Just bought a Miata ( the paperwork says it is not an import but it simply must be ).
Looking at the MOT records it looks like it has only done around 3K miles in the last 4 years.
Anyway, on picking it up. All seems ok… engine sounds fine gearbox a little tight but ok generally. However, If I choose a gear a little too low for the engine revs ( say 4th when it would be better in 3rd for example ) and depress the accelerator , I get a noise from the car ( hard to say from where ). It is not a knocking noise, it sounds like a harsh hissing noise. If it did it out of gear I would say it sounds like a heat shield or similar. The car only makes this noise when in gear which worries me a little. I had heard alternator bearings can be a weakness on an MX5 but as I cannot replicate the noiose unless it is in gear and moving it is hard to tell? Any ideas?
It is a 2000, Mk2, 1.8i but that is really all the information I have on it. I am referring to it as being an import as the V5 says it was registered in 2007 but the car is a 2000. Also the only paperwork with it is in Japanese. That said the rear number plate is UK style and it is not badged as a Eunos .
The noise is definitely not pinking and I have to say it doesn’t sound like hydraulic tappets or knocking from the big ends. The only was to describe it is as I have done which is a hash hissing sound when the engine is put under load, like accelerating in a slightly too lower a gear.