The M Edition Mazda Miata is one of the best versions of the classic, entry-level roadster. While every special edition model deserves to go under the microscope to assess its true value, Mazda actually put together a fairly compelling package when it rolled out its first M Edition, and to this day, the NA MX-5 version is quite sought after. The key differences come down to colors and years, and this 1995 M Edition is notable for remaining in stock condition with under 40,000 original miles. Find it here on craigslist for $14,800 near Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
The first run of the M Edition in 1994 came in one color: Montego Blue Mica. My aunt actually had this exact car, and it was later sold to a friend of my brother who added a turbocharger to it while maintaining its stock appearance. However, the 1995 introduced a new color, Merlot Mica, along with ditching the polished factory wheels for the 15-inch BBS wheels you see here. The wheel choice alone completely changed the look of the car, and the proportions are absolutely perfect. Curiously, this M Edition is fitted with a tow hitch receiver, which is presumably for a hitch-mounted bike rack. The factory hard top is a must-have for any NA chassis Miata.
Oh! Slight miss when you step inside, and I was actually wondering why this Miata was still for sale. The automatic transmission is going to be a turn-off for some buyers, but it wasn’t totally uncommon for some buyers to opt for the slushbox, especially if the original owners were on the elderly side. The M Edition came with special door sill trims, a Nardi shift knob if equipped with a manual transmission, and adjustable headrests. M Editions also typically came with a limited slip differential and leather seating surfaces, and these elements appear to be present and accounted for here.
By the time 1995 rolled around, Mazda had improved the standard engine, taking it from a 1.6L inline-four to a 1.8 liter, giving it a nice shot in the arm performance-wise. Power jumped up to 129 horsepower and 110 lb.-ft. of torque. The timing belt replacement is a must-do job on these vehicles, and there’s no mention of this work being done in the listing. Hopefully, the Miata is like so many others – over-maintained and barely abused, and the automatic transmission practically guarantees a gentle life of retiree cruising and parking lot car shows. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. for the find.
Unless you are unable to drive a stick (disability,etc.),
there is no reason to buy a Miata with an automatic,in my
opinion.To me,that’s what makes these fun cars to drive.
I have a friend with a 2006 Miata, with an auto. I laughed to until I drove it. I am guessing this one is a 4sp auto, his is a six speed auto. Let me tell you, it is very fast, and it shifts a lot faster then i ever could. Most people under 40 have never even driven a stick. Autos are the wave of the future, whether us geezers like it or not. Plus I might add, in a small car, the autos are easier for us tubbies to drive.
It’s all in the gearing. Automatics can be fun to dive if they have the right ratios, not to mention without the hassle of shifting from stoplight to stoplight.
Right you are Anglia! I had an E36 M3 w/5spd that l wore about 10 years ago…rod thru block cruisin’ down the interstate @258,000 miles. Only manual tranny car l had, and l missed it. Last fall l found a one owner E46 convertible w/5spd. Took trailer and drove 800 miles to get it. I’ve driven it about 500 miles since, and have discovered that with neuropathy l can’t modulate the clutch well enough to keep from hurting my wife’s neck. So I’ve gotta get rid of it and find an automatic. My manual days are over! 😩
I have an ’08 PRHT GT Miata with what us old skoolers call “auto-stick” (aka an automatic with manual mode). With a Fab 9 tune & paddle shifters, the automatic in manual mode is better than the vaunted stick every day of the week. Plus you have the added bonus of throwing it into automatic when you’re in stop & go traffic (which is, sadly, a majority of the time here in New York). Now, the Miata’s with just the PRNDL automatic…..those suck.
Beautiful, well preserved car. If I bought this, first thing it’s going into my garage for a new timing belt. More due to age than mileage. They aren’t that difficult either.
Fortunately, the Miata engine is “non interference” according to a detailed Hemmings article a few months ago, so if a recent change isn’t documented, the worse that can happen is to leave you stranded.
Wow. At first I was scared by the price – deduct for the hardtop worth $2.5k in this unique color, low miles, and we’re talking affordable…until I saw the automatic. All makes sense now.
Ours is identical – except for our stock 5 speed, and the lack of a hardtop, and ours has 44k miles.
Going to keep rowing forever. But nice to have an occasional benchmark…
Glad to see this price. I have a black 95 (tan top and interior), 5 speed, 83K miles that I bought from the original owner a few years ago (not running due to an electrical problem) for a song. The body hasn’t a spot of rust anywhere and I’ve had it garaged since I bought it so the paint is excellent. My son wants me to keep it as an appreciating asset, but I’m inclined to flip at these prices.
My buddy in Toronto, a big motorcycle guy, and only owned standard cars picked up a sporty Mazda 3 many years ago..when he told me I said great choice obviously you went with the stick shift he said no I got the automatic I was very surprised and asked why.
He said have you ever been in rush hour Toronto traffic? And I thought about the last time I was in long bumper to bumper traffic with my stick shift cars it’s not fun at all… and if you had to do it everyday like he does..I understand the choice.
Beautiful car but since it does no real harm I’m going to make some negative points. I’ve owned several MX-5’s and have a 94 R Edition now. The auto is an absolute deal breaker for me, even my micro van daily driver is a manual.
I think these luxury special additions are beautiful but I’ll never own another one. The Miata is best in base spec, the luxury options just add weight and some complexity. The leather is slippery and poor quality where the cloth holds like velcro.
As for a hardtop, I have found them a pointless garage obstacle. I only drive my Miata in nice weather so the hard top was always in the way taking up garage space.
The BBS wheels are a massive pain to clean and don’t look as good as the steel wheels or the daisy’s.
Ok crumudgeon mode off.
These little sports cars are so nice l’d probably own two of em . A manual to experience the true nature of the car and an automatic when I don’t feel like shifting. I’ve always loved the Miata but being a some what large guy kinda killed my desire. But I still want one.
I had a ’91. A nice little car but took a little getting used to for a truck guy. Driving by big trucks with my head even with their axles etc.