1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata | Buyer's Guide

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  • čas přidán 19. 06. 2024
  • Hagerty’s Editor-at-Large Sam Smith explores what makes the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata such a beloved classic roadster and details what you need to know about buying, owning, and loving this great sports car.
    Feature: www.hagerty.com/media/archive...
    Buyer’s Guide: www.hagerty.com/media/buying-...
    Hagerty Valuation: www.hagerty.com/apps/valuatio...
    ---
    Episode chapters:
    0:00 Introduction - 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
    0:42 Driving impressions
    2:25 Shop talk
    3:50 Undercarriage inspection and buying tips
    7:18 Hagerty Valuation Tools
    8:07 Sam Smith’s final thoughts
    ---
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Komentáře • 276

  • @bakerXderek
    @bakerXderek Před 3 lety +198

    I got a 93 supercharged NA with 101k miles and 0 rust. Best car I’ve ever driven. Definitely a car to keep for life !

    • @Firebert79TA
      @Firebert79TA Před 3 lety +14

      Make sure to pull your front fenders off some day to make sure they're not full of leaves in the pocket behind the wheel. I was surprised by how many mine had collected.

    • @drivendreamgarage523
      @drivendreamgarage523 Před 3 lety +1

      I’d really like to find a supercharger for my 91.

    • @MuneebGhori
      @MuneebGhori Před 3 lety

      i used to watch you years ago

    • @barryhill1044
      @barryhill1044 Před 3 lety

      The NC 2Ltr sport is quite fast enough on British roads Who wants to go faster than 130+ MPH. However A MX5 2Ltr could go all day long around a German Autobahn flat out and not be fazed by it..

    • @chacebusness6451
      @chacebusness6451 Před rokem

      How much did it cost around to add a supercharger to the car?

  • @dragonbrownies517
    @dragonbrownies517 Před 3 lety +110

    I'm glad I picked up my 1995 Miata last year for $2500. I've been watching the prices creep up exponentially.

    • @jg5001
      @jg5001 Před 3 lety +4

      Even my all stock NB is seeing its value appreciate. Once I get the car repainted in its signature Emerald Mica, probably be very valuable. And I don't intend to sell it anyway.

    • @TheBishop12
      @TheBishop12 Před 3 lety +2

      @@jg5001 yeah don’t! NA owners will sometimes take parts from the NB for repairs because they are basically for the most part the same car, cutting down the population/parts supply even more. You can’t really lose either way either gen.

    • @Stretches_R6
      @Stretches_R6 Před 2 lety

      Yeah I bought mine this year because when I first started driving I didn’t like it as much so I looked up best cars to drive and this was my favorite bought mine for 3k needed engine pulled and done but 0 rust 104k and it’s awesome

    • @bahrid0563
      @bahrid0563 Před 2 lety +3

      Ive been looking for a NA for so long but they seem to not even sell in canada

    • @brettcannon74
      @brettcannon74 Před rokem +1

      And I'm glad I bought my Volkswagen westfalia before it tripled in value 🤣 can't say that about a Miata

  • @TheMx5Channel
    @TheMx5Channel Před 3 lety +90

    Sold my NA 1990 mx5 all stock a few years ago with just over 56k miles on the clock, i now drive a NC but sometimes i wish i had the NA :)

    • @barryhill1044
      @barryhill1044 Před 3 lety

      NC much better car, 2Ltr sport low milage one’s are worth every penny. Especially one that has been garaged from new with low milage ... most reliable vehicle ever built, They have come a very long way since the NA NB But I fully understand the enthusiasm for the earlier cars. But is more a case of OTT Nostalgia most of the time

    • @TheMx5Channel
      @TheMx5Channel Před 3 lety

      @@barryhill1044 Thats true, i bought mine NC with 90k (kms) 55k miles orso. Unfortunately i don't own a garage and the dutchweater can be very wett. But i maintain it well and it gets more service then normal because i also race sometimes. I own it now for four years and i have driven 70k's km (45k miles) and only problem i have now is the battery draining because of covid i drive maybe 40 km's per month. But thats not the cars fault :)

    • @che7wins614
      @che7wins614 Před 3 lety +5

      Cant beat an NA, purists drivers car

    • @kevincherry6037
      @kevincherry6037 Před 2 lety

      I bet you regret that now

    • @TheMx5Channel
      @TheMx5Channel Před 2 lety

      @@kevincherry6037 Regret not really, but sometimes i would love to drive it again. But the NC with a few good mods drives alot better and faster. The chassis can handle more in my opinion. Also day to day it's alot nice to live with. My NA had no options stock engine no lsd ect. But there is still love for the NA

  • @alexlorenlee
    @alexlorenlee Před 3 lety +76

    This video makes me so proud to own my White '91 Miata. Thank you

    • @annemccullough5560
      @annemccullough5560 Před 3 lety

      It’s a Mazda mx5 there’s no such car as a miata not even in America it’s a made up name

    • @barryhill1044
      @barryhill1044 Před 3 lety +2

      It’s just an American nickname ... They are MX5s. But in America ( and on the internet ) you can actually buy a Miata badge for the boot / trunk lid. Don’t ask me why,

    • @joshn.5625
      @joshn.5625 Před 3 lety +1

      I have a 91 BRG. Love it.

