Verify timing belt and plug service history

Limited · Severity: Medium · Years: 1990-1997

Symptoms

No symptom until failure.

Cause

Miata.net's used-car checklist tells buyers to ask about timing belt and spark-plug service history. The exact interval it lists was not captured, so check Mazda's schedule.

Fix (summary)

Ask for records or budget for the service, using the correct procedure on short-nose cars.

Sources

Used Miata Inspection List (2018 update) — Miata.net (editorial; read 2026-10-15; search excerpt only)
Your handy (1990-97) Mazda Miata buyer's guide — Hagerty Media (Mar 2021) (editorial; read 2026-10-15; full page read)

Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.