Welcome to some weird Mazdas. I have a review of a rather special Mazda coming later today, so right now I thought I’d kick things off with a look around Autotrader at some of the quirkier Mazda models currently listed for sale. All five of these used Mazda models are noteworthy, and they all gave me a little surprise when I saw them listed.
Really Nice 1988 Mazda 323 GTX
Although virtually everyone has now forgotten it, the Mazda 323 GTX was a pretty cool car back when it came out, over 30 years ago. Essentially a Mazda 323 hatchback modified for performance, it touted all-wheel drive, a wider stance than the regular 323 and a 132-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine — not bad for a 2,600-pound car. Effectively a "sport version" of a regular car before that became common, the 323 GTX is a rare sight today, but this fairly nice example is offered by a private seller in Los Alamos, New Mexico, with 175,000 miles for $4,500.
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata With 287,000 Miles
This is the highest-mileage Mazda Miata on Autotrader, and it’s just a very impressive specimen. Finished in bright blue with a gray cloth interior, this NA Miata has traversed an amazing 287,000 miles since it was originally sold new in February 1990 in Illinois. It’s now offered by Russ Darrow Mazda in Madison, Wisconsin for $2,500, and it’s in surprisingly nice shape for a car that’s traveled nearly 300,000 miles.
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata With Just 6,600 Miles
This is the nicest first-generation "NA" Mazda Miata currently offered for sale on Autotrader, and it’s so nice that I featured it as an "Autotrader Find" just the other day. But now I’ve brought it back, because it deserves a place on this list. An NA Miata with just 6,600 original miles, this is certainly the nicest one I’ve seen. It’s offered by GR Auto Gallery in Grand Rapids, Michigan for $22,900, for anyone who missed out on the chance to buy an original Miata back when it first went on sale.
Pristine 1988 Mazda RX-7 With 22,000 Miles
Although the second-generation "FC" Mazda RX-7 never really attracted enthusiasts like the later model, I always liked it for its handsome 1980s styling and for its decent performance, as a turbocharged model was offered with more than 200 hp. This particular RX-7 is just the "SE" version — with a 160-hp rotary engine — but it’s still appealing, especially when you consider that it’s traveled a mere 22,000 miles from new. It’s offered for $9,999 by CDI Car Sales in Victor, New York, southeast of Rochester.
2005 Mazda RX-8 With 205,000 Miles
Maybe the most surprising car on this list is right here: a 2005 Mazda RX-8 with 205,000 miles. I say this because there’s not a single person on earth who would consider an RX-8 to be reliable; rather, its rotary engine seeks out enthusiasts who will keep it well-maintained for longevity. As a result, most RX-8s don’t even approach the 200,000 mile mark, let alone exceed it like this one. This particular RX-8 is a 2005 model with a manual transmission and a Carfax report that notes an accident shortly after delivery in 2005 — and a lot of maintenance since. It’s offered by Berge Mazda Volkswagen in the Phoenix area for $5,500.
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With regards to the 323 GTX, you could also get a similar configuration in the 4 door sedan dubbed the Mazda 323 GT – certainly a sleeper car.
Mazda Lantis (but it was called the 323 Hatchback here). It was certainly a different style compared to the Protege Sedan…Doug, if you can find one of these things (not sure if they made it to the states), I am certain it would have a lot of interesting quirks and features!
I love the Lantis, saw them when I lived in Germany. I didn’t know they made it to Canada (never sold in the US to the best of my knowledge). Never got to drive one but it would be fun to get ahold of one!
Loved the MX-3 too. Crazy little V6 was 1.8 if I recall.
How many pictures of cars for sale on Autotrader were taken using a 1.2MP camera from a flip-phone?
Some do this intentionally to obscure the actual condition of the vehicle 😉
This green monkey creature seems to like this 1997 B Series, Doug. You should too.
Lol, that is one way to get customers