    • @liarose9067
      @liarose9067 Před 3 lety

      SAMEE

    • @mr.m325
      @mr.m325 Před rokem +1

      @@annemccullough5560 Wrong....my 91 has a "Miata" badge on the back

  • @lordthicknipples-gt2oq
    @lordthicknipples-gt2oq Před 9 měsíci +7

    I bought my '92 Miata for $2000. It only had about 290,000 ish miles on the odometer and made it through a cross country road trip back home. It didn't make it much further though because I abused the hell out of it, I took it drifting on a dirt road in the mountains and it got rodknock so I headed back down the mountain because I'm not sure a tow truck could make it to where I was at the time. The engine completely exploded after I made it down the mountain and left chunks of the connecting rod in the road. RIP 1.6 engine, it had a good, long life. It's alright though because I swapped a 1.8 in it and the car still runs and drives to this day

  • @nadenolam8368
    @nadenolam8368 Před 3 lety +46

    Bought a 92 NA last December for $500, did water pump, struts and all maintenance. Runs great and blast to drive.

    • @Svabby
      @Svabby Před 10 měsíci +4

      500$ 😪, I wish I could get one for that price

    • @nipunaperera2387
      @nipunaperera2387 Před 8 měsíci +1

      This is a good deal! Congrats.

    • @mladyavery9138
      @mladyavery9138 Před 8 měsíci

      @@Svabby All the ones around me that are $2-$3k (my price range) don't even run 😭

  • @craiglatrell9066
    @craiglatrell9066 Před 2 lety +6

    This guy is the best online reviewer I’ve ever seen. Knowledgeable, concise, and passionate.

  • @converdis449
    @converdis449 Před 3 lety +8

    Great review and you nailed it when you said you drive it and then you want I drive it again. Have been fortunate enough to have owned 5 MX5’s, with a RF still in the garage that the wife drives daily .
    Great to drive, reliable, cheap to buy , drive and own. Would love a NA again ❤️

  • @GIZZMOTORSPORTS
    @GIZZMOTORSPORTS Před 3 lety +66

    Rust is the death of the majority of these. I wouldn't mind a tired racecar that was all original rust free metal, definitely take that car over low mileage and rusty.

    • @barryhill1044
      @barryhill1044 Před 3 lety +1

      Most are not rusty if they have been garaged and preserved from new My friend has the most immaculate MX5 NC 2Ltr sport.... I have ever seen, It would look right in a museum ... on a stand with floodlight on it. He is thinking of selling it

    • @GIZZMOTORSPORTS
      @GIZZMOTORSPORTS Před 3 lety +1

      @@barryhill1044 where the car is from is also a big factor. Even that well taken care of east coast daily driver will certainly have more rust than a southern California car.

    • @hamish_c7
      @hamish_c7 Před 2 lety +3

      Seems to be a mostly North American issue - in Australia where we don't salt our roads rusted out MX5s are very rare.

  • @homeslice1958
    @homeslice1958 Před 3 lety +3

    This video makes me so grateful that I got my completely stock, always-garaged, 92k mile, very clean 'A Package' 1990 Classic Red NA in February of this year for $4k.
    I always wanted a NC or even an ND, but now that I have an NA, I realize that I'm so fortunate to have started with the most popular color in the most popular year of Miata.
    There's something that's just so simple, honest, and fun about the NA, and I think I love it more with each passing day.
    Someday maybe I'll get a newer Miata as well, but I will never let go of My First Miata.

  • @Time782
    @Time782 Před 3 lety +8

    I had an '89 MX-5 as a 1990 model. I bought it during my last year of high school in 1993. It was my daily driver until 2004 when I got rid of it with nearly 700,000 kms on it. It saw all four corners of North America from British Columbia to the Florida Keys. I did oil changes and put gas in it and that was it. I've owned many different cars since then and nothing compares to my NA MX-5. I've since bought an NC and it is close to what the NA provided. I just can imagine paying more for an NC now than what I did nearly thirty years ago.

  • @IGrocker
    @IGrocker Před 3 lety +12

    This guy knows his NA Miatas! I miss my ‘94 all the time.

  • @enriquealvarez4702
    @enriquealvarez4702 Před 3 lety +2

    I picked up a 94 r-package dirt cheap years ago with low miles. Loved the car so much I don't care how much it goes up on value, I still drive it every day.

  • @fords4life914
    @fords4life914 Před 3 lety +6

    I've wanted a miata for a long time...I'm 19 and I've loved them since I was like 7😂

  • @Lawbooks2050
    @Lawbooks2050 Před 3 lety +18

    I own 5 cars, every single one of them output my Miata, yet, I daily drive my Miata Na because of the feel.

