Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

dba_ohio

There is more to consider than just final ratio when comparing the 6 speed vs the 5 speed. The six speed has a higher rear end gear than the 5 speed. Combine this with the gear ratio for both the 6 speed and the five speed at each gear and you will see that the 6 speed allows for higher rpms at each gear for the first 5 and a lower final ratio when comparing 5 vs 6. What this translates to is better acceleration at each shift point and lower rpms in the final gear with the 6 speed. It also provides for additional choices for cruising at different speeds. It has been well thought out, and I can see nothing but advantage for the six speed.

lateralg

Anyone know the ratios of 5 & 6 speed transmissions?

Anyone know if the 6 speed can be a bolt-in replacement for the 5 speed?

crashton6

I can't help you, but if you go to www.miata.net I'll bet someone there can.

davidb72

My advice exactly. Check out the Forum at www.miata.net There is a specific forum for wheels and tires.

netty1

Thanks for the advice I'll try that

dba_ohio

Transmission ratios 6 Speed Manual/5 Speed Manual/Automatic
1st gear 3.760 / 3.136 / 2.450
2nd gear 2.269 / 1.888 / 1.450
3rd gear 1.645 / 1.330 / 1.000
4th gear 1.257 / 1000 / 0.730
5th gear 1000 / 0.814 / -
6th gear - / 0.843 / -
Final drive 3.909 / 4.300 / 4.100

ateixeira

netty1: I bet those wheels are custom. Chrome wheels can be pricey, so you may find it a better deal overall to replace the entire set, especially if yours are prone to damage easily.

Phillip: 87 octane is fine if your timing is set to factory specs (10 degrees, I think). If the timing is advanced beyong 14 degrees BTDC, then you may need more octane.

-juice

foxfire

I am thinking of buying this vehicle and wanted some advice as I will be a first time Miata owner. My concern is noise. Now I realize this is a roadster and that is to be expected (?) but I am wondering if a hard top will cut this down a bit. This one sounds like a small airplane. If the hard top is the way to go, then where would I get one? Any advice at all on this year model would be greatly appreciated!

ateixeira

The early hard tops are actually louder than the soft tops, because they are not lined and work like an echo chamber.

Later hardtops had sound insulation, but I don't think they're much more quiet than the soft top.

Honestly, if noise is a crucial factor, the Miata just isn't the appropriate car for your tastes. Or consider owning one as a 3rd vehicle, if you can afford that.

-juice

WarpDrive

The Miata is a NOISY vehicle. On C&D's 10 best issue last year....the 10th Anniversary Miata had the loudest noise level at 70mph in all their under $60000 cars.

Having said that, I initially found the noise a bit disconcerting, but quickly got used to it. I just don't expect to hear the nuances of any classical music playing. It's only when I move to a normal car when I realize. I agree that if you think the noise will be a bother, don't get it. The hardtop does reduce some of the noise from the wind and pattering caused by rain etc, but it's still a noisy car since the road and exhaust noise is still very apparent. The one thing the hardtop will do is stiffen up the feel of the car.

sisko99

I've been reading on this thread about the noise level on the Miata. You say it is loud, but how loud? Would it drown out the radio? If you were talking to someone in the car with you, would you have to yell?

Thanks.

WarpDrive

Sisko

Surprisingly, no, during average cruising on city streets (less than 50 mph) even with the top down, you can speak at a relatively normal level and be heard. Due to the very good wind flow, wind noise is actually not the problem. At higher speeds, you never have to yell as such, but you will have to speak louver.

The Miata is noisy because you hear everything, engine drone, tire noise, exhaust noise, outside noise, wind noise over the closed top, rain on the top. It's prevalent at all times and you hear the drone of the exhaust even at moderate speeds. The noise is constant and the perception is that it is noisy. The actual noise level is definitely higher than your average car but it's not deafening by any standard.

As I said before, unless you are expecting a silent car, it's easy to get used to it. I actually like hearing the car, you feel more at one with what's happening. Just don't expect to hear the radio at all times. As you would expect, outside noise is also part of the problem.... the sum of all of the noises does tend to drown out the radio a bit.

