25K Miles: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata

You won’t catch me assigning mythical values to mundane cars simply because of a low odometer reading…but this next MX-5 looks to be in that sweet spot between “great condition, low miles” and “low miles, can’t roll the 4th digit on the odo.” I wouldn’t recommend speculating with used/modern classics, but this is where my money would be. And I’d drive it. Find this 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata offered for $16,900 in Bella Vista, AR via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

From the seller:

1990 mazda mx-5 miata
condition: excellent
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 25,266
paint color: red
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: convertible
Selling a remarkably early, low-mileage first-year Mazda MX-5 Miata for a longtime family friend.

This is a 1990 Miata built in April 1989, the first month of Miata production, with only approximately 25,000 original miles. VIN is ~1000 in the North American 1990 production sequence.

The car was purchased new by the seller’s parents and has remained in the family ever since. We have an unusually complete collection of original documentation, including the original window sticker, purchase paperwork/bill of sale, owner’s manuals, tools, and other materials that came with the car.

Highlights:

Approximately 25,000 miles
5-speed manual
Classic Red
April 1989 build
Very early VIN sequence ~#1000 build number
Original early-production steel wheels – very OG Miata and came with the very early production cars
Early-production details including MAZDA front bumper lettering, split sun visors, and other first-production features
Extensive original paperwork and documentation
Excellent interior, approximately 9/10 condition
Full fluid service and tune-up
Runs, drives, shifts, and brakes very well
Replacement three-window convertible top in excellent condition

The car has been stored and used very sparingly. Before storage I drove it enough to verify that it runs and drives extremely well.

Known flaws / items to address:

There are several small dents in a line on the right rear fender, reportedly from a parking-lot incident. They appear to be good candidates for paint-less dent repair.

There is a small area on the left pop-up headlight cover where the red paint is thin/worn through to what appears to be primer. It is relatively minor but visible on inspection (see pic).

The original driver-door certification/VIN label is not present. A photocopy of the original label has been taped in its place. I have checked the other stamped and sticker VIN locations on the vehicle and the VINs I inspected all match the title and original documentation.

The convertible top is not original. It is an aftermarket three-window top, but it is in very good condition with very clear plastic windows.

The tires have substantial tread but are old but I would recommend they be replaced because of age before significant road use.

The car previously developed a parasitic battery drain caused by a failing relay. The relay was replaced, and the car now has a new battery.

Estate-owned vehicle with clear Arkansas title (in hand) and documentation available for the sale.

This is not a concours-perfect museum car, but it is an unusually original, extremely low-mileage, first-month-production Miata with excellent provenance and documentation.

The owner intends to donate a substantial portion of the sale proceeds to the Bella Vista Animal Shelter.

Located in Northwest Arkansas.

Serious inquiries only, please. I am helping a friend sell the car and am happy to answer informed questions, provide additional photographs, documentation, VIN details, or videos for genuinely interested buyers.

See a better way to start your MX-5 barn collection? tips@dailyturismo.com