Snapper Rides 2018 MAZDA MX-5 Miata RF

Vehicle Details

  • Make – Mazda
  • Model – MX-5 Miata RF (Retractable Fastback)
  • Model Year – 2018
  • Trim – Grand Touring
  • Options – Interior Lighting Kit (ILK)
  • Engine – 2.0L DOHC 16-valve (155-hp and 148-lb-ft)
  • Engine Number – ?
  • Transmission – 6 Speed Manual
  • VIN – JM1NDAM76J0204763 (VIN Decoder here)
  • Raymundo Purchase Date – August 9, 2024
  • Original Owner Purchase Date – August 28, 2018 from Hansel Mazda of Santa Rosa with 92 miles on odometer. $37,694.48 all in.
  • Manufactured Date – March 2018 (per door sticker)
  • License Plate – 8FLE062 (California) (SMOG Lookup here)
  • Color – Snowflake White Pearl with Auburn Nappa Leather
  • Color Code – 25D

Mazda’s 2018 MX-5 Spec sheet detailing what features/option are available across the various models

Mazda’s 2018 Model Year press kit ‘Fact Sheet’ outlining the changes from previous model year.

Additional Specs online here and an extensive recap of the Miata MX-5 RF over at Wikipedia here

MyCarFax Records here (logged in as SnapperRides)

Service History

Date: August 25, 2024
Mileage: 54,700 miles
Performed by: Stefano & Raymundo

Services Performed: Completed a few of the remaining items from the PPI and a major feature upgrade:

  • Changed the Manual Transmission Fluid
    • Ordered three liters of Redline MT90 that is spec’d for the MX-5
    • Drained the old fluid, looked decent enough
    • The factory magnetic drain plug had a decent amount of very fine metal particles on it, but no chunks. Cleaned and reinstalled with original crush gasket and torqued to 55 Nm.
    • Filled approx 2.1 liters of new fluid.
    • Hand tightened 24mm fill plug
  • While doing the MT fluid change, Raymundo noted engine oil on the undertray.
    • Removed undertray and it was clear that the oil pan oil drain plug was leaking.
    • During the Oil Change a week ago by Stefano we reused the crush gasket and noted the drain plug needed replaced.
    • Hand tightened the drain plug about another 1/8th of a turn to hopefully seal it until the next oil change
    • Cleaned oil pan and both sides of the undertray so any new leak will be noticable
  • Pulled the nail/screw from the inside of the RF tire noted below. Was able to completely remove it. It was merely in the outer skin, and no air leak related to it. It was in two parts and made of galvanized steel. It was magnetic.
  • Refitted the trunk tire inflator kit plastic tray that mounts to the bulkhead. Its two plastic clips were removed. Fitted new push clips and replaced all the tools/parts into the tray. All good.
  • Upgraded the Mazda Connect software version for the car.
    • Existing was build 59.00.544 NA N
    • Downloaded the last published build 74.00.324A NA N
      • NA Only, Has Latest Version (74.00.324A), Working 7/11/24
      • All Regions but only 70.00.100A version, Working 7/11/24
    • Loaded to a USB key and followed the factory firmware upgrade process to flash the firmware into the car. Took about 30 mins. All good.
    • This firmware update was necessary to support the Android Auto/Apple Carplay upgrade
  • Added Factory Apple Carplay/Android Auto hardware upgrade to the audio system
    • Purchased the Type-C Mazda Apple CarPlay & Android Auto HUB OEM USB Retrofit Kit hardware upgrade
      • For Mazda 2/3/6/CX3 CX5/CX8/CX9/MX5/Miata 2014-2019 with MZD Connect System
      • Model: TK78669U0C-NEW Upgraded P2.1 Supports PD Fast Charging
    • Removed the OEM USB port module from the center stack and upgraded with the new module.
    • Routed the new cabled to the existing CEM
      • All of this required disassembling a considerable portion of the passenger side dash and center stack.
    • Tested with Android wired to the USB C port. Was charging fine and Android Auto worked immediately. Cool!