In the end, noise is definitely the last thing that would keep me from buying this car. I almost have the problem that I feel my normal car is too quiet!

lrw1

I currently drive a Nissan Maxima and am considering the purchase on a 2001 Miata to help recapture some of my youth. Is there any compelling reason not to just buy the base 2001 Miata without any options as the most cost effective kind of purchase? It seems like the basic Miata will provide 99% of the enjoyment of the more expensive versions.

WarpDrive

You're right IRW1,

Buying a base Miata is highly recommended unless you want some of the performance features like the 6 speed and sports suspension. A base Miata is lighter and just as fun to toss around. The ride is a bit softer than a sports package model and is more suitable for everyday use on real roads. The less aggressive tires of the base Miata don't break traction as suddenly and are more progressive. A decent driver can really have a lot of fun sliding the Miata around. The sports model tends to grip almost too well.

I have a "loaded" 10th Anniversary Miata and I am pretty sure that I wouldn't miss a lot of the luxury features like leather seats, power locks, cruise control, Bose system. None of those are noticeable when I am having fun driving. I bought my 10AE only because I got a good deal on it, otherwise, I would have settled for a base Silver model.

So yes, absolutely, the base Miata is definitely the best way to get the most for your money as far as a back-to-basics two seat roadster.

lrw1

I was originally thinking about the most basic 2001 Miata plus the sports suspension/larger tires, but I think I will take your advice and skip the suspension package. I like the Silver model too, and just received a quote over the internet of $19,126. That seems like a much better way to go than my richer brother recently went, $37,000 plus for a Honda S2000 (also a great sports car, with a huge amount of grip)

dragonshoard

I do not know how to get in touch with Christian Wardlaw and I am hoping someone can assist me in connecting with him or his/a 1997 twilight blue Miata STO.

In the article about the new 1999 Mazda Miata, "Mazda Works a Miracle", by Christian J. Wardlaw, Mr. Wardlaw said he had a 1997 twilight blue STO. Is his car still around, and if so, is it for sale? My STO was just totaled (1-5-2001) and I do not think I will get enough in the settlement (even though it is the other guys fault) to pay off the car, medical bills, and have enough left over to afford a new Miata. Mine was just an infant, with only 26,000 miles on it. It had numerous custom items, the gold package, four tires with less than 500 miles, a rear window two months old, and a pair of sway bars that had been on the car for a week and a half - when it rains, it pours.

I would appreciate any help.

davidb72

Put the word out on
http://www.miata.net/index2.html
http://pub42.ezboard.com/broadsterchat
good luck...

shaw10

My dog, Rags, and I travel everywhere in my Honda Accord Hatchback - desperatly want to get a Miata but I question whether he could fit on top of the console inbetween the seats - I will probably try to convince a salesperson to let him try it out ! but until then would really like to hear from current owners who travel with their dogs in the Miata ... Rags weights about 35 lbs - is a cross between a Sheepdog and Terrier, is about a foot wide by about 2 1/2 feet long and is willing to squeeze a bit provided he can come for the ride!
Please advise if you think Rags will fit and
the range of dogs that have traveled in the car -
I would plan to protect the console with a heavy rug of some sort.
Thanks for any and all responses - can't wait to hear from you...

sisko99

How big a person will fit in the seats of the Miata? I'm not talking about a fat person here, but just a big person. Obviously, a pro football player wouldn't fit, but what are the limitations? Leg room, hip room, head room (with the top up).

Thanks again.

WarpDrive

The only way to know is to try it yourself. Your mileage will vary depending on your build. Some people that are 6 feet find it a tight fit but others that over 6 feet have been known to fit. It depends on the proportions of your body. Only you know if you are comfortable. Of course, if you're short like me (5 8"), then the Miata seems positively roomy.

ateixeira

I'm 6' even and 205 lbs and I fit, snug but comfy. So snug that I take my wallet out of my pants pocket, but other than that no problem.

I'm probably right about at the size limit for a Miata, but as suggested above, try it yourself.

Noise? It's loud but you can have a conversation. I have a '93 with the MSS (Mazda Sensory Sound) and the road noise doesn't come close to drowning out this very good stereo. Newer ones are different, but I'm sure you'll hear the music.

Still, I often drive with the radio off to enjoy the journey and smell the roses.

Base Miatae aren't a bad choice. I have a CD player and rarely use it. The leather is slippery and cold in the winter (no heat on mine). I doubt I'd miss any of the stuff that came in my C package, except the nice looking alloys and the power steering (I prefer having that, some don't).

