’99 Miata with 35k miles or ’01 Miata with 50k miles?

Posted by admin on Jan 10th

Price wise, I could either get a ’99 miata with low miles or a ’01 miata with more mileage. Does mileage on miatas matter? (itll be less than 60k miles for sure) Is there a big diff. b/w ’99 and ’01 models besides the guage clusters & door handle trims? Any major servicing required or is there no maintenance needed until 100k miles other than oil changes & maybe tires (i mean belts, fuel filter, water pump, o2 sensors, brake pads/calipers, etc)?? THANKS!!
do ’99 models have keyless entry?

Filed Under: Water for Gas FAQ
Tagged: Miata, Miles

8 Responses to “’99 Miata with 35k miles or ’01 Miata with 50k miles?”

Jan 10th at 12:54 am By: Mark C

01 better year-keyless entry only available with power locks

Jan 10th at 1:13 am By: Danny Boy

You’ll find Miatas are very long lived so the mileage difference between these two shouldn’t be a major decision point. The 99 and 00 models are a bit lighter and uses regular fuel, starting with the 01 model year there is more chassis bracing and a bit more weight, and a step up to premium fuel. The weight difference isn’t really noticable from a performance perspective for street use. Another thing to consider, some 99s have had problems with a P0402 engine check code (excess EGR flow) which can be difficult to remedy. Doesn’t affect performance much but it can be annoying.

If it was up to me I would pick the best example of the two. The major service interval for Miatas is every 60K miles (timing belt and such).

Jan 10th at 2:10 am By: avgordguy

Ok mileage is nice, however, you need to check them out extensively first and find out why the 99 is being sold when it is obviously not driven a whole lot. The 01 was most likely just paid off, so you need to see what the owner is saying about their reasons. Then you need to do a car check to see what has been reported on these vehicles. The vehicle check is a necessity with the number of flood totaled vehicles ciruclated since Katrina. Ask to see the owner’s maitenance records. Most owners who take care of their cars keep the good maitenance records. If there are no maitenance records available it is probably a sign of a poor maitenance program for the vehicle and an indicator of potential trouble. I would also run it by a garage that you trust and have it checked out by a pro. If the owner balks at that, you should politely and calmly walk away from the deal.

If all of that checks out then you have to run down the options each vehicle has and how it meets your needs. Which has the best color and paint job, which interior is the best maitained and that you like most. You really have to decide which one is going to make you the happest and most comfortable. I will tell you the 01 is going to need the timing belt, waterpump, and belts changed at 60K miles, so if you choose that, you should take that into consideration when negotiating the price. Good luck with your finding a Miata.

Jan 10th at 3:05 am By: Donx510

Even though the 01 Miata has more mileage, it is still better.

Jan 10th at 3:26 am By: miataman042

I would go with the 99 myself, if it has lower miles. Miles do not mean that much on a Miata if it was cared for and oil and filters changed regular. I am on my third one and have zero problems with any of them. You should not need any major service with these two cars for awhile. The only thing you will need to think about replacing is the timing belt around 60,000 miles ( Mazda recommends) for a cost of around 400 dollars if you shop around. I have owned a 1996,1999, and 2003. Test drive one and you will be hooked. Good Luck!

Jan 10th at 4:00 am By: pmeilakjr

Your best bet is the 01, 1999 was a new design for the miata and there were a few problems with the engine and transmission. The low mileage cars are the ones that you really need to look out for because while they do have low mileage the engine and tranny issues did not surface until the higher mileage. You will have no warranty with either car – but the 01 had a much better reputation.

As for maintenance – besides oil every 3.5 – the big one is 60 – timming belt and water pump. Brakes and filters are cheap and replaced when needed.

Jan 10th at 4:53 am By: swissarmor

also depends alot on the kind of driving but id just go for the lowest to b safe

Jan 10th at 5:20 am By: Phil B

Mazda is a very fast growing car manufacturer, each year they’re vehicles get better than the last, including the Miata. I would go with the 2001 15k miles does not make tht much of a difference, especially considering the reliability of these vehicles.

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’99 Miata with 35k miles or ’01 Miata with 50k miles?