54K Miles: 2000 Mazda Miata MX-5 Convertible SE – SOLD!

June 24, 2022, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “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 us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

While the general trend is for enthusiasts to pine for a NA Miata, the next generation – the NB chassis – seems like a smoking bargain by comparison. Yes, the original is always the favorite son and you can’t deny the appeal of a first-generation Miata with its pop-up headlights and chunky stance,  but the NB is an absolute steal in comparison if you can let go of the need to have flip-up headlamps. This low-mileage 2000 Mazda Miata Special Edition originally listed in June 2022 on Craigslist in Bordentown, New Jersey has just 54,000 miles on the clock and is loaded up with the special edition package for $12,900. Comparing that price against the Classic.com model guide shows us that the seller is asking reasonable money for this low-mileage Miata, as the average sale price is $11,828:

The debate over an NA versus an NB Miata is an interesting one. The NA is generally preferred because it is lighter and presumably yields a more nimble driving experience. By all accounts, however, the next generation of any model generally delivers improvements over prior years in the form of more comfort, more power, and any faults from the previous years are largely resolved. But as any car collector will tell you, the earlier models always retain one trump card the later examples can’t match, and that is having the special veneer of being the first cars made that set the tone for the rest of the model lineup. Being the second in line does you no favors when it comes to appealing to car enthusiasts, regardless of the improvements the new model offers. That being said, if you can make yourself immune to the charms of the NA Miata, an NB is an excellent deal in the modern sports car market.

The MotorWeek RetroReview YouTube Channel provides this vintage 1999 road test when Mazda launched the then-new NB Miata:

Now, sometimes, we hear the words “Special Edition” and wonder exactly what we’re dealing with. Limited editions, special editions, and the like can sometimes be a big disappointment in terms of the equipment you actually end up with. In the case of the Mazda Miata, the company actually did a decent job making its SE trim a nice step up. You get a Nardi steering wheel and matching wood shift knob and emergency brake handle, for starters, along with a leather-trimmed interior, special badges, and a Bose stereo. Supposedly, just 3,000 of these Special Edition models were built in the year 2000, but they aren’t quite as sought after as other models that incorporated some performance improvements as well, like stiffer springs and a limited-slip differential. Still, for the money, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal out there today than a clean NB Miata.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“2000 Mazda Miata MX-5 Special Edition Convertible – 54,927 Miles
4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter Engine / Manual, 6-Speed Transmission / RWD
No Accidents
VIN: JM1NB3537Y0144807

What a fun car to drive!! Especially with the manual transmission. Mechanically excellent, no check engine lights, no leaks, no transmission or clutch issues, no clunks or rattles in the suspension. Both Body and Leather Interior are clean, no dents, no rust, and barely a scratch on it. Chrome Rims with nearly New Tires. Nardi Torino steering wheel and trim package. The convertible top is in great shape as well, with no leaks. Power Windows/Mirrors/Locks, Bose Sound System, CD Player, Hot Heat and Cold AC. Everything works, no electrical problems. Clean and Clear Title, ready to sell.

Contact me any time with questions or if you’d like to check it out!! Calls preferred, but text ok too. Thanks for looking!!.”

Older or newer: which Miata generation is your favorite?