Low-mileage Miatas are not unheard of, but given how many were made, it’s surprising not to see more time-capsules like this 15,000-mile example. This beautiful car is nearly perfect, with just one small catch, but nothing that should keep you from enjoying it (more on that below). Regardless, this Miata does show extremely well and comes with the desirable factory hardtop. Find it here on eBay with a $9,900 Buy-It-Now and the option to submit a best offer.
Just through that pristine glass, you can see the automatic shifter, in place of the more commonly seen (and lovely) 5-speed manual. Not every car demands a stick shift though, as we all have different needs and driving styles. The fact that the original owner checked the box for the factory hardtop is a definite plus and makes up some for the automatic. One thing is for sure, this seller found an exceptional example and has presented it well.
The soft top is said to be in excellent condition, and the rest of the interior shows as it should for a low mileage car. I briefly owned a beater Miata years ago and felt the interior was somewhat like the W123 and W124 Mercedes in that it seemingly never broke down, even after years of exposure and abuse. The OEM floormats are still with the car and will round out the interior nicely and will cover up some of the cheap looking carpets that Mazda decided to install in the Miata.
The 1.6L motor is a rev-happy, perky motor that is quite durable. The car I bought was a basket case that I paid too much for (I have a history of this) and I just didn’t love it, even at its best. But if you’re looking for an effectively new-in-the-box NA series Miata to bring to the beach, to run errands in or just as a fun weekend driver, this one would likely suit your needs!
At least it has the factory hardtop. I have a theory on the auto trans. Last summer my part time neighbour, who lives in Chicago wanted an economy car for his commute. He wanted a 5 speed for a couple more MPG’s. I warned him about his 2 hour stop and go commute. He bought a Chevy Spark 5 speed. 6 months later he was complaining about all the shifting. Maybe this was a big city car?
1.6 auto car.. I have lots of love for the Miata but what a dog that must be. I had a supercharged 1.6 manual one and IT was slow.
Its got plenty of room for an LS2 swap.
I like Miatas. They bring back the spirit of Triumph and MGB roadsters.
Its got plenty of room for an LS2 swap.
Well I beg to differ with the write up. Here’s are a couple True/False statements:
“Not every car demands a stick shift though” — True
Not every MIATA demands a stick shift though — False
The Miata was prefaced as a modern version of ‘Sports Cars’ such as MGB’s, Triumph TR6, Austin Healy’s, etc. Most of those did not have automatics available. In fact the only one I can think of that did was the 6 cylinder MGC, which had a heavy lump of a 6 and was considered more a touring car than a sports car. None of those cars were particularly fast, the excitement came from the overall driving experience.
I remember reading an article when these came out that described how hard the Mazda engineers had to work to obtain the ‘metal on metal click’ within the 5 speed so that the shifting felt like those old cars. Japanese sticks at the time were quite smooth. The automatic takes away from the driving experience and character of the car.
Have any of you guys seen the new Miata, sorry, MX-5 with the retractable hard top?
It looks like a fun car now that is has enough power to move it. They say it has 181 horsepower now.
Hi Miguel, I have not seen it. You must mean 381 horsepower?
No, they raised it this year from 150 and something to 181.
I am looking at the MX-5 RF with the retractable hardtop. It seems cheap compared to Hellcats and Stingers.
Actually, I believe most of those are more targas then removable hardtops. Still nice, but not the convertible experience.
Billy, are you talking about the new car?
Here is the link to the Mazda site where I am for the RF
https://www.mazda.mx/vehiculos/mx-5-rf
Nothing makes up for the lack of a manual…
If there’s an automatic, it needs to be more along the lines of VW’s DSG.
If this had a stick shift, I would buy it today. In my opinion, no sports car should have an automatic transmission. I have a 66 Corvette with a 4 speed and a 94 Corvette with an automatic. The 94 needs to find a new home soon.
I am not an expert at Miatas but I don’t think 1993 Miatas came through with an Electric rear window defroster in the hardtop . Right or wrong ?
I don’t know about a 93 but my 95 hard top has rear defroster in back window.
Nice car! I have a friend that is addicted to Miata’s. I’m too tall. I seem to remember a harmonic balancer/crankshaft interface issue on some cars identified by serial numbers. Don’t quote me on the specifics, however look into it prior to bidding.
I suffer from arthritis in my left leg and foot. So after about 15 minutes in traffic with a stick it becomes very painful. That makes me the buyer of an automatic. Some people don’t have a choice. I sold a beautiful low mileage 1991 BMW M5 because it just sat most of the time. Loved the M5 but drove it less than 500 miles per year.
MIATA! YES!!
Auto trans- no.
You really can’t get more bang for the buck than with a n/a Miata. It’s no V12 Ferrari but still, for canyon carving, you just can’t beat it.
I bought this car for 8k yesterday on eBay and it should be delivered to Florida next week. Although it may be an automatic not everyone is looking for a manual and speed. Just a nice open air cruiser on the A1A in south Florida. That’s my plan with this car.
I’d rather put it in gear and cruise myself…
I bought my 95 automatic Miata with 63,000 miles. No leaks, plenty of pep and like new interior. After driving it for about three months, it started leaking oil on my driveway. Long story short… I had leaked fixed. Then another leak showed up. Had that fixed then another showed up. All in all, seals were dried out and had to have them all replaced. Final bill $2100. It was worth the price!