  • @allimikej
    @allimikej Před 3 lety +16

    Sold my NA a few years ago. Bought an ND RF. I will drive it until the wheels fall off. Best car I’ve ever owned. If you’re looking at a user NA consider a used ND first.

    • @christopherbazaka1564
      @christopherbazaka1564 Před 3 lety +11

      thats a small difference only $15-20,000 more

    • @allimikej
      @allimikej Před 3 lety

      True but well worth it. If you want the same performance via turbo / supercharger etc . You’d spend 8 to 10 k to get it right . Plus you have a warranty

    • @dysfunctionalcv7696
      @dysfunctionalcv7696 Před 2 lety

      Exactly how I ended up with my ND 👍

    • @lightweightiseverything5068
      @lightweightiseverything5068 Před rokem

      I do not agree. I bought a brand-new ND Club (with BBS/Brembos) after 7-years spent daily driving an NA. The ND was good, but not as good. Just bought a 12k mile “brand new” 1990 Miata. Now, I’m happy again. The NA might not crash test as well as an ND, but that is about the only thing an ND does better than an NA. It certainly does not handle better.

  • @gisellemartinez8413
    @gisellemartinez8413 Před 2 lety

    I been waiting a Miata, I always love the style of it. I been saving up for one. Seeing this video makes me more interested in it

  • @pete5534
    @pete5534 Před 2 lety

    Concise and well executed. Thank you.

  • @mx5miata891
    @mx5miata891 Před 3 lety +2

    I loved our 1990...we love Miatas...we can hardly wait to get our Miata car club on the road!

  • @Mad-Dog-Of-Shimano1
    @Mad-Dog-Of-Shimano1 Před 9 měsíci +1

    got my 92 almost a year ago, did some maintenance as soon as i got it and its been the best car ive ever owned so far. got it with 82k for 4500. was manual and LSD swapped.

  • @cafeapaka7501
    @cafeapaka7501 Před 2 měsíci

    Owned the original 1990 Miata - I bought it new for 12,500 - incredible deal - the best car I have ever owned. I had the optional hard top but mostly used the soft top - I remember people restoring older British Race cars during this time and I did not want to go down that path as the original MX-5 scratched that itch in a more economical way - now looking at the newer model Miata's I can't imagine being able to afford one as the prices have quadrupled.

  • @stevenjackson8226
    @stevenjackson8226 Před 3 lety +24

    It is a great car. One of the great cars perhaps ever. Yes, so many see it as a toy. Not the motorsports crowd. Those at the track or autocross. From day one it's been the sweetheart of this crowd. Heck, the SCCA has been called Club Miata. I'm an instructor at some of the northeast US racetracks. Pretty much to a person, us seasoned (uh, graying) instructors are happy to move pass the Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Corvettes, Mustangs, etc., to strap into into a Spec Miata. They aren't quick or fast, but corner complexes - where the skill and fun are - can be negotiated at a serious clip and with a poise, balance, finesse, and fun that's rarely matched this side of a full-on race car, like Formula Ford or Sports 2000. The Miata is an excellent car to hone a base of car control mastery. If you can drive a Miata skillfully, you can drive anything.

  • @jackiekanngiesser7315
    @jackiekanngiesser7315 Před 3 lety +1

    Excited to get my 1990 Miata MX-5

  • @juanesquivel9293
    @juanesquivel9293 Před 3 lety

    Sweet data you geting out there. Thnx

  • @speedcanada1
    @speedcanada1 Před 3 lety

    I had a white '92 for a few years in the late '90s which I used as a summer DD, road trips, solo2, and many track days. I sold it in '99 to buy a Porsche 944. It was the first in a series of Porsches, but I've always regretted selling the Miata. Despite owning an amazing 997.2S, in 2016 I started looking for a rust-free NA or NB to keep the Porsche company in the garage. After combing through 30-40 "perfect" cars all of which had either visible or hidden rust, in 2018 I finally found a nice '99 NB. I don't expect to ever sell either of these cars!

  • @pete5534
    @pete5534 Před 2 lety

    Well done.
    Great tips on buying a (potentially) great car.

  • @whatever3749
    @whatever3749 Před 3 lety +7

    Where I live it's mostly older guys that own them. They hide the car in their garage for 8 months of the year. I see lots during the summer months. Prices are slowly creeping up, even on the NC's.

    • @barryhill1044
      @barryhill1044 Před 3 lety +1

      Yes, A good NC 2Ltr sport is a good one to buy, especially if garaged from new by a enthusiast Worth every penny ...

  • @bevangarthfoot1346
    @bevangarthfoot1346 Před 3 lety +2

    Beautiful little convertible- great to drive

  • @Ankur3108
    @Ankur3108 Před 3 lety

    Always learn a lot from you Sam

  • @Shamil_Kamilski
    @Shamil_Kamilski Před rokem +1

    I want to keep my Miata my whole life, so yes, I agree with this guide

  • @heithwatkins
    @heithwatkins Před 3 lety +4

    Had a red one. 5 speed manual 1990. Bought it brand new.
    Still kick myself for ever selling it.

