2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Convertible

1.8L 4 cyl

Manual

JM1NB353820231879

Clear

Gasoline

This car is in great shape mechanically and externally. A few small paint touchups, but no dings and never any accidents or other damage. The top is perfect and has a glass rear window with defroster and windblocker. There is a boot for the top when it's down. The car also has a chrome roll bar for added safety. From Autoblog on the 2002 Miata: The Mazda Miata is the contemporary embodiment of the 1950s sports car spirit, minus the irritations that went with the MGs, Triumphs and Austin-Healeys of the day. So you won't need to worry about oil stains on the driveway nor having to spend every weekend wrenching. Throttle response is instantaneous. Acceleration is brisk, and the exhaust note conjures up memories of Watkins Glen and the roots of American sports-car racing. Last year, Mazda boosted compression to 10:1, and added variable valve timing to increase horsepower to 142 at 7000 rpm (which is the redline) and torque to 125 foot-pounds at 5500. More important, torque swelled throughout the rev range for better flexibility when driving around town. The exhaust system delivers a spirited tenor bark to go with the engine's increased bite. It's a high-tech echo of the 1950s, and sounds exactly how sports cars are supposed to sound. The five-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly, with short throws from gear to gear. Its excellent action is a big part of the fun. You only have to push the clutch in part way to change cogs. The transmission uses an overdrive ratio for the top gear, and achieve EPA fuel economy ratings of 23/28 mpg city/highway. Handling is excellent. The Miata reacts to the driver's input like a Formula Ford race car: Lift off the throttle in the middle of a fast corner, and you'll feel the chassis rotate as the nose tucks in tighter. Step on the gas again, and the Miata straightens out as weight is transferred to the rear and the rear tires gain grip. It's perfectly balanced. Unlike most front-wheel-drive sport coupes, the rear-wheel-drive Miata does not mask poor driving technique. By the same token, it rewards the smooth, skilled driver. A good driver will become a better driver in this car. Last year, Mazda's engineers widened the gusset at the rear of the transmission tunnel, added reinforcements behind the cockpit, and strengthened the side sills, all of which increased the stiffness of the chassis. As a result, the Miata now turns in more sharply. Turn the wheel toward a corner and the chassis responds instantly. Braking performance is excellent, primarily because of the Miata's light weight. Summary Many sports cars deliver a lot more performance than the Mazda Miata, but few are more fun. The Miata is far from slow, and its agility measures up with the best for far less money. Like all pure sports cars, the Miata is a recreational implement rather than a transportation device. Practicality doesn't apply here. In terms of automotive recreation, the Miata delivers a lot of value. And unlike the sports cars of old, the Miata is extremely reliable. Just check the oil and it'll run forever. Most people who sell their Miatas do so only because they need a bigger car.