Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

MarkinAtlanta

There's that 'voice of reason' again. )

uhmm, you are right dgraves, substitute misunderstood for underrated. And not so much with the independent magazine review, my problem is with many of our armchair experts (I need to let it go) who read down a column and see 142 hp and 8.0 sec and declare this as too slow. Another contibuting factor to the misunderstood part, is the early cute label that car earned. As with most cliches' there is a grain of truth here. But its just a little superficial. If this is your car in your daily commuter, or used for running errands, or just taking out for a pleasure drive, it feels like a sport car, throaty exhaust note, very light, intuitive handling, short throw shifter, a little brash and raw. You can change lanes with a flick of the wrist, when you finish driving, you hair is mussed, even getting out is awkward (part of the pleasure), when you go to get out it amazes me still how little you foot has to travel to hit mother earth. A thousand little joys come with this car. It is something else.

bjrich

You said it better then I could have. In fact, you said it all. The last part about getting out;I am close to having to have my right Knee replaced and I see the Doctor in about two weeks for another cortisone shot to stall off the surgery. I told him originally that if I had to have a knee replacement in order drive my Miata, I would have it.I do get a bit upset at some of the magazines and the way they love that horsepower and low 0 to 60 times.It is understandable that not everyone on the earth should have a Miata just because I say so, but they sure do not know what they are missing.It rained here today and I hate to put of the top. But the Bose sounds just a bit better with the top up.I love it!

jstandefer

...a lot of the magazines do "get it." Even in the comparisons against the MR-S, where the Miata comes in behind the MR-S in almost every performance test, they still rate the Miata as number one. There is a reason for this...

The whole "raison d'etre", or reason for being, of the Miata is fun! It is nearly impossible to drive the Miata and not have a grin on your face! It doesn't matter how much horsepower it has, or what the clock says after you hit 60mph. It is the way the Miata goes about doing it. It is a happy, cheerful car and it rubs off on its owner! The Miata is the epitome of "Zoom Zoom" and if anyone else tells you otherwise, just smile and go on your way. They apparently have never driven a Miata and are certainly not a car enthusiast! A reviewer said it best... "You may not like it, but you can never hate the Miata!"

dgraves1

I knew what you guys meant. You're talking about people who haven't got a clue about what a sports car is, like this guy:

99 of 100 you can't go wrong with.... by hfdad Jun 03, 2001 (08:36
pm)

The Pontiac Ram Air Trans AM. Best performence and style for the money. for
2002 they will be 345HP and can be had for $30,000. The Miata is a joke of a
sports car. it's about as cool as a Geo Metro convertable and has the same
0-60 as my mom's Chevy Venture.

MarkinAtlanta

Him.

bjrich

One Flew Over The KOO KOO Nest! That last quote about a Pontiac will get this person the lead... no audition needed.

bjrich

I have reread some of my postings and have to apologise for getting a bit carried away; About the only Good Roadster is a Miata,certainly there are really great new roadsters out there.. really do not need to name them. It is silly for me to say what I did. I should have said.. I'm pleased with my new car, and left the overstatement out. As to the fellow who believes so much in his Pontiac...I also apologize, and say. enjoy.. It will really walk all over my Miata, no doubt!

Karen_S

Top Five for June: Mazda Miata

KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

MarkinAtlanta

...and just about choked. Top 5 cars for June college graduates. #3 Miata, #1 was, what, check that, a Camaro Z28, like a recent 22 year old can needs a Z28. I was drove the same Mustang II for two years after I got out of school, then on my own, I could afford a VW Rabbit. Considering the F body is just about retired, resale will be bad, reliability ain't that great, and gas milage ain't that great, insurance is horrendous. Don't agree at all with #1 pick, #3 is a brilliant pick though. )

dgraves1

Yikes, has the Edmunds editorial staff lost their collective minds? A Z/28 as the #1 choice?

bjrich

I thought that maybe they had used the alphabetical order, or horsepower order or some such. This will the last year for the Camaro? Perhaps they will do that to the Mustang also. Heck, they might do that to the Miata!Just took a buddy for a ride in warmth of the sun today. He wanted to know if two bags of golf clubs would fit in the trunk and as we stared in the dark trunk. he said he doubted it. Does anyone know if they will? I'd would really like to know. When a college grad can afford a new Miata, I really missed the boat. My first car was an eighteen year old Oldsmobile. My second, a 10 year old Packard. Have to go out and wash the Crystal Blue now.

jpagan

Does anyone have any idea as to what changes the Miata will go in their 2002 model line? Is there a difference in price? Should I wait or go get me one now?

crashton6

My best guess would be that there would be few changes. You could wait till the 02's come out & if you don't like the changes like (higher price) then just buy a left over 01 & save some money.

