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9k-Mile Survivor: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda’s MX-5 Miata took the world by storm upon its release by renewing the general public’s interest in affordable roadsters, an automotive category that was all but abandoned at the time. Though the company sold over 400,000 units of the first-generation NA model, it is somewhat challenging to come across a well-preserved example of these fun sports cars. Luckily, this first-year 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata that Barn Finds reader Pat L. found here on Craigslist is a low-mile survivor that is likely the closest thing to a “new” NA Miata that someone can purchase today.

This MX-5 is available in Staunton, Virginia with a clean title. The seller does not provide a ton of history about this Miata, but they do mention that it was garage kept for 30 years, stating that the vehicle is in “perfect condition, as if it just left the showroom.”

The seller describes the vehicle as “museum quality,” and I’m inclined to agree. Both the interior and exterior have no noticeable flaws, and it’s bewildering to see that one of these escaped the rigors of its intended usage.

Just like the outside, the inside of the roadster is also in fantastic shape. While this Miata left the assembly line with the optional air conditioning system, it is currently not functioning, but that should not be a deal breaker on a car of this nature.

Under the hood, you’ll find a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that made 110 horsepower and 100 lb.-ft. of torque from the factory, and it pairs to a 5-speed manual transmission to drive the rear wheels. The drivetrain has 9,845 miles on it, and it runs and drives without issue.

This Miata could be yours for the price of $16,000, which the seller is firm on. According to Motor Trend, the NA MX-5 had a base price under $14,000 new, so while it is impressive seeing one in this condition, it would have been nice to see an example with this price tag outfitted with options like the factory hardtop. Would you add miles to this first-year survivor Miata, or would you give it the museum treatment?

Comments

  1. Avatar nycbjr Member

    Crack pipe!!

    Like 2
  2. Avatar Chas H

    Perhaps the A/C is non functioning, or the seller has no idea how to engage it, but the car is equipped with the high and low pressure pipes-at least.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Tracy

      You are correct! I noticed that myself. The button is on the dash and the a/c lines are in place. One would have to assume they haven’t removed he compressor. Who knows. I bet it still works.

      Like 0
    • Avatar Kevin Barr Member

      Thank you for the heads up, I will update the article.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Ken Jennings

    As much as I like 1990s, I feel they improved by the mid 90s. If I were to get a first generation, maybe a 95 or 96. I did buy a brand new car in 1990. Actually kicked tires on one of these then my wife gave me one of those looks and I was shot right back down to Earth. Just not practical for our family 30 years ago. We do have an 06 we bought when only a few years old with similar mileage as this, adjusted for inflation from a dozen years back, we paid about the same as the asking price here. But that was a much more powerful two year old third gen car. I think I got a better deal.

    Like 2
  4. Avatar Tim

    Beware of crank nose-bolt failure common to the 90-91 1/2 models when they beefed it up at the factory. That has bit my ’90A twice! Looks nice, though.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Chas H

    In 1994 the Miata got a 1.8L engine, a stronger larger rear gear, and some weight. The early cars had issues with the crankshaft bolt, which has been upgraded, and lack of skill by those changing the timing belt.
    This is a nice car, but very expensive.

    Like 2
  6. Avatar Frank

    I bought a similar condition’91 with 16,000 miles last summer for my son. It’s been generally reliable but has needed numerous minor repairs due to rubber parts and electronics failures (including the a/c) which I’m sure are related to age and lack of use. I went against my instinct against buying extremely low mileage cars (When they are 25+ years old I mean) in this case because really clean and unmolested NA miatas are really hard to find now, but I’m kind of wishing I hadn’t. Anyway I’m sure it’s a nice car but I wouldn’t expect to just drive off as if it were new trouble free.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Mark

    This is yet another car I’d buy ASAP, if I could. My 72 y.o. brother & I said the same thing when they 1st came out, it’s an MGB “perfected”. I drove 1 of the 1st Miata’s delivered in TN in early 1990 & just did NOT want to give it back to the owner. For me, never has a slow,low power car ever been so much fun. Plus it’s white, my favorite color on a car. (blue ones are near impossible to find)

    Like 2
    • Avatar Kevin Barr Member

      I also love these cars, especially in the Mariner Blue color that you mentioned. Anyone who talks disparagingly about Miatas simply has not spent enough time behind the driver’s seat of one.

      Like 4
  8. Avatar redwagon

    I would order one w/o AC because I live in a region where I could only drive this 5 months out of the year and two of those months I would have to drive with the windows up and the heat on!

    Seriously, I dont care about AC in a convertible and I would source a hardtop, preferably black, to put on this one.

    Like 2
  9. Avatar Achman

    Early white Miatas like this had crank failure issues (my 1990 failed, $3k to fix engine) and peeling white paint (mine did, was repainted by next owner) but it was a super car. I had a 97 too, a “better” Miata with more power and LSD but same concept, headlights and not much more weight. The 1.6 does indeed rev better and is eager, but the 1.8 is the better car to drive. This car has AC as others have said. Probably is out of Freon and needs converted. White just is not that desirable on these, and no hardtop, I’m guessing this is about a $12k-13k car realistically.

    Like 1
  10. Avatar Kendall Hill

    Horsepower is 116.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar MarkOh!

    I bought a slightly used ’91 Miata when it was a year old. It was mariner blue, a delight. When we got a divorce, my ex took the Miata. I came away with memories of a superb little roadster, nimble and fun.

    Fast-forward a few decades and I have another Miata — this one, the NB, a tri-black edition that was driven about 5,000 miles per year when I found it. I have another wife, too. She, like the Miata, is a keeper.

    Like 2
  12. Avatar djkenny

    I do not know where these prices come from? I see ones with 60k miles or $5000-7000 range all the time, usually a couple years newer. Plenty in great shape for $3000 with just over 100k mikes, sometimes $2000.
    Maybe $9000?
    I cannot see this in the teens.
    Put the Crack Pipe Down.. sllloooowwwwleeeee

    Like 1
  13. Avatar Kelly Breen

    Who puts air conditioning in a drop head roadster? The hood is the air conditioning!

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Goatsnvairs

    I have a 2010 Miata Grand Touring, great car. 2 litre, 4:10 posi, 6 speed, just a great little car. And trust me, the a/c option is nice on a 90 degree day even with the top down. Also had one of these earlier models, the DNA is there too.

    Like 1
  15. Avatar angliagt Member

    We have a ’97 NA.It does seem weird to have a convertible
    with A/C & power windows.I agree – it does make it nice when you
    have the top down & A/C on when the weather gets hot.
    I prefer our Midget or MGB GT on the back roads.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Goatsnvairs

      I prefer my ’65 Corsa turbo on the back roads, wife doesn’t, but she’s on board with the ’67 GTO on the straights (it has air).

      Like 0
  16. Avatar 4501 Safari

    I sat in a red one, with the hardtop, in a remote Georgia showroom thewhen they first were introduced. It was nice but my 6’2″ body just would not fit comfortable in the car as it had so easily in my ’72 Fiat 124 Spyder. Oh how AI wanted the car to fit and every subsequent model thereafter I would try on like shopping for shoes. Mazda never made an allowance for tall American bodies as I could tell. I stopped test fitting in 2017 and bought a perfect Solstice GXP 5-speed. Excellent car and fits. I’m sure not fitting in the Miata is my loss as it is a fine little roadster that kinda evolved, at least in price, to a bloatster allbeit a nice one. If it fits, buy it!

    Like 0

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