Used Miata Buying Guide
Used Miata Buying Guide: NA, NB, NC and ND
Every Miata since 1989 has been a light, rear-wheel-drive, two-seat roadster. The four generations drive and age differently, though, and the right one depends on your budget and how you’ll use it. Here’s what we tell buyers standing on our lot in Portsmouth.
The generations at a glance
| Gen | Years | Character | What to know used |
|---|---|---|---|
| NA | 1990–1997 | Pop-up headlights, ~116–133 hp, the original | Now a collectible. Rust decides everything on these in New England: check rockers, rear wheel arches and frame rails before you look at anything else. |
| NB | 1999–2005 | Same recipe, fixed lights, up to 178 hp Mazdaspeed | The value pick. Same rust checks as NA; Mazdaspeed turbos command real premiums. |
| NC | 2006–2015 | Larger, 167–170 hp, available power hardtop (PRHT) | Most car for the money today. PRHT hardtops are excellent for winter; check soft-top drains either way. |
| ND | 2016–present | Back to small; 155 hp (ND1) then 181 hp (ND2/ND3, 2019+) | The 2019+ engine is the one enthusiasts want. Club manuals and Brembo/BBS cars hold value best. |
What to check on any used Miata
- Rust first. A New England car has seen salt. Sills, rockers and rear arches on NA/NB; subframes on anything that wintered here.
- Soft top and drains. A worn top is a known cost; clogged drains soak the floors and start corrosion.
- Clutch and gearbox. The 6-speed should be tight and mechanical. Crunchy second-gear synchros show up on hard-driven cars.
- History. Track use is not a dealbreaker on a Miata. Missing maintenance records are.
Why buy used from a Mazda dealer
Our used Miatas are inspected by Mazda factory-trained technicians, eligible ND cars can be sold as Certified Pre-Owned with factory-backed warranty coverage, and we deliver throughout the Northeast. Because we’re building the deepest Miata inventory in the region, we’re picky about which cars we put on the lot — we have to live with what we sell.
See what’s in stock — or sell us yours
We buy NA through ND outright, running or not. No purchase required.
Shop Used MiatasSell Us Your MiataVisit Miata HQPrices exclude tax, title, registration and a $519 documentation fee. Seacoast Mazda, 180 Spaulding Turnpike, Portsmouth NH 03801 · 603-436-6811. Operated by Ackerman Auto. Mazda, MX-5 and Miata are trademarks of Mazda Motor Corporation. Vehicle images are 2026 model year and may show optional equipment.