The Miata has been a popular choice for the first car for many people. It’s affordable, reliable, and fun to drive. But is a Miata a good first car? There are several factors you need to consider before making your decision. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the pros and cons of choosing a Miata as your first car. We’ll also offer some alternatives that might be a better fit for you. So, whether you’re considering buying a Miata or just curious about what other options are available, keep reading!
Remarks on Generations
First off, it’s important to note that there have been three different generations of the Miata. The first generation (NA) was produced from 1989 to 1997. The second generation (NB) ran from 1999 to 2005. And the third generation (NC) has been in production since 2006. So, when we’re talking about whether or not a Miata is a good first car, we need to keep in mind which generation we’re talking about.
The Miata has always been a small car. But the size difference between the generations is significant. The first generation is the smallest of the three. It’s just over 14 feet long and 5 feet wide. The second generation is slightly larger, at around 15 feet long and 5.5 feet wide. And the third generation is the largest of the three, at around 15.5 feet long and 5.9 feet wide.

The size difference between the generations is important because it affects how the car drives. The first generation is the lightest of the three, weighing in at around 2,200 pounds. The second generation is a little heavier, at around 2,400 pounds. And the third generation is the heaviest, at around 2,700 pounds.
The weight difference between the generations is significant because it affects how the car handles. In general, the lighter the car, the better it will handle. So, if you’re looking for a Miata that’s fun to drive and easy to handle, you’ll want to go with the first generation. If you’re looking for a Miata that’s more comfortable and has more features, you’ll want to go with the second or third generation.
Criteria for Evaluation
Purchase Price
The Miata has always been an affordable car. The base model of the first generation started at around $13,000. The base model of the second generation started at around $19,000. And the base model of the third generation starts at around $26,000.
Of course, the purchase price is just one factor to consider when evaluating a car. You also need to consider the cost of ownership, which includes things like insurance, gas, and maintenance.
Insurance
The cost of insurance is an important consideration when choosing a first car. The Miata is a relatively inexpensive car to insure. The base model of the first generation costs around $800 per year to insure. The base model of the second generation costs around $900 per year to insure. And the base model of the third generation costs around $1,000 per year to insure.
Of course, the cost of insurance will vary depending on your location, driving record, and other factors. But in general, the Miata is a fairly inexpensive car to insure.
Maintenance Costs & Reliability
Another important consideration when choosing a first car is the cost of maintenance and repairs. The Miata is a relatively inexpensive car to maintain. The base model of the first generation costs around $300 per year to maintain. The base model of the second generation costs around $400 per year to maintain. And the base model of the third generation costs around $500 per year to maintain.
Of course, the cost of maintenance and repairs will vary depending on your location and the type of repairs that are needed. But in general, the Miata is a fairly inexpensive car to maintain.
The Miata is also a relatively reliable car. The first generation has an average reliability rating of 4 out of 5. The second generation has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5. And the third generation has an average reliability rating of 5 out of 5.

Practicality
The Miata is not a practical car. It’s a two-seater, which means that you can only fit two people in the car. If you have a family or frequently need to transport more than two people, the Miata is not the right car for you.
The Miata also has a small trunk. The first generation has a trunk that’s just over 4 cubic feet. The second generation has a trunk that’s just over 5 cubic feet. And the third generation has a trunk that’s just over 6 cubic feet.
Suitability For Beginner Drivers
The Miata is a good car for beginner drivers. It’s small and lightweight, which makes it easy to handle. It’s also relatively affordable, which is important for beginner drivers who may not have a lot of money to spend on a car.
However, the Miata is not the best car for every beginner driver. If you’re looking for a car that’s more practical or can seat more than two people, the Miata is not the right choice.
Coolness & Fun Factor
The Miata is a cool car. It’s a classic roadster that’s been around for over 25 years. It’s also a lot of fun to drive. If you’re looking for a cool and fun car, the Miata is a great choice.
5 Reasons Why the Mazda MX-5 Miata Is a Good First Car?
- The Miata is an affordable car.
- The Miata is a relatively inexpensive car to insure.
- The Miata is a relatively inexpensive car to maintain.
- The Miata is a good car for beginner drivers.
- The Miata is a cool and fun car.
You Should Be Aware of the MX-5 Miata’s Drawbacks
- The Miata is not a practical car.
- The Miata has a small trunk.
- The Miata is not the best choice for every beginner driver.
Is A Miata A Good First Car?
The Miata is a good car for many first-time drivers. It’s affordable, relatively inexpensive to insure and maintain, and it’s also fun to drive. However, it’s not the most practical car on the market and it might not be the best choice for every beginner driver. You should weigh all of these factors when deciding if the Miata is the right car for you.

FAQ: Is A Miata A Good First Car?
Is a Miata a good daily driver?
While the Miata is a great car to take on weekend road trips or for a fun joyride, it’s not the most practical choice for a daily driver. It only seats two people and has a small trunk, so it might not be the best choice if you have a family or frequently need to transport more than two people.
Is a Miata better than a Mustang?
The Miata and the Mustang are two very different cars. The Miata is a small, lightweight sports car while the Mustang is a larger, more powerful muscle car. So it really depends on what you’re looking for in a car. If you want an affordable, fun-to-drive sports car, the Miata is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more powerful car with more space, the Mustang might be a better option.
Is the Miata a reliable car?
The Miata is a reliable car. The first generation has an average reliability rating of 4 out of 5. The second generation has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5. And the third generation has an average reliability rating of 5 out of 5.
Is a Miata an easy car to work on?
The Miata is a relatively easy car to work on. Many of the car’s components are easily accessible, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting to them if you need to perform maintenance or repairs.
Is Miata cheap to insure?
Miatas are relatively inexpensive to insure. The average insurance cost for a Miata is $1,428 per year.
How much does it cost to maintain a Miata?
The Miata is a relatively low-maintenance car. The average maintenance cost for a Miata is $371 per year.
How long does Miata last?
The Miata is a durable car. The average lifespan of a Miata is 15 years.
What are some common problems with Miata?
Some common problems with Miatas include leaking coolant, engine knock, and oil leaks.
Is the Mazda Miata a fast car?
The Miata is not a particularly fast car. The 0-60 mph time for the Miata is about 7 seconds.
What is the rarest Miata color?
The rarest Miata color is British Racing Green.
Is Miata good in snow?
The Miata is not a good choice for driving in the snow. It’s a lightweight car with rear-wheel drive, so it can be difficult to control in slippery conditions.
How much should you spend on a Miata?
The Miata is an affordable car, so you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good one. You can find a quality used Miata for around $5,000.
Which generation Miata is best?
All generations of the Miata are good cars. However, the third generation (NC) is generally considered to be the best version of the car. It’s more powerful and comfortable than previous generations, and it has a higher reliability rating.
Conclusion: Is A Miata A Good First Car?
Now you know is a Miata a good first car or not. If you’re looking for an affordable, fun-to-drive car that’s easy to maintain, the Miata is a great choice. However, if you need a more practical car with more space, the Miata might not be the best option. Consider all of your needs and wants before making your final decision. Thanks for reading at Primemazdanorwood!