what are the best years to buy a used miata
Which Miata Should You Purchase? MX-5 Generations NA vs. NB vs. NC
It's pretty much common knowledge among auto enthusiasts that if yous actually become a kick out of driving, it doesn't get much better than wheeling a Mazda Miata down a route that on a map resembles dropped spaghetti.
In fact, when you gene in its great reliability as well as its low acquisition and running costs, Mazda'due south sporty roadster is a stiff candidate for "Bang for the Buck" champion of all time.
Simply fifty-fifty after you lot've decided y'all want to join Miata Nation, you lot've all the same got a tough choice to brand. The model has been on the market for almost thirty years now, and for less than ten thou, you tin can pick upward great examples from any of its first three generations (which Mazda engineers have dubbed, respectively, "NA," "NB," and "NC").
With pristine early examples, rare MazdaSpeed specimens, and even late-model retractable hardtops all inside relatively piece of cake achieve, the hardest role of buying a used MX-5 may exist figuring out exactly which 1 to pursue.
Not to worry. We've identified the pros and cons of each generation to make it piece of cake to find the Miata that's perfect just for yous.
NA Miata (1990-1997)
This first version of Mazda's well-sorted and pop roadster is the virtually basic in the best of ways. Weighing in at just virtually 2,200 pounds, the "NA" is the lightest of these first three generations, while its diminutive dimensions, sharp steering, athletic handling, and super slick-shifting 5-speed stick contribute greatly to its eager-to-please personality.
In earliest versions of the NA, a ane.6-liter DOHC inline 4 makes just 116 horsepower only delivers it in a smoothen and spirited way. A five-speed manual is standard, with a iv-speed automatic optional (and far less desirable). With so little mass to propel, performance is peppy enough. Notwithstanding, an early Miata is definitely more about etching upwards curvy roads than ripping abroad from stoplights.
Some contend that the NA is the purest expression of Miata. It's possible to find one with hand-cranked windows, non-assisted steering, and non-ABS brakes. That said, ability steering and windows are also available in the NA, as are alloy wheels and air workout.
A number of special versions throughout the NA run are worth noting, such equally the 1993 Limited Edition with its blackness exterior and reddish leather interior, besides equally diverse "M" editions that followed with similarly thematic colour schemes and fancier interiors. There'due south too a runway-focused R bundle, featuring a stiffer intermission with Bilstein shocks also as a Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD).
But the nearly significant changes for the NA take place with the 1994 model year, when it was given a slightly larger and more powerful 1.viii-liter, 128 hp engine, plus a stiffened structure, a stouter rear differential, and the option of the Torsen LSD for not-R packaged trims (replacing a viscous LSD that was previously bachelor).
Though Miata purists tend to covet all-original first-year NA examples, nosotros'd recommend that more practical-minded NA enthusiasts focus their searches on the final four years of the run (1994-1997) to accept advantage of these subsequently improvements.
NB Miata (1999-2005)
The 2nd-generation MX-5, or "NB," debuted for 1999 (skipping the 1998 model year), with a redesigned and more curvaceous body, somewhat like a ¾ calibration Jaguar XKE. Inside, the nuance and seats are more substantial, and overall materials quality is better than before. Although the dimensions remain virtually identical to the NA, this Miata gains about 200 pounds. But it also gains some musculus, with about a 10% bump in the ane.8-liter engine's output (to around 140 hp), providing stronger functioning. Every bit before, a five-speed manual is the preferable and standard gearbox, with a iv-speed slushbox nonetheless available as an selection.
At present boasting swifter dispatch — effectually eight seconds flat to 60 mph versus around 9 seconds previously — the 2nd-gen Miata retains the model's renown, light-on-its-tires nature. Other perks include a drinking glass rear window (versus the one-time's scratch- and fade-decumbent plastic), slightly more trunk capacity, and, thanks to a more rigid construction, greater composure over rough pavement.
The tradition of special editions continues with the NB. Highlights include the 1999 Ceremony edition, which marks the debut of a six-speed manual, and, for the 2000 model year, the SE, which features lovely night red pigment complimented past tan leather inside — a terrific combo that makes it, to our optics, one of the sharpest MX-5s ever to ringlet off the associates line.
Simply the star of the NB'south 7-year run is surely the MazdaSpeed variant, which packs a turbocharged version of the one.8 manufacturing plant under the hood, offering 178 peak horsepower along with a fatter powerband. It's enough thrust to launch this Miata to 60 mph in virtually 6.vii seconds, over a second quicker than its naturally aspirated brethren. Handling is likewise sharpened upward via larger 17-inch wheels with lower-profile tires and a lowered, firmer suspension.