  • @kipp4805
    @kipp4805 Před 3 lety +2

    Stonks now my car gonna be worth more thanks hagerty!

  • @demingsun4685
    @demingsun4685 Před 2 lety

    Bought a 1989 NA 4 years ago for $1800, no rust at all. Best purchase

  • @Sir-Prizse
    @Sir-Prizse Před 3 lety +4

    I own a '99 Miata NB, is a very similar car, has the same chassis, same engine and just a different metal dress. The NB is even cheaper, a bit heavier, a tat slower, only has 110 hp (1.6) but I love it because it reminds me of what a baby between a Dodge Viper and a Jaguar E-Type would look like.
    Both the NA and NB are beautiful and uncomplicated roadsters that are incredible fun to drive.

    • @myon-
      @myon- Před rokem +1

      It's unfortunate that the non-American market NB Miatas didn't come standard with the 1.8 engine. With the 1.8 the NB Miata is technically superior to the NA in every way.

    • @Sir-Prizse
      @Sir-Prizse Před rokem +2

      @@myon- In Europe, the NB 1.8 and NC 2.0 are much rarer. Most people actually drive the 1.6, because the few 1.8s that were available are bought by enthusiasts and then crashed on the Nordschleife or have been extremely modified... or both.

  • @gordonriley5277
    @gordonriley5277 Před 2 lety

    great video, didn't know about the engine backstory...

  • @andrewrumayar3103
    @andrewrumayar3103 Před rokem +1

    "...it doesn't have a lot of grip..." 👌 very few people realise there's a difference between grip and handling. WRX, EVO et al... they have a lot of GRIP so can corner hard, but they don't HANDLE as well as a Miata.
    Just you made mention of the Familia GT-X, there is also the higher specced GT-R. I had an NA8 for almost 10years and currently own an NA6 LE (Neo Green) for over 5 years.

  • @Dragon228833
    @Dragon228833 Před 3 lety +1

    I have one but I’m still watching this

  • @stevenpatruno2639
    @stevenpatruno2639 Před rokem

    Love mine looks exactly the same ❤️

  • @pitergriffin01
    @pitergriffin01 Před 9 měsíci +1

    1st gen, mint condition, midrange power, aka my dream miata

  • @tylerprendiz2593
    @tylerprendiz2593 Před 3 lety +1

    The miata is a great car to start with if you want to learn about cars and mechanics. My first car and it’s boosted now lol

  • @LarryHopper
    @LarryHopper Před 3 lety

    Respect for a well done video.
    Is "short maintenance intervals and tend to take a lot of attention to keep running" a polite way to say "unreliable"?
    I have had my 1997 Miata for 17 years, still enjoy it, and never want to part with it.

  • @johnnychun9728
    @johnnychun9728 Před 3 lety

    I have my 1990 miata which I love so much, it had a lot of problems when I got it from some shady dealership. It was a POS but I repair all the rust and damage it had. Even turn it into a Kmiata, I want another one, just stock tho !.

  • @str8slayn1
    @str8slayn1 Před 3 lety +4

    The joys of the 1.6 Miata 😍

    • @barryhill1044
      @barryhill1044 Před 3 lety

      Even more joy can be had with that little bit more power with the 2 Ltr engine...

  • @solracer66
    @solracer66 Před 3 lety +1

    If the car has been raced one other place I would look are the front sway bar mounts, these can tear, especially if a bigger than normal sway bar was used. Now this is not a big deal, the mounts are inexpensive and Mazda Competition Parts even sells reenforced ones but it's one more thing to take a look at. That said my 1990 Miata was autocross for 4 years when it was new (I even won the very first SCCA Solo Nationals trophy ever won by a Miata) and the only part that I've had to replace as a result was the jack which after 250 tire changes started to show its age. I've had the car 31 years now, travelled just shy of 317,000 miles and as noted in the video it still drives tight despite still having its original suspension bushings. The car still looks great too, so nice in fact that a local Mazda dealer borrowed it for their 30th anniversary celebration!

  • @MohamedAli965
    @MohamedAli965 Před 3 lety

    Excellent presenter and video. well done

  • @swissgator6312
    @swissgator6312 Před 3 lety +1

    I've had my '90 A package for 27 years. Certainly not my daily driver (68k miles) but I make the most of the times I do drive it! Also have a '03 NB which is great, but not as great as the NA.

  • @gabrielulibarri9950
    @gabrielulibarri9950 Před 3 lety +1

    I need one of those!

  • @mehdimohamed6291
    @mehdimohamed6291 Před 3 lety +18

    Watching a buyers guide for a car I know I barely fit in.

  • @shingoose6197
    @shingoose6197 Před 3 lety

    Here's a fun car to do a Buyer's Guide on; 1983-1988 first generation Nissan Z31 300ZX (maybe the Turbos, 200ZR, 300ZR, etc). It, like the Miata, is coming up in price and there is a lot to look for before purchasing one. Dynamically, they're not amazing. But they're fun, inexpensive cruisers.

