1992 Mazda Miata Review: Fast with Only Handling Mods?

[@markceconi6157]

Good, honest review. Scored my ‘94 for 3K, but tires, brakes, radiator, etc., and some more to do, but mainly out of want, not need. Maybe suspension-related, as in the video. All original, and I’m fine with it that way. As a self-professed car and motorcycle guy, I never looked down on Miatas, but confessed to overlooking them. When this one came up, and I drove it, I had to have one. I’ve been using it as my daily, right up until it has to be bedded down for our northeast winter. Every errand takes three times as long as it should, as I’m constantly taking “the long way home,” through all the twisty bits I can find. This may be my favorite car ever owned. It brings me joy.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Well bought, especially for an early 1.8 car. I agree that even with stock suspension these things are a blast….but boy does improving the handling really bump the cars already impressive capabilities to navigate the corners.

[@Manicprogressive1]

I just drove mine today on a beautiful fall day. Looks exactly like what you are driving. I’m the original owner. My husband bought it for my 30th birthday. No mods except a new top that was shredded in a hail storm about 10 years ago. Paint is original. It still drives like a dream. 115k miles. Even the clutch has never been replaced. I do need to replace the visors, which fell off a few years ago, and were pretty comical anyway. Mine is a base five-speed with just AC, which stops working in intense heat of the South. (We bought it in PA, and was hilariously bad in the snow, but it’s been in hot, humid climate for 26 years.) We didn’t bother getting AC fixed this year, just waited it out. We just had to get new tires for first tire in over 30 years. Got cheapies because we were told all that was available at the small size. We never took great care of it and it’s never been in a garage. But whenever an expensive sports car pulls up next to me, I always think, “I got the better deal.” The maintenance cost has been incredibly low. And it’s been paid off since 1997. I don’t see many on the road anymore, so don’t get the chance to do the headlight hello very often. We know nothing about cars, so this was the perfect car for us. 😄 I am thinking about having some upgrades done, and this is really helpful advice!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Now that is an absolutely amazing Miata story. You will very much enjoy some handling upgrades as time has probably worn down some components. Keep that great little car on the road and definitely keep enjoying it!

[@tmo2798]

Wow. Love your channel. If it had an IPO, I'd be all-in.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

I appreciate that!

[@bobrogers5458]

One the greatest cars ever. I have had 5 ‘91’s 1 supercharged, one turbo. Current I have a stock 91 with 55,000 miles. I love driving a stock Miata. A great driver can make it fly. Nothing can follow me on a windy road.

[@johnnyk6906]

simple and easy to work on. NA probably will live on forever

[@autoobsessivegarage]

That’s the truth! Also a key ingredient as to why they make such great sports cars…the cost of ownership is way down.

[@DavidAnderson-h7w]

Yes, they certainly are fast with only handling mods. It’s amazing the amount of speed a well sorted Miata can carry through twisty mountain roads.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

They are totally momentum cars up there.

[@greggfidler6129]

Wow, I think I got a good deal. 91 with 162k. Clean title. Had the timing belt and water pump done. All one color. No dents and rockers were solid. Paid 1500.00. I have replaced all the hoses and rad. Can’t trust 30 yr old parts. Replaced the original shocks and rebuilt the shifter. So maybe in for a total of 2200. Car is a blast to drive

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Sounds like a great deal! Hit some of the other maintenance items and ensure the timing belt and water pump are good and you’re all set to really enjoy it with no worries.

[@leechampion6538]

Here in the UK 2024 we can luckily still buy scruffy NAs for $1,500 and even the BEST stock sell for no more than $6,000 . But a really good one needing no welding is on average no more than $4000, half what you guys have to pay.?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

You can still certainly score a rough example with rust and zero maintenance history at that price point, but in general, clean examples fetch a fair bit more. Sure there are examples of someone finding a clean low mileage example in the cheap, but that’s an exception not the rule.

[@ryswick1064]

Would you consider fender braces, roll bars, frame rails or a hardtop as 'handling mods'? One of the biggest topics I see when it comes to Miatas are chassis roll, vibration, and noise and things that can be done to make them more rigid. Coilovers and sway bars are obvious go-to's, what else would you consider for a better handling Miata? I love to see people still making videos about these things, hope to see more Miata content in the future!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

I would certainly consider those items to be more “advanced” handling and chassis dynamics mods. I would start with what I’ve done and graduate to those items afterwards to optimize their impact. There is suck a thing as to o rigid of a street car, but that really comes down to personal taste as well. I documented the entire project on the channel, it was quite an endeavor to get it where it is today.

[@spacecassette2108]

I love your video it’s amazing and you know your stuff but by GOD why didn’t you adjust the headlight covers on the thumbnail?!?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

I did it to really get to those genuine sickos out there…to really grind their gears. I totally caught that in editing and went out and adjusted them immediately..but the imperfection has been immortalized on film.

[@mikegggg222]

Have 2

[@autoobsessivegarage]

They are the perfect size to collect multiple examples of.

[@user-ok5xp9bf8d]

Aww , the ever reliable Mazda BP engine !

[@autoobsessivegarage]

One of the greatest!

[@FrankGrauJr]

Those metallic racing brake pads are annoyingly and obnoxiously squeaky. No stopping performance on the street is worth having to endure the nerve-grinding squeal every time you brake. I suppose on the track it may be worth it, however.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Modern versions are much less squeaky and dusty...20 years ago, track focused pads were obnoxiously loud. These are a wonderful compromise.

[@tmo2798]

NB for the win tho. Popups are overhyped.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Thems fighting words! The NA and NB are clearly the top runners for best Miata generations.

[@martyrodgers8219]

I just scored a 1992 perfect condition one owner for $2000 clean title. The husband passed away and they needed room in the garage.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Super congrats! That’s insanely difficult to do nowadays.

[@dogbonetc7623]

Miles?