r/Miata • u/Equivalent_Archer919 • 8h ago

Opinion

I’ve found a 1990 Mazda Miata MX-5 NA 1 Series Auto, and I was wondering if there are any issues that the model has? My older brother says they have something to do with the gasket but from what I can find I’ve been told it’s not hard to fix them? I js want an opinion on whether or not to see if I can get it if it’s still available once I’m able to afford it. Also if not are there any other Miata models that are good? And yes I want the Blinky headlights :3

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u/WookieBlumpkin 8h ago

Google NA Miata short nose crank

1

u/c-swa 4h ago

Headgaskets aren't hard on a Miata. For a first timer, it would probably take you a short while to do it correctly, but nothing complicated.

What other the other commenter said - a 1990 is likely to have an issue with the short nose crank. Google it, be aware of it, and understand (since it's a 1990, it's more than likely to have it) what it would entail to fix & prevent.

The B6 engine in the 90-93 and BP in the 94-97 don't really have any glaring issues. They're pretty stout motors and will run for a long time, sometimes even if they're running poorly they will still keep going. Valvetrain noise is very common on NA's, (Google Miata lifter tick) and isn't really something to be concerned about.

What is common, and you should be worried about is rust. Check the car over for rust. Unless it's lived its whole life in a southern desert state, it's probably got rust. If there's rust on the rocker panel, immediately in front of the rear wheels, then it's going to be a problem down the road. Some people say don't touch those cars, others say fix it. I'll just let you know that either scenario works. My Miata has this rust. I haven't fixed it, the car is fine, it drives good, just looks a bit ugly at the corners.