Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

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Comments

  • dgraves1dgraves1 Member Posts: 414
    lol - adjustable exhaust note. Why didn't somebody think of this sooner? Oh, wait a minute, Mitsubishi had it on the 3000GT VR4 (I think). One of its many overly complicated systems.
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    WHY NO YELLOW?????? Here I have been thinking, maybe they'll bring back the yellow by the time I get one. (sigh) oh well, I guess I'll have to make do. but I really like a roadster in yellow :-(
  • judasjudas Member Posts: 217
    No kidding about the VR4 dgraves. 4 wheel steering. 4 wheel drive. Adjustable suspension. Adjustable aero. What other garbage did that thing have on it? Has to add up to 300 lbs or more.
  • C13C13 Member Posts: 390
    That's hysterical about the VR4.

    When I was selling cars a guy brought one in to trade in on something or other. One of the managers, though playing it cool with the customer, was just SALIVATING to get his hands on that car and buy it from the dealership at the special rate that those guys get. He was working the numbers and everything.

    He kept trying to convince anybody that would listen about what a special car it was. "That baby's got EVERYTHING!". Nobody seemed that interested.

    I was lovin it. Helped to confirm my impression that hucksters often cheat themselves.
  • clancysdadclancysdad Member Posts: 2
    An opportunity has come up that has made my life a little more difficult - No, Dunkin Donuts hasn't brought out a new product - I'm being serious here. Long story short: Had a Miata, lost Miata along with girl and dog. It's a toss up which I miss most, the Miata or the dog!

    I have decided to get another Miata. The hard decision is new 2000 Sport (good pricing in my area) or a 10AE with less than 10K miles. The 10AE is spotless and comes with Factory hardtop and ABS. Selling price is $23.5K. Any guidance available on what the 10AEs are going for with such low miles? I have seen others offered for much more money (Good Luck) with more miles. I feel this is a fair price considering that the sticker was for over $30K (I saw it) and the vehicle was titled in December (Lots of warranty left). Any comments on recents sales (with real numbers) that others have heard of? Thanks for the input.
  • jpanjpan Member Posts: 1
    I was think about a 00 se miata. however, after i saw the posting for 2001 model, I am now debating which one i should buy. btw, what is a good price of 00' se in texas.

    TIA

    jp
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    I would imagine that it would make sense to either wait to buy the 2001, or wait till the 2001's are almost out and the 2000's are being cleared out.
  • diamonddave2diamonddave2 Member Posts: 12
    They have a classified section with some 10AEs for sale, and I've seen some with low miles in the $21,500 to $23,000 range.
    The reason the prices are low is that you can pick up a 2000 SE edition for around $23,500 (after rebates, etc), and still get a six-speed.
    I prefer the 10AE myself, mainly due to the color.
  • zaqzaq Member Posts: 19
    There is also another difference between the 10 AE and the 2000 SE (Aside from color)...

    The 10 AE is equiped with the Sport Suspension, Strut Tower Bar and rear (duh) limited slip differential.

    Not that I'm biased towards the 10AE because I own one or anything :)...

    Now all I need is a RX-Evolv for the 4-seats and I'll be in sports car nirvana.

    -Z
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    That's too much for a used 10AE, new leftovers were going for $20k flat or even slightly less for the previous 3-4 months. They should all be gone now though.

    Sorry about the dog and girl though... Good choice on the car.

    -Colin
  • thiefthief Member Posts: 9
    Our new Miata Special Edition has recently been stalling (on occasion)shortly after a cold start. This problem is intermittent and only occurs shortly after a cold start (perhaps 5 seconds after achieving "cold idle"speed)while sitting and waiting for warmup. It goes to the dealer next week for it's first visit (oil,etc)as it now has 3600 miles on it. Any suggestions?????
  • chumpschumps Member Posts: 6
    http://people.we.mediaone.net/cowchip/m2_5.html

    not too cool at first but sorta grows on you i guess :o
  • 2far2work2far2work Member Posts: 2
    Hi,Miata lovers. I have a red '92, which runs perfectly,but needs a new paint job. What is a decent price to pay for good paint work? I have never had this done to any of my other cars, because I sold them after a while, but this car is the one I will be buried in. We have some reputable autopaint places here, but I just don't know what to expect price-wise. Thanks to all who answer.
    Annie from Michigan
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Since you are from michigan, if the car has spent any time out in the winter picking up salt, then you should totally strip it for inspection. The time to repair early stages of rust is before you drop a few thousand on paint.

