Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

imhopeful

Nice to know there are no "watch and avoids". I took a dealer test ride a few days ago. Wow! What fun! It will be second car and only a toy but never having had a convertible or sport car, at 69, it's about time. I filled out the "get a dealer" quote on the Mazda site but so far no response. The dealer where I took the ride wanted pretty much sticker price.
I think I will opt for the standard 5 speed. Car will be garaged and covered so do I really need the hardtop?

MarkinAtlanta

69 years young, wow, congrats, I know you'll love it. You really have to drive these cars to appreciate what a joy they truly are. It is my wife's daily driver, so when winter returns, we'll want to get her a hardtop. You may not need one. Actually you may want to consider getting the base model vs the LS, just a thought.

imhopeful

Naw...I want the Leather, the Bose audio, the 16 inch tires and the "feeling" I have the upscale model. Only plan on doing this once. ;-)

MarkinAtlanta

Right answer! My wife drove 2001 LS, she talked about that thing non-stop all night! The manager of my department has listened to me talk about these cars, now he's out shopping for a LS Miata too.

imhopeful

Talked to the dealer tody. They are getting a Special Edition in this week - so they say. Should I - or is the red LS on the showroom floor good enough?

MarkinAtlanta

Sweet, I think you NEED the special edition. But you'll have to settle for the 6 speed.... ;-)

http://www.miata.net/news/miata-se2.jpg

PS, I wish I had your problems....

ateixeira

I think the Miata is one vehicle where the luxurious options make less of a difference. Mind you, I have leather and a CD player, but I wouldn't care if it were cloth with no radio at all.

-juice

imhopeful

The British Racing Green Special arrived at my dealers Sunday evening (these truck drivers work 24 hours) and this evening (Monday) it is in my garage. 24 miles on the odometer so far. Will put a few more on tomorrow - if it doesn't rain. So far I'm all smiles!!!

MarkinAtlanta

All you need now is sunscreen....great choice.

caleb_ruth

I have admired the Miata's since 1990 (wasn't that the first year?). I am now moving to a climate where I think it is an option. I plan to have the Miata as my primary mode of transportation. My question is: what model year would you recommend as the best in features and performance if I don't plan to spend more than $8-9,000. Also is it very loud inside w/o the hardtop?

postoak

Many people consider the '94 to be the best Miata every made. It is obtainable in your price range. The Miata is noiser WITH the hardtop on than with the soft top on and up. At highway speeds, the Miata is just plain noisy -- forget about listening to the radio. For the occasional 2+ hour highway trip with the top down, I've been known to wear earplugs! You arrive at your destination much less tired.

distec

I'm looking for the newer generation miatas and am wondering about prices. I'm still not sure whether I want used or not, since I really don't want to be "buying someone else's problems." I also understand this isn't exactly the best time to buy a convertible, so prices won't be real cheap.

Looking around at dealers, I've found '99s between $14 and $17, depending on the options. Most have 30k+ miles, which seems like a lot for a 2 year old car. I've also looked at new '00 and '01s, although they are at least $5k more.

I actually found a new base '00(no mileage) for $18.6k, which seems like a good deal. I was wondering if the incentives for the '01s also apply to new '00s? 1.9% or $1000 cash back are the incentives right now, plus I'm in college. If the incentives apply, I could get $1400 off, which would bring the '00 to $17.2k, A very good deal IMO.

Any ideas on the best route to go? I'm in college, so I don't exactly have a lot of money to burn. I especially don't want to get burned by a used and abused miata that needs repairing every week.

MarkinAtlanta

You're the guy who started the Fun Cars Under 20K topic. I see you came to a wise decision. Its funny some guys over at miata.net swear they wouldn't buy a Miata with less than 100k miles on the clock. I wouldn't advocate this, but these cars are known for their exceptional reliability. You know the drill, find the best example you can, pay an experienced Miata mechanic to check it out ~$60. I spent about 2 months doing my background research before I got serious, then using autotrader.com found about 10 newly listed cars each week that met my criteria. I test drove 6 or 8 for 3 straight weekends until I found the right one. Pretty easy, but markets around the country are different. Also, don't sell the first generation models short 90-97, they are a bargain.

ateixeira

You can find lots of Miatas with low mileage, often because they are 3rd vehicles, or because they are not used much in the cold season.

For $8 to $9k, you can find a '93 or '94 with low miles. The '93 has the 1.6l engine, which has a few more mods available for it (including turbo group buys starting just over a grand).

The '94 has a torquier 1.8l engine and beefed up brakes and chassis braces. This is the one to go for if you're keeping it stock, IMO.

I bought my '93 in October, and as it gets warmer I'm beginning to decide that buying this car was just about the best decision I've ever made in my life. It's liberating, fun, makes you feel 10 years younger. And that's just looking at it!

