Crystal Clear: 1990 Mazda Miata NA 14K Mile Survivor – Sold?

September 17, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this Miata “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

August 16, 2021 Update – We just noticed the seller of this first-year Miata just lowered their asking price by $1,750 for an updated ask of $18,000.

When Mazda first launched the MX-5 Miata in 1990, the company did so in only three colors: Classic Red, Mariner Blue, and Crystal White. So while the never-ending well of low-mileage 1990 Mazda Miata shows no signs of drying up, it’s refreshing to find one painted in the rarer shade of Crystal White such as this 14,300-mile example originally listed in July 2021 on Craigslist in Wayne, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) by the second owner who added 8,600 of those miles during their nine years of ownership. Offered at $19,750, a review of the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the seller has their MX-5 priced between this guide’s #2 “Excellent” estimate of $17,300 and its #1 “Concours” appraisal of $28,400.

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 sales 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:

We’re pleased to this Crystal White Miata features desirable factory air conditioning and the “A” package options however, the original owner didn’t bother with the expense of the hardtop. With such low mileage though, it’s easy to see they bought this car as a nice day, summers-only car.  If you missed your chance in 1990 to own one of these great sports cars in 1990, now is your chance to own a 31-year-old new example.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1990 Mazda Miata MX-5
Crystal White with Black Soft Top & Interior
Two Owners & Less than 14,500 Original Miles
5 Speed Manual Transmission
Clean CarFax Report

This early build 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata was built in June 1989 and sold new at Lancaster Toyota/Mazda of Lancaster Pennsylvania and remained with its first owner until December 3, 2012 when I purchased it with 5,680 miles on the odometer. Since that time, I have driven it over 8,600 trouble-free miles as part of my collection of cars.

Finished in Crystal White over black cloth, the car shows under 14,500 miles, weighs 2,182 lbs, and is powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC inline-four factory rated at 116 horsepower and 100 ft-lbs of torque, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox.

The car is equipped with pop-up headlights, dual side mirrors, and a black convertible top that can be seen in its raised position in the photos here. Factory body-panel VIN tags are present on all body panels and no accidents are noted on the CarFax report.

This car is optioned with air conditioning ($795), along with the optional A-Package ($1,145) featuring power steering, an AM/FM cassette stereo, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The car recently passed a Pennsylvania safety and emissions inspection. The oil and filter have just a few hundred miles on them, the air conditioning blows ice cold and the tires have plenty of tread remaining. The sale includes two sets of keys, soft top boot, front radiator protective grill, factory books, and service records.

Please no dealers, flippers, low ballers, etc. Serious end-users only.“

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

Show or go: what would you do with this restored Triumph?  Comment below and let us know!