MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA
MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA
MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA MIATA
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Okay, okay, so. It's a 1990 (first model year sold in the states!) with a build date of late '89, so its collector value should appreciate nicely, and it's amazingly almost entirely stock, the only modification is a modern radio. It's been very well taken care of, was basically the previous owner's restoration project turned daily driver for his daughter before he reacquired it, fixed it up again, and sold it to me because he has another Miata already. It's got a little over 200k miles, but the timing belt was replaced at 190k so I won't have to worry about that for a good while. In addition it has a new clutch, shifter rebuild, new driveline, new catalytic converter, new paint, a bunch of other things I'm forgetting, I have a list though.
But most importantly it is very very fun. The taillights say "zoom zoom" and they are correct, it is a zoom zoom. Zoom zoom go zoom do zoom thing. I already had a lot more fun driving this than the NC, I got used to the clutch and 5-speed shifter a lot more quickly, and with actual sidewall on the tires the handling is fantastic without being uncomfortable. The drive home had like four roundabouts and I've never had so much fun in a roundabout. My dad got to drive it too and approves, he remembers the first time he ever saw one when they came out and wanted one ever since. It did not disappoint. He'd never gotten one because he needed something practical, but I do not need something practical, so now we both get to enjoy mine!
I'm planning on continuing with Hagerty insurance for this since it is technically a classic car and I've been pleased with their insurance for my T-bird. And since I carpool with my dad every other day this will only be driven 2, sometimes 3 times per week (and not in the winter), making it not technically a daily driver, so that should be fine.
During the family zoom call yesterday my dad showed the car to everyone, and they all want a ride in it now, except my aunt who doesn't think she could get in unless the top was down so it doesn't feel claustrophobic. It's a roadster, the top being down is a foregone conclusion
There are a few things I need to look into though, the top has a tear in it which has been patched and doesn't leak, but that'll probably have to be replaced not too long from now assuming it can't be patched endlessly. Also has a tiny oil leak somewhere, not large enough to leave spots anywhere or British car levels of leakage, and not super concerning. I'll just have to not put off checking the oil. It's not any of the main seals or the o-ring, just... old car things. Automatic rustproofing.
Another thing to think about is what to name it... I could continue with the pattern of naming it after Friends characters/birds like Phoebe, but no birds quite fit it and calling it Joey doesn't quite fit either. The most popular girls name in 1989 was Jessica, Jess might work. The option I'm currently leaning towards though is "Misty," because when my dad saw a Miata for the first time he thought the "a" on the badge was a cursive "s" and called it a "Mista." Thus, Misty. That name has a fun story so I that's what I'm going with, its name is Misty now.
Anyway I am very happy and excited and eager to enjoy my new car Thanks for the advice y'all have given in my car search, which is thankfully finally over with a happy ending.