  • @TheGeordietheWitchandtheWench

    3 x Rx7's, R32 GTR... I now own a 92 BRG Miata. It's wonderful, LOVE IT, I won't be selling it :-)

  • @benbradshaw29
    @benbradshaw29 Před 3 lety +1

    I just picked up a '90 with a 12a rotary in it, almost rust free.

  • @Vahanalokam
    @Vahanalokam Před rokem

    Thankyou soo much

  • @user-vq6ym6qg4j
    @user-vq6ym6qg4j Před 2 lety +1

    Just got my first car, 100% stock 90 na with 135k miles. Glad I got it now lmao

  • @dannyharris5310
    @dannyharris5310 Před 3 lety

    Great video

  • @imcoegg7615
    @imcoegg7615 Před 2 lety

    my fav car until now

  • @jmsjms296
    @jmsjms296 Před 3 lety +1

    Drive it to believe it, all is said here. Similar market phenomenon as First Gen Mustang. Miatas will appreciate, hopefully not too soon (I dont want mine to be stolen). And take care of a good one and it will last LONG.

  • @enzos_corner
    @enzos_corner Před 3 lety

    An mx5 that clean, that is used on the road and that isn't a garage queen doesn't exist in the UK!!
    Lucky you guys, I had two NA (both sold because of very expensive rust problems)
    Absolutely amazing cars, but at least here the train is gone. For the money a rust free goes (a true rust free, as they rust from the inside out) you can nearly buy an early Mk4

  • @jkroemer2685
    @jkroemer2685 Před 3 lety

    I love my 93 NA ❤. I decided to not boost it and go down the rare parts rabbit hole. I just posted a walk around of it on my channel 😊

  • @gabrielulibarri9950
    @gabrielulibarri9950 Před 3 lety +2

    I'd love to see the 94-96 Impala SS

  • @nolahahnshouse3389
    @nolahahnshouse3389 Před 3 lety +1

    Trying to find a replacement engine for my 97 and yes it is one of the best cars ever made!

    • @whatarethat4876
      @whatarethat4876 Před 2 lety

      same lol i cant find any 1.8 replacements within my price range. they are so expensive now:/

  • @RetroGamerr1991
    @RetroGamerr1991 Před 3 lety +1

    The rear rockers are what go on these cars in areas with salt use during the winter. The salt gets trapped between the inner and outer rocker just above the pinch weld where water collects when it's draining from the top. Once it starts rusting, you're looking at at the very least $1500 in labor to replace the panels. Luckily replacement panels can be had relatively easily on Ebay for about $500 total. If the rust spreads above the door latches, there's pretty much no hope in saving the car without a serious investment. The sad truth is, if the Miata came from the Northeast and was driven AT ALL during the winter at any point of it's life, it's only a matter of time before mother nature starts blowing holes in it. Buy one from anywhere except the rust belt. Rain is fine with these things but you'll never wash that salt out of those rockers once it gets in there.

  • @Laz_Arus
    @Laz_Arus Před 3 lety

    I often wonder how the prices of Australian NA MX5's are faring. I bought one from the first boatload that landed in '89 and it's still in great condition with around 105K kilometers on the clock. I don't drive it much these days as I bought an ND as soon as they were available here and that's now my daily. My heart says keep the NA, but my head says sell it to a good friend who will enjoy it more often than me.

    • @derb_
      @derb_ Před 3 lety

      Bought my '97 two years ago with 94000km for $12k, I've put 7000km on it and its currently insured for $18k.

  • @MarkMeadows90
    @MarkMeadows90 Před 3 lety

    I like the company Monster Miata. V8 conversions for these small cars is like a modern day Cobra.

  • @questioner1596
    @questioner1596 Před 3 lety +4

    I was wondering why this guy who I don't remember seeing on video before looked so familiar. It's Sam Smith, whose face I would see in Road and Track!

  • @verdict1163
    @verdict1163 Před 3 lety +18

    Sam Smith is making some of the best car reviews out right now

  • @jmr1255
    @jmr1255 Před 3 lety

    I need a video on that orange Cougar in the background

  • @oOJakkeOo
    @oOJakkeOo Před 3 lety +3

    Here in Sweden the prices are mental. We bought our almost rust free NA last year with 140 000 miles on the clock for over $6000. The prices vary between $4500 for rusty ones to $10 000 for mint examples. They’re not very common over here.

    • @GhostKing6790
      @GhostKing6790 Před rokem

      same in the US

    • @skyscrapers22
      @skyscrapers22 Před 8 měsíci

      Being also from Europe, how does the gas mileage feel with gas prices being so high atm?

    • @oOJakkeOo
      @oOJakkeOo Před 8 měsíci

      @@skyscrapers22 It’s expensive. The Miata is a quite pleasant sports car at the pump though, it doesn’t consume too much. It needs high octane fuel though which is expensive.

  • @mountainman7782
    @mountainman7782 Před 3 lety +5

    I was always told the Miata was supposed to be fun like the old British sport cars, with the exception that the Miata actually worked.

