long trips, maybe 200,000 is achievable from the Miata
(or MX-5 as they are called elsewhere). A town car might only make
100,000 without major expenditure.

> What are some of the unique expenditures Miata owners have to
> undertake? For example, I understand the back windows tend to fade and
> need replacing. How often? How much does that cost? What other sorts of
> things, particular to Miatas, bring an added cost to the owner?

Hoods last up to 10 years depending on whether the car is garaged or
not. Cloudy back windows can often be polished clear again. A complete
new hood is 400-500UKP fitted, so maybe 800-900 USD? Then again,
everything is cheaper in the US, isn't it?

Gear shift lever boots perish after only about 5 years but are cheap to
replace. There is a very expensive service at 54,000 miles which
includes a cambelt, transmission oils, fuel filter as well as a normal
"major" service.

> If I'm shopping for one, what are some of the particular weak spots on
> these cars I should look for, above and beyond the usual engine checks,
> tire checks, suspension checks and so on?

Any rust anywhere on the sills is bad news, so find a different car.
Look very carefully for crash damage and get a history check done, if
this is possible in the US. In the UK you can pay 40UKP and find out if
the car has ever suffered major damage or been written off and repaired.
Look at hood condition carefully, and put a hosepipe on it if the
owner allows to check for leaks. Make sure the pop-up lights work
simultaneously as new motors are a little pricey.

> Also, in your experience, how much does it cost to insure a Miata in a
> major city if it's a female driver being insured?

In the UK it can be prohibitively expensive unless the car is garaged.
That's how I came by mine; the previous owner moved to central London
and couldn't afford the premiums being asked. Car crime is much lower
in the US though. Insurers here are more concerned with theft or
vandalism than crash damage; the real hooligans don't tend to drive MX-5's!

> The reason I ask is that I've seen several of these cars in my price
> range (under $3500) but they are older cars. The car I'm giving up now
> was also older and in bad shape (compared to other cars of its age - a
> Honda at 136K miles is by no means an old car). I'd like not to spend
> thousands of dollars on repairs immediately if I can avoid it - I'd
> rather make a wise buy, of course.

The Mk1 (pop-up lights) is a purer sports car than the Mk2, and better
looking. There are plenty of 15 year old examples on the UK that look
factory-fresh. Just look out for rust and buy with your eyes, as they say.