Good luck and I hope you join us in our enjoyment of a fine automobile.

-juice

bjrich

I have been looking for the dealer cost on dealer installed options or using the credit card of $500 to buy accessories. They want retail plus installation costs and I think that is not fair. I have not found or had a response from edmunds,or kkb with this info. It would be appreciated to know what the wood dash, Nardi Knobs...(shift and brake) chrome gas cap, painted to match I&I mud flaps etc., cost the dealer... and how to figure the cost of installation.Any body know this information?

eddiesvr4

Wut up guys ... this is definitely convertible weather. I've been having an incredible time cruising in the Miata ... baseball cap and sunglasses are all the accessories I need.

Best Buy was having a really good sale on in-dash CD players so I picked up a really nice Pioneer to replace the original tape deck in my '92 Miata. What an improvement.

The only thing is, I think it's now time to change the speakers too. Pioneer makes some really nice 3-way 6" speakers for the front, and Best Buy has them for a decent price.

Unfortunately, the rear speakers are located in the headrest. Can these be replaced by aftermarket installers? Does the seat need to be re-aupolstered (sp?)? I don't want to turn this into a huge job. I just want to change the speakers.

How about adding an amp? If changing of the rear speakers isn't economical, how legitimate would it be to add an amplifier? 2 channel? 4 channel? Prices are decent now and I just got my tax returns back.

Hope all is well.

Eddie

deck314

I'm interested in a 2001 and I would think the "best" deals should be on a Miata returned under Option 1. I haven't seen any posts by folks who have successfully done so and wonder what sort of discount from original invoice is being applied to these cars. Has anyone bought a "used" 2001 Miata turned in under Option 1? If so, what sort of deal did you strike?

davidb72

You can probably replace them yourself! Check the garage section at http://www.miata.net/index.html

I'm pretty sure there are instructions in the interior section. Also, check out the forums, people discuss this stuff all the time there. Good luck and have fun!

ace10

there isn't much room in the doors for big/tall speakers, especially three-ways. www.crutchfield.com will have a fitment guide for the speakers and the model of vehicle. i suggest checking it out before attempting and install.

ace

MarkinAtlanta

Here is a 27 year old male, considering trading or selling his '97 Civic EX for a Miata, asking owners their opinion....its long, 27 responses. The people own this car, really seem to enjoy it.

http://www.miataforum.com/ubb/Forum11/HTML/001441.html

myrtlemtn

Please help!!! Has anyone experienced the following problems:

1. Reverse lock out - Intermittent problem where I cannot shift into reverse on a manual transmission. There is no pattern. It happens at various times of the day & night. I also had some problems with 1st to 2nd. Mazda after 7 attempts to find and fix the problem replaced my engine at 30,000 miles. It did not fix the problem and continues to be a big problem.

2. Has anyone been notified or aware of a technical service bulletin regarding excessive play in the crank shaft?

3. Radio/DC player shorts out for 20-30 minutes after driving approximately 2-3 hours. This has happened like clockwork from LA to San Francisco both in the heat of day and the coolness of the evening. My radio & DC player have been replaced at least twice by the dealer.

Please mail me at Myrtlemtn@yahoo.com if you have any advice, commentary, etc...

ateixeira

Gear oil low or spent?

It's an easy job to change it, but on a '99 I'd make the dealer do it. If you have problems down the road, it should be covered.

-juice

lrw1

I am interested in buying a new Miata, 2001 or 2002, and was wondering if there is any information yet available on the 2002 models. I am under no pressure to buy a new car right now, except that by waiting until winter, I would miss a summer without a Miata.

davidb72

Do they have summers without Miatas??? Just kidding, I don't know of any info on the 2002 model yet, but a good resource is http://www.miata.net
That is the BEST source of info on any Miata. You can check the forums, they are very informative. See you there, my name there is also Davidb72.

ateixeira

Check it out, for $10.07, I added a lower front chassis brace using C-channel steel and zinc coated hardware. Took only about an hour, and it seems to have less cowl shake now. Click here to see it.

The 1994 and later models have a brace, so this is for early Miatae.

-juice

jstandefer

Here's an article by The Car Connection regarding the 2004 Miata with an artist rendition of what it may look like based on talks with Mazda and the styling clinics Mazda is using:

http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=3701

Again, there's more rumors of the venerable rotary engine under the hood... I don't know if it's been discussed yet in this board, but I have heard (from a reliable source) that the Miata will be the next in line to get the Mazda Performance Series (MPS) touch, with help from Racing Beat of course. This will be the second in the MPS series, with the newly-introduced MP3 being the first with only 1,500 copies.

ateixeira

I like the muscular fenders, and the idea of a rotary in such a light car.

Hope they can keep the price low.

