Newbie...
 

Hey all. I'm at the point in life where my kids are beginning to entertain themselves, my home projects are getting closer to being accomplished, and I'm finding myself with a little more time on my hands. I'm looking to make a street legal (beginner/amateur) track car that won't get it's doors blown off at the track. As a mostly domestic leaning kind of guy, I've been eyeing the Miata for about 2 years now. I've driven three or four and have been pleasantly surprised at the performance. And I've read the stock block is stout. After driving my buddies 2019 MX-5, I feel like this is the car for me (not a new one of course... what's the fun in that).

Before I bore everyone to death. I'm working on my first buy right now. In order to do this, with all the mixed messages on the web about which model is the best, I decided to join this forum, because I want to get Miata owner's opinions on which model/year is the best to get. I'm not sure how forums really work, but my first question is:

Which model / year is the best (either to start out with and/or best all around performance)…. Thanks!

I personally love my NA but many will say the NB is better. Motors make more power stock, stronger transmissions, stiffer body, etc. But none will look as good as this IMO
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...c7395b1b71.jpg

Nice Car! I've only heard negative comments around the NC models (i.e. heavy and softer than the NA or NB). I'm more or less looking for the durability of the engine, as I plan on beating up and rebuilding my first motor until I'm ready for boost. I'm pretty much a repair/diagnosis guy, so this is my first attempt at performance. The only thing I've made up my mind is wanting a hardtop, LOL.

Generally, these motor can take a good bit if track driving as long as the motor has been taken care of. You could also bring a compression tester to check the car you are about to buy. i wouldtry to find something completely stock so you don't have to troubleshoot someone else's wrong doings. Look for rust, any play in the wheels, weird start up for idle issues, etc.

Welcome! Miata is always the answer. I have owned 4 miatas in my time 3 NB's and 1 NA. I feel like any miata is alright, minus the nc1, but mostly just depends on what you are really trying to do. I think any 1.8 car will be fine for track use stock because you'll be doing mods to improve stiffness and the like. It also depends on what class of racing. Many questions to be answered for sure. Me personally if i was doing stock miata class ide buy a nb2 but if i wanted a sweet miata ide get a NA and do whatever mostly because pop ups!

All in all you should get the car that you like the most and that is the best value for money. Ive bought and sold many clean examples for not very much money so a good deal is out there.

The best for what? A lot of this depends on what you want to do with the car, and where on the street - track spectrum it falls.

My car is a NA, but if I were starting over for a track car I'd take a hard look at the NC. Yes, they are heavier, but you can fit a ton of tire under them and the older ones aren't all that more expensive than the NA/NBs now. Aftermarket is growing for them too.

NA would be my last choice. All of them are more than 20 years old now, they have the least power, and have the least room for tires. All the important bits are interchangeable between the NA and NB (my entire drivetrain is made up of NB parts), so the aftermarket is equally strong. NA prices have also been climbing, at least around my part of the country.

I would not mid tracking a NC2 thats for sure.

I second what dleavitt says, I would go with what catches your eye and the best deal you can find. Thats always how ive bought cars. I was originally looking for a nissan hardbody when i found my NA with 46k original miles, a matching hardtop, and 15 inch bbs wheels for $4200. Best deal I've ever come across. I still want to buy another 95 M lol.