How To Make Your "New-To-You" (Used) Miata Better! (FM Live)

Summary

In this video, Keith Tanner from Fly Miata shares practical tips on how to transform a used Miata into a top-performing car. He covers key areas such as suspension upgrades, mechanical checks, interior improvements, and the importance of thorough cleaning. With a focus on enhancing comfort, reliability, and drivability, Keith walks through the essential steps to make the car feel as close to new as possible. From aligning the suspension to addressing engine quirks, this guide helps Miata enthusiasts make the most out of their used cars.

Takeaways

• 😀 Suspension upgrades can significantly improve driving comfort and handling, with alignment and bushing replacements offering a noticeable difference.
• 😀 Regular maintenance checks like replacing suspension bushings and shocks help restore a car’s rigidity and overall performance.
• 😀 Always get a car aligned, as it improves steering feel, tire longevity, and overall stability—especially for used Miatas.
• 😀 Tires on used cars, even if they look fine, can be too old and hard, negatively impacting ride quality. Replacing tires can drastically improve comfort.
• 😀 A thorough brake system check, including cleaning, greasing, and fluid replacement, can enhance brake feel and safety.
• 😀 Inspecting and replacing timing belts, coolant hoses, and checking for drivability issues is crucial for ensuring reliability, especially on older cars.
• 😀 High-idle or other minor drivability issues might indicate clogged components or faulty sensors, which should be addressed to avoid further problems.
• 😀 Fuel injectors on cars that have been sitting for a while should be cleaned to improve fuel efficiency and drivability.
• 😀 Interior improvements, such as fixing rattles and replacing worn components (like steering wheels or latches), contribute significantly to overall driving satisfaction.
• 😀 Cleaning and polishing a used car helps uncover hidden issues and allows you to bond with the car, making it feel like a new vehicle.

Q & A

What does 'fettling' mean in the context of improving a used Miata?

'Fettling' is a British term referring to the process of refining and improving a good car to make it even better. In the context of a used Miata, it involves addressing small issues and making modifications to enhance the car's performance, comfort, and reliability.

Why is suspension the first thing Keith recommends checking on a used Miata?

Suspension is crucial because it has a significant impact on both handling and comfort. Keith suggests checking for leaks, clunks, rattles, and squeaks, and recommends a professional alignment, as it’s a relatively inexpensive improvement that can dramatically change the driving experience.

How does getting a professional alignment improve a Miata's performance?

A proper alignment ensures the car's tires are correctly positioned for optimal handling, stability, and tire longevity. Even if no other suspension work is done, aligning the car can improve steering feel and prevent uneven tire wear.

Why should you replace old tires, even if they look fine?

Old tires may look fine, but their sidewalls can become brittle and stiff over time, which detracts from ride quality. Even if the tires have a long shelf life, their performance might be compromised, so replacing them with fresh rubber improves comfort and handling.

What are the benefits of replacing suspension bushings?

Replacing suspension bushings, especially on older cars, can significantly improve the car’s rigidity and overall handling. Keith found that swapping out the factory rubber bushings made a huge difference in the car's feel, making it much tighter and more responsive.

Why is it important to check and replace old fluids in a used Miata?

Fluids like the timing belt, transmission, and differential fluids degrade over time, especially in cars that have been sitting unused for years. Changing these fluids ensures the engine and other components run smoothly and helps prevent unexpected mechanical issues.

What should you do if your Miata has drivability issues, like a high idle?

If you experience issues like a high idle, it’s important to troubleshoot the underlying causes. For Keith’s Miata, the problem was a clogged coolant line and a faulty air valve, both of which were replaced. Diagnosing and fixing these issues can improve drivability and prevent future problems.

Why should you clean and service the fuel injectors on a car that's been sitting for a while?

Cleaning the fuel injectors on a car that’s been sitting for an extended period can improve fuel economy and overall drivability. Over time, injectors can get clogged or dirty, which affects engine performance and smoothness.

What are some simple fixes that can make a used Miata’s interior feel like new?

Fixing things like worn-out seats, a ratty steering wheel, or any rattles in the cabin can transform the interior. Keith recommends paying attention to details like the steering wheel and addressing any squeaks or loose parts, as these little adjustments greatly enhance the driving experience.

What is the psychological effect of cleaning and polishing a car?

Cleaning and polishing a car not only improves its physical appearance but also enhances the owner's emotional connection with the car. The process of cleaning helps you discover hidden issues and brings attention to the details that make the car feel more like a well-maintained, high-quality vehicle.