If you want to own a Mazda Miata that will always hold its value, let me present to you the best one to buy: this is a 1995 M-Edition Miata in very nice condition, and in addition to being a desirable NA-chassis car, the M-Edition components are well preserved. The BBS wheels, Nardi shift knob, and special badges are all present and accounted for, and the merlot paint is in excellent condition. The seller reports there are just 31,000 miles on the clock, and it certainly looks like a low-mileage specimen. Find the Miata M-Edition here on craigslist for $16,500 in Saugus, Massachusetts.
Now, like so many other special edition cars, it’s the cosmetic upgrades that set it apart. You might think a car called the “M-Edition” would get some additional horsepower. It didn’t, but that didn’t stop the M-Edition from becoming one of the more sought-after models among Miata fanatics. You did get the B-package, which included a limited-slip differential, power steering, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The “Merlot Mica” paint and factory BBS wheels, however, are two features that make the ’95 M-Editions so sought after.
The 1995 special edition model reached a total of 3,500 units, which was the highest annual total of an M-Edition across the three years of NA production. The leather seats shown here are in very good condition, with some signs of wear and tear. While the must-have Nardi shift knob is still present, the seller notes the M-Edition floor mats are missing. While this doesn’t seem like a big deal, it is a bit of a ding on an otherwise super-clean car; the M-Edition models are often evaluated on how complete they are when stacked up against the original equipment list, so hopefully, the next owner can track down a set of mats.
The NA-chassis Miata in general has been becoming more collectible as time wears on. The time-capsule cars with super low mileage are selling reliably over $15,000-$20,000, and I doubt that’s going to change any time soon. My aunt had a ’94 M-Edition Miata, and I can say those subtle upgrades – leather, the Nardi shift knob, the special badges, and in that case, the Montego Blue Mica paint – all combine to create a Miata that feels very upscale. The Merlot Mica paint and BBS wheels push this one over the top for me, and I feel the asking price is more than fair for a limited-production Miata like this.
This one looks really nice, but I wonder if its actually 31,000 miles. The interior shows a bit more wear than I’d expect at that mileage, and the clearcoat failure also seems to make the claim worth further investigation…
I wonder why you would only do 1000 miles a year unless you are Jay Leno.
Disappointed that its not a automatic. I owned a 2003 miata with an auto trans and i can confirm it IS the right way to go for summer cruising without all the nonsense leg work that a clutch makes one do.
I have never seen the point of a manual Mx5. To me the greatest joy is going up & down the gears to overcome the lack of power. Each to their own I guess.
The manual transmission is essential for this car in my opinion. I had a 1990 Miata with a manual and it was a blast to drive.
To each his own, of course, but it’s not to very many because the automatic has a very low take rate.
I had the opportunity to drive many Miatas over the years and I think it was an NB with the autobox. It was very sloppy, feeling worse because the manual transmission is such a joy.
It’s your choice for sure, but the only excuse I can see for an automatic is what a Mazda pr person told me: it gives the person who drives in the city the opportunity to drive a Miata. A better solution: move out of the city.
Hmmmm… but the Mazda manuals are so wonderful… as is the clutch action. Things that Mazda engineered very well. To each his own, and its all good, but when it comes to little ragtops, if I ain’t shift’n, I’m just pointing…
WHAT? Missing the floor mats? Well than forget it!
They can keep the damn thing.
Just how is anyone supposed to enjoy this car without them?
And where did those floor mats end up? In orbit over Canada?
I certainly hope not!!!
Anything in orbit right now here or over the States is getting taken down with prejudice.
Those mats are a b*#ch to find for that car.
(too soon 😏)
This color is called Merlot Mica, and was only the ’95M. Also, the ’95M was the only Miata with an adjustable headrest seat.
Nice car,but the price seems a bit (or a lot) optimistic.
I have a ’97 NA that I bought a little over three years ago,
& don’t plan on selling,unless a real nice one (for cheap)
falls into my lap,which won’t happen.
I wasn’t impressed with it when I bought it,but have
come to enjoy it on the back roads.These are a blast to
drive hard on them without having to do it at outrageous
speeds.
MX-5 are one of the most overhyped cars going.
As a car enthusiast I try to keep my mind open and could no longer ignore the constant high praise they received.
2 or 3 years ago I bought one expecting to be wowed.
I wasn’t.
Slow, uninteresting drive with uninspiring handling is what I found.
Oh and the chassis went from fine to rotten through in the 10 months I owned it.
I will say this one looks nice though.
Owned a ’94 M-ed in Montego Blue and a ’97 M-ed in Marina Green.
All FOUR years of the M’s wore really beautiful shades of paint. But I think even better was the STO in Twilight Blue.
I bought a hardtop in that limited edition Merlot. The top was $500 to the first one to show up with the cash. I was first. The lady that came in second was miffed, and threw herself on the top. Had to be pried off by her husband! Later on, sold it for $1200. Buyer was so happy to find it, he gave me a $20 tip.
Got our low mileage ’95 M two years ago, and it’s a garage queen / weekend seasonal car at our island place.
Forget about 1,000 miles per year. It has barely been off the island yet, and I think I can count the times I’ve filled it up on one hand. But I don’t smile as much in the Jeep!
Had a triple black 94 optioned up to M standard, wasn’t all that fast but I loved the handling and the freash air. always looking for another one!
I know of a 1991 Miata here in Wisconsin (it’s pretty rusty & beat w/ a leaky convertible roof) that might be hauled to the scrap yard unless I purchase it from the estate and put it up for sale for parts or repair. Scrap value is a whopping $275 so I wouldn’t have to pay much more.
I know I’m pretty light on the facts. Do the Miata fans among you feel a guy could buy that car for $300 and, even if it is too rusty to save, sell it for at least $750 to a Miata fan who may want the motor & transmission & maybe some other parts? It does run, not well but runs when jumped. It’s been sitting in a yard for a few years apparently.
I tend to think the old ones are popular and getting rare enough that it’d be a safe bet.
Thoughts?
FWIW I’ve seen a bunch of Miata engine or transmission swaps (sometimes both) in old British iron… I’ve also known of guys that picked up autobox Miatas on the cheap and were searching for a manual and all the assorted bits to go with it to make the swap… …have no idea if money could be make in the transaction though…
You’d make more money parting it out,but
it’s a lot of work,& time to do that.
I have a 2006 bought it in 2016 with 7400 miles on it….I love it. Always heard of these great deals.. Never thought I would get one though.. Handles well and it’s like new.. Whoever had it did not beat it.. I think they didn’t enjoy it as much as I do…It’s triple black and guess what? It’s an auto shift with the paddle shifters.. Have fun all day without the clutch. I drive it on nice dry winter days, but the summer, was made for this car.