general problems of the 2000 Mazda Miata

Area of the front frame support rails (core support is official name) rusts from the inside out. The construction method is a sandwiched material with some sort of tarpaper in the middle which traps moisture which, in turn, hastens frame rusting. This is a common problem especially in the 1999 - 2005 years and usually not easily identified until the frame is completely rusted through. A google search of the issue returns numerous complaints. Once the frame rusts through it causes a real safety issue for the occupants.

After driving around in heated conditions (roughly 80 degrees or more) for about 10+ miles, sometimes less, the car will not start. It will crank and attempt to start but fails to do so. In order to get it to start I have to pop the hood open and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Once it starts it is very rough and the check engine light will come on. If I stop driving it for the day, the next morning, the light will be off and it will drive fine, until I drive during the day, or over a long distance. Thre has also been an instance when I was driving and stopped at a stop light and the car just stalled, had to perform the same thing, pop the hood and wait, it was back running. This also happend at a drive thru in 100 degree weather, car stalled as soon as I got my food and held up the already long line of cars behind me. I had to push it to a nearby parking lot. I have read on numerous forums and posts that this is a common problem with these cars and that it's either a) ignition coil b) spark plugs c) spark plug wires or d) camshaft position sensor. . Well. . I changed out the first 3 options, with no success. . Still having the same problem. I recently bought a cps and waiting for it to arrive. If this doesn't fix the problem I don't know what will. I drive constantly on highways to get around and if it stalls then, I will be in a lot of trouble. I do not have a warranty so I am doing all these repairs myself.