Recently I’ve been sleuthing on the Miata.net forums. Because I may or may not have one of those incoming on a boat from Japan. What better way to learn all about the MX-5 - again - than to read the mountains of discussion materials.
Needless to say, the demographic of Miata owners skews older. That is why the car itself is so cheap to insure, despite the fact it's a properly pure sports car. The Mazda roadster shares this distinction with the Chevy Corvette, which is also famously cheap to insure, despite the mega amounts of horsepower. Demographics is king when it comes to insurance. The premiums for my previous BMW M2 was astronomical, thanks to modern M cars being widely popular with the younger crowd. A crowd that’s statistically crashing at a higher rate.
That’s the cost of doing business, as far as I am concerned. Perhaps it’s a tale as old as time, but I’ve seen a divide in the car enthusiasm sphere: older folks seem to carry disdain for the younger enthusiasts. Case in point: Miata Reunion is one of the biggest annual MX-5 gatherings. This year the event will be held at Laguna Seca in conjunction with Gridlife. For those who don’t know, Gridlife is basically a Forza Horizon festival come to life. No surprise then the attendees skew young.
Which presents a problem for a quite a few MX-5 owners - on the older side, obviously - considering attending the 2026 edition of the reunion. They prefer a classier experience, and rather not intermingle with the “unwashed masses” of the typical Gridlife crowd. Understandable, but ultimately a close-minded way of looking at things. Even if things naturally silo themselves into categories, car enthusiasm should be one giant tent that is welcoming to everyone. It’s sad to see preconceived notions can prevent some people from the opportunity to experience something different.
Besides, haven’t we - those of us on the other side - all been a young enthusiast at one point? If anything, we should be super welcoming and happy that car enthusiasm continues to survive onto the generations proceeding. You don’t have to agree with their style and methods, but this whole thing of ours is dependent on future generations joining in on the fun. The cool cars that we want to buy, and for the manufactures to continue making, is predicated on demand.
Toyota has plans for a next generation GR86 coupe precisely because so many young guys are buying the current version and crashing them. Bully!
Tanning bed.