-juice

dgraves1

Maybe I'm reading it wrong but does that article say the Miata might have a suicide type rear door? For what? Is it going to be a 2+2?

ateixeira

I think that's for the RX coupe, not the Miata. They will share a chassis.

-juice

dgraves1

You're right, ateixeira. It's talking about the RX-8. Had me scared for a minute.

freddy_k

the phrase that tends to pop up in my mind is "if it ain't broke..."

Maybe if they add this new rotary Miata to the linup, but I worry a bit about them replacing it. There is no way the price will be as low, and not everyone wants a rotary. I hope not, but everything great about the Miata could be lost switching to the new chassis.

Am I the only one who isn't thrilled with the RX8?

mateyo

Hi. I have never posted on this board before, but I have decided that a Miata will likely be my next car. And, after having seen what they may be doing to it for 2004, I may want to buy soon. That rendering of the 2004 is heinous in my opinion.

Now, my question -- and I haven't read all 1282 posts to see if it has been addressed before. My ideal Miata would be the top-level model in black. Right now, that car comes with a tan top to match the leather interior. Has anyone gotten their top switched to a black top at purchase? That's what I would want to do. Are dealers willing/equipped to do this? What would it cost? Any answers would be appreciated. Thanks.

MarkinAtlanta

Good choice, I think collectively, the Miata is the single most misunderstood and underrated car currently made. Speaking for myself, it is amazing how much time I spent fretting over color choices before I picked up my cars. And then once I got it, it really didn't matter much. Probably more so in the Miata, 10 minutes after you get behind the wheel, all you just want to do is find a twisty road. Anyway, I doubt you'll be able to sway top colors without it turning into a huge hassle. Are you sure triple black is not an option? Black car, black cloth interior, black top? With any luck, your top will spend most of the time under the boot cover anyway. Good luck.

jstandefer

This new chassis has been designed specifcally with the Miata in mind. Originally, the new RX was going to sit on a modified Miata platform. However, since the Miata platform would be "old" by the time the RX hits the market, it was decided to design a new platform that would benefit both cars.

Remember, the RX was always Mazda's flagship car. It will accelerate, handle, and brake better (and be more expensive) than the Miata and the new platform will be designed to meet RX standards. The Miata can only benefit from it, much like the Miata has benefited from the RX in the past (Power Plant Frame was originally conceived for the RX-7, windblocker from RX-7 convertable, etc.).

A rotary engine? I'm sure it will be an option, with the 4-cyl standard. Here again, the Miata would benefit from the rotary's lighter weight, higher power output, more refined manner, and smaller size. Besides, with a rotary under the hood, the Miata can show the MR-S and S2000 who's boss!

jstandefer

For the right amount of $$$$$, any dealer would be willing to do it. They are equipped and trained to install new tops on the Miata. However, if you want the LS with the black top, it's going to cost you. You will have to buy a brand new black top and pay for the installation. It has to be done by the dealership and the top will have to be genuine Mazda, or it won't be covered under the factory warranty (the rest of the car will be, but no longer the top) and I believe the convertable top is probably the number one warranty item... adjustments and replacement/repair of the rubber window seals.

What is it that you like about the LS? Is it the leather, Bose system, 6-spd? If you just want the leather, it is probably cheaper to buy a base Miata and have leather seats put in.

dgraves1

Obviously, it's all personal taste but I love black and tans - in Miatas and beer. Never at the same time of course.

jstandefer

My overall favorite is the Classic Red LS... something about red and tan... but the black and tan is gorgeous, and the white and tan looks luxurious. However, the 2000 Special Edition with the mahogany and parchment top is absolutely beautiful!

lones

lones

I'm new to this messaging. My 94 miata just failed the PA emissions test. Has anyone else had this problem? Also, the hood on my miata has a defective hinge? It appears as tho the hinge is loose. When the hood is up the hinge flexes like it as broken loose. Otherwise, I LOVE THIS CAR!!

MarkinAtlanta

I have an excellent example of a black and tan Miata. 1992 Limited Edition with factory BBS wheels, wood shifter and mahogany brake handle. Striking combo.

crashton6

If you bought your Miata used I would suggest checking the ignition timing. Lots of owners including me have bumped the timing to 14 degrees. Stock setting is 8 degrees on your 94. Why you may ask would one change the timing. It's free horsepower. This may have an adverse effect on your emissions. You may want to go to http://www.miata.net & post your problem there.
Lots of knowledge there.

