Has it been trouble free? Never had a sticking rear brake, gearbox oil leak, power steering pump failure over the last 1-2 years? Or are these the normal issues on an old car?
The MX5 is not an unreliable car. I’ve spent about 350,000 miles behind the wheel of various Mk1s, 1.6 and 1.8, since 1997. In that time, I think I’ve fitted about 3, or 4 sets of rear calipers, 2 sets of front calipers, 5-6 slave cylinders, 2 radiators, two clutches, 2 clutch master cylinders, 2 clutch flexi hoses, 1 door lock spring, 3 power window assemblies, 4 Panasonic batteries, 1 alternator, 3 coil pack sets, 4-5 cam cover gaskets, 3 CAS O-rings, 4 roofs, 4 sets of shocks and springs (2 were needed), 1 engine.
No, just issues with Mk1 MX5s. To be accompanied by other lists for the other variants. There is no point in a sticky post; those that use “Search” will find it, those that don’t bother to Search will ask “whats a Sticky?”.
Well if nothing else kept you busy but that is part and parcel of having a old car . No leaks or brake problems at first i did has car was stood for a while P/S Is fine A/C Needs a regas so may show up a leak will have to see use it more in winter than summer
Engine number is on the side of the cylinder head (maybe). Paint code is on the screwed-on firewall plate.
Your number one priority is to determine if you have the dreaded short nose crankshaft, and whether its had a botched repair (plenty of information on this on the site you were directed to, miata.net, as well as being in the “top 50”). If its gone, there are “engineered” repairs, but it might be more economical to fit a new engine.