How reliable is a Miata from around 1990-1995?

Question

how often and how expensive is maintenance?

Answer 1

Old Man Dirt gave the definitive answer.

I've got a 1990 with 170K on it.  I just had to have my starter replaced.  That was the first time I replaced my starter and it was the first time I've had the car in the shop in 10 years.  Literally.

Great cars.

Answer 2

The water pumps need done about every 120 k miles, the timing belt every 60 K miles. Plugs and wires when ever you want a little more zip.

Tops last five to seven years.

Still have original starter, and alternator.

I do most of the work on them myself.

But what do I know, I only have 140k on mine and have owned my first Miata for ten years now and it just got to where it needs a new clutch.

I bought another that was broke and fixed the engine for less the 500 dollars (but I did the work myself).

No neither of them is for sale-

To much fun for the pound!