This 1992 Mazda Miata belongs to the seller’s father, who purchased the car new but can no longer drive it due to old age. The NA platform Miatas have been collectible for a while, but especially in preserved condition like this. The listing claims mileage is either 41,000 or 42,000 (both numbers appear in the description), so either way, you’re bidding on what was likely a summer-use only specimen. The paint still shines nicely and unlike many of these Miatas by this juncture, there are no signs of aftermarket modifications. You can find the Miata here on eBay with bidding just over $5,000 and the reserve unmet.
It’s amazing to me how many of these first-generation Miatas still show up as time-warp specimens with low miles. It’s not that it’s surprising that a convertible would see only partial-year use, but they were cheap enough to buy when new that I’m just impressed how many owners kept them as secondary vehicles. As someone who drove a Miata through the winter, it’s not impossible to drive one year-round – but it’s also not exactly pleasant, either (I think I just answered my own question.) This Miata hails from Leawood, Kansas, which should mean rust isn’t much of a concern.
The interior is completely standard and in good order, with OEM floormats still protecting the carpets. There’s zero signs of modifications, not even an aftermarket three-spoke steering wheel (which they all seem to have now.) The seller notes that despite the limited use, some repairs have been made, including the clutch and slave cylinder and the antenna and airbag computer. The Miata appears to retain its original radio headunit, another sign of long-term original owner use – second and third owners by now have given up on building a cassette deck collection and swapped in a modern stereo, typically.
The engine bay isn’t quite as fresh as the exterior, but this is pretty standard – owner buffs and washes the car every weekend, but doesn’t usually detail the engine bay at the same time. Miatas of this generation are generally pretty easy to live with, but they do need proactive timing belt and tensioner changes. I suspect given the mileage is below the threshold for that scheduled maintenance that it hasn’t been done, but timing belts should be changed according to years between services, not mileage. Regardless, I’d say there’s little to be worried about with this clean Miata, other than perhaps confirming first if it was optioned with a limited slip before making your bid.
I have a ‘99 NB with 44,000 on it. Fun car to drive occasionally, but too small for my liking as an every day driver. Does have the Flyin Miata aftermarket turbo conversion which makes it quite sporty if you punch it.
My dad has a 93 just like this in red. It was his daily driver/ commuter as well as joy ride car for him and my mom. He bought it new in 93 and I just could not believe it coming from such a cheap and practical man.
Held it daily through 2005 I think, then it was in the garage on a trickle charger for a bunch of years after that. Boy was it easy and fun to drive. I loved that short little shifter that just felt oh so right! I loved that it was fun but not super fast or powerful. I’d rather be fun but safe revving through the gears and downshifting for fun than flying fast and getting tickets!
I had a chance to buy it from him a few years ago when he was ready to downsize, but decided it wasn’t practical for me to lose the garage with three little kids and their gear to store it. Plus, with the need to transport said kids regularly and not a lot of time for joyrides, well, I let it go. Sometimes when I get on my bike for any kind of a solo ride, which is rare, I imagine being in that Miata instead.
An easy car to own and enjoy!
We bought our Miata after the kiddos were out of college. A great car for weekends and vacations.
I had a 1993 Clubman with the limited slip diff, extractors and Bilstein shock absorbers. Absolutely fabulous car around the mountain roads up in QLD Australia. Sold it when I bought my SLK55AMG. Still enjoying the mountain roads and I see a lot of MX-5 drivers doing the same.
Leewood, Kansas makes it possibly free of rust?
Believe me after living there for 49 years rust is quite a concern.
Watching….
Half an hour left, RNM at $6300.
Has me wondering what the reserve is?
Hah. I just noticed, I’m back to being a “Member” as it was a little while ago, instead of the other title of “Supporter”. So, with all of the changes going on, can I get a haircut?
Well, it sold through with a high bid of $7600
Clean car. So with a bit of maintenance, etc.: Twisty mountain roads, get ready, because it could be headed your way!.