When it comes to the NA-chassis Mazda Miata, this is a car that I’m convinced hasn’t yet fully matured in the marketplace. We all know the model and its merits, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see prices continue to increase. The Miata shown here is a tidy low-mileage example with 20,500 original miles on the clock and listed here on craigslist for $18,500 in Washington State. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Tony P. for the find. 

Among all the Miata generations, the earliest examples are the ones that seem most likely to be found in time-capsule condition like this. I don’t think this was because people thought they would become collectible but more due to being used as a weekend-only vehicle. Whatever the root cause, it is one of the few modern collector cars that can still be bought relatively affordably. Try buying a low-mileage sports car of any make and model for this kind of money.

Plus, the Miata has the added benefit of being a very turnkey car. You can buy one in outrageously ratty condition and still have it be a driver. Buying a preserved specimen like this all but guarantees years’ worth of pain-free existence. The engine bay is spotless, which is great to see considering not all low-mileage cars present as well as they should. This Miata has been looked after, and certainly detailed in such a way that it looks its absolute Sunday best. We love sellers who put this level of effort into presentation.

The factory hardtop is a must-have for any Miata, not only because it increases year-round usability but because it looks absolutely killer. The Miata is one of those cars that looks good in either form, but I really dig how the hardtop makes it look like a traditional two-door coupe. The seller’s car is also the ideal spec, with crank windows, manual steering, cloth seats with headrest speakers, and the sought-after limited slip differential. It is the Miata you want if owning the best spec is on your NA shopping list.