Beautiful M-Edition: 1995 Mazda Miata – SOLD!

April 3, 2021 Update – we were not surprised to see how quickly the seller of this Miata “M” Edition “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

If we’re being completely honest, no one really needs to wax poetic about the virtues of the Mazda Miata any longer. It’s as accepted as other basic truisms of life, such as that discussing religion and politics is foolish and light beer is a waste of calories. However, if you want to buy the one model that’s likely to pay you back (and then some) over time, here’s a tip: buy the best M-Edition NA series Miata you can find. That’s what we’re looking at with this 1995 Mazda Miata listed in March 2021 on Craigslist in Ft. Myers, Florida, with low miles, lots of recent maintenance, and the factory hardtop included, for just $12,000. Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool makes this Miata out to be a potential bargain, as an “Excellent” condition example is valued at $15,500, and the M-Edition gets a 20 percent kick.

A few years ago, yours truly bought his first-ever project car, and of course, it was a Miata. A 1993 base model, but it did leave the factory with the limited-slip differential. Unfortunately, the con artist I bought the car from pilfered it before I picked it up. The rest of the vehicle was pretty – bad, actually, it had been in a few accidents and was cosmetically tired. But even in that condition, it was a decent driver, and while I didn’t love it enough to keep it, it always shocked me just how well it ran for a sorely neglected vehicle. If I’m being honest, however, the nasally four-cylinder did nothing for me. There was no aural pleasure, nor ludicrous speed, to be had, and while the gearbox was a treat, I was left cold by the king of enthusiast cars, the NA Miata. Still, its reputation has endured as a cheap, enthusiast-friendly car that lives its life by the familiar adage of Race on Sunday, sell on Monday in terms of how capable it is at being beat silly at the local autocross, then driving home while delivering 20+ miles per gallon.

MotorWeek conducted a road test of the 1995 M Edition Miata and conveniently has it posted on their YouTube Channel as a Retro Review:

Now, had I ponied up and purchased an M-Edition, my experience may have been different. The M-Edition models certainly looked better, with sweet 15-inch BBS wheels and gorgeous Merlot Mica paint. The limited-edition model did not receive any specific mechanical upgrades – not even a firmer suspension – but you could still order the more desirable factory options right out of the catalog, just like the first owner of this car did when they asked for the Torsen limited-slip differential. That’s a big deal in making this M-Edition even more desirable, as the Miata options list wasn’t exactly deep. The rest of the package was largely cosmetic, with some badges, leather trim, and a Nardi steering wheel and shift knob, but this car appears to just have a standard leather-wrapped knob. The recent maintenance list is generous, with the seller noting a recent timing belt service, replacement of the distributor, oil cooler, and camshaft seals, a new water pump, and a new oil pan gasket. The radiator and valve cover gasket have also been replaced. The color-matched hardtop is included, and with just 53,500 miles, this NA-chassis Miata is well worth the asking price. Good luck with the purchase if you decide to claim this gorgeous Miata as your own.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1995 Miata M-Edition
Selling our Miata. Garage kept. Original hardtop car. 61,400 original miles.
Merlot Mica exterior
Tan interior
Air Conditioning
15’’ BBS Wheels (1995 M-Editon)
Anti-Lock Brakes
Torsion Limited Slip Differential
M-Edition floor mats
Power windows
Power steering
Cruise Control
AM-FM Power Antenna

53,500 miles. Timing belt service, distributor seal, oil cooler seal(s), camshaft seal(s), water pump replaced,
oil pan gasket replaced.

55690 miles. 4 – KUMHO ECSTA PA31 tires and Alignment
2-DOT # K29YYA6M2815
2-DOT #K29YYA6M3316

61330 miles. Radiator replaced. Valve cover gasket.

Hardtop and soft top in very good condition..“

Do you have a Mazda Miata story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!