Date: August 18, 2024
Mileage: 54,545 miles
Performed by: Stefano

Services Performed: Initial Post Purchase inspection. Raymundo did a great job purchasing an incredibly clean 1-owner full dealer service history California car at below market price! This car looks nearly show room after six years. It had lived in Santa Rosa (northern Bay area) with an owner that loved and babied it. It lived under a Mazda supplied car cover most of its time. Here’s what is notable in the first look PPI:

  • LF Tire Valve cap doesn’t match the others. Yes, that’s how original this car is, I am down to noting the valve caps don’t match.
  • No glove box owners manual present
  • No front license plate or license plate holder. Suspect it was never installed by original owner. Not having the plate could be an issue someday, but I prefer the unspoiled look.
  • OEM battery still installed and had given them trouble starting at the vehicle pickup. It’s 6+ years old and probably due.
  • Rear view mirror was found to be loose and vibrated the image when driving
  • Wiper blades a bit crispy and found to smear some
  • LF rim has a tiny bit of typical curb rash
  • LR rim has a ding on the edge from an impact, and you can see 180 deg opposite a considerable number of tire wheel weights to balance it out.
  • Tiny bit of rash on the leading edge of the front bumper. Not as much as you’d expect.
  • Found nail in left rear tire inner tread area and protruding sidewall area. Not sure if its a serious issue and recommend leaving in place if there is not a slow leak.
  • Two of the Nine lower undertray bolts are missing. Recommend replace and install.
  • Engine oil drain plug looks a bit rounded over by previous technicians. Recommend replacing it and crush washer at next service.
  • Even though it is white, could use a full detail including:
    • Wash/Clay bar/Ceramic Coat
    • Leather seat clean and condition
    • Vacuum and Bissell carpet cleaning of mats
    • Trunk vacuum and tidy
  • Administratively would be good to scan the supplied service records from the previous owner, add to the service history here, and then review the CarFax My Garage and be sure all is recorded.
  • Suggest reviewing if there is a Firmware update to the cars multimedia system and see if there is a factory Apple Car Play/Android Auto upgrade
  • Upgrade to include USB-C and Lightening charge cables
  • For Turo or ABI insurance, look to add a supported Tracker device.
  • Look to see if there is an ‘App’ that can link the car to the Internet to be able to know where it is, remote start/stop and remote lock/unlock
  • Suggest including copies of Insurance Card and Registration in glove box, but redacted to not show addresses.
  • Need to confirm two keys and fobs, and that the emergency keys work in the locks. Change the fob batteries to be sure.
  • Suggest adding a QR code plaque inside the car to a customer SnapperRides.com landing page with various warnings, helpful tips, disclosures, video tips, contacting in emergency, reminders to use Turo app, what to do in an accident, etc.
  • Suggest a Faraday pouch to store key in car (for keyless delivery if remote unlock works).
  • Suggest fitting a hidden Apple AirTag in addition to main tracker. May not be necessary if Mazda has this functionality built into their app.

Date: August 18, 2024
Mileage: 54,545 miles
Performed by: Stefano

Services Performed: Doing a hybrid 6 year / 55K mile service to bring the car to a known condition.

