1997 Mazda Miata, original owner, woman driver, non-smoker. All service records. Rust-free top and bottom.

Extensive photo album, and video, available by clicking here.

To be clear – I am only selling this car because I’ve just turned 80 and honestly it’s hard for me to get in and out of anymore. I have loved this vehicle since the day I got it as a birthday present in 1997, and have babied it the whole time. 
I am excited to give someone the chance to appreciate it. Great mileage, and great fun! Enjoy this classic convertible!

As I said, we purchased this car new in 1997 and I have been the driver its whole life. It has been in covered parking since 2004, and I had it repainted in 2011 (the original color) to keep it looking sharp. I have nearly all the service records since it was new, including the original registration and Haynes Manual.

The Miata starts right up and purrs. I have put roughly 272,000 meticulously maintained miles on it, primarily commuting to my job as a middle school teacher. And sometimes we took it on weekend trips on the backroads of North Florida, but that’s another story. 

The convertible top is an OEM replacement, and in excellent shape. Rear window is clear.

Seats show some wear of course on the driver’s side but overall excellent interior – dashboard and materials in great shape. 
Paint is clean and shiny.
Tires in excellent condition. 

Flawless undercarriage - there is no rust on this vehicle.

It is in excellent mechanical condition and I had my mechanic go through it this spring and ensure everything was ready to go as I prepared to sell it – down to dash illumination.  All he came up with that needed attention was the Exhaust Gas Recycling sensor which he cleaned up and installed a new gasket for. 

I would absolutely let my granddaughter drive this car cross country tomorrow. It’s ready to go!  Reserve is set at $5,000, and in the unlikely event that we don’t hit that amount I will reach out to high bidder. 

The details:

1997 Mazda Miata, red with black interior.
5-speed manual transmission. 

272,000 miles

Clean bill of health with full inspection May 2024.

Selected recent maintenance/repair items:
@266,000 miles
                  -clutch slave cylinder
                  -blower motor

@263,000 miles

                  -tune up, plugs and wires

                  -tires, Starfire Solarus

                  -front struts and shocks

                  -alignment

@256,000 miles

                  -valve cover gasket

                  -camshaft oil seal

                  -front crankshaft oil seal

                  -timing belt and timing belt covers

                  -PS/AC belt and Alternator belt

                  -anti-freeze replacement

@244,984 miles

                  -coolant bypass hose

@230,640 miles

                  -Air conditioning overhaul: replaced evaporator core, receiver drier, evaporator expansion valve, a/c oil, a/c refrigerant

@221,000 miles

                  -water pump, thermostat, tensioner, idler pulley, thermostat gasket

@215,000 miles
                  -full brake, machined rotors and new pads

New radiator in 2008, at approx. 175,000 miles.

*Installed aftermarket stereo about this time as well

Various other maintenance going much farther back, performed by Japanese import specialists in Tallahassee, FL, or at Tallahassee Gem Mazda dealership. Transmission overhauled in 2011.

There are a few items that a discerning collector might address:
1. Hood badge is missing.

2. Driver side sun visor is a little droopy.

3. Windshield has a few minor chips (shown in photos) and some sand pitting – comes with the Florida territory

4. Black stripe on driver side rocker panel stops at door and doesn’t reach wheel well.

5. I don’t have the tonneau cover that snaps over the convertible top when it is retracted, but that has never been an issue for me. 

Overall, this is a lovely vehicle ready to be loved as is, lightly restored, or – heaven forbid – made into a SCCA weekender (my son threatened to do this for years, but now has little kids and a 2-seater doesn’t have as much appeal for him!). 

I would be happy to answer any questions, and look forward to passing this treasure on to the next generation. I am happy to help with transport, meeting a vehicle hauler in Tallahassee or otherwise coordinating with you for delivery. I'm an experienced eBay and Etsy seller and understand the importance of clear communication - and shipping options!

Payment will be through Escrow.com, with deposit made accordingly.