Basic queations about a basic car.

Just recently purchased the car I've wanted for years, a low mileage Miata with nothing on it. Power nothing, no a/c. It's a '93 but only has 63k on the clock. I have no idea what's been done to it from a maintenance perspective, but it doesn't look abused. No leaks, and it was garage kept for much of its life. I took it to a Mazda place in Hurst to ask about what work they would recommend be performed at 60,000 miles, and got blank stares and no help at all. So tell me, besides the obvious timing belt, what other work should I budget for? Additionally, does anyone have a shop they recommend? That place in Hurst doesn't really give me a ton of confidence. I am capable of basics, but anything that requires special tools and hours of disassembly is more than I want to get into. Thanks!

Never take it to the Mazda Dealer in Hurst ever again! :facepalm:

Miata Solutions - Stevan Boyd is the #1 choice of those of us on the Ft. W. side of the Metromess. Link - http://www.miatasolutions.com/

Welcome to this!

+ 1 on Miata Solutions.

If it was me, I would change all fluids (Engine, transmission, and diff oil, coolant, brake fluid, and clutch fluid), give it some new plugs and wires, replace the 7 coolant hoses, throw a new thermostat in it, and check the brake pads. If budget is no issue, do the timing belt, water pump, idler pulleys, and related seals too, but they could wait a year or two IMHO.

From www.miata.net (usually know as the pointy board around here)....

60,000 Mile Maintenance

This brings us to the 60,000 mile maintenance. The "Big One". Assuming all maintenance has been done on the car to date, this is what to expect.

* A full tune-up and fluid change, including the brake and clutch fluid.
* Suspension and brakes should be checked. (A good time to think of replacing those old shocks!)
* Four wheel alignment.
* All the belts. If money is tight, the timing belt could wait, but don't wait too long (no more than 75,000). You do stand the risk of being stranded if the belt breaks. If the belt breaks, there should do no further damage to the engine, (this engine is a non interference type) but it will not run.
* When the timing belt is replaced, be sure to have the camshafts and crankshaft seals replaced. This is a job for someone that will stand by their work. It is very easy to scratch the surface of the shafts when pulling the old seals out. If this happens, the new seals will leak and could be expensive to repair. Be sure the crankshaft bolt is cleaned, and Loctite is used along with the correct torque.
* When the timing belt is being replaced, be sure to have the water pump checked for leakage. The water pump is mounted inside the timing belt area. If the water pump has to be replaced, the timing belt has to be taken off to gain access to the pump. Best to check it when the belt is off the car, if it is leaking, it can be replaced for a lot less labor at this time.
* When a timing belt is replaced, the valve cover gasket should also be renewed. (The valve cover has to be removed to replace the belt.)
* The timing has to be adjusted after doing a timing belt, so if you have a preferred spec (14 deg, 18 deg) this can be done at this time. Also, if you are running a setting other than stock, be sure the technician working on the car is aware of it, or he may put it back to a stock setting.

+2 for Steven at Miata Solutions... congratulations on your miata.

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Originally Posted by Keifersmith

+2 for Steven at Miata Solutions... congratulations on your miata.

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+3

Congrats and welcome. Stevan (Rogue here on the forum) is the man!

Thanks for the welcome, and it sounds like I'm on the right track. I've got fresh Mobil1 in the crankcase, and my plans are to change the other fluids in the near future as well. I'm not driving the car daily, so I can tackle a little at a time. I appreciate pointing me toward Miata Solutions as well, I suppose I'll be in touch with him regarding the timing belt. This car is a dream, and I still can't believe I finally have it! Now I just have to tweak it a little and it'll be perfect.