Mazda Roadster (Eunos Roadster / MX-5) NB for sale

The Mazda Roadster has been produced continuously from 1989 to the present across four generations: NA (1989-1997), NB (1998-2005), NC (2005-2015), and ND (2015-present). On the Japanese domestic market, the original NA generation was sold under Mazda's short-lived Eunos sub-brand as the Eunos Roadster; after the Eunos network was retired, the NB onward sold domestically as the Mazda Roadster. Export markets used the MX-5 or Miata names throughout. The car is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-seat convertible with a near 50:50 weight distribution and a curb weight of approximately 970 kg (2,140 lb) for the NA. Approximately 431,506 NA, 320,000 NB, and 250,000 NC examples were produced; the ND remains in current global production.

The NA uses a 1.6L B6-ZE four-cylinder (early production, approximately 110-115 hp) or a 1.8L BP (from 1994, up to approximately 160 hp), mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The NB retains the BP family — 1.6L B6 on the base JDM Roadster, 1.8L BP on most trims — and adds two factory-turbocharged variants: the Mazdaspeed MX-5 (1.8L BP-T with RH5 VJ35 turbocharger, 180 hp, 6-speed manual, Bilstein shocks, front-mount intercooler) and the limited MX-5 SP (Garrett GT2560R, 200 hp, 100 units). All other production Roadsters across NA and NB are naturally aspirated. JDM-exclusive NA trims include V-Special (tan interior, BBS wheels on some builds) and S-Limited; NB-generation JDM specials include the 10th Anniversary (3,500 units, Torsen LSD, Bilstein shocks, 6-speed manual), Club Sport (50 units, no air conditioning or stereo, Torsen LSD), and the NR-A lightweight track trim. The NC generation moved to the 1.8L and 2.0L MZR four-cylinder (codes L8-DE and LF-DE), with 5-speed manual base, optional 6-speed manual, or 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The ND uses 1.5L and 2.0L SkyActiv-G engines producing approximately 130-190 hp depending on year and market, paired with a 6-speed manual or automatic.

The NA (1989-1997) and NB (1998-2005) generations are fully US-eligible under the 25-year rule; the NC (2005-2015) entered eligibility from 2030 onward, and the ND (2015-present) is not yet eligible. Unlike most JDM import targets, the Roadster was sold new in North America as the Mazda Miata in left-hand drive — meaning JDM right-hand-drive examples compete directly with a substantial domestic supply of USDM cars. Buyers sourcing a JDM example typically do so for Eunos sub-brand provenance, JDM-only trim levels (V-Special, Club Sport, Mazdaspeed MX-5, NR-A), or specific color and interior combinations unavailable on export cars; a right-hand-drive configuration is inherent to any JDM-sourced unit and warrants consideration for jurisdictions with restrictions. Pre-purchase inspection should prioritize structural rust on the sill panels, frame rails, subframe, and the battery area of the engine bay — all cited as common deterioration sites on NA and early NB cars. Soft-top condition merits assessment separately: UV exposure cracks the vinyl fabric over time, and the rear plastic window on older examples is prone to seal failure. On early NA cars (1989-1992), confirming that the original B6-ZE crankshaft has been replaced addresses a known design-era failure point. Auction sheet and export certificate verification is advisable on any JDM import, and special-edition documentation (build numbers, Mazdaspeed badging, Club Sport records) should be authenticated against the VIN before any premium is paid.