Meticulously Maintained: 1990 Mazda Miata – SOLD!

May 7, 2021 Update – we confirmed the seller of this NA Miata “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.

The warm weather invariably brings out early 90’s first-generation NA Mazda Miatas whose owners decide it’s probably time to find the next caretaker for their sports car.  Our first example in spring 2021 is this 60K original mile Classic Red Miata originally listed in April 2021 on Craigslist in Old Bridge, New Jersey the caretaker of the past quarter-century is currently asking $12,500.  A review of the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the seller has their MX-5 priced between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $7,800 and its #2 “Excellent appraisal of $15,700 after factoring in a one thousand dollar premium for the optional factory hardtop.

Mazda rocked the automotive world at the Chicago Auto Show in February 1989 with its new MX-5 sports car featuring a base price of under $14,000.  After a nearly ten-year gap left when British Leyland packed up MG and Triumph in 1980, Mazda took a gamble that consumers were still interested in two-seat classic sports cars as long as they came with better reliability, tops that sealed passengers from the elements, and a great driving experience.  Mazda succeeded at all three and the first generation “NA” Mazda was a huge sale success. Thirty years on, the first generation Miata has proven to be a very reliable car, whether used on the street or the track.  Consequently, it’s getting harder to find unmolested examples such as the red example featured here.

Here are the two commercials, “City” and “Country”, Mazda used to launch the Miata back in the fall of 1989:

While this 1990 Miata may not be an ultra-low mileage example compared to some of the others we’ve featured in the past, 60K original miles is barely a warmup for these very reliable sports cars and the extensively well-documented dealer maintenance history makes this example a prime candidate for consideration.

The original Miata may not be the fastest car to drive, but it’s simply a rewarding joy to take one out on a back road on a sunny Fall day.  This car has a lot of life left in it and even when something is needed, these remain inexpensive cars to repair.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Feel free to call or text

All original 1990 Mazda Miata with hardtop, 5 speed 60,100 miles.
Comes with Hardtop, original softtop is like new with clear rear plastic. Barely used convertible top, Hardtop has been on for years.
Comes with convertible boot cover.
Comes with vehicle manual, 5 sets of keys! Yes 5! original dealer receipts, detailed dealer order/build sheet, and over 30 years of detailed maintenance receipts!
Drives and looks excellent. Everything works! No issues, Super solid, no squeaks or leaks. Zero rust !
Vehicle qualifies for classic/historical plates, $200 insurance for the whole year( check your state )
These are list of maintenance in last 2000 miles.
4/07/2021 60,074 miles. check up, new oil and filter, brand new tires with alignment $504.73
7/08/2020 59,860 miles. flushed cooling system and refill. $160.26
5/07/2019 59,488 miles.retrofit ac to 134A, replace clutch stop, oil & filter. $249.68
4/24/2018 59,152 miles. Oil and filter replaced shock, struts & struts boots. $986.48
5/16/2017 58,735 miles. Check up, preventative maintenance, replace timing belt, tensioner & idler pulley., cam & crank seals, drive belts & water pump, refill coolant, replacd spark plugs & distributor wires. $1037.74
5/17/2016 58,320 miles. Check up, change oil, filters,change anti freeze, drain & refill transmission fluid, replace valve cover $456.49“

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