  • @assessor1276
    @assessor1276 Před 3 lety +1

    Good review, but I have never heard of an NA with a blown differential - of any kind. The fact is that the Miata is one of the most durable cars around.
    I may be wrong about this - but I had read somewhere that the entire Miata driveline was lifted from the RX7 which was a much heavier and more powerful car - and that is why the driveline was so understressed.
    Mine had 325,000 km (more than 200,000 miles) and it is still going strong and the new owner is still having a ball with it.

    • @IGrocker
      @IGrocker Před 3 lety

      It’s just a thing with the viscous limited slip rear ends. Most racers avoid them because they’ll let loose for no reason. I’m sure there’s a technical reason, but spend enough time on the forums and you’ll see the topic come up

    • @RetroGamerr1991
      @RetroGamerr1991 Před 3 lety

      The VLSDs are known for it. We've had guys blow them up on mild cruises lol.

    • @rockyrocker23
      @rockyrocker23 Před 9 měsíci

      my diff failed normailish driving

  • @tarugo5613
    @tarugo5613 Před 3 lety

    dream car

  • @thewheel3167
    @thewheel3167 Před 2 lety

    I got a 93 Miata with 120k miles with a hardtop for 5700 USD, it had been restored by a car collector who collected miatas and volvos, removing all the rust and cleaning it out. Its the best purchase ive ever made, ive never owned anything thats made me this happy. I am modifying it and changing it to what makes me happy, but its so easy to work on and bolt on parts that its just a joy.

    • @thewheel3167
      @thewheel3167 Před 2 lety

      im not from the US but decided to convert everything to USA units

    • @asbodo32
      @asbodo32 Před 2 lety

      So does the age of the car real matter. I’m looking at a 90’ with 95k miles and it runs excellent and no rust pretty much but I worry that if it is 30 years old the engine could just go

    • @thewheel3167
      @thewheel3167 Před 2 lety

      @@asbodo32 the engines are actually famously bullet proof, there are Miatas with 500k miles on the clock, though its agreed that at around 200K miles the engine starts to have problems and is due for a rebuild. I would say as long as the maintenance has been kept up with (changing timing belts, fluids, and you have replaced the radiator as the plastic tends to crack at around 20 years old and is kind of a ticking time bomb after then) you should be fine. Enjoy your miata!

    • @asbodo32
      @asbodo32 Před 2 lety

      @@thewheel3167 thank you, that's good to know. I made a lower offer but if the guy changes his mind, who knows, I'll have one

  • @AB-C1
    @AB-C1 Před 3 lety +5

    Had a late 2004 MX-5 as it's known here in England, from brand new with 6speed manual and the bullet proof 1.6 (as the better engine than the 1.8) I had the car fully loaded from factory sports EVERYTHING moe-hair roof and and removable hard-top aswell chrome and sports peddals, I drove it year-round in England from Sun to Snow! For 2 and a half years straight around Wyndy roads and also down the motorway, did a weekend away once to visit friends 350 miles away averaged 110mph and felt like 210mph but ate the miles up and was comfortable as hell which shocked me! It was a great car I then made the mistake of part exchanging it for a Brand New E90 BMW in 2007 and only got £8,500 2 years old and only 22k on the clock! Would probably be worth that now! Trouble is the all rust out over here, I looked for it online as I wanted to somehow see if j could find it to re-buy from whoever owned it but the licence plate didn't even come up on the database so I'm guessing it either rusted away from someone not keeping it maintained and clean, or ended up wrapped around a tree or a track car? (I used to slide it out round corners but even I span it once 3 times around and around on the 3 lane motorway! Hit oil or diesel and how I managed to keep it on the road and not hit the central reservation or another car or lorry was a miracle pulled out all my top gear driving skills with that little escapade lol 😅🤦🏻🙏💪🤣😎
    Tbh I used to get ripped to shite from mates about hair dressers cat etc (until I took em for a spin in the little car and they couldn't believe the power to weigh ratio it was proper nippy against most cars and always felt twice as fast as it was) anyhow miss that car ever since I sold it, would love another one nearly bought one 3 years cheap(almost too cheap) needless to say it got snapped up and fell through as someone got in first.
    Great video mate and thanks for the nostalgia! Ps. My little brother also had one 2002 plate so we both had em he's 6ft 1 so his head stuck above the windscreen but he loved his aswell I think we both regret selling em..

    • @yeshwantdasari2075
      @yeshwantdasari2075 Před 3 lety +1

      Hey man, I too am actually looking for a fun project car and the NB MX-5 is the top of my list in my sub £3.5k budget. Now my doubt is, Why'd you think the the 1.6 is better cause isn't the 1.8 the better all-rounder and they had the LSD as standard while not so with the 1.6. and from what I've known the 1.8 is slightly more reliable and easier to find parts for?

  • @robertlaw2304
    @robertlaw2304 Před 3 lety

    I currently drive an ND and love it but would consider a NA or NB if I find the right one.

    • @RetroGamerr1991
      @RetroGamerr1991 Před 3 lety

      I wouldn't do it. The ND is superior in pretty much every way except steering feel which even then is marginally worse and only if you drive them back to back.

  • @garretrees7316
    @garretrees7316 Před 3 lety

    The Torsen limited-slip was in 1994 and up cars.

    • @RetroGamerr1991
      @RetroGamerr1991 Před 3 lety

      And pretty rare outside of M-Editions and R-Package cars

  • @leannymart
    @leannymart Před 2 lety

    My lil brother purchased a 1990 Red Miata for $4500. The power steering, brakes and rpm have issues. As a big sister, I want to help, but wouldn't know how to proceed now that he purchased it. Any advice? :)

  • @TheSweettooth95
    @TheSweettooth95 Před 3 lety

    Get one and do a exomotive exocet kit!

  • @gplipp6489
    @gplipp6489 Před 3 lety +4

    The Cougar. When is the show on the Cougar??!!

    • @davidkelley751
      @davidkelley751 Před 3 lety

      That’s what I want to know. That 67-68 cougar looks great. I know they’ve done videos on cougars before, but I don’t think they have shown that orange cougar. My dad has a 69 eliminator and I love anything of classic cougars.

  • @JoshuaTootell
    @JoshuaTootell Před 3 lety

    I would love one. But the ones I have noticed are beat to hell. Might as well get an ND2. But...I kinda need something practical as my first car...

  • @frankblack8265
    @frankblack8265 Před 2 lety

    I WANT ONE!

  • @danielgrozdanov8905
    @danielgrozdanov8905 Před 10 měsíci

    Bought mx5 NB FL impulse edition (limited to 1500) for 5000€(around 6000$) great condition, air conditioning, heated leather brown seats. What do you think guys?

  • @randomtoyotadude8952
    @randomtoyotadude8952 Před 2 lety

    Would love to see i video about mk1 mr2…

  • @_Blinxzy
    @_Blinxzy Před rokem

    I need a Miata in my life

  • @PetrTurena
    @PetrTurena Před 3 lety

    This car really deserves better rubber than Barum Bravuris 2 :)

  • @dominator-tc8ik
    @dominator-tc8ik Před 3 lety +1

    I know I'll get flak for saying it, but I just cleaned the snow off my red 91. Almost 80k mi., third owner. Once I get the top replaced/repaired, I'll get a cover for it until I can afford a garage.

    • @JoshuaTootell
      @JoshuaTootell Před 3 lety +1

      You don't have to have a garage to be an enthusiast.

    • @dominator-tc8ik
      @dominator-tc8ik Před 3 lety

      @@JoshuaTootell Well it was more along the lines of leaving it out in the weather. Previous owners garaged it and kept it super clean, I'm just feeling guilty 😅

    • @RetroGamerr1991
      @RetroGamerr1991 Před 3 lety

      @@dominator-tc8ik Weather doesn't hurt these things at all. Only road salt. Just keep it out of that and you'll never have a problem.

  • @Detail_Papi
    @Detail_Papi Před 3 lety +1

    And that brings us to the final poi....

  • @10ampsloblo21
    @10ampsloblo21 Před 3 lety

    looks just like my 91 has 35k on it now bought it from 2nd owner with 22k in 2015 paid 7000.00 mostly sits in the garage

  • @arnoldosu1
    @arnoldosu1 Před 2 lety

    Loved my ‘96, but my ‘05 mazdaspeed is better in every way. NAs are going up in value because they are hitting classic status, but NBs are going up in value because people are catching on to the improvements over the NA. NA is the prototype, while the NB is the finished product.

  • @admincerit
    @admincerit Před 3 lety +2

    Miata is always the answer

  • @kCI251
    @kCI251 Před 2 lety

    The Miata is one of the easiest cars to enhance to make handling even better and performance thrilling.

  • @FirstnameLastname-ni9uh

    Yep prices for these are so much more then they where 6-7 years ago.....

  • @carrosdiecast3650
    @carrosdiecast3650 Před 3 lety +3

    I need and want a miata they look like a fun car to drive 🔥

    • @sol__sessions1918
      @sol__sessions1918 Před 3 lety

      One of the most underrated Japanese sports cars of its time. Once you drive one few cars will deliver such driver connection to the road.

    • @carrosdiecast3650
      @carrosdiecast3650 Před 3 lety +1

      @@sol__sessions1918 i agree and if im not mistaken they hold their value

    • @manuelaparisi3996
      @manuelaparisi3996 Před 3 lety +1

      Be sure of it. Any version you choose.
      I never thought of finding so much satisfaction in driving a car. Pure enjoyment.

    • @sol__sessions1918
      @sol__sessions1918 Před 3 lety

      @@carrosdiecast3650 I can see these cars going up in value in the next 5years. As the first gens become more scarce

    • @carrosdiecast3650
      @carrosdiecast3650 Před 3 lety +1

      @@manuelaparisi3996 now i really need to consider getting me one! Thanks for the feedback

  • @picotincriollo2368
    @picotincriollo2368 Před 2 lety

    That's why MIATA is always the answer ;)

  • @tristan8243
    @tristan8243 Před 3 lety +2

    Dude rip to those frame rails! Only 10k miles?

  • @mrwbean
    @mrwbean Před 3 lety +1

    I got mine for $2000 cad in 2012 .... How come it never dropped in your graph?

    • @RetroGamerr1991
      @RetroGamerr1991 Před 3 lety

      He was talking about pristine examples. You can still pick a good runner with 100k+ miles on it for just north of $4k

  • @sol__sessions1918
    @sol__sessions1918 Před 3 lety +12

    First view loved these cars, had two in my family.
    One of the most underrated Japanese sports cars of its time. Once you drive one few cars will deliver such driver connection to the road.

    • @orbion2
      @orbion2 Před 3 lety +1

      How is it underrated?

    • @sol__sessions1918
      @sol__sessions1918 Před 3 lety +1

      @@orbion2 everyone always relates cars to overall hp and the hardest part of getting the car was to ignore all those comments.
      Once in the driver's seat you forget very quickly about all those comments and stigmas of ownership.

    • @orbion2
      @orbion2 Před 3 lety +1

      @@sol__sessions1918 Oh okay I get that. I own a 1991 Na6, but I don't think it's underrated - (generally speaking). Some might even say they're a bit overrated. People literally say it's the answer to everything.

    • @sol__sessions1918
      @sol__sessions1918 Před 3 lety

      @@orbion2 i totally get you g, yess your comment is 100% valid. I guess there's two sides to that spectrum

  • @orbion2
    @orbion2 Před 3 lety +2

    Paid €7.000 for my ´91 and it was worth every €

  • @randomtoyotadude8952
    @randomtoyotadude8952 Před 2 lety

    Why not make a video about mk1 mr 2.. very simular miata

  • @howardwhite9773
    @howardwhite9773 Před 3 lety

    At the point I was looking for a "fun appliance car" (contradiction in terms, I know), the fuel economy of a 1.8L Miata was 20% less than the 2.0L Focus I ended up with. Is a drop top more fun? ~!@# yes! I still have, and will keep, the Focus. The only way I would consider a Miata is one with more than 4 cylinders (which defies the hell out of economy).

    • @rjherche
      @rjherche Před 3 lety

      The current 2019 and later is pretty quick for what it is.

    • @solracer66
      @solracer66 Před 3 lety

      The 1.6 gets much better milage than the pre-2001 1.8, 32 vs 25 mpg in my experience. The 2001 and later 1.8s will hit the high 20's but I would still choose the 1.6.

    • @howardwhite9773
      @howardwhite9773 Před 3 lety

      Here's my point - my 1992 Mustang 5.0 got 25-27 mpg (mixed). My 1998 BMW318ti got 30-32 (mixed) with a 1.9L. My Focus routinely gives me 35-38 (mixed in summer) with 2.0L. I realize there are physics involved but the 1.6L has got to do better than that. TNX for the feedback.

    • @solracer66
      @solracer66 Před 3 lety

      ​@@howardwhite9773 The Focus is a fine car but the top doesn't go down and handling-wise it's not in the same league except the later Focus ST and RS. FYI my current daily is a Fiesta ST but I save weekends for the Miata.

    • @howardwhite9773
      @howardwhite9773 Před 3 lety

      agreed. My initial post is full of contradictions. BTW, I have a 1970 MGB garage queen, without engine, that I am trying NOT to install a Japanese motor - just 'cuz!

  • @N8Catona
    @N8Catona Před 3 lety

    Do one for a mk3 supra?

    • @annemccullough5560
      @annemccullough5560 Před 3 lety

      It’s not a miata even in America it’s called the mx5 I don’t no my they call it the name

  • @unkulwilly
    @unkulwilly Před 3 lety +3

    that thing is mint. where on earth did you guys find one that wasn't ragged or raced out?!

    • @SpartanDara
      @SpartanDara Před 3 lety +1

      Just keep looking, they definitely made enough of these cars. Hell, I found a nice one in minnesota that didn’t even have the rails improperly used to jack the car up (check how caved in they are in this car, happens a lot unfortunately)
      I’ve heard that some of the nicer cars can be found in the colder/northern states because they’re kept in storage for half the year and only driven during winter. Low miles, always garages/covered, etc

    • @speedcanada1
      @speedcanada1 Před 3 lety

      @@SpartanDara I agree that this was the case with the original owners in northern climes, and even second owners. The problem I found when looking in 2016-2018 was that when these cars bottomed out in price about 10 years ago, they were often bought by young people as an only car and winter driven; those cars are now rust buckets. I found the quality of cars on the market in Ontario and Quebec to be very different from just a few years ago.

    • @SpartanDara
      @SpartanDara Před 3 lety

      @@speedcanada1 Yeah, i’m the third owner of mine, 87k miles atm and it’s never been winter driven either. I found it after a few months of looking, a little under 2 years ago. Good luck if you’re looking for one!