Good luck

Chuck

lones

Thanks. I'll have the mechanic check and I'll also check the miatanet site. Does anyone have any idea about the hinges on the hood? Mine looks like a factory defect.

mateyo

I had a feeling it would be an expensive proposition. I'm just a very picky buyer and I just, personally, don't like the tan top over the black body. But you're right, I don't have to look at it while I'm driving, and the top will be down most of the time anyway :-)

freddy_k

I love the red and tan, and I'm willing to pay for the leather package to get it. Air is also always good to have (put down the top and blast cold air in my face at the same time!) not to mention it's much better for resale down the road. I also hate that the sport package only comes with that horrible aerosport package. And with the blisteins added after it will just be a slightly heavier sport package. Amazing, with all of this plus a pop top for the winter and snow tires the little affortable Miata is already well past 35k canadian - ouch.

bjrich

I have just finished reading some the writers choices of colors... and equipment and found it very interesting. I picked up our new 2001 Crystal Blue Mica, with the tan leather package,and guys, it is absolutely stunning. People yell at me.."that is the most beautiful Miata I have ever seen.""Gorgeous Car people" as my lady and I drive bye?My friends tell me,"no wonder you wanted a new none... its a terrific color". We started with a 90, in l993 with 54,000 on it and it was a basic A pkg, red and black wed it with 141,000, no problems for eight years and I felt pretty sad to see it go. I had put Borbet type MCs on it, had new carpet put in, (red) and had a pretty new colorfast black top with glass window put on a couple of years ago. It had a great stock rap muffler. We really loved it. This 01 Crystal Blue Mica is a different nature car.. it car.. itch soother, so much tweeter driving takes on a feeling of being simply classy. I find the Bose Sound system completely great. I find the seats much roomer and loads more comfortable. I can even hear a slight gear whine as I shift up and it reminds me of my old Packard a long time ago. The bulge in the hood has me hooked. The steering wheel has me hooked. I love this stuff. It is Just one classy, smooth. fast, beautiful car. really cannot believe any other roadster, at any price, could give me a greater amount of pleasure, and the color is simple so sharp with the tan leather, it boggles us... We have started planning on a extended north west, down the west coast trip for next year. My wife has even been driving it to get all smoothed out...... Listen you guys... it is the color, the engineering, the build quality. all combined to make the Miata just as super as the original. It continues have no equal..... Pardon me for getting carried away!

jpagan

Is there a chance in hell that I might be able to get the 2001 Miata LS for over $1500 invoice? Please comment and include prices or experiences. I live in the Tampa Bay area and am really looking into purchasing the Miata. However, the dealers in the Tampa area are pretty reluctant in lowering prices.

bjrich

As to buying a Miata at $1500 over invoice!!!!Contact the Miata club pres in Tampa..Sunriders I think is the name of the club, and I bet they could send you to a dealer or two who will work with you... they are a great Miata Club with close to 1000 members and a good relationship with the Miata dealers... bought my 01 LS here in St. Louis but could not tell you how close to invoice it was... List was over 25 and I paid 22600...and if you read my post at number 1296 you will see how happy we are with the car.... it almost makes the price less important... To Matayo at 1293....Contact a really good trim shop... you may have to shop for a good one...and see if they will trade your tan top for a black one..install it in exchange for the tan top and give you a good price on a black sunfast top with class window from Robbins Co.You should be able to buy the new top at about $550.00to 650.oo or darn close...This should work for you, but you have to talk it out with a good trim shop...No dealer will install a top for you, they have to send it out to their contracted trim shop....

bjrich

Your are really right! The Miata is the most misunderstood and underrated car in America...at least that I am familiar with...I is a much better car than any, and I do mean any roadster on the mamarket... regardlessf prprice.. ands a truly outstanding vavalue... Engineeringbuild quality, driving and handling, performance, service,and dear friends,for the dollar it is unbeatable. I was in my grandsons school parade this morning and four 13 year old girls ran over to the Crystal Blue, and I heard them sasay.... lordwhat a beautiful car...The salesalesmen sell it have no idea what they have to sell, and the dealers do not give a hoothoot... Theyt stumble around, reaching their greedy hands out and hoping someone buys a car from themthem...ar, if it sold for the same money, I would have a Miata over an S2000, Z3, or BoxeBoxer... Itall in the marketing and image, and Mazda does not play in that ball park...

MarkinAtlanta

This story is worth retelling: When I was Miata shopping back in March, I'd start off by asking, "Why are you selling your car", and if I heard it once, I heard it 10 times, "I love this car, I hate to sell it". Then usually something along the lines, 'we have 2 kids, another on the way, this is our 3rd car, and my husband is making me sell it'. Now when I retell this story to a former Miata owner, the response I get is sort of a sad, "I loved my Miata too, I miss it."

I see a lot of posters here at TH passing judgement on the Miata, typically saying, it doesn't have enough power. I don't even try to explain it to these poor souls.

dgraves1

Not sure how you guys can say it is underrated. It has probably been on more top ten lists in the last ten years than any other car. It is very rare to see anything but glowing praise of it in an automotive publication.