{"id":8027,"date":"2026-05-06T14:00:38","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T18:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autonocion.com\/us\/?p=8027"},"modified":"2026-05-06T12:42:44","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T16:42:44","slug":"mazda-miata-different","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autonocion.com\/us\/mazda-miata-different\/","title":{"rendered":"Most Miatas Sell for $5,000. One Just Went for Almost $100,000 \u2014 Here’s What Made It Different"},"content":{"rendered":"

There’s an ongoing joke in the Miata community that the car is slow and cheap. It’s not really a joke, I guess. It’s more like a widely accepted reality. If anyone posts their car for sale and it’s over $6,000, they will often get plenty of laugh reactions and people questioning whether they’re actually serious.<\/p>\n

I personally bought my 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata for just $5,000. Let’s not mention how I have probably put in $15,000 since then (because it’s probably still worth about $6,000). I’m not selling it, okay!?<\/p>\n

Anyway, we recently saw that a Miata sold for nearly six figures. Which seems insane. So now, I’m going to share with you the most expensive Miatas ever sold. And if it was worth it.<\/p>\n

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata: $99,787<\/h2>\n
\"2016
Image Credit: Bring a Trailer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How the heck is a Miata nearly $100,000? Well, it’s not just any Miata: it’s the Flyin’ Miata! This is the original Flyin’ Miata that kicked off the now-infamous tuning program<\/a>. The Flyin’ Miata has a GM Performance LS3 6.2-liter V8 crate engine, an improved six-speed manual gearbox by Tremec, a new air intake system, and an upgraded fuel pump. It also has new wheels, Fox Racing coilovers, hydraulic steering, a new roll bar, and improved brakes.<\/p>\n

According to the seller, there are only five Miata ND units with a V8. Ever. Tuning a Miata into a V8-powered roadster cost Flyin’ Miata about $85,000 to do.<\/p>\n

This Miata started with a bid of $5,000, but 54 offers later and we’re at nearly $100,000. There are over 200 comments on this listing; it clearly excited car enthusiasts of all kinds. One comment read: “I can honestly tell you that a well-built V8 Miata is a Miata at heart, is balanced like a Miata, and drives like a Miata except the extra torque makes it better.\u00a0 The cars don\u2019t spin out or do stupid things unexpectedly, unless of course you ask them to. The rumble of an LS engine in a small open-top car is visceral and something that must be experienced. If tons of adrenaline at legal speeds is a Miata thing, double that to understand a V8 Miata.”<\/p>\n

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata: $80,000<\/h2>\n
\"2016
Image Credit: Bring a Trailer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The seller purchased this Miata and then brought it to Flyin’ Miata! It then became the first customer car to receive a V8 Habu conversion. The factory drivetrain was replaced with a Lingenfelter-built General Motors 6.2-liter LS3 V8, a Tremac T56 T56 six-speed manual gearbox, and a GM differential. It also has upgraded suspension, brakes, chassis, and wheels.<\/p>\n

Aside from the performance upgrades, this Miata looks largely stock on the outside. This makes it pretty special.<\/p>\n

This Miata had even more comments than the previous Flyin’ Miata, reaching over 400 comments due to some heated drama between a few of the viewers and the seller over the concept of a Miata threatening someone’s “manliness.” That was a bit of a fun read. A more wholesome comment read: “This is a great story and a great car. I own a regular 2016 MX-5 and can only imagine what fun this would be to drive. Yes, it\u2019s a lot of money, but like all things unique, it makes it worth it. Congratulations to the buyer, I think this will be your most fun toy out of the ones you have!”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2019 Mazda MX-5: $74,000<\/h1>\n
\"2017
Image Credit: Bring a Trailer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This build was completed by Jesse Prather Motorsports using a V8 Habu conversion kit from Flyin’ Miata. It also has a Flyin’ Miata chassis and subframe reinforcements, a Stage 2 Fox Suspension kit, Tobu forged wheels, Flyin’ Miata gold-finished forged wheels, and Little Big rear brake kits with Wilwood calipers.<\/p>\n

Inside, this Miata has black leather-trimmed heated sport seats, a Bose surround system, and a 7-inch touchscreen. There’s also a Hard Dog roll bar behind the seats. It’s finished in Jet Black Mica with a black convertible top. It’s overall quite classy. But let it loose, it has 405 horsepower.<\/p>\n

One comment wrote: “I would get into so much trouble with a car like this. The county cops would all know my name! Great machine, well presented here. Congratulations to buyer and seller.”<\/p>\n

2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition<\/h1>\n
\"2001
Image Credit: Bring a Trailer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You are gonna see a pattern here. Yes, this Miata is also a Flyin’ Miata creation! It has a 6.2-liter LS3 crate V8, a Tremac T56 Tranzilla six-speed manual transmittion, and a Getrag limited-slip differential. There’s also a Hard Dog roll bar, Fox Racing coilovers, aftermarket sway bars, Wilwood multi-piston brake calipers, and 949 Racing 15″ wheels.<\/p>\n

It has been finished in British Racing Green with a tan soft top. Very classy. The interior has air conditioning, a CD Bose stereo, power windows, and wood trim on its Nardi steering wheel, shift knob, and handbrake lever. Very<\/em> classy!<\/p>\n

What’s pretty interesting is that this Miata was acquired by the seller on Bring a Trailer back in 2020.<\/p>\n

One comment read: “This is my perfect car. The great look of the NB like my Mazdaspeed, but with more power. The power-to-weight ratio of my Cobra replica, but with a top and A\/C. The reliability of Mazda and the great LS3. I can only hope to buy it when the next owner gets weary of it, as this is not a good time. You will never get out of this car without a grin on your face. I hope you get a great price, as you will miss this one.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
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The seller agreed, saying that he always smiled while driving this car<\/a>. They wrote: “This car is ENTIRELY capable of delivering world-class acceleration, fun, and excitement, and it\u2019s happy to oblige. So, if you value giddy fun over numbers, you cannot do better than a car like this.”<\/p>\n

What’s great about these cars: they still have the DNA of a Miata<\/a> (fun, simple, cute) with the power of a V8. There is no other driving experience like this, blending the Miata’s incredible handling with the V8’s horsepower. I would say they’re all worth it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There’s an ongoing joke in the Miata community that the car is slow and cheap. It’s not really a joke, … <\/p>\n

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