My mom is looking to buy a used reliable sports car that is good on gas. Her maximum budget is $10k. I suggested to her a Miata or MR2 Spyder. I personally think the Miata is a better buy and is a little more practical. She found a 1999 Miata 10th Anniversary Edition with 66k miles for $7900 and a 2001 with 52k miles for $9900. I suggested to her a MkI MR2 but there were no clean ones in our area.

Anybody familiar with Miatas? Are there any mechanical issues that I should be concerned with before looking at these cars? I heard there is a #4 bearing failure in the 99s but I am not sure if this vehicle is affected. What year models are better? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

http://forum.miata.net/vb/

 

their great little cars, among the most reliable mazdas ever made. i really cant say enough good things about them. we only ever see miata for regular service, never anything major.

 

If the car has 66k miles on it, the #4 bearing is not a problem.

 

I've owned 3 over the years (91,94,97) The most expensive repair was a new battery. Fun cars to drive, very dependable. The 97 was the best of the bunch and the last year for the original body style. If you can find a M Edition, they are loaded with equipment your mother would probably like.

 

I'd certainly take a Miata over an MR2, but they are both small cars.

 

I <3 the 10th AE Miatas. Great color, awesome interior, 6 speed, lsd.

I've got a 1990 Miata w/ 167k on it; it's a great, fun car, and the thing has never let me down.

 

Simply one of the best cars ever built IMO.

I even walked away from a bad crash in one. I was rear ended by a Camry going 55 to 60mph faster than I was. The car was totaled and I was sore, but I walked away. Great cars!

 

www.miata.net

 

Both are solid cars. Personally I'd take the MR-S over the Miata as far as the driving experience goes, but if this is your mom's main transportation/weekend trip car/etc. she will have to go with the miata. The MR-S has no storage space besides the passenger seat. Basically an s2000 with no trunk.