In the early '90s the name of the game was putting together the most technologically advanced bundle of engineering that could sit atop four wheels. Eight-way adjustable power seats, four-wheel steering and complex sequentially turbocharged engines were par for the course.
Mazda took a leap of faith, then, when it introduced a flyweight roadster that cost a little under 14-grand and was about 1/18th the size of a Supra. The car was easily the cheapest ticket to a driving experience boiled down to bare essentials-no gadgets and no roof. The little trend-bucking antithesis met the market with such success that it has since developed the cult following to rival a convention center full of Trekkies.
Because of the relative simplicity of the car, the Miata is a reliable steed regardless of which model year you end up buying. And depending on what you've been driving around in lately, a 15-year old Miata is still likely to feel extremely nimble and tight, a direct result of the car's 2200-pound curb weight and diminutive size. Best of all, the Miata still has a near 50/50 weight distribution and is known as an autocross killer, 15 years old or not.
Most people prefer the bigger 1.8-liter engine, not simply because of its increased power, but because it responds better to turbocharging. Mazda seemed to agree when they turbocharged the 323, which sports the same 1.8-liter BP-ZE engine. Turbo and supercharger kits are made for either engine, but we're not saying that the car needs air rammed down the intake manifold to be a great time.
PricingAt the time of this writing, Miata pricing varied widely. Internet research of the market showed that earlier cars (1990-1993) equipped with the 1.6-liter engine can be had for as little as $2000 with high miles and quite a bit of wear and tear. These may be a good option if you're planning on doing extensive modifications anyway. Expect pricing to range from $3500-$6000 to net you a car in good to great shape.
The 1.8-liter cars do cost a little bit more because they are newer, so expect to pay around $3500 for a tired example, and up to $9000 for a 1997 "M" Edition in excellent condition. If we were buying one, we'd go for a clean but not perfect 1.8-liter car. But then we love to modify cars, so be sure to figure out what your goals are with the car before choosing your poison.
1990Number sold in U.S.: 23,052Price (base): $13,800Notes: Introduced with 1.6L OBD-1 B6-ZE, 116 bhp inline-four. Viscous LSD is optional, only 5-Speed Transmission offered, 14-in. alloy wheels, Offered in Mariner Blue, Crystal White, Classic Red and Silverstone Metallic.
1991Number sold in U.S.: 35,944Price (base): $14,200Notes: ABS and automatic transmission introduced as options, optional SE with British Racing Green paint, tan leather interior, tan vinyl top, wood Nardi shifter and e-brake handle.
1992Number sold in U.S.: 31,240Price (base): $14,800Notes: Remote trunk release added, rear subframe brace introduced, rear defroster and headliner added to hardtop, Brilliant Black and Sunburst Yellow available on C and LE packages.
1993Number sold in U.S.: 24,964Price (base): $15,300Notes: Minor logo changes, Limited Edition offered black with red interior, red tonneau, 14-in. BBS wheels, Bilstein shocks, ABS, Nardi shifter, aero package including a rear spoiler.
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