The relative rarity of the MazdaSpeed, which was offered (in the US) only for the 2004 and 2005 model years, ways that it tends to control a premium, with outstanding examples fetching as much as depression- to mid- teens. And so if that extra power isn't of import to you, the good news is that whatever of the other NB variants is likely to provide abundant fun for about half the price.
NC Miata (2006-2015)
With the third-generation ("NC"), some experience that the Miata's styling took a step backwards, trading the NB'south attracting curves for a body that resembles a super-sized Tic Tac in profile, with headlights and the grille opening assuming the same bland shape. Oddly exaggerated bicycle arches seemingly serve to counteract the otherwise sleepy styling. All that said, information technology's all the same basically bonny and in certain color combinations (dark cherry-red on tan, for instance) borders on handsome.
In the "pros" column, the NC is withal light in weight (under 2,500 pounds) and definitely yet a hoot to drive. Across the whole lineup, it offers fairly strong operation. A MazdaSpeed version wasn't offered, but it wasn't a crying shame, as the NC boasts a two.0-liter engine that, without the do good of forced induction, cranks out 170 hp.
At around 7.v seconds, an early NC'due south sprint to 60 is quicker than all previous Miatas, save the NB MazdaSpeed. The NC besides has more cog-swapping options, including five- and six-speed transmission transmissions (depending on trim level), too equally a new half-dozen-speed automatic.
For this generation, trim levels range from the no-frills Club Spec and SV to the leather-lined Thou Touring with its heated seats and Bose audio arrangement. More than serious enthusiasts should consider an NC with the "Suspension" packet, which equips the car with Bilstein shocks, firmer suspension calibrations, and a limited-slip differential. For 2007, a ability retractable hardtop ("PRHT") version debuted, providing the added comfort and security of a airtight coupe with but a 70-pound increase in the auto's weight.
A 2009 mid-bicycle refresh perked up the NC's looks with notably more ambitious front-end styling, while engine upgrades (new pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft) brought more responsive operation. Though bodily output was essentially unchanged, the engine's improvements translate into an even more eager personality — an impression that's backed up by a heartier engine notation and a quicker (6.9-second) dart to 60 mph. The suspension also received tweaks that year for sharper response and less understeer at the limit.
While whatever NC is a nail to drive, these improvements make 2009 and afterward examples worth seeking out.
The Best Miata for You
It'south difficult to go wrong with whatsoever Miata, as long equally y'all option up a well-loved example. All provide a spirited, able-bodied, and communicative drive. Every bit far as which is the right Miata for you, that naturally depends on where your priorities lie.
The NA however has very strong entreatment despite the improvements made in successive generations. For some, it's due to nostalgia ("I bought one new back in '95 and always regretted selling it"). For others, information technology's the "cool factor" of being the first iteration of a now-iconic sports motorcar. Although most whatsoever Miata would make a fine runway-solar day pick, if you go the NA route, nosotros strongly suggest going with a 1994 and newer as the changes implemented that year (outlined above) make for a more than capable and bullet-proof racer.
The centre child of these three, the NB, strikes a terrific balance betwixt operation and value. Indeed, despite its sharper responses, higher-quality interior, and glass rear window, a nice NB typically costs little (if whatsoever) more than an NA of equivalent condition and mileage. Available all the way to the 2005 model year, an NB case is likewise less probable to be suffering from age-related problems, similar aging rubber bits or faded and brittle plastic. Still it nevertheless retains the simple, honest feel of the original car.
And if yous like to have your cake and eat information technology, too, the NC, especially in loaded-upwardly One thousand Touring trim, is a great selection. You get maximum Miata condolement and safe (heated seats, available retractable hardtop, stability control) without any penalty in the fun department. If you plan to use your new Miata as a daily driver rather than just a weekend fun car, the NC'southward extra creature comforts — especially, for folks facing inclement conditions, the PRHT — make information technology the obvious pick.
Whichever Miata you choose, yous can rest assured that you're ownership one of the best roadsters always made. Anyone who loves driving should own one, at least once.
Photos courtesy of Mazda and Creative Commons
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Source: https://www.klipnik.com/best-used-cars/which-miata-should-you-buy-mx-5-generations-na-vs-nb-vs-nc/
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