My life goes like this
1.) Buy an ND Miata
2.) Love every second for 8-12 months
3.) Wake up one day going “wtf I want something special with more power”
4.) Buy 981 Boxster S, C6 Z06, Z4M, S550 GT, Elise, S2K, and others
5.) Realize they’re boring and/or too annoying to live with after about 3 months and miss the Miata
6.) Buy another ND.

I think I’m on ND #4 at this point. It helps that ND1s are basically free and ND2s are <$20k at this point. My next one will probably be an ND3 GT.

It’ll keep me busy till the NE comes out. Probably.

No, I had never even considered a miata untill I drove one and am now a happy owner of a 2007 prht 6speed and absolutely love it.

Just got my ND3 a few weeks ago after owning 4 different ND1’s/ND2’s over the 10 years (bought my first one at in December 2015) and I am shocked at how noticeable the changes are. The (stock) suspension no longer feels floppy, the steering has actual road texture and feel, and the rear diff changes make the car slide much more predictably and naturally.  I’m super impressed and didn’t expect the differences to be this significant

The main appeal of the Miata for me is the weight. 2300 pounds is just awesome. No other regular sports car made today even comes close to that weight. Of course you have specialty stuff like Ariel, BAC, and Caterham. But that's a whole different class of vehicle really

I think us enthusiasts always buy off emotions otherwise we would all be driving a crossover.

I purchased a 2017.5 Mazda 6 with a 6 speed manual transmission and  a 2.5l naturally aspirated engine. It currently has 85,000 miles. For my old ass, it feels close enough to a sports car, to me, disguised as an old man’s four door sedan. It has the sports car feel of the Miata but in a utility four door sedan. It speaks to me the way this channel says that the Miata doesn’t. I love the novelty of the Mazda 6 manual.

I will probably rebuild it until I die or can’t drive a manual anymore.

Never favored the Miata, actually hated on them a good amount. Drove a friend’s modded NB1 and instantly took back all I said. Currently looking for a NC/ND depending because Im at a point where I just want something thats always gonna be there and always gonna be ready for a run. Just a simple, easy, fun, Miata.

I think the primary reason people who might enjoy a Miata do not actually buy one is simple, ego. It's not a status car. Status buyers want an M3 or a Porsche, something others don't have or can't afford. Secondary reason is practicality, it's difficult as an only car due to it's small size. FWIW I've owned M3s/several Porsches, currently own an ND3.

I was the same as you, buying uncommon, emotional cars like a RSX Type-S and a 987.2 Cayman S, which are both very uncommon in Alabama.  Although, it was frustrating trying to find parts for an uncommon, 21 year old Acura.  So, when the car was totaled in an accident, I decided to get a 22 ND2 Miata Club.  I love it.  It's so refreshing and a little overwhelming to go online and see all the customization options available.  I do see a ND Miata every week or so in my area, but not nearly as much as Mustangs, Chargers, Jeeps, and modded trucks.

I legitimately thought about selling my E46 M3 for this. Then I realized that Miata isn't providing any more incremental driving pleasure, although the reliability will be a lot better. Anyway, the ND Miata will always get a respectful nod from me whenever I see one on the street.

Basically my cycle of Miata ownership also.  I've been through golf R and m2 and keep coming back home to MX-5

For someone like me with no kids I think an ND3 would be the perfect daily. I can't imagine anything better all around. And it would be an emotional purchase for me, because with all the iconic and wonderful cars ending production, non hybrid Ferrari's Porsche GT's soon to follow most likely, real light weight Lotuses, I think when the N/A manual MX5/Miata is finally gone it will be one of the saddest days every in automotive history. These cars used to be the hairdressers sports car, but now most other things have gone and their performance has matured they really are the perfect sports car imo. Nearly perfect anyway, Non-assisted steering would be even better!

If I were to sell my dedicated track car... I would get an ND3

My nd3 was absolutely an emotional buy lol. Only had to drive my friend’s nd2 for 5 mins to realize how perfect all the controls feel. It’s a really special thing, something so simple and basic but always brings a huge smile whenever I drive it

I bought a brand new S2000 in Chicane Metallic Silver back in 08, and my father had been driving his NB Miata for a couple of years. I was so happy for him, after raising 13 children, to get a little convertible for just he and my mother to enjoy. With that being said, my S2000 was on another level, and so much more exclusive. I miss that car, after getting shipped-off to North Pole, Alaska with the Army. Having two children of my own now, my wife assures me that we will get another S2000 again, just like the days back when we were dating. 🤞🏼🙏🏼

Just picked up my 2025 ND3 GT RF in Crystal Blue Mica over a tan interior. Zero regrets and magically fun to drive! I'm just north of the SF Bay Area - hope to see you on the road, Zygrene.

Great spec on that MX-5.  I really like those mods, both aesthetically and from a functional perspective.  As an enthusiast you can never go wrong with an MX-5!

im a regular driver. i dont have special driving skills. i want that because its beautiful

I spent my 20s in american v8s, my 30s in german performance, and now my 40s im in a nd3 miata 😂. This miata has been my favorite car to drive ever... and i was that guy with a new car every 2-3 years. It doesn't make sense looking at the specs on paper but it works for me. The awesome fuel economy and low maintenence are just bonuses

I owned a 23' in 24' & did an SCCA STR build on it and competed a bit and used it for spirited street drives.  It was everything everyone said it would be, but coming from a long line of bigger power Mustangs, the last with a suspension build towards handling, then a C6 Z06, the Miata was just too gutless for me.  I missed the engine sound and acceleration.  When "Little Deuce Coupe" by the Beach Boys played in the stereo, that was the deciding moment that pushed me over the edge.  I sold it and bought a 2003 C5 Z06 with 12k miles on it.  I quickly changed all fluids and added a proven SCCA Solo suspension combo with alignment, Apex wheels, RE-71RS's, sound system, mild cam and exhaust and am super happy with it.  If I could have a half dozen toys, I would buy another ND2/3 in a heartbeat.  My $0.02