I’ve long enjoyed Mazda’s sports cars, specifically the RX-7 and the Miata. If you want a simple, affordable, and fun sports car, you can’t get much better than a first-generation MX-5 Miata! Unfortunately, now that they are getting older, it’s getting difficult to find clean, low-mileage examples. So, when one like this one pops up with just 33k miles and in fantastic condition, I can’t help but feature it. This 1992 Miata has been kept in a garage for the past 30 years and is in beautiful condition. If you’d love to hit the street in it, you can find it here on eBay in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, with a current bid of $7,500.
The Miata was modeled after the Lotus Elan, which was a light and nimble ’60 British sports car. The Elan was a giant killer, but it was pricey and delicate. The Miata uses a similar formula of a twin-cam 4-cylinder powered lightweight rear-wheel drive roadster but without the delicate chassis and fiberglass body. Given how many high-mileage Miatas are still on the road, it’s a testament to their build quality and popularity.
For 1992, Mazda offered the Miata in several colors. This one is painted Brilliant Black and came in two versions: Standard and C-Package. This one came with the optional C-Package, which included the tan leather upholstery, power windows, brakes, and steering of the standard version, but with the addition of Nardi wood handles, headrest speakers, cruise control, and BBS wheels. It also received the factory hardtop. The seats and carpets support the mileage claim. It’s clean throughout and looks fantastic in this color combination.
This was the last year for the B6ZE(RS) 1.6-liter DOHC inline-4 engine. The following year, the Miata received the slightly larger 1.8-liter B8. Early B6ZEs had some weak points that were resolved by the time this one was built. While the larger B8 offered more power, the B6ZE is eager to rev and makes for a very fun experience. While 115 horsepower and 100 ft-lbs of torque don’t sound like much, it’s plenty of power for a 2,200-pound car.
Miatas are fantastic little cars. Sure, they aren’t the most practical, but few cars will make you smile like an MX-5. This one won’t go cheap, but low-mileage ones are getting hard to find, and this one is loaded with options. So, if you’ve been looking for a fun yet dependable and efficient summer driver, this Mazda is worth a closer look!
Nice low miles and decently outfitted. Hardtop alone is worth $2K, but shouldn’t be parted out. This should do well.
Ours is a 95 M-Spec with 44K miles, but has the 1.8 instead of 1.6.
Great little fun cars; keep the SUV at home for when you need to go shopping for more than four rolls of TP! 😄
Four rolls of t.p. or beer! 🙂
my dad just sold his 57 custom royal and mom said he can get another car.
he’s always wanted a small sportscar but scared of british stuff. tried an s2000 but too much money but hopefully a miata woube an easier sell.
he’s wants to leave stuff for us kids but were all doing ok and a 10-12 thousand dollar toy is nothing as he got 32k for the dodge.
sorry im rambling but long story short, life is short and if you want it buy it as its his money and screw the kids! anyways great car and the first gen will only increase in value.
Can I hire you to tell my wife why I need to trade my C6 for a C7?
Why not a C8?
Save your money and just get a nice NC and you will be much happier.
One small correction to Josh’s writeup – the 1.6 continued through the 93 model year, my 93 (bought new, 198k strong today) sitting in the garage is proof. The 1.8 was introduced for the 94 model year. Ours is also a C-Package with tan leather and the hardtop, this would be a great twin!