Only 20k Miles: 1993 Mazda Miata

Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.

When it comes to the NA-chassis Mazda Miata, this is a car that I’m convinced hasn’t yet fully matured in the marketplace. We all know the model and its merits, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see prices continue to increase. The Miata shown here is a tidy low-mileage example with 20,500 original miles on the clock and listed here on craigslist for $18,500 in Washington State. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Tony P. for the find. 

Among all the Miata generations, the earliest examples are the ones that seem most likely to be found in time-capsule condition like this. I don’t think this was because people thought they would become collectible but more due to being used as a weekend-only vehicle. Whatever the root cause, it is one of the few modern collector cars that can still be bought relatively affordably. Try buying a low-mileage sports car of any make and model for this kind of money.

Plus, the Miata has the added benefit of being a very turnkey car. You can buy one in outrageously ratty condition and still have it be a driver. Buying a preserved specimen like this all but guarantees years’ worth of pain-free existence. The engine bay is spotless, which is great to see considering not all low-mileage cars present as well as they should. This Miata has been looked after, and certainly detailed in such a way that it looks its absolute Sunday best. We love sellers who put this level of effort into presentation.

The factory hardtop is a must-have for any Miata, not only because it increases year-round usability but because it looks absolutely killer. The Miata is one of those cars that looks good in either form, but I really dig how the hardtop makes it look like a traditional two-door coupe. The seller’s car is also the ideal spec, with crank windows, manual steering, cloth seats with headrest speakers, and the sought-after limited slip differential. It is the Miata you want if owning the best spec is on your NA shopping list.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. William C.W. Lamb

    DC, not State!

    Like 2
  2. chrlsful

    nota mazda guy but like the miata (idea). Wish more came forward today w/similar: 850, karmen ghia, capri (a lill big), X 1 / 9, MR2 & even upto the 914).

    Like 2
  3. John

    I wonder if most know that the Miata was placed in the Genesis Book of World records in 2015, for the most sold 2 seat roadster in the history of automobiles, from 1878-2023 ?

    Like 8
  4. Troy

    Its in Washington DC not State I had to use the map feature to zoom out because I didn’t recognize any of the cities this is one to fly out and drive it home before winter hits

    Like 4
  5. Lothar... of the Hill People

    Wow, what a nice, clean car… it’ll give someone a lot of SMILES per gallon.

    I almost made an offer on one recently, same vintage but I let it get away due to space constraints.

    Given how tiny Miatas are, I’m always surprised at their fairly mediocre gas mileage, even w/ a stick shift:
    https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=9657

    Good write-up Jeff and thank you for giving credit to the person who gave BF the tip. Your good deed didn’t go unnoticed. :)

    Like 1
  6. Murray ShaneMember

    Nice car but sucks it has no AC

    Like 1
  7. Jerry Hanley

    That would be “Guinness”

    Like 2
  8. Bob Mck

    Too bad is doesn’t seem to have the desirable options. Price seems very aggressive to me. But hopefully someone will disagree with me.

    Like 1
    • Frank TA

      I agree, must haves for me are leather seating, air conditioning & power windows.

      Like 1
  9. Chris Cornetto

    I should have bought one 5 years ago before everything went insane.

    Like 1

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Barn Finds