- Seller: S. Craig M
- Location: Sun City West, Arizona
- Mileage: 176,500 Shown
- Chassis #: JM1NB3537X0118173
- Title Status: Clean
With summer on our doorstep, now is the ideal time to park a classic Convertible in your driveway. Few motoring pleasures are better than hitting the road with the sun on your back and the wind in your hair. That opportunity awaits the new owner of this 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. It is a rock-solid Japanese classic featuring tasteful upgrades to improve its appearance, performance, and occupant comfort. The owner feels the time is right for the Miata to find a new home, listing it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Mazda admits it drew heavily on the iconic Lotus Elan when designing the MX-5, and you only have to compare the pair to see the similarities. The Second Generation, or NB, hit showroom floors for the 1998 model year and remained on sale until 2005. It was marginally larger and heavier than the car it replaced, but its additional engine power and suspension tweaks meant there was no performance loss. This Miata emerged from the factory in 1999, with its original owner electing to cloak its exterior in Highlight Silver Pearl Metallic. The stripe running up the hood and down the decklid adds contrast to a classic that presents extremely well. The paint retains a nice shine, although the seller admits the clearcoat is letting go on the hood. Addressing that problem would be straightforward, involving a panel touch-up rather than a complete vehicle repaint. The panels are straight, with only a couple of minor bumps. I’ve examined the included images carefully and feel that a paintless dent removal company might be able to eliminate the imperfections for a few dollars. The new Black soft-top was installed in 2022. It fits as tight as a drum and features a glass rear window with a defogger. The plastic is in good order, the luggage rack is a practical addition, and the glass is crystal clear. The alloy 15″ KÖNIG Wheels add a sense of purpose, suggesting there might be more to this classic than meets the eye.
Mazda followed the Lotus philosophy when designing the Miata, producing a car with a small engine but a low curb weight to provide surprising performance. This MX-5 features its original 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder powerplant, producing 140hp and 119 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission with overdrive, with the four-wheel independent suspension and power disc brakes creating a total driving package. This car features the added advantage of power steering to make light work of twisting roads. The official power and torque figures for this classic may be academic because the previous owner performed some upgrades that will improve the engine’s breathing and should unlock extra ponies. It inhales deeply through a cold air intake, with the spent gases exiting via headers and a mandrel-bent exhaust. A shock tower brace tightens the front end, while the suspension upgrades include Tein springs, Koni yellow shocks, and a 1¾” ride-height drop to improve handling. The Yokohama tires have plenty of tread, and the owner replaced the clutch in 2022. The car is in excellent mechanical health, ready to hit the road with the winning bidder behind the wheel.
One area where Mazda deviated from the Lotus philosophy was when it devised its interior creature comforts. This Miata features dual airbags, air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, a Nardi leather-wrapped wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette/CD player. The owner confirms the A/C isn’t blowing cold and will require service. The glovebox door is inoperative, but the remaining features work as they should. There are a few upgrades that help this interior to stand out. The doors feature custom vinyl-clad cards, while the original console has made way for one of 2003 vintage. The seller replaced the carpet and installed new seat covers in 2023. These changes allow the interior to be presented extremely well. The dash hasn’t succumbed to UV rays; there are no signs of crumbling plastic or appreciable wear on surfaces.
When it was released, the Mazda MX-5 Miata created a storm, and it seemed that some motoring organizations deliberately created awards so they could hand the company trophies. It proved that a small two-seat sports car could be engaging, civilized, and feature bulletproof reliability. This 1999 model is a gem with no pressing needs. Addressing its minor cosmetic imperfections would be inexpensive but could happen at the new owner’s leisure. Summer is approaching, and I’m sure this Miata tempts many readers. I won’t blame you if you join the bidding party because this classic promises nothing but fun.
Bid On This Auction
lacubfan bid $1,300.00 2024-05-21 09:59:48
Louis bid $700.00 2024-05-16 12:39:02
Nice car. I would be interested in why the front bumper cover is black and doesn’t have the car color on it.
It doesn’t do it’s looks any favors, does it? I wonder if a teenager did that…?
Could be a replacement bumper cover. Rather than color-matching, hit it up with black. And at the same time took out the paint roller for the stripe.
Fair amount of miles and some things needing attention. Guesstimate $5.5k.
Quick someone share this with
Club Pro Guy ⛳️ 🏌️♂️ 😎
I own a MX5. The front bumper suffers from stone chips. Being black it would allow the owner to touch up the marks with a black marker pen.
The hood stripe and the bumper are vinyl wrap because I like the look. Easy to remove if you don’t.
No, I’m not a teenager and haven’t been for almost 55 years but thanks for the compliment.
Got to add this to my reply list. Again, nice car there Craig.
Being around your age and owning a first generation these cars are a blast, hopefully whoever buys it enjoys it.
If you live in Arizona,why is it registered in Oregon?
Isn’t that illegal?
Yes, it’s legal. We moved to AZ from Oregon last May. Oregon has the option to renew your plates & registration for two years and mine expire in June of this year. Since lots of people have registration/plates from other states (snow birds) I decided to “use up” my Oregon registration before switching to AZ registration.
So yes, the plates and title are OR. If I still have the car on June 1 I’ll switch everything to AZ.
States want you to switch so they can collect their fair share…
My history is typically to sell a car about a month after I’ve re-registered it.
In my 20s, and was moving a lot (states), I always dutifully re-registered cars in the first month I moved. I’d like to think I’m wiser now, but …
I’m not getting why there’s not more bids here. I’d talk to the wife, but I know the answer is “you already have an MG”. :-)
Hard to believe … in Virginia that age of car would qualify for a “antique” license plate
In AZ it’s 25 years which this car is right at so it can get a Historic Vehicle plate (copper, they look cool). This year my super clean 1999 2 door neon R/T will be getting a copper plate. :)
Men don’t drive women’s cars!
Well considering that the Miata holds the distinction of being the most raced cars in the world, I’d say your comment is way off the mark as a lot of men do drive these as well as race them…
I race with and against lots of Miatas driven by mostly men with a fair amount of women drivers also. Lot of fast women drivers in open wheel cars too. Well said FenderMike.
I often hear that the Miata is a “woman’s car”. Yet, I have almost never seen a woman driving one. I see more women driving Corvettes & Wranglers than Miatas.
Around here women’s cars are F150, Silverado, Ram, and Suburban.
True if you have no girl friends.
Does the a/c blow cold?
No. Never needed AC in western OR. Just put the top down and hit the road. Didn’t even try it until a couple of weeks ago.
AC in a vert always seemed like an oxymoron.
May just need a charge or….??
Does the a/c blow cold?
Craig, any idea when the timing belt was changed last? Thanks.
No, I don’t. Knowing what I do about the previous owner (now deceased) it was done on schedule or early, but I don’t see any sticker showing a date.