    Unless you have a connection, a simple inexpensive color plus labor will be no less than $1000. $1500 is more likely, and going over $2000 is possible... Oh and I recommend sikkens or ppg paint.

    -Colin
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    chumps, that link is a bust whatever it was...
  • zaqzaq Member Posts: 19
    Are also available from miata.net

    Here's a direct link there:

    http://www.miata.net/news/editions.html

    There are four pictures there, I believe the same as the media one photos.

    IMHO the front end looks too Honda like. I'm more a fan of the mini-jag look.

    I am also curious as to how 16" rims do anything but boost sales to the big rim crowd, as it's pretty well documented that 14 or 15 is "the way to go".
  • WarpDriveWarpDrive Member Posts: 506
    It depends on how heavy the factory 16 inch wheels are. The "big rim crowd" tend to buy wheels that look good but are way too heavy compared to the stockers. I've heard of people putting 16 inch wheels that are in excess of 20+ pounds which is between 50%-100% more weight. Of course it's not going to handle that well with all the unsprung weight. On the other hand, if the factory wheels are only a couple more pounds, I can se that you may be able to improve steering and turn-in response at the expense of less ability to drift.
  • zaqzaq Member Posts: 19
    The widest tire you can fit on a 90-00 miata, without any rubbing issues, is a 215 front and 225 rear (I believe).

    In a car with 50/50 weight distribution, adding wider rubber to the rear is probably going to get the car to understeer.

    I'd wager however that 16's and tires are going to add ~ 8 or 10 pounds per wheel. Since auto-xers are willing to spend around 1600 to 2000 on forged rims and R-spec tires to do the opposite (lose 10 pounds a corner) as a pure performance add on, it doesn't make sense.

    Of course I may also be biased by the racing beat MX-5 that pulls 1.1g's on the skidpad on stock sized rims.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Oh, I couldn't find any pictures real quick of a car without that horrid appearance package. If you see an M2 without it though, it looks (to me) just like the blue one from the new Miata release linked 2 posts above.

    -Colin
  • chumpschumps Member Posts: 6
    Yea no kidding Locke, it's still a Miata, and a gorgeous one at that, but you wouldn't believe how some people have been crucifying it on the miataforum! I have to admit I was hesitant as well, it's funny how we can be so attached to sheetmetal but I'm really warming up to the redesign.

    Here's another page (in japanese) w/ some good pics: http://www.roadster.mazda.co.jp/
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    WAIT, I see the difference now. Boy is it subtle.

    Okay, the full clear headlights don't count IMO. Big whoop.

    The mouth grill is shaped differently and the fog light holes are smoothed on the new one.

    -Colin
  • chumpschumps Member Posts: 6
    enjoy!

    Exterior:
    http://www.roadster.mazda.co.jp/special/design_z1.html http://www.roadster.mazda.co.jp/special/design_z2.html http://www.roadster.mazda.co.jp/special/design_z3.html

    Interior:
    http://www.roadster.mazda.co.jp/special/cockpit_z1.html http://www.roadster.mazda.co.jp/special/cockpit_z2.html http://www.roadster.mazda.co.jp/special/cockpit_z3.html
  • WarpDriveWarpDrive Member Posts: 506
    How much negative buzz about the new freshened Miata is. It's just different enough that it looks freshened but it's still got the Miata characteristics. I for one LOVE IT. It's the Miata as I always wanted it, 16 inch wheels, optional six speed, a tad more power, standard immobolizer, bolstered seats, white gauges, better brakes, projector lamps. All the things I would have done to spec the Miata the way I want it. The zealots would have you believe all these things are evil and that Mazda is doing us a disservice. I applaud Mazda for answering the competition so handedly and quickly. To me, the subtle aggressiveness of the new design is a modern answer to the modern competition) and if Mazda holds the line on price, then it's bound to knock the value equation out of the ballpark. And I believe Mazda will still offer the base version to appease some of the DIY'ers out there. For the most part, it's a win-win.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I hope the seats actually make it to the US. After contemplating the (pathetic) M2 seats, I have concluded that they offer middling kidney bolstering and *no* shoulder and hip bolstering for ... shall we say "soft" americans? I think the average owner age was telling them something, and it might have been that a deep pair of recaros could annoy more than they would please.