-juice

shaw10

Thanks for your continuing responses to my dog passenger dilemma ... re: safety, I figure that carrying Rags in the shotgun seat or back is just as dangerous as between the seats - I do realize the danger and am working on a dog-seat-belt adaptation.
Another dilemma - Base as LS...the AS only comes in the AS version - please advise as to how well the Miata version of AS works - that may be the deciding factor. Does the AS have other features that the Base can't be optioned for (pg interior lighting, etc)?
Thanks for any father responses.
Shaw

shaw10

That was supposed to read, "Base vs LS" and
the rest was supposed to have been about the ABS option only being available in the LS series.
Made no sense the way I originally typed it !
Shaw

dragonshoard

Our Dalmatians love to go for drives and most pet stores sell seat belt/harness for dogs (some are better than others). The dogs would much rather have a seat belt on than be in a crate, even though the crate is probably safer. A seat belt should be used, not only for their safety in an accident, but also to keep them from bolting over the door or through the window when they see something exciting i.e. cat, dog, bird, ball, paper bag, feather, etc.
Our Dals are between 45 and 55 pounds and do a good job of following the rules: No paws on the doors, dash, or behind the seat; Head inside when moving; Sit or lay when moving; Wait before getting in or out (so they do not jump in on your shades or exit into traffic); and No driving while I am driving.
Have fun.
(VP of Dalmatian Club of Greater Phoenix, Inc.)

sisko99

I've been talking with a friend about this car and an interesting point came up. The Miata is rather small. Do you guys fear being run over by the large number of giant SUV's on the road? I would imagine that it would be hard to see the car from high up in an Expedition or Navigator.

Thanks for the input.

bmaige

My son's little fiancee' has a 1990 Miata with 160,000 miles on it with a clutch that is slipping in third and fourth. I suspect it needs replacing. Two questions:

1. The 1990 is a rear wheel drive vehicle and, as such, the removal of the transmission, replacement of the clutch, and replacement of the transmission appears rather straightforward. Anyone with any experience doing this out there?

2. Where can I get shop manuals on it, and which are the best? Mazda's or a third party? If Mazda's, is there a website that carries them?

A local shop remembered putting a clutch in a Miata a year or so ago and could vaguely remember something giving him trouble, but not what it was. He thought it was bleeding the hydraulic clutch. I am not familiar with Mazda, but Toyota hydraulic clutches I have seen don't require breaking the line between the master and slave cylinders when dropping the transmission and don't have to be bled. Any input?

Thanks for your help.

WarpDrive

Yes, the Miata is one small and low car. This obviously means that it will less likely be seen by people in their Ford Monstrosities etc. I've personally taken on a defensive driving attitude, don't assume that everybody knows you are there. Getting out of blind spots and watching very carefully what other people are doing is a must. I drive with my lights on and upgraded the Miata's wimpy horn with a loud screeching air horn (You'll want to also once you hear what the stock horn sounds like). You also have the advantage that the Miata's agility and small size might allow you to steer yourself out of a sticky situation. Do a bit of what motorcyclists do...be aware.

ace10

GO TO MIATA.NET and go to the garafe section. there will be several articles, with pictures, on the whole process. it is said to be a very straight forward process with only a couple of "tricks". i have the huge factory manual and find it of limited use for everyday maintenance items. it's great for taking things apart, though. while at miata.net check out the marketplace. there are tons on vendors who sell factory and aftermarket service manuals.

by the way... you can't drive too scared. the miata is a very safe car, it is rated with 4 and 5 stars for its class. no, it's not a chevy impala, but it stops and handles much better. add a rollbar, if you want an added measure of safety.

ace

bmaige

I'll try miata.net post haste. I appreciate the rapid response.

bmaige

I went into Miata.net and found not only the information on replacing the clutch, but a source for parts at a good price, as well. And, when I contacted the source for parts they banged a response right back out, giving me a better price, even with shipping, than I can get locally.

The information from the guys that changed their clutches served to reinforce what I thought, and that is the top bolts holding the transmission in place are a bear to get to and remove while under the cramped quarters of a car on jack stands.

I may still try it, though.

Thanks again for the help and the web site!

