What to look for when buying an NB Miata

In this video we go over what specific areas need to be inspected when buying a 1999-2005 NB Miata. Even though these cars are generally regarded as very reliable, there are some issues that, if missed, can cost you a lot of time and money down the road.
For a more thorough Buyer's Guide showing all the year to year differences, options and special editions, check out our written guide:

Additionally, for all your used Miata parts needs, please check out our large selection of NA-ND parts:

[MrWilliam.Stewart]

It's missing a vitally important pedal!

[davejenvey]

Anyone else watching this after buying one?

[Lowsidr]

Snagging an 03 today, thanks for the insight, HUGE help!

[benistingray]

You forgot one of the worst rust problems. The front frame can rust from the inside, at the height where the upper wishbones are mounted. If you check the car from below you can see up to the upper frame and see if there is rust underneath the frame.

[robcober]

Great information, thank you for going through all this. Especially the rolling chassis, that was great to see parts from all those overhead angles.

[sharpemang]

Wish I would've watched this before picking a MSM -_- the auction said it had a lifter tick. Turned out it was rod knock and it shut down on me after driving it out the parking lot. I did buy a engine from you guys after some research. You guys know your stuff and will only be buying parts from you now. Love your work!!! You guys are

[drewsmith]

Bought my 99 for $2300 and drove it 3 hours home. Has all of the cosmetic red flags but runs like a gem and is a rust free Florida car

[pietervanderwesthuizen]

I own a '99 MX5 and it was great to see the chassis without the body. Nice one!

[alloch]

Thanks for sharing all your knowledge and documenting it so well. It makes it so much easier to go and find a proper NB 🙂

[Alniemi]

I bought my nb 2 years ago and i still liked this video, nicely done! haha

[robertlumsden]

This was excellent. i got a 2002 and love it. has 67, 000 miles. it appears to be the base model as i see it in green and not in the other models.

[Oskier]

I paid 300£ for my NB, fixed the sills, replaced clutch, soft top, cambelt, wheels and some other things so around 1300£ - damn these cars are expensive in the US

[OgMist_]

I’m picking up a 02 64k miles 5 speed manual fell in love with it instantly

[adamh]

A well thought out and presented video! Thank you very much for taking the time to make this. You Rock!

[rayrous]

The best one on this car I've seen yet.
Thanks.

[twincamuuu]

Trunk likes to rust too and you wont notice it unless you open it and look at the license plate lights

[pete]

Lots of information in a short video. Nice job!

[idc]

"these cars are plentiful"

There's a single NA, a couple of NB's and a couple of ND's for sale in my country:(

[alexandreplewinski]

Good to know :D thank you! Awesome to see the entire subframe with the engine and everything :D
You didn't talk about the trunk tough, what to look for. For exemple, the steel around the licence plate lights rust.

[tacoman]

The only deal breaker is its an automatic