    -Colin
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    I like the subtle new changes, but the foglights are completely unneccessary frill that seems like a GM kind of thing to do.
  • WarpDriveWarpDrive Member Posts: 506
    If they designed them as driving lights, then they may actually serve a useful purpose to augment the new projector headlights. On my Audi, the driving lights actually do their job and I will use them. Comparativity, the Sunfires and Neons that I've driven had completely useless fog lights.

    Anyway, I like the fog lights, they are tastefully done.
  • blackcurrantblackcurrant Member Posts: 152
    know of a good resource for miata model info. Something that lists the changes/improvements from year to year? like a buyer's guide.. A website of course would be handy. Thanks!
  • jlaszlojlaszlo Member Posts: 60
    I recently purchased a '97 Miata with an Harrada aftermarket power antenna. Someone, who shall remane nameless, broke the mast and now I am having a fit trying to find a replacement. A local vendor here will only sell me the entire assembly. Does anyone know of any stores, national or local, who deal with Harrada aftermarket antennas?
  • zaqzaq Member Posts: 19
    There is a list available...

    And the url is:

    http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/5361/

    Covers 89 to 01. Haven't read it all, but it was linked to from Miata.net so it's prolly a good one.

    -Zak
  • thiefthief Member Posts: 9
    looking for a set of ramps that will accomodate our 2000 Special Editionfor oil changes. Any suggestions?????
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I don't think you'll have much luck with ramps because the miata is so low and the approach angle is so shallow.

    I put a big floor jack right under the engine crossmember and bring the whole nose up about 2 feet. (Block the rear tires well!)

    -Colin
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
    Actually, I made a pair for mine ... not pretty but they do okay. But if you want pretty, try "rhino ramps" made for Miata & other low-clearance cars, available from several aftermarket houses, e.g., Moss Motors I think and MiataMania. Connect from miata.net.

    Take care.
    Joe w.
  • pinecrestjimpinecrestjim Member Posts: 64
    I bought a '00 SE 3 weeks ago and can't help thinking that these standard '01 specs are really stealing from the SE. White guages, chrome trim, etc.

    Am I missing something?
  • blackcurrantblackcurrant Member Posts: 152
    Thanks for the link...it was great.
  • WarpDriveWarpDrive Member Posts: 506
    Mazda is obviously adding a lot of content to the Miata line that was previously an exclusive option for the special edition. This would NOT be the first time they did it. After all, special colors on previous special editions have shown up as a standard color. Special options on M or LE editions have become just regular options. It happens all the time and you certainly don't want to let it bother you.
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,623
    I had no problems using a set of ramps I bought years ago with either of my Miatas, one of which was an R pkg. I bought ramps that had removeable inclines (they clip in for use), so they didn't take up so much storage space. I got them at Checker/Kragar/Shucks or Pep Boys. . .can't remember, but I'm sure you have something similar where you live. It takes a bit of practice to get the vehicle up on them, but consider it a growth experience.

    With a car as low as the Miata, ramps (plus a floor jack to pick up the rear end) give one an opportunity to do any number of useful things to the bottom of the car, the most important of which is just to look around and inspect stuff.

    Good luck.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • porqpine68porqpine68 Member Posts: 1
    I'm looking to purchase a used 94-96 Miata and would like advice about which year may be best or differences between them. Other than the obvious (price, condition,..)

    Thanks
  • zaqzaq Member Posts: 19
    Look at post 495 or follow this link (copied) and you can see for yourself:

    http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/5361/

    That should have the info to answer your questions.

    -Z
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    Anyone know the RPM at 60 MPH in 6-th gear?

    How about gear ratios, each gear, and rear axle ratio?
  • karl1973karl1973 Member Posts: 89
    If I remember correctly, at 6th gear, the speed is about rpm/20 which is to say you are going about 3k at 60mph (this is just a rough figure, I am sure others can help you better)
  • zaqzaq Member Posts: 19
    Karl is pretty much exactly right...