Bob Maige

shaw10

Your comments, Dragonshoard, were happily heard by Rags...your Dalmations certainly can't be considered lap dogs yet you've/they've found a way to travel in a Miata. To push my point futher, have you or any other dog lover out there used the console as your dog's traveling space? Probably is much too small for a Dalmation but I still want your input (in fact when Rags gets his summer cut and loses all curly black and white hair, he ends up looking like a miniature Dalmation with black and white spots galore!)
Your input about a dog harness through a pet store makes a lot of sense - what do you tie it to? And you make a point that some are created more equal than others - which brands/types have you found to be the best and why?
Rags and I don't want to be defeated by minimal space but really need to know the score before investing so much into his next dog sled -
Thanks for your continuing input.
Shaw

davidb72

A good Miata repair manual is the Miata Enthusiasts Manual available for 1.6 and 1.8 cars. It is a Rod's manual published by Veloce Publishing.

sisko99

What's the insurance for a Miata look like? I'm sure it will be much higher than what mine currently is. Anyone in my age bracket (16-25) around here have one?

ateixeira

Shaw: 2 passengers plus a dog would be a crowd. You alone with dogs harnessed would be fun.

It's a very light car and the 4 wheel disc brakes are easy to modulate. Come to think of it, I haven't locked them up once in about 3 months of ownership.

Do I fear getting run over? Not really. I tend to avoid highways and taking more scenic routes, which tend to be one lanes. I've followed WarpDrive's good advice and changed both the horn and my headlights to be more visible.

I have the cheapie Haynes manual, and though it's often criticized, it's worked for me the 3 or 4 times I've had to refer to it (to find the fuel filter and get torque specs). It was $13 at Pep Boys.

Whatever you do, get a torque wrench! Easily the most useful and important tool you'll own.

Sisko: my insurance is not that bad. It's not a primary vehicle (we have 3 for 2 drivers), but I only pay $502 per full year. That's actually less than both our Subaru Forester and Mazda 626.

-juice

cdnpinhead

I'm 6' 2" and have been since college, when I owned an MGB. The Miata and MGB fit me about the same, which is to say tight, but comfortable. I drove the B in 44 states and the Miatas over 65K miles, often with 500 - 700 mile days. It all comes down to how much you like to drive and what you're comparing the car to. I came to the B from small motorcycles, so it felt downright luxurious.

Oh, regarding "stature". I weighed about 210 when I drove the B and more like 225 when I owned the Miatas. No problem.

freddy_k

Everybdy is different when it comes to insurance. Right now I drive an Escort ZX2 but my insurance quoted me only fifty bucks more a year for the miata. Just remember that it is important to shop around, tons of people are paying to much because they just assume one is the same as another. I have at least one ticket on record, and one stupid accident and I pay less then my friend of the same age who has a perfect record (he just started shopping around now that I knocked some sense into him)

pinecrestjim

Insurance rates will depend upon amount of coverage, driver's age and record, city/county where garaged, etc. Give your present insurer a call and have them quote the Miata - if they're reluctant to do so you should find another agent who is more interested in keeping your business.

BTW, I"m 6', 155 lbs with a 32" inseam. I fit fine in the Miata - should have bought one years...... ago!

Jim M.

ateixeira

You can get on-line quotes. For example, Edmunds has a sponsor called OneSource that provides insurance quotes for you. There's a link at their Miata specs page.

-juice

MarkinAtlanta

Well, the decision is made. My wife is getting that Miata she has been wanting for 10 years. Unfortunately, we are talking used. And as the designated car buyer, I know the basics of used car purchasing, but not the specifics for a Miata. That is, start with a good one-you'll save in the long run, and get it thoroughly checked out by an independent mechanic who knows the car. Extra credit if the original owner and has all her service records.

Looking back to 1990, it appears these have been bulletproof reliable cars. I plan on spending the next two months searching for a really good example. Right now I count nearly 100 in the Atlanta market. How should I narrow it down? Q1) What is the price "sweet spot"? Of course I want to spend as little as possible, but it must be a good one. As a newbie, I'm thinking $10-12K range for a 95-96 with ~40K miles. But in the $6-8K range look to be some great values too. Q2) What should I look for (or avoid) that is not immediately obvious. What I don't know at this point could fill an encyclopedia. I appreciate it. Mark

dgraves1

Have you been to Miata.net? It has buyer's tips, history of model year changes and lots of other useful information. In fact there's so much there, it is sometimes difficult to find what you are after.

