Market Segment:
Affordable lightweight sports car
Positioning:
Iconic roadster offering pure driving enjoyment and classic sports car appeal
Competitors:
Lotus Elan M100, Fiat Spider, Alfa Romeo Spider, Triumph Spitfire (historically)
Driving Dynamics:
Excellent handling, balance, rear-wheel drive, lightweight construction
Design Philosophy:
Simple, reliable, driver-focused
Benefit:
Empowers owners to perform repairs and maintenance themselves, saving on labor costs and enhancing understanding of the vehicle
Engine:
1.6L DOHC 16-Valve (B6ZE)
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, pressure regulator, fuel lines, evaporative emissions
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, coils, ignition timing, diagnostic procedures
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, gaskets
Transmission:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (FS5W71C), clutch system, driveline
Suspension:
Front and rear independent suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings
Steering:
Rack and pinion steering, power steering system (if equipped, though most NA Miatas were manual steering)
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, brake fluid, hydraulic system, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, lighting, fuses, relays
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism, chassis components
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (if equipped)
Interior:
Dashboard, seats, trim panels, instrumentation
General Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations
Engine Overhaul:
Engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly
Transmission Repair:
Transmission removal, disassembly, repair, and installation
Brake System Repair:
Brake pad replacement, caliper servicing, rotor replacement, brake bleeding
Suspension Component Replacement:
Shock absorber replacement, ball joint replacement, bushing replacement
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults, wiring repairs, component testing
Body Repair:
Panel alignment, rust repair procedures, door adjustments
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common problems
Depth:
Comprehensive (covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Information:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, trouble codes (if applicable for the era), sensor data interpretation
Torque Specifications:
All critical torque values for fasteners
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all systems
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Model:
FS5W71C (shared with other Nissan/Mazda applications)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (Optional, less common)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or similar viscosity)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron III or equivalent
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not extensively tested by modern standards, but known for robust chassis for its size.
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Not extensively tested by modern standards.
ABS:
Available as an option on some models, standard on later years/higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard from 1990 onwards.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and optional roll bar behind seats
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (NGK BKR5E-11 recommended).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (non-interference engine, but belt failure can cause damage).
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.8 Liters (4.0 US Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 Liters (5.8 US Quarts)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, slave/master cylinders, wheel bearings, radiator replacement, alternator failure, window regulator issues.
Engine Specific:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and rear main seal; oil consumption can increase with mileage.
Electrical Specific:
Corrosion in wiring harnesses, starter motor issues, fuel pump relay failures.
Body Specific:
Rust on sills, wheel arches, and rocker panels; convertible top fabric degradation.