The first-generation Miata has a big following because it’s the only one with pop-up headlights. Finding one in decent shape, like today’s Nice Price or No Dice ’91, is getting increasingly rarer. Let’s see if this one’s price pops with us.
Here’s an interesting tidbit: Toyota lists ten models under the “Crossovers & SUVs” listing for the U.S. market on its website. Out of those, all are offered as either a standard or optional Hybrid EV. All that is, except for the current 4Runner. That’s probably because the 4Runner is older than dirt and will be redesigned before you know it. The 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5 we looked at yesterday is even older than that and, hence, a whole lot simpler. It even offered a five-speed manual. At $8,500, that simplicity wasn’t enough to overcome a substantial 280K of use, earning the 4Runner a foregone conclusion of a 65 percent No Dice loss.
So, if a high mileage but otherwise somewhat appealing 4Runner wasn’t your cup of tea at $8,500, let’s see how a similarly-presented and priced 1991 Mazda MX5 Miata fairs.
Save for the Moss Miata steering wheel (presently on sale for $279), Panasport wheels, and what looks to be aftermarket upholstery on the seats, this Mariner Blue Miata is presented as all original. The seller even boasts that its lack of A/C and power steering “from FACTORY” makes it “the most pure driving experience you can get in a Miata.” It’s claimed to have had one owner from new until this year, at which point it was sold to the seller. Over the course of that three decades of existence, it has amassed an impressive—or alarming, however the case may be—229,000 miles of travel.
Based on the pictures, you wouldn’t know that by looking at it. The paint still pops, and the top, trim, and minimal brightwork all seem in great shape. In fact, the only apparent signs of the car’s age are a faded MAZDA badge amid some peppering on the nose and some curb rash on the wheels.
It also lacks any egregious aftermarket tomfoolery besides the steering wheel and wood dash applique, which do lend the cabin a bit of overdone-ness. The seat covers are less of an issue, although in a convertible, vinyl might not have been the best choice over the original cloth as it probably gets thigh-scorchingly hot in the summer.
According to the seller, the car is in top-notch shape mechanically, with no noises or weird issues. That’s good, as the ad does not mention the car’s maintenance record or whether anything has ever been replaced due to age or wear.
The seller does note that it has passed its smog test, so that’s a good sign. It comes with a clean title and the added bonus of a tonneau cover, the latter being something you don’t often see on a Miata. Taken all together, could this MX5 be worth that $8,500 the seller asks for its sale?
What’s your take on this universal answer to life’s problems and that price tag? Does that seem fair for an NA edition of the all-time best little sports car there ever was? Or does that price mean the answer is “none of the above?”
You decide!
Los Angeles, California, Craigslist, or go here if the ad disappears.
H/T to Don R. for the hookup!
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