In the realm of automotive enthusiasm, few cars command universal respect like the Mazda Miata. My journey with these cars began in 2018 when I acquired my first Miata for a mere $1,000, a figure reminiscent of the pre-pandemic era when the joy of car ownership was delightfully accessible to the budget-conscious enthusiast.
The 1999 NB Miata, naturally aspirated and bursting with potential, was my initiation into what I would describe as a playful driving experience. Learning its dynamics across varying conditions in snow, rain, and dry asphalt was not just educational but exhilarating. Despite a rather ambitious experiment with an eBay turbo kit that prematurely ended its tenure, the car left a mark on my automotive soul.
Transitioning to a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata, I encountered a vehicle that, despite its ‘Swiss-cheese-like’ frame, offered a new canvas for creativity. Modifications like eBay fenders, a Paco 3″ Lift Kit, and JDM Bilstein struts imported directly from Japan transformed it into a pothole-conquering, oversized-wheel-wearing spectacle that generated smiles and laughs in equal measure. This venture into the realms of both NA and NB chassis stretched my palate, driving me to collect most every color variant of this delightful machine. I have enjoyed naturally aspirated, turbo, and supercharged variants, (all the 1.8L Engine).
But the Miata’s significance extends beyond personal story. In the broader automotive world, it represents accessible performance in an ecosystem increasingly dominated by technology filled, expensive alternatives. Its appeal highlights a desire for simpler, more engaging driving experience.
The allure of the Miata, in my experience, lies not just in its affordability nor ease of modification (both qualities well-documented in countless forums and videos) but also in its predictability and reliability as a source of pure, unadulterated driving joy.
As I look back on my journey with these Miatas, I am reminded of the truths they reinforce about the automotive passion: it’s not the price tag that defines enjoyment but the connection between driver and machine. The Miata, with its humble yet spirited design, continues to facilitate this connection with its analog feel and design.
In an age where the automotive world faces with the transition to electrification and autonomy, the Mazda Miata stands as a reminder of the value of driving. The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing remains clear: the Mazda Miata, in most its iterations, will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who cherish the joy of driving. And so, as the market continues to evolve, my eyes will remain peeled for the next great Miata deal, ready to embark on another chapter of this forever rewarding journey. It is for these reasons I would not hesitate to double down on my investment in joy, community, and automotive purity by acquiring ten more Miatas…if not more.