The Ultimate Miata Buyers Guide

Looking to buy a Miata? Let this guide help you choose the right car and learn how much you should spend on a used NA Miata.

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[AlexPerrucci]

Updated guide for the recent price increase!

[johnsonbecomer]

I’m here from 2021 where 4300 dollars for that is an absolute steal.

[Ben-Rogue]

A few tips for those looking to buy and maintain a **rust free** NA:
1. If the antenna doesn't go up or down properly, it could mean the internals of the mechanism have rusted out or the drain tube has clogged up and it's likely leaking rain water into the trunk near the battery. Pull the battery and investigate for rust in this area, be prepared, it could be ugly if it's been neglected too long.

2. If you hear sloshing from your door sills after rain, get a piece of thick wire, find the drain holes beside the jack points on the rocker, stick the wire in and giggle and thrust. This should clear out any clogs and drain any water, and will help prevent sill rust

3. Be sure to clean out your door seals and around the rear of your soft top when folded down. Clear out the moss and grime build up in these areas often to prevent water from sitting or getting where it shouldn't be and causing rust or rot.


4. If your windows are struggling to go up or down, your runners could be rusted. The A-pillar side runner is quite prone to rust as rain drains down it from the triangular 'quarter' window. Remove the door card and rain seal to check your runners. If you can't salvage them or a simple lube doesn't help, sourcing a replacement shouldn't be too difficult. Be sure to tighten and lube the bushings on the glass too, as they can work loose

[Cobra_]

6:40 I've learned that some people put auto in the description but in the photos you can clearly see it's a manual so don't rule cars out if it says auto in the description

[realweston]

I’ve owned Miatas for nearly a decade now, so I’m familiar with most of these problems and details. But let me say this video was still very well constructed and a pleasure to watch.

[andrewj]

Pro tip, if you have a trunk release, it can be disabled by turning the lock on the trunk counter clockwise, then it can only be opened by the key again.

[catsaur]

I just got into cars and this was very helpful. I think I’d better start saving for one lol.

[noodledragons]

I’ve always wanted one as a kid, the pop up headlights is what made me fall in love with this little car. Thank you so much for this information

[ThisMarv]

4200$ = outrageous price
me, laughing in europe where miatas are sometimes going for 10k or more $ 😂


Oh, and we also got a 90HP 1.6 from 1995–1998 😪

[javibu]

1 year later and the "overpricred" miatas are a good deal right now:((

[graysoncasey]

Watching this is 2024. You almost can’t get a running miata for 4300 😂

[mtsixspeed]

Varies greatly with region. The same quality examples in the northeast are $4000 to $6000. If you want to pay less, you're taking one with a ton of rust.

[garyleecraig]

Hey man. For someone who’s looking to get a first Miata. This is a hella good review and you did a damn good job at the review and knowledge that you have. Awesome job man!!!!

[CristhianFlo]

A good way to tell between the 1.8 and 1.6 is the CAS on the back of the engine. On a 1.8 it’s gonna be on the drivers side and on the 1.6 it’s on the passenger side!

[josephalfonso]

The "1.8 NA" shown @ 4:46 actually has an NB dash and center console swap. So don't expect to see that dash when you go to buy a 1.8 NA. Great vid tho!

[carlovillegas]

I bought a 1.6 four years ago, not knowing anything about cars. Basically my first project. I was so upset after like 2 years of learning and building that it’s a 1.6. But the 1.6 can surprisingly handle up to 300hp (on the safe side) and with forged internals, boring the motor to a 1.78 liter, it can handle up to 500hp and 50psi of boost no problem. Around 280hp with 10psi of boost already makes the car feel fast and fun to drive cause it’s a small car. Great project to start with. Only if there was more aftermarket support. I custom made so many things. Keep in mind that the diff is weak so change it out to an rx7 diff or do a custom swap

[xaviermora]

Its incredible to see how cheap are Miatas / any used car, on USA, The cheapest one that I can find on my country when converted to dollars is $5500, Gotta save A LOT for 8 months to afford that. Wish me luck

I'm literally trying to buy a 1.8 NA Miata right

[MexiChriS]

Missing mine some more now. That 1.6 was nice and pushed to its limits when I had it.

[thecoolshowktrkrm]

got a 91 5 years ago and she's only at 176k. everything is true, they are so affordable and reliable!