Here’s a dream find, if what you’re looking for is a mint-condition first-year Mazda Miata with low mileage and lots and lots of cool accessories. You’ll pay for that package, of course. The car, in Kaysville, Utah, is bid up to almost $9,000 here on eBay with the reserve not met.
There’s a lot to like here. The red Miata is a desirable five-speed manual with an equally desirable original hardtop. It has air conditioning and both power steering and brakes, but the windows are manual. The current owner is the third, and all three have babied and garaged it. There’s just 39,805 miles on the odometer.
There seems to be very few issues with this car. There’s a crack in the rear body between the taillights, but a replacement part comes with the car. The driver’s side mirror cover also has a crack at the base.
The paint below the driver’s mirror is scuffed. These issues sound like an easy one-afternoon fix. No five-year open-checkbook restoration is necessary.
Mechanically, the car has no known issues beyond a small oil leak, the owner says. The fluids were changed regularly.
The tires are good, new brakes front and back, and a new thermostat. Spares include motor mounts, timing kit, water pump, and others. A stainless-steel exhaust is in place.
The car also comes with a windshield sun visor, an original car cover and front bra, plus the original soft top boot cover. The original owner’s manual is complemented by, well, another one. Other literature includes original sales brochures, vintage Miata magazines and books—including a five-year anniversary book signed by members of the Miata design team. A Haynes repair manual is a nice addition.
So it’s quite the early Miata package. I personally think that the MX-5 didn’t lose anything when it went to the NB in 1999, and it gained a bit more power. And my ’99 has only 35,000 miles, so there. But lots of purists like these first-year 1.6-liter cars, roll-up windows and all.
And take comfort in knowing, that according to Haynes, installation is the reverse of removal.
Unless Mazda painted the cars *after* they were fully assembled, then this car has had some paintwork done as there is overspray on the underbody components.
Still, nice find. Seems like all those in my area have been snapped up for weekend racers.
Is it the first gen or second that you need to check the crank for end play or worn thrust washers?
These things used to be almost giveaways. What happened? Never owned one, but drove a few. Thought they were too cramped, but since my now better diet (forced) has removed quite a bit of weight, I might just fit in fine. Now, if I only had the freedom. What a joy it would be to travel down my road of desire in this beauty.
For whatever this ends up going for probably 15k , just think u can have a new one O miles all new with a warranty for twice as much.
Second year car. These came out in 1989. It’ll probably sell for $20,000 given what’s going on with prices.
Had a 91 SE for 10 years that my wife drove to work in the summer only. I added the Flying Miata sway bars, and had the alignment reset and it became a capable back road carver. I sold it back to my brother in law for the same he sold it to me for 10 years prior. All in the family, all of us geezers at this point reliving our mis spent youth in roadsters.
I have a 92 that I have owned for 25 yrs. With the odometer approaching 300K it still runs and drives great. These cars are one of the best Mazda ever produced, you can’t get anything that is so much fun for the money! I think the NA MX5 will only increase in value as long as there are drivers that can use three pedals.
First gen, and only the first year or so. Also known as the short crank issue. I have one. Now running a JDM 1.8.
Had a 91 automatic for a short while – wish I had kept as it was such fun – only had alternator issues…
I have a 1990 Miata. Same color, same options + power windows. 190,000 miles. My only regret is that I have only put the last 10,000 miles on it. It’s so enjoyable!!!
Vegaman,
As with many vehicles, the over spray was from the factory build.
Many Miata’s have ended up on BAT, and have sold for top dollar plus.
They are worth it and are sure to escalate much further in value !
The hard top brings a premium on these cars now. It may be a 1989 build car, maybe april of 89 ?
Most do not know that the Miata has been placed in the Genesis book of worlds records as the most sold two seat roadster in the history of automobiles, 1878-2022.
We have a collection of the R model NA cars.
We spent 5 years also acquiring the beginning of Miata’s, a Rod Millen built factory Mazda corp werks car. 2 were built to launch the Miata in all out professional track racing.
This car being sold looks pretty dam nice, I am sure the new owner will love it. Very well may hit 15K, or more.
Respectfully submitted.