MarkinAtlanta

Miata.net - appreciate it, I will, second time I've heard that.

charli_hustle

High! I'm 20 years old and have been thinking heavily about buying one...I got a quote from my current insurance agency...$2600 per year. Now of course you can shop the rate but high is high. You either pay it or you don't...as for me... I'm only gonna be 20 once so I think I see $2600/year in my near future.

ateixeira

Mark: some 90s had crank problems, and IIRC some early 91s as well. Otherwise they are extremely reliable. Consumer Reports scores for my 93 are actually better than some brand NEW cars!

With your kind of budget, you can shop for 92 and newer anyway, so I would.

The 92-93 have the smaller 1.6l engine, with 116hp and 25/30 EPA ratings. They also have only one air bag.

The 94 got the bigger engine (1.8l) with 128hp, but EPA ratings dropped to 23/27 I believe. It also got some extra chassis bracing and bigger brakes, plus a 2nd air bag.

In my case, I did not want the 2nd air bag, so later my daughter could ride up front with me. So I actually looked for an older one (with low miles).

Mods are abundant for any year Miata. You can go as far as you like with it.

I would look for rust (even though it's uncommon), paint chips/peeling, and proper alignment (sign of accident?). Do a compression test in each cylinder, looking for no more than 10% variation. Check panel alignment and then go for a long drive to see how it runs.

I manged to find a '93 C package (pretty loaded) for $7800 with only 26k miles. It's cherry so I feel like I'll get more out of it than the previous owner did, yet he basically paid for 2/3rds of it.

Once you get it, I'd do a full servicing, so you have a baseline (receipts can be forged). I mean oil & filter, air filter, fuel filter, PCV valve, O2 sensor, spark plugs, plug wires, transmission oil, differential oil, and an alignment.

Good luck.

-juice

MarkinAtlanta

Thank you very much. Your post had precisely the type of information I was hoping for (good ol' Edmunds). I have begun reading Miata.net and learned the basics regarding HP in 89-93 vs 94-95 vs 96-97. Also, the differences in the M, STO, and A,B,C packages. Still got a lot to learn, the hardest part is knowing what to ask. $7800 for a cherry '93! My new goal-do as well as you did. Will probably pop in later with more informed questions.

davidb72

I got a 1997 M edition this past September. It had 15,000 miles on it. I paid 16,000 for it, maybe a little high, but it was in like new condition. 1997 was the last year for the M1 style. I like the M1's better.... Pop up headlights and all...

ateixeira

The Miata.net forum even has a barn door fan club!

-juice

charli_hustle

Well, I think I'm going to go buy a Miata today. a 2000 LS in emerald Mica...5-speed of course )The only request I have is this...."take off that ugly [non-permissible content removed] front license plate bracket!" The passenger corner of the front window will do just fine for my front plate...damnit, Ohio should just get rid of front license plates all together.

davidb72

Good luck, be sure to check out Miata.net for some good advice on mods and stuff!

crashton6

Congrats on your new Miata. I live in Ohio also so I have to run the front plate. It doesn't look very good up front but its much safer than having it in the car with you. If someone wrecks you that plate is going to go flying. I have a friend that this happened to. He really got screwed up.

Chuck

charli_hustle

Well, I havn't got it yet...unfortunately...not that I'd be drinving it anyhow...we just got like 4 inches of the white stuff But at least it's on hold. I'm a car salesman and one of our other stores that sells Mazda's has one I'm trying to buy..Anyhow...my boss had 'em put it inside and on hold...now just got to wait for what the bank has to say.....*impatiantly waits* as for mods...first thing is a car cover. I don't have anywhere to put it and I really don't wanna shell out more cash for a storage place..Hey, I'mm 20 so you can imagine the insurance Next...a new shifter knob...personally, the only ugly thing about that car is the stock shifter knob :P white faced gauges would be a nice lil add too. And of course a stereo...Bose doesn't impress me...the Corvette in out showroom has a Bose stereo and it' ain't nothin to write home about...nothing that's gonna be heard bumping 4 blocks down but just enough to satisfy my ever longing strive for good sound quality...As for performance....gimme a few years....I can hear the turbo whining now.......*listens*.....lol