For anyone following my occasional posts on here, you know what I tend to pay some attention to cars and trucks that either keep accelerating value-wise or have reached a point of stagnation. A lot of vehicles have hit the skids from their pandemic-era highs, and while I might have put the original MX-5 Miata among them, I do believe the most reliable roadster ever built is going to remain a sought-after specimen. This low-mileage, early production car listed here on craigslist has just 25,266 miles and is offered for $16,900.
The original Miata was, and is, a simple affair. The interiors were spartan at best, and in base trim like this car, you didn’t get much in the way of convenience features. But that was part of the charm, of course, and necessary in many ways to conjure the original spirit of the Lotus Elan roadster. As the model evolved and became more popular, it became necessary to offer more features, and special models like the M-Edition came along with leather seats, headrest speakers, Nardi steering wheels, and unique alloy wheels.
The engine remained the same, however, through the first generation of NA-chassis cars. That means this low-mileage unit is equipped with a 1.6-liter DOHC inline-four rated at 116 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque. It may not seem like much, but the modest curb weight and rev happy nature of the engine made it feel far faster than it actually was. And if you wanted to go really crazy, you could call up the likes of Jackson Racing and ask them to build a supercharger kit for you.
Despite the low mileage, the seller reports there are some cosmetic defects including dings and other paint blemishes. The top is a replacement and not original, and the tires – despite having good tread – need to be swapped out as well. There’s no mention of a timing belt replacement, and that’s a must-do on these interference engines. Still, the cosmetics appear to be quite nice and the highly original condition is a major plus. These early Miatas are holding steady right now, and I don’t see any signs of that changing any time soon. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Tony Primo for the find.
Having owned both an S2 Elan and a 90 Miata (red), I’d say the driving experience is very comparable. The Miata a bit more “civilized”, perhaps, and a tight top and AC in Florida is of course a considerable boon to summer use. However, raising the hood on the Elan and gazing at those gorgeous DCOEs is on a whole different level. Sold the Elan years ago, lost the Miata to Ian, miss them both.
I have now owned four 1990-97 Miatas, and in either the 1.6 or 1.8 flavor this is NOT an interference engine. If the timing belt breaks, everything just spins to a halt with no further damage done. I’d be more concerned about the short-nose crankshaft in the very early Miatas, which can wear out the keyway for the front pulley if not assembled properly, with a brand-new bolt.
Mine looks just like this. The exact same color combination was used as well. I had the manual too. His car was fun, fun, fun! I took off the cheap standard wheels and put on polished alloys. That made a big difference. This car has the standard wheels as well with your ugly. Mine was extremely reliable. I think this one is over priced.
Mine had daisy wheels, which I have always believed to be the stock wheel. This one appears to have steel wheels, of unknown origin? Cleaned up and with correct covers, the daisy looked fine to me.
The early years entry-level US spec Miata (and it may have only been the first year) came with steel wheels… it also had manual windows, no air conditioning, and no power steering. I’m guessing this car is an entry level spec example… so I think the ask is a little strong.
The question I have is… with the high fun-to-drive factor of a Miata, who bought one 36 years ago then only drove in 25K miles?…. What were they saving it for?… Reminds me of a family member who, when he bought a new car, would remove the factory floor mats, and replace them with cheap, ill fitting dept. store ones… saying he didn’t want to ruin the originals. Helped clean out his garage some time ago and in the process found two sets of original factory floor mats… never used… for cars he had traded off years before. Again, my question was “who were you saving them for”…
I have a 1991 Miata. 26,000 miles. Similar condition, original top. Brand new tires. Drives PERFECT. Make me an ofder
Send it in at we can feature it on the site!
We recently owned a 1992, it was a great ride! I’ve driven British cars since the 70’s. Spitfires, and a GT6. The Mazda is a wonderful car!
Just made a 513 mile round trip to Great Falls,VA from
Roanoke to visit with the owner of my former ’68 Cortina GT
in one day with our ’97 NA,& I wasn’t worn out when I got home.
Ours doesn’t have cruise control,which would have been
nice with all of the freeway driving.
I hate the DC area traffic!
I wanted one since new. When they were new , I was broke. When I could afford one I had young children. Now thier grown , but their “classics” maybe some day. I need a decent round town driver. A lot cheaper than this. Any who main reason for a comment. I can not believe 1990 , my collage sophomore year , was 36 years ago !
My 1991 has 26,000 miles. Selling for $ 11,000. Never Winter driven, PERFECT interior, new tires last fall. Would be the right car for you, my friend.