  • Changed Engine Oil
    • 4.3 liters of Castrol 0W-20 Full Synthetic.
    • Reused drain plug metal washer
    • Torqued drain plug to 35 Nm
      • The drain bolt needs replaced. Its a bit rounded off thanks to the previous service techs.
    • Torqued under tray bolts to 35 Nm
      • Two of the Nine undertray bolts were missing thanks to the previous service techs.
  • Changed Engine Oil Filter
    • Purchased a Mobil 1 M1-108A filter and installed.
    • Found that the previous owner had a Ford Motocraft FL-816 filter installed. Looks like last service was done at a Ford dealer. Ford owns part of Mazda, so this isn’t totally surprising.
  • Inspected Brakes
    • Pads
      • Front Left – 6.2mm (2mm is min thickness)
      • Front Right – 5.5mm
      • Rear Left – 6.5mm (1.5mm is min thickness)
      • Rear Right – 6.5mm
      • So it looks like the front pads are about 50+% remaining, and the rears about 70+% remaining. All good.
    • Rotors
      • Front Left – 22mm (20mm is min thickness)
      • Front Right – 21.9 mm
      • Rear Left – 9.5mm (7.5mm is min thickness)
      • Rear Right – 9.4mm
      • So it looks like there is ample brake rotor thickness left (better than 50% front and rear).
    • Flushed Brake Fluid since last service unknown
      • Used about 32 ounces of Prestone DOT4
  • Flushed Clutch Fluid (also with Prestone DOT4).
    • This was a bugger. Got air into the line since the clutch master cylinder pickup is much higher in the brake master cylinder. Took a while to realize, and then to finally bleed and purge the air.
    • This fluid was darker than the old brake fluid so I suspect had never been flushed.
    • The clutch bite point is nearer the floor than top of pedal throw. I hadn’t driven it before hand so can’t tell if bite point is low due to poor brake bleed or was normal. Need to inquire from Raymundo.
  • Tires and Wheels
    • Make of tire is Bridgestone Drive Guard 205/45RF17
      • All four tires we made in December of 2020, so this is likely the 2nd set of rubber.
    • Tread Depth
      • Front Left – 7.5/32″
      • Front Right -7/32″
      • Rear Left – 7/32″
        • Found a large screw through tread and inner edge that actually peaks out of the sidewall. Unwilling to pull it out as it may do more bad than good. If its not a slow leak, its likely in the outer skin and can remain until tires are replaced.
      • Rear Right – 7.5/32″
      • Essentially Stefano thinks the tires have about 60% tread depth left (from likely 9/32 new to 3/32 min).
    • Rotated Tires so that the curbed wheels were now on the right side of the car, most likely to get dinged up further, and presenting the perfect rims on the left to the driver. The one with the screw is now the RF. RR is now LR. Both the slightly thicker tires (7.5/32″) are on the rear now to hopefully allow us to start to even out the wear rates and in future just rotate fronts to rears on same side.
    • Set tire pressures Front and Rear to 29 psi.
      • No spare – has a foam can and compressor kit (ick)
    • TPMS
      • Used Autel TS 501 and woke up each sensor and confirmed battery life and recorded broadcast serial numbers in case we need to replace in the future.
        • FL – 0FBI 620B
        • FR – 0FBI 6225
        • RR – 0FBI 6218
        • RL – 0FBI 6245
      • The instrument cluster doesn’t have a way to display the current tire pressures, only an idiot light that either flashes or is solid. Kinda mickey mouse since it has four real sensors.
    • Added anti-seize compound to wheel studs
    • Torqued all wheel nuts to 140 Nm
  • Checked Engine Air Filter – All Good. Not brand new looking, but can easily see light through it.
  • Checked Engine for leaks – All Good
  • Checked Serpentine Belt and Alternator Belt – All Good
  • Checked Coolant Level – Topped off with about 8 oz. of Zerex Green (Asian Car Formula) that is FL22/Mazda compatible
  • Checked Washer Fluid Level – topped off with clear water
  • Checked the Front and Rear Suspension – All Good.
    • Struts, springs, control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, drop links, swap bars, etc.
    • The rear roll bar is laughably small and cute!
  • Checked the Exhaust System – All Good.
  • Checked the Drive Shaft, Rear Axle and Half Shafts and CV boots – All Good.
  • Checker Wiper Blades and washer fluid pump
    • The wiper blades were a bit crispy and smearing rather than clearing
    • Replaced both blades with new Bosch Icon blades. Model 18A for drivers side, 19A for passenger side.
    • Washer spray pattern is ideally positioned and pressure is good. All OK.
  • Checked Exterior lights, signals, etc. – All good.
  • Lubricated the Drivers door key lock cylinder with lock lube and tested with emergency key. All Good.
  • Tightened the mounting screw for the rear view mirror.
    • Was barely loose at all, surprising that was enough to allow the mirror wobble, but it was. Mirror is solid now.
    • If it returns, we’ll need to use a bit of Loctite and re-torque to spec.
  • Replaced Battery with new Walmart Everstart Maxx 51R
    • Vacuumed up the sand that was sitting in the battery tray recesses. Not sure how this much sand got in there.
  • Replaced Key Fob battery with new CR 2025 and tested. All good.
  • Connected OBDII Autel MD802 and scanned for codes
    • Various codes due to battery disconnect. Cleared codes and rescanned, none present.
  • Reset the Maintenance Due using the on screen menus
    • Set all the ‘minders’ to be 7,500 miles or 12 months
  • Reset Instrument Cluster and Settings to Factory Defaults.
    • No idea how the previous owner had tinkered with Lane Departure Assist, etc. Best approach is to put it back to OEM and modify on our own.
  • Installed Stefano’s Garage rear license plate frame

Date: July 17, 2024
Mileage: 54,013 miles
Performed by: The Smog Center, Inc. (Santa Rosa, CA)

Services Performed: Passed CA Smog check required for sale and registration

Date: December 14, 2023
Mileage: 49,913 miles
Performed by: Hansel Ford Lincoln in Santa Rosa

Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for annual service (to his local Ford dealer? I think this is a dealership group and they closed the dedicated Mazda dealership at some point after purchase). Invoice notes:

  • Performed 5K mile service
    • Changed engine oil with Motorcraft 0W-20
    • Changed Oil Filter
    • Changed Gasket (presuming for drain plug)
    • Rotated tires and set tire pressures to 29 psi.
    • Performed multipoint inspection
    • Reset oil life monitor

Date: March 17, 2023
Mileage: 44,515 miles
Performed by: Hansel Ford Lincoln in Santa Rosa

Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for annual service (to his local Ford dealer?). Invoice notes:

  • Performed 5K mile service
    • Changed engine oil with Motorcraft 0W-20
    • Changed Oil Filter
    • Changed Gasket (presuming for drain plug)
    • Rotated tires and set tire pressures to 29 psi.
    • Performed multipoint inspection
      • They recommended new front wipers due to streaking (no record that they offered to or replaced)
      • They recommended a new engine air filter (no record that they offered to or replaced)
      • They topped off coolant and washer fluid
    • Reset oil life monitor

Date: June 29, 2022
Mileage: 38,784 miles
Performed by: Hansel Ford Lincoln in Santa Rosa

Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for annual service (to his local Ford dealer?). Carfax notes (we don’t have this receipt):

  • Performed 5K mile service
    • Changed engine oil with Motorcraft 0W-20
    • Changed Oil Filter
    • Changed Gasket (presuming for drain plug)
    • Rotated tires and set tire pressures to 29 psi.
    • Performed multipoint inspection
    • Reset oil life monitor

Date: January 10, 2022
Mileage: 33,363 miles
Performed by: Hansel Ford Lincoln in Santa Rosa

Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for annual service (to his local Ford dealer?). Carfax notes (we don’t have this receipt):

  • Performed 30,000K mile service
    • Changed engine oil with Motorcraft 0W-20
    • Changed Oil Filter
    • Changed Gasket (presuming for drain plug)
    • Rotated tires and set tire pressures to 29 psi.
    • Performed multipoint inspection
    • Reset oil life monitor

Date: March 18, 2021
Mileage: 22,952 miles
Performed by: Hansel Ford Lincoln in Santa Rosa

Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for annual service (to his local Ford dealer?). Invoice notes:

  • Performed 10K mile service (couldn’t see anything they did different than their 5K on the invoice)
    • Changed engine oil with Motorcraft 0W-20
    • Changed Oil Filter
    • Changed Gasket (presuming for drain plug)
    • Rotated tires and set tire pressures to 29 psi.
    • Performed multipoint inspection
      • They noted tires were looking thin all four corners (between 4 and 6 32ndths)
      • They recommended a new engine air filter (no record that they offered to or replaced)
      • They topped off coolant and washer fluid
    • Reset oil life monitor

Date: July 9, 2020
Mileage: 17,447 miles
Performed by: Hansel Ford Lincoln in Santa Rosa

Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for annual service (to his local Ford dealer?). Invoice notes:

  • Performed 5K mile service
    • Changed engine oil with Motorcraft 0W-20
    • Changed Oil Filter
    • Changed Gasket (presuming for drain plug)
    • Rotated tires and set tire pressures to 29 psi.
    • Performed multipoint inspection
      • They noted tires were looking thin all four corners (between 4 and 6 32ndths)
      • They recommended a new engine air filter (no record that they offered to or replaced)
      • They topped off washer fluid
    • Reset oil life monitor

Date: April 4, 2019
Mileage: 4,673 miles
Performed by: Hansel Ford Lincoln in Santa Rosa

Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for annual service (to his local Ford dealer?). Invoice notes:

  • Performed 5K mile service
    • Changed engine oil with Motorcraft 0W-20
    • Changed Oil Filter
    • Changed Gasket (presuming for drain plug)
    • Rotated tires and set tire pressures to 29 psi.
    • Performed multipoint inspection
      • They topped off washer fluid
    • Reset oil life monitor

Date: December 7, 2018
Mileage: ??
Performed by: Hansel Ford Lincoln in Santa Rosa

Services Performed: Previous owner purchased a touch up paint stick. Presuming he got his first rock chip on nose of the car.

Date: October 31, 2018
Mileage: 2,579 miles
Performed by: Hansel Ford Lincoln in Santa Rosa

Services Performed: Previous owner took car in for warranty issue “Parking brake is intermittently popping out and not holding”. No notes on solution but assuming it was addressed prior to return to customer.