Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

wolfx

although, i'm looking forward to driving classes/courses/track days to bring myself out of that 98 percentile

bjrich

The price really sounds good.The installation job really is what is keeping me from buying one. If I spend the money and mess it up, Mrs. bjrich will nail me hard.Did you put it in? Any mess ups? How difficult on a scale of 1 to 10 was it? Was it really a good addition to the car? I mean, on a scale of 1 to 10?I have been thinking of doing the wood grain trim for so long but just can't seem to pull the trigger.Thank you.

wolfx

I wish I could tell ya, but I cant!! I'm going to pick up my first miata this weekend, so unfortunately my burlwood upgrade wont be for at least a few more weeks. However, the installation itself appears "easy" because it's nothing more than a good adhesive over your existing console. At worst, if you mess up, you have to pull it off and clean up the sticky mess? and it appears that the '01 wood trim is a little more expensive due to additional wood area. My plan is to replace the major console areas with the wood (i'm starting to lean on the blue carbon fiber now), and the circular vents with chrome rings (like the Audi TT has). But before doing any of that, I plan to replace my door speakers with infinity kappas and power them with a rockfordfosgate amp to improve the sound. But when I do have the wood (carbon fiber??) trim in, i'll take some pictures and put it up for you to see!

2 more days... and it's miata time!

dgraves1

I wouldn't be too cavalier about getting the wood trim pieces positioned right From what I have read, most of these kits use 3M mounting tape and once you stick them, it is very difficult to reposition the pieces. They warn you to be very careful before removing the backing material and placing them.

wolfx

I can imagine how difficult it will be.. i was thinking of recruiting my fiancee to do the install, since she is the one with the "hands" in the family she does all the wrapping and delicate finger jobs while i'm the "muscle"

ateixeira

I installed fender flares on my Forester, and here is one hint that I learned while doing it: if you can, peel off just a small portion of the backing. Place the wood, then pull the backing off with the wood in place.

If you have to reposition, only that small portion loses its "stickiness".

It worked like a charm for the long portions of my fender flares, and they are all aligned perfectly.

-juice

baggerv

I'm currently looking at a 1994 R package, which is in outstanding condition. The dealer is selling it for $9990, it has AC but nothing else. The dealer says that the beefed up suspension makes the care worth more, especially to an enthusiast. I can't seem to find any pricing for the R package, so I'm not sure if I'm being taken or not. When I price it up there is no option for the R package but there is an option for a sport suspension. Are they one in the same? And if not should a R package cost me more and how much more?

MarkinAtlanta

It could be turned into a good track car, no PS, no PB, no PW. Go to http://www.autotrader.com and I bet you will find dozens and dozens of Miatas well within that price range within easy driving distance. Your best finds rarely come from used car dealers. It doesn't sound like a terrible deal, assuming at that price it is in top notch primo condition. I believe the R package was originally a $1500 option. You can look up all that up in the FAQs at Miata.net.

ace10

Unless you want a racer or wish to have your guts jiggled out of your body, I'd stay away from the R package. Plus, those bilsteins shocks, if they are original, are probably WAY past their prime and are due for replacement. Which is a costly outlay.

A good '94(an excellent year, btw)with decent options and reasoanble miles should be in the $7,000 to $8,500 range.

Ace

WarpDrive

"ABS is only beneficial if the driver steers the vehicle in a panic stop. The vast majority of drivers do not. In the situation where the driver does not, or cannot, steer around an object, the shortest stopping distance would be the most beneficial for the driver. In most cases, ABS increases the stopping distance of a vehicle by a few feet. Those few feet can make a huge difference in a collision."

This is absolutely not true. ABS will stop faster (sometimes by a lot on dry and wet) than the *best effort* stops on a non-ABS car (using either threshold or lockup). Snow and gravel surfaces are the exception. Add to the fact that it will outperform regular brakes by modulating individual wheels on split traction surfaces and maintain stability, there is little reason to delete ABS unless you are an expert driver (which none of us on this forum probably qualifies)


Download this report from my briefcase


My Folder (Click on Shared and download the NHTSAabsT4FinalRpt.PDF)

bjrich

Thank you for the quick reply on the burlwood. I misunderstood. I thought you had put it on alreadyI went back on the posts but did not find what car you bought, 99,20 or 01.They are all great, but would like to know. Dgraves also has thoughts like mine on installing the wood dash. Look forward to hearing more after you pick up the car.I have the chrome vent rings, my wife gave me for fathers day, and I had already added the Nardi shift knob and wood brake handle. My wife thinks putting the woodgrain in is gilding the lilly. We also have the painted to match mud guards, but installing them means getting down on the garage floor and that is tough on my knees. To baggerv, about his 94 R pkg for $9995.00. IMO that is too high for the car, and I have been warned that those sport suspensions really are hard riding.. Better take it for a long ride! I am really enjoying this message board and comments from all of you. Thanks. bjrich

MarkinAtlanta

Well since this is a public comment forum on what wolfx should get for his new car....next get a cockpit cover or car cover. It is nice to just leave the top down and toss a cockpit cover across the seating area without having to mess with putting the top up. Then start saving for a the big ticket item - the hard top. It will come in handy in Atlanta, put in on in early November - remove in early March. These are $1800 new and approx $900-$1100 used. Wolfx, make sure you ask the dealer to remove the tie down hooks. These are used for shipping, and have no purpose any more (other than ballast). I understand they are much more difficult to remove on the Second Gen Miatas. Let us know how it goes.

wolfx

I'm going to be checking the car out to buyl tomorrow (quite excited!). Hopefully, it's everything I expect it to be. But this is the biggest obstacle of all... remember when I said this would be the car I'd learn how to drive stick in? Ok, here's the rub...*ahem* i still have never driven a manual shifter!

the last time i drove anything remotely like a manual was 14 years ago during driver's ed. in high school... in a simulator! I've been doing my research and studying the the principle, so I know the process. Can you believe I have no friends who know how to drive stick to help me take this car home?? I tried to take some quick courses, but none of the driving schools in atlanta teach "stick" anymore, and none of the rental companies (big or small) have them for rent for me to practice ahead of time! Sadly, i've been "air sticking" in my automatