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Mazda MX-5 Miata (1990-1998) for Sale

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About Mazda MX-5 Miata (1990-1998)
4.7 Overall rating(313 reviews)
Anonymous says...
Jul 27, 2024
The car is a fun car to drive. Definitely a weekend toy! Low maintenance. Great on gas and handles very well. A little more HP would have been appreciated. However, its still a great car!
Dan W says...
Sep 2, 2008
Although some minivan's could blow my doors off at a traffic light, this wasn't built for straight-line performance - it weighs in at a startling 2200lbs, has a super low CG, double wishbone suspension front and rear, and is rear wheel drive, making it scream through corners as if there were no corners to sweat. Effortless. I found out that I can push this car into corners about 15-20mph faster than I initially thought I could, which is always at LEAST twice the "curve speed limit". A lot of people still tote this to be a girl's car, but I've found that people that say that often tend to look at it differently after taking a tour around it, hearing it, seeing it move. I don't hear many jokes from them after a while - instead, I get asked for a ride or even to borrow the keys! The top is manual, requires only two latches to be unfastened, and can be folded back with one hand from the driver's seat. The engine loves to rev, and winds to a sweet sounding 7200rpm quickly. Gas mileage is generally in the low to high 20's, depending on how often your foot is in the pedal. xD These cars are very simply built; very minimalistic - but very solid. Repairs are limited to those that just tend to be needed after a while on any car - tires, timing belt, tune-up stuff. I've been very pleased with the reliability. All in all, this is one of those cars that if I HAD to sell it, I'd be impatiently waiting for another chance to own one down the road.
Serge K says...
Sep 30, 2011
Performance - out of the box these cars are ready for a great deal of street fun. Older Miatas are plagued with heavier add ons like Power Steering, Air Bag, and Air Conditions. Most of the accessories serve a good purpose and you can still improve handling by getting a coil over kit and sway bars that will make it an instantaneous fun track car. NA engine is weak for muscle car enthusiasts but plenty powerful for sharp cornering. Brakes are great, racing pads and SS lines make them even better. Build Quality - It's a Japanese car, however because Miatas were supposed to be the affordable British roadster, things like the mirrors hood and exhaust shield vibrating are very common. Appearance - Styled to mimic the old Lotus Elan, the Miata looks awesome in every color. Plus the huge market of aftermarket parts makes it very easy to customize and any Miata's appearance. Cost of Ownership - With mid grade gas and averaging 28 mpg, the car is surprisingly economical for something people take to the track. Parts are available, there are a few common mechanical issues that pop up at different mileages but overall, if you keep a Miata properly maintained, it should outlast a lot of newer cars with more ECU guided systems. Fun Factor - It has it.
Kara B says...
Aug 20, 2008
I absolutely LOVE this car. I love it so much that I have two of them (the other is my husband's 1990.) She handles well, runs like a dream, and has needed little to no maintenance. I average about 28-29 MPG in the city and 30-32 MPG on the hwy. It's a very fun car to drive! The only downside is that it's SO low to the ground sometimes it takes some effort to get out of the car. :)
John R says...
Oct 26, 2010
I enjoy the car, mechanically it hasn't given me hardly any trouble and I've taken it on a 2000 mile road trip. It gets good gas mileage and the power isn't terrible, but isn't anything to brag about either. I would like to upgrade the suspension and replace the top, as they are both getting a little worn after being used for close to 14 years. Altogether though a great little car, corners great and would be an amazing driving experience with some serious money put into the engine (perhaps a supercharger or v8 swap?).

 

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4.7 Overall rating

(313 reviews)

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Anonymous

5.0

Reviewed a 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata on Jul 27, 2024

The car is a fun car to drive. Definitely a weekend toy! Low maintenance. Great on gas and handles very well. A little more HP would have been appreciated. However, its still a great car!

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Dan W

5.0

Reviewed a 1990 Mazda Roadster on Sep 2, 2008

Although some minivan's could blow my doors off at a traffic light, this wasn't built for straight-line performance - it weighs in at a startling 2200lbs, has a super low CG, double wishbone suspension front and rear, and is rear wheel drive, making it scream through corners as if there were no corners to sweat. Effortless. I found out that I can push this car into corners about 15-20mph faster than I initially thought I could, which is always at LEAST twice the "curve speed limit". A lot of people still tote this to be a girl's car, but I've found that people that say that often tend to look at it differently after taking a tour around it, hearing it, seeing it move. I don't hear many jokes from them after a while - instead, I get asked for a ride or even to borrow the keys! The top is manual, requires only two latches to be unfastened, and can be folded back with one hand from the driver's seat. The engine loves to rev, and winds to a sweet sounding 7200rpm quickly. Gas mileage is generally in the low to high 20's, depending on how often your foot is in the pedal. xD These cars are very simply built; very minimalistic - but very solid. Repairs are limited to those that just tend to be needed after a while on any car - tires, timing belt, tune-up stuff. I've been very pleased with the reliability. All in all, this is one of those cars that if I HAD to sell it, I'd be impatiently waiting for another chance to own one down the road.

Is this review helpful?
Serge K

1.0

Reviewed a 1997 Mazda M-Edition on Sep 30, 2011

Performance - out of the box these cars are ready for a great deal of street fun. Older Miatas are plagued with heavier add ons like Power Steering, Air Bag, and Air Conditions. Most of the accessories serve a good purpose and you can still improve handling by getting a coil over kit and sway bars that will make it an instantaneous fun track car. NA engine is weak for muscle car enthusiasts but plenty powerful for sharp cornering. Brakes are great, racing pads and SS lines make them even better. Build Quality - It's a Japanese car, however because Miatas were supposed to be the affordable British roadster, things like the mirrors hood and exhaust shield vibrating are very common. Appearance - Styled to mimic the old Lotus Elan, the Miata looks awesome in every color. Plus the huge market of aftermarket parts makes it very easy to customize and any Miata's appearance. Cost of Ownership - With mid grade gas and averaging 28 mpg, the car is surprisingly economical for something people take to the track. Parts are available, there are a few common mechanical issues that pop up at different mileages but overall, if you keep a Miata properly maintained, it should outlast a lot of newer cars with more ECU guided systems. Fun Factor - It has it.

Is this review helpful?
Kara B

5.0

Reviewed a 1996 Mazda M-Edition on Aug 20, 2008

I absolutely LOVE this car. I love it so much that I have two of them (the other is my husband's 1990.) She handles well, runs like a dream, and has needed little to no maintenance. I average about 28-29 MPG in the city and 30-32 MPG on the hwy. It's a very fun car to drive! The only downside is that it's SO low to the ground sometimes it takes some effort to get out of the car. :)

Is this review helpful?

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