Chuck

MarkinAtlanta

I read that they will offer a yellow Miata in 2002. The rare Sunburst Yellow '92 has quite a following.

dgraves1

It's been a year since I was heavily researching Miatas but I seem to remember reading a long story about the Sunburst Yellow Miata. Wasn't there just one? It seems like there was almost an "urban myth" story surrounding it.

MarkinAtlanta

You are partially right, there were some colors (I think there 8 of them, I will find out exactly) that as an experiement they made only one of each, those are real collector items now. Sunburst Yellow was only made for a single year, about 1500 were made. They are somewhat sought after.

bjrich

I read on Miata net that California was to get a yellow in 2001, but have not heard more of that. The had a very pretty blue a few years back; darker then the Crystal but lighter than the original blue. do not remember the name of it. It looked great with the tan leather but have only seen one in that combo. have yet to see another Crystal Blue on the road here in St.Lo. Have received my ordered, painted to match mud flaps, but have not put them on yet. I also did get my Nardi shift knob and brake handle and have put them on. They look and feel very good. My wife is getting me something for the car for fathers day but have to wait to find out. I think I am putting the car in a car show for the 4th of July. Hope to get my mud flaps on for that.Oh, back to yellow. Have a friend who sold his red and black and bought a yellow when he saw one many years ago. He still has it I think, and pretty sure it is a most sought after car. He has had it supesupercharger takes good care of it.

MarkinAtlanta

"Have a friend who sold his red and black and bought a yellow when he saw one many years ago." Those are both the two most sought after early cars. The Black exterior with Red interior leather/carpets was also a Limited Edition (each of the 1500 were individually numbered) made only in '93. It had the bilstein sport suspension, BBS alloys, ABS, came with Red Toneau cover, limited slip differential, front and rear spoilers, and a few other one of a kind styling cues unique to this specific model.

bjrich

Every time I mentioned getting the sport suspension to a Miata salesman they told me not to do that. That they were too hard riding etc etc.. have not driven one.My original 90 was a very tight car and much harsher than my new one, and it had a very distinct muffler rap. I was told that early 90's had a much tighter suspension and louder muffler but after the first of the year. 1990, that Mazda changed both of those features and softened and quieted the car. The mfg., no on my 90 was #184, made in April 89. I have driven one other Miata that road and sounded like my 90..it is a base model, no power steering, just air. It drove like my 90 but I do not know the mfg.,#/My new car is much smoother riding and much more quiet..I still like the old 90. Have you driven a Miata with Bilsteins, or the sport suspension? I think you musunderstood..My friend had an original red with black, not black with red. I think it was a 90 and that is what he sold to buy the yellow.I have see and sat in a Black with red, and it was indeed sharp, but have not driven it. Many people have told me that they would like to have a red interior in a Miata, with white, or silver, or black.I also hope that they will not repeat my Crystal Blue Mica from a selfish part of view and it might become more desirable as it ages. It is really pretty. Have you seen one?Have you ever put your car in a car show?I think I am going to do that on the 4th.

MarkinAtlanta

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=592279618

I've driven maybe 15 Miata's, while I was shopping, none of them with the sport suspension.

ctman1

Hello to all. I have a very pressing question. My wife is looking to by a 2001 Miata LS. She ofcourse loves the car and so do I. The question I pose is this. Those of you who own a Miata, is it a primary vehicle or a play thing? If we get one it will be a primary for her and I am concerned about winter driving. Please help!!! Is this thing a disaster in the snow?

davidb72

From everything I've heard the Miata is pretty good in snow WITH SNOW TIRES. The perfect balance and handling of the car make it pretty good. Now, my Miata only comes out on sunny days, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it in bad weather if I had to. A good place to get Miata related info is at

HTTP://WWW.MIATA.NET

there are very good forums there with discussions on everything from handling to getting a good deal, check it out. Hope to see you there!

bjrich

Snow tires may be the answer. I have never used them, but in ST. Lo, the snow only gets really bad on occasion.If it so bad that I can not go out, I just do not go at all and rather doubt if snow tires would save me. There have been only 2 or 3 times when snow tires would have helped me.As to a daily driver that your wife will be using Miata car every day...it is such a great driving car that she won't care if it snowing or not.not... shel only be praying for the sun to shine so she can keep the top down.Good luck..luck... youoing to be very glad you bought a Miata without a doubt.

t321

Does the optional hardtop dramatically reduce interior noise levels at high speeds?

karl1973

Not really. I have found that when I have the hardtop on, I actually hear more noises. The hardtop creates different noises when at speed and I guess it also amplifies some noises. However, the hardtop does vastly improve rearward visibility.

rstef

hi everybody...Im about to get myself a new miata sport edition...the only big ?? is: should I get it with ac or without?! its kinda hard to find a new one without it, just found a classic red one deliverable in september for 19K....
point is, where I live is very mild weather, but what I care most is overall lightweight and tossability.....does anybody know how much the a/c sytem adds up on the scale and if it shift the near perfect 50/50 wiight distribution?!

thanks ya all from italy....

bertram60

Check this out www.windstops.com. Friend bought one for his Miata instead of an Oris. Seems like a good deal that no one knows about!

