loading
reading
writing
saving
searching
1999 Mazda Miata (Manual Transmission, LSD, Emerald Mica, Tan Top) - $8,900 (Davidsonville)
1999
mazda mx-5 miata
condition:
excellent
cylinders:
4 cylinders
drive:
rwd
fuel:
gas
odometer:
116,500
paint color:
green
title status:
clean
transmission:
manual
type:
convertible
QR Code Link to This Post
Runs great and is a lot of fun. Great manual transmission, hydraulic power steering, lightweight Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) feel, and a lot of fun in the twisties. Uses regular unleaded gas (87 octane); averages 25 MPG. 1999 model year is still eligible for Maryland Historic tags under the recently changed law (a lot cheaper registration; no emissions/inspections)
Includes Popular Equipment Package (PEP) with Touring Package: Power Windows, Power Locks, Power Door Mirrors, Cruise Control, Wind Blocker, 14" Alloy Wheels, Torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD), Power Antenna; 3-spoke Nardi Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel; Air Conditioning; Bose Audio System with tweeter speakers, CD Player and Cassette Player; Power Steering Package; Appearance Package 2 (Front Air Dam/Lip Spoiler; Rocker/side Sills; Rear Mud Guards; Fog Lights).
I bought this used in 2014 with 104,000 miles on it. It had new tires, convertible top, battery, and brakes when I purchased it. It has been a second/weekend car for me, kept in a garage most of the time I have owned it. I am selling it now because I recently bought a newer second/weekend car to replace the Miata, and I don't need three cars. The only modification I have made is to change out the shift knob with an aftermarket knob (original shift knob is included; it just easily screws on/off). I bought a set of Delrin door bushings (included) that are supposed to help “tighten” body/doors, but I never installed them. Also included is a Motor Trend Deluxe Car Cover (waterproof; padded; UV protection) that I am currently using and used over the past winter, and a box of spare/old parts (see below for more info).
In the time I have owned it, these are the maintenance items I have fixed/replaced (besides annual full synthetic oil and filter changes):
at 105,000:
*Drained and replaced transmission, shifter, and LSD gear oils. Transmission and turret now have Ford Motorcraft “unicorn tears” XT-M5-QS gear oil (definitely improved the shifting feel).
*New spark plugs and spark plug wires (old ones included).
*New shifter bushings/rebuild kit (old parts included).
*New clutch and brake pedal pads (old pads included).
at 110,000:
*New radiator (old one worked but had aging/discolored plastic that supposedly becomes brittle), coolant, thermostat, radiator hoses.
*New timing belt and all drive belts (old belts included), cam seals, front crankshaft main seal, water pump and gaskets (I used Treasure Coast Miata’s Premium Gates Timing Belt and Water Pump Replacement Kit).
*New cam position sensor (old sensor included, along with a new replacement).
*New battery.
*New air filter.
All work was done by me. I have over 30 years experience working on maintaining and restoring cars. The 1999 Miata is a very easy car to work on and maintain, with parts easily available and at reasonable prices.
These are the current issues with the car, to my knowledge:
*One of the front fog light lenses is cracked (lights still work).
*When starting the car, the valve lifters sometimes make a light ticking noise for less than a minute until warmed up. Seems fairly normal for the ’99 NB from what I have read on line.
*The front bumper was repainted by the previous owner, and is a little darker in color than the hood. Possibly repainted due to rock chips from the road, as I never noticed any front-end damage from an accident.
*The paint could use a good cleaning/conditioning/polishing. It looks decent from 15 feet away, but up close you can see its flaws.
*The previous owner installed an aftermarket security alarm system that slowly drains the battery. I installed a battery disconnect switch on the battery’s negative terminal (battery is in the trunk), but when reconnecting the battery the alarm goes off, requiring the key fob to stop the alarm (two electronic key fobs included, along with two original keys), and then you have to reset your radio station presets. I kept it on a battery conditioner when in the garage to prevent the battery drain. I added some foam to the alarm's speaker to quiet the alarm, which can easily be removed.
*After storing the car this winter, I noticed in the Spring that the clutch fluid reservoir was a little low. I topped it off (clutch fluid is brake fluid), but I suspect I may have a small leak from the clutch slave cylinder. I purchased a clutch master and slave cylinder replacement kit that is included with the vehicle.
*With generic/economy tires and a limited slip differential, it is very easy to drift this car, do doughnuts, or do a 180 in the rain around a tight turn. While it does not have a lot of power, I recommend that a driver new to lightweight RWD cars, especially with an LSD, be cautious driving it, especially in the rain.
Feel free to ask any questions. If you are interested, contact me to check it out and for a test drive. Accepting cash. I am willing to deliver it within a reasonable distance once a sale is made. Thanks for reading.