MX-5 to stay away from?

[Mad Hatter]

Is there a newer year in particular to stay away from? Or a particular year to try and pick up? The sooner my wife's aunt buys a new one, I get her 97. She doesn't want to take the new car hit so, any suggestions?

 

[kcbhiw]

Is there a newer year in particular to stay away from? Or a particular year to try and pick up? The sooner my wife's aunt buys a new one, I get her 97. She doesn't want to take the new car hit so, any suggestions?

A few 99's had issues with the thrust bearings, similar to that of the "crankwalk" experienced in DSMs (which requires a teardown of the bottom end). http://www.miata.net/solo/99miatathrustbearingfailure.html However, such an issue surfaced within the first 10-20 thousand miles, so it'd be unlikely that she'd find one. Other than that, I'm unaware of any issues with the newer models or if a particualar year is better than another.

 

[Foolish]

Some of the 2nd gen. Miatas had a "clutch chatter" problem. I thought it was limited to the '99s, but my Dad's '01 apparently has the issue. I've never experienced it, so I don't even know what it is!

 

[lagunamiata]

'97s have suspect oil pumps.
'99s have top problems. The frame rubs a hole through the top, one free replacement under warranty from what I've heard.
'03 has the clutch chatter problem too.

 

[Pitlab77]

89-91

crank key issue. But if they have not gone bad yet not worries.

 

[mx5guy]

89-91

crank key issue. But if they have not gone bad yet not worries.

Really whats that cause i think im experiencing that on my 90

 

[moxnix]

Really whats that cause i think im experiencing that on my 90

http://miata.net/garage/crankshaft.html
http://www.miata.net/garage/hsue/LoctiteCrank1.html