Segment:
Lightweight Sports Car / Roadster
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, owners seeking to maintain or restore their vehicle
Key Competitors:
Lotus Elan M100, Fiat Barchetta (later), Porsche 944 (in spirit, larger segment)
Unique Selling Proposition:
Affordable, reliable, pure driving experience, excellent handling, classic Japanese sports car appeal
Driving Dynamics:
Rear-wheel drive, lightweight chassis, near 50/50 weight distribution, superb handling and steering feel
Design:
Iconic two-seater convertible, pop-up headlights, minimalist interior
Reliability:
Generally considered reliable and easy to maintain, especially compared to European contemporaries
Engine:
Engine mechanical (1.6L B6-ZE & 1.8L BP-ZE), engine electrical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual transmission (5-speed), automatic transmission (4-speed), clutch system, drive shafts, differentials
Brakes:
Brake system (front disc, rear disc for 1.8L models), ABS (if equipped), parking brake, hydraulic system
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems (double wishbone), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering knuckle
Steering:
Steering system (rack and pinion), power steering system (if equipped), steering column, steering wheel
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, battery, charging system, starting system, fuses, relays, dashboard instrumentation, power accessories
Bodywork:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, convertible top mechanism, interior trim, bumpers, glass, mirrors
Chassis:
Frame structure, subframes, mounting points
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, blower motor, refrigerant system
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair, convertible top repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code identification and resolution
Rebuilding Refurbishment:
Detailed steps for rebuilding engine components, transmission, differential, steering rack, suspension components, brake system components
Restoration:
Guidance on bringing the vehicle back to original specifications, including mechanical, electrical, and cosmetic aspects
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Clearances Tolerances:
Specified engine and mechanical clearances for proper operation and rebuilds
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls and body restoration
Diagnostic Capability:
Includes diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, and specifications for identifying and resolving issues
Electrical System Detail:
Detailed wiring diagrams with component identification for accurate electrical system diagnosis and repair
Engine Rebuild Detail:
In-depth procedures for engine disassembly, cleaning, inspection, component replacement, and reassembly
Transmission Repair Detail:
Detailed instructions for manual and automatic transmission servicing and repair, including component replacement and adjustment
Service Intervals Example
Engine Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first
Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
N/A (Not equipped in this generation)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Differential Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SAE 10W-30 (or 5W-30 in very cold climates)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.1 US Quarts (3.9 Liters) with filter change
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent
Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mixture with distilled water
Rust Prone Areas:
Rocker panels, rear quarter panels, sills, wheel arches, frame rails
Engine Issues:
Oil leaks from front and rear main seals, valve cover gaskets. Timing belt replacement is critical (every 60,000 miles or 5 years). Some early models may have oil pressure sender issues.
Electrical Issues:
Corroded grounds, faulty window regulators, failing power antenna (if equipped), dashboard light failures.
Suspension Issues:
Worn out bushings (control arm, sway bar), ball joint wear, shock absorber degradation. Pop-up headlight mechanism issues.
Convertible Top Issues:
Leaking seals, worn fabric, difficult operation of the mechanism. Schrader valve on the hydraulic assist system for the assisted top can leak.
Brake Issues:
Seized caliper pistons, worn rotors and pads are normal wear items. Check brake hoses for cracking.