    80 MPH is 4000 rm in top gear with a 6 speed (~4200 in the 5)

    60 is just about 3000 also.

    As for the actual ratios, I'd have to reccomend Miata.net for that information. But I don't know an exact URL.

    -Z
  • thiefthief Member Posts: 9
    The dealer just nicked me for $49 to do our first (and last by him)oil change. I don't think he even changed the filter-wish I had marked it so I could prove this. In any event,for MY future oil changes,does anybody have any suggestions for reaching the filter EASILY (i.e. without going to such extremes as removing the left front wheel). I've got Rhino ramps coming to elevate the machine-just seeking suggestions re:the filter.
  • thiefthief Member Posts: 9
    Correction to previous post (Right front wheel-not left)
  • clancysdadclancysdad Member Posts: 2
    From the 10AE brochure:

    1st: 3.760
    2nd: 2.269
    3rd: 1.645
    4th: 1.257
    5th: 1.000
    6th: 0.843
    Final Drive: 3.909
  • pinecrestjimpinecrestjim Member Posts: 64
    Confirming Karl1974 & Zaq's response: I've a new SE with 6sp tranny. 6th gearing is rpm/20=mph.

    From what I had read prior to purchase, the 6th gear did not add anything to hwy. mileage. Its a shame as I think they could have helped the mpg a little more there. The engine could certainly handle it. Although getting 29mpg actual at 75-80mph...who am I to complain?
  • militarymanmilitaryman Member Posts: 4
    I really enjoy this forum. I am looking at another miata (selling my first was a HUGE mistake and even my wife is letting me off the hook with my new truck) I know, I will pay for that generosity! Anyway, I really like the options on the LS but prefer the black cloth interior and black top. Is there anyway to do this without being malled by the dealer? I saw in the Edmunds TMV price it is around 22K for the LS minus some extras and the standard dealer money like advertisements. Is this about right? What about skipping the dealers and going through a broker? Anybody with thoughts on this?? Also, what all is changing on the 2001. I like the white dials and sporty items. Let me know. Lots of question for everyone. I appreciate the help, "I have the need for speed." Well, not just speed...what a car!!
  • karl1973karl1973 Member Posts: 89
    Actually you don't have to take off the front wheel to reach the filter. You just have to crank the steering wheel all the way to left, and reach in behind the right front wheel, and you should be able to reach the filter. Wear rubber gloves so you get a firm grip on the filter. Or get a filter wrench if it is screwed on too tight.
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
    Filter change: with the rhino ramps the filter will be even easier to reach. Just a reminder to use the Mazda filters ($5.95 at my dealer) as the discount store replacements (Fram, etc.) apparently lack a valve that Mazda puts in; some at Miata.net claim it's not worth the risk to bypass the OEM filter.

    Options: militaryman, there is a HUGE aftermarket supply for Miata options that you may know about (Miata.net marketplace is a good place to start), and depending on what you're thinking about adding, it may be more fun to buy the base model and then add on whatever cosmetic changes you like. It also allows you to control the cost. Just an idea.

    Take care.
    Joe W.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    militaryman,

    Your prayers will probably be solved with the 2001 Miata. About 15-25 messages back there are links to wide variety of pictures. Additionally the car is expected to pick up a LOT of standard equipment, which pleases many but angers motorsport enthusiasts. (My opinion: if you're serious about motorsport you can ditch all the extra stuff while you're installing the rollcage.)

    My wife bought a 2000 base + sport package though because she didn't like the tan top and leatherette seats on the LS. She bought black though, and I think she's starting to regret it even if she hasn't said it in so many words. It's frustrating to spend 2 hours cleaning the car and then in half a day it's dirty again, and utterly filthy within 2-3 days.

    -Colin
  • jwilson1jwilson1 Member Posts: 956
    If I understand you, Colin, it won't be possible to get one "buck nekkid" w/the sports (R) pkg. any longer?

    If so, that's a shame.

    Some of the Miata's best moments have come on the track, but if you have to spend a bunch for stuff you're going to have to spend even more to strip off ... that's going to make it too pricey to be much fun.

    For now there are plenty of used around I guess.

    Or do I misunderstand you?

    Take care.
    Joe W.
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