MarkinAtlanta

I dunno, I just received my Oris on Saturday. Bought it off Ebay, for less than 60 cents on the dollar. Still pretty expensive, it has several advantages the others don't. First, you can move it from a horizontal to a vertical position while seated and driving. It is the best looking windstop, plexiglass is very prone to scratching, and breaking. The Oris is still expensive at $210, $235 if you get the cloth carrying case for trunk storage, but doesn't your Miata deserves the very best. If considering any one accessory, I'd say the Oris Windstop is it.



For those not familiar, this is a nylon mesh, with an aluminum frame. Made in Germany, they also make them for the premium German cars, it is very high quality.

bertram60

was plexiglass - OEM option from Porsche. No scratches, worked great.

MarkinAtlanta

My bad.

ace10

is about the size of a placemat, if not smaller. the miata windblocker would be at least 3.5' by 2'. not really comparable in size... the oris, which folds slightly, just barely fits in the trunk (widthwise)in its protective pouch.

what are you supposed to do with a huge sheet of stiff plastic?

also, not all plexiglass is created equally. i'll bet the porsche oem piece is made to meet tough european standards.

my opinions.
ace

bjrich

I have a plexiglas wind stop a fellow in Canada made for me for $60.00 or so and it strapped to the seats. It really did not seem to help my wifes complaints very much. I have not tried an Oris but for $200.00 it would have to be super. Do you really like it a lot? Is that a picture of your car with the windstop?Good picture!I have webtv and I am unable to post pictures at this time. It's a good thing or I would fill up the site with Crystal Blue Mica.

sebarge

Hi,
We have the Oris Windstop on our '94 Red Miata. Have been using it for a couple years now. We both really like it.
The hubby doesn't care too much about his short-cropped hair getting blown around, but he has found it useful when he drives long distances or when it is chilly. (He never puts up the top unless it's raining, or below around 45 degrees.)
I love the car and the drop-top capability, too, but if we are going out to eat, etc., then I want my hair to remain decent looking. The windstop does help out in cutting down on the backdraft. The shorter you are, the less wind you will feel. Being 5'7", the top of my head gets blown a little but not as bad as with NO windstop at all, so I can deal with it. The hubby is 6'1", so he gets to feel alot of wind. (Like I said, he could care less, with his haircut the way it is.)
It works really the best when the windows are up. This is a real lifesaver on those chilly nights when you want open air, but want the heater, too. The windstop works great for this.

I would give it 4 stars (out of 5) for its functionality & looks, minus one star of perfection as it is expensive.

Beth

ateixeira

Edmunds should rename that top 5 the "Highest Insurance Bills for a Teenager". Muscle cars, rally cars, and roadsters were not vehicles I could afford to insure (much less own) at that age.

I say if you live south of the Mason Dixon line, a Miata could serve you year-round.

I'm right at the borderline (in the DC area), and still prefer to drive my trusty Subaru when it gets below 40 degrees F.

BTW, I think I have A/C, but I'm not sure. Never used it even once.

-juice

MarkinAtlanta

That is not my car, but I have a black and tan that looks just like that. I also have a "forward profile" version of Buck's grill, good looks and functionality with that one too!

jstandefer

I have driven both versions of the Miata several times. There is a definite difference in ride between the two. The Bilstein equipped sport package rides harsher, but it's not too bad. Reminds me of the early Miata's. However, you can definitely tell the difference in the handling department. The car reacts much quicker with the Bilsteins and shock tower brace. However, it does give the car a "darty" feel when driving down a straight highway.

davidpaul

I love this car. I never realized how much fun I could have driving this to work.. hell, I take the extra long way now. the quality is excellent, the color (BAG) is awesome. wheels are sharp. everything about this car is great. my kids are begging for manual shift lessens. and the best part is, I don't hardly use my cell phone any more!
:-)

davidpaul

MarkinAtlanta

You get into a daily routine, with your regular responsibilies, putting out the fires at work, dealing with the little crisis as they come up at home, then all of a sudden you find an object, a car that all by itself seems to make a difference in the quality of life, the fun factor. The Miata is much more than a car, it is therapy. "I love this car."

ateixeira

I agree. I do a lot of work at home in the yard and taking care of a 2 year old, so some times I actually look forward to a day at work, which also means dropping the top and enjoying the ride.

-juice

bjrich

Yes indeed. the BRG SE is lovable as is Markinatlanta's Miata, as is my new Crystal Blue Mica,as was my 90 Red&black... get up at 4:45 am three days a week, drive 20 miles to work out and after working out for over an hour. I feel great... but getting there in my Miata and home again is really making the whole effort such a great pleasure. My pleasures in life have certainly changed as I have aged, but loving to drive that car is one great pleasure. Davidpaul, we know mark is in atlanta, and I am in St. Lo, where are you? When did you get the SE? How many miles do you have on it? I just got my first oil change this morning after working out... it as a freebee from the dealer, at 4500 Miles. My wife gave me chrome vent trim rings for fathers day & they look good. I was sitting in new SE this morning and love the steering wheel and wood trim. I have added the Nardi brake handle and shift knob, but I do love that steering wheel. Mrs bjrich thinks they are so beautiful that they look like plastic... now, what can you do with a wife like that?

ateixeira

Nothing...there is nothing you can do. The point A to point B types will never understand us.

-juice

MarkinAtlanta

These were the first words from my wife's mouth when she walked in the door on Friday afternoon. Her tone was serious (wondering to myself, what on Earth did I do this time). "I hit a van with the Miata." Then something like...."don't be mad...I know how much you love that car"...blah, blah, blah... It was raining, she was 2nd in line at a yield sign, she was looking over her shoulder, traffic cleared, she went, the driver in front of her was still sitting talking on his cell phone, kablam. Damage wasn't much to the Miata, she busted out the passenger turn signal. And there is a 1" tear in the plastic bumper around the turn signal, not obvious. I replaced the light and its fixture for $71 on Saturday and earned major husband brownie points. I can't imagine busting out a light on my BMW, it sure wouldn't be to straightforward to fix and it sure wouldn't be just $71. Another reason the Miata is a great car. Cheap to fix, and it can take a lick too.

bjrich

It has not happened to me, (knock on wood) not at least in my Miata, and I am so grateful. It will not be long when cell phones in cars will be outlawed but meanwhile you have to be careful of "those" people.I want to recommend a used Miata part place I have used out of California. It is called Mazda Auto ReRecyclingome The phone number, toll free, 18772803100. I have purchased from them a couple of titimes... goodusiness.I have tried to use Mazmart, but have had very poor results.Hope your wife is fine, not too shaken by the accident. If Mrs.bjrich had one with Crystal Blue she would really be upset, I am sure, as I would be. Accidents do happen and you got of pretty easy.

ateixeira

Mark: glad she's OK. Your wife, too! ;-)

Even though the person in front had the cell phone, she should have left enough room to stop safely. In other words, you have to compensate for other folks' poor driving.

-juice

eddiesvr4

Two people died two nights ago in a street race in NJ between a Lamborghini and a Corvette. The Lam supposedly reached a speed of 150 mph on the streets when the driver lost control and crashed head on to an on-coming vehicle. Both drivers died. The driver of the Corvette was arrested for involuntary man-slaughter.

So for you wanna-be street racers, take it to the track. Take your stupid oversized mufflers, moronic decals, and f*cked up attitude elsewhere. Killing yourselves isn't a bad thing ... it's when you kill innocent bystanders because you think you're some sort of Playstation video game expert.

This is no joke gents. I apologize for the anger. The person killed in the oncoming vehicle was a someone I knew...

Eddie

ateixeira

Take it to the track. Absolutely. AutoX, RallyX, drag strip, track racing, whatever.

-juice

crashton6

Eddie,
I'm so sorry about your friend. I agree with you completely.

Chuck

brauch

.... as a very proud owner of a new Miata (black base model w/susp. pkg):=} As I'm sure most of you already experienced as new Miata owners, driving this car is like being "born-again". I couldn't agree more with those above who really get a kick out of putting the top down after a long days work. It's a revelation to me to drive a car so direct and honest! There's nothing fake about this car ....... and I love it!!

I can't wait to swap stories with ya'll.

My only complaint so far is with the stupid placement of the cup holders. I DO have to have my cup of coffee on the way to work!

pelifam

I am looking at a sweet 1996 Miata, but I have two problems: I have a 6 year old and an 11 year old who will want to ride in the front. I want to disable the airbag, preferably on the passenger side only. Can this be done?

# 2. how much are hardtops? are they difficult to get? Used? New?

any help is appreciated

pelifam