Cheapest Epic Driving Experience: Why Miata Is Still The Answer

• Fewer new cars are coming out with manual transmissions. Mazda dedicates itself to maintaining the purity of the Miata with a manual transmission, lightweight body, and rear-wheel drive
• The current generation (ND) Miata is one of the cheapest sports cars available on the new car market. Making it perfect for any enthusiast.

Miata Is Still The Answer

Since the dawn of the NA generation Miata, car enthusiasts regarded the car as an amazing sports car on a budget. In fact, it is regarded as one of Japan’s legendary sports cars. Over the years, the Mazda Miata continues to inspire racing series, the aftermarket tuning world, and the budget-minded enthusiast. While the NA Miata is steadily increasing in price, it is still relatively affordable. However, the car is getting older, which means old car problems.

So what do you get if you want a newer car? The average new car costs well into the mid-40k range now, which is out of reach for most. If you want a new rear-wheel drive car with a manual transmission on the cheap, your options are really only the GR-86 or the ND Miata. I’ll summarize it this way: If you want a little more space, get the GR86. If you want an unmatched driving experience, the Miata is the way to go. We’re car enthusiasts and while we love both the GR-86 and the ND, the 2 seater sports car just seems more appealing.

Why You Should Buy A ND Miata

There are three main reasons to buy a Miata: It’s affordable, lightweight, and has a fantastic aftermarket.

When looking at a base model brand-new Miata, an MSRP of $29,830 is not bad at all. Yes, you can have a NA Miata for $5,000 and be blessed with pop-up headlights, but then you have old car problems. Old car problems aren’t a bad thing, it’s only natural. However, a brand new car where you know absolutely everything about it is pretty awesome.

When I bought my Focus ST, it was my first brand new car. I drove off the lot with it and knew every inch of the car. I even have the maintenance records in a binder! New cars are only going up in price, but Mazda is doing everything they can to maintain the low price point of the ND.

Furthermore, the ND is a featherweight champ. With an approximate 2400 pound curb weight, it is nimble enough to punch above its weight class. To put in perspective, the GR86 is 400 pounds heavier than the ND and that’s considered a light car.

Lastly, the ND Miata has a phenomenal aftermarket. Companies like Flyin’ Miata are rolling out turbo kits, coilover suspension, and other goodies to transform your roadster! If you are a California resident, have no fear as there are plenty of carb legal turbocharger and supercharger kits to get you that extra power you crave!

Mazda Please Keep Doing What You’re Doing

If anyone from Mazda ever reads this, please don’t stop building this car. Car enthusiasts are struggling as it is to get into cars, but the ND makes it easier. Having driven the NA and NC, the ND seems like the perfect medium between modern specs and classic feel. If you are an enthusiast wanting a brand new car to enjoy, look no further than the ND. It will be an experience you never grow tired of!

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