2001 Mazda Miata

THINK TWICE

Serious stuff on record — the frame rust. Price the risk, or pass.

2 open recalls to verify

What to check

2 that matter · tap to expand

Three things, in order. Ten minutes of work, standing at the car.

1

Run the VIN for open recalls

2 open — all free fixes. Confirm each is closed before you hand over money.
Check the VIN →
2
Test-drive checklist
- Inspect the front frame rails, rocker panels, floor pans, and rear subframe/differential mounts for rust, holes, and prior patch welds; a soft or perforated frame rail is a walk-away, not a negotiation.
- 4-cyl: Listen at idle for a knock or a wobbling crank pulley; confirm the crank pulley bolt is tight and the timing marks true; watch for the pulley or crank moving fore-aft.
3

Get a pre-purchase inspection

An hour with a mechanic on the items above is the cheapest insurance you’ll buy.
Find an inspector →

Drag to the odometer you’re considering. The shaded band is where this car’s problems usually surface.

—90,000 mi

050k100k150k200k+

free fixes · verify by VIN

03V206000 ON CERTAIN MINI VANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SOCKET HOLDER IN THE FOG LIGHTS IS INSTALLED IN THE LAMP CASING USING PRESSURE. DURING OPERATION OF THE FOG LI… verify by VIN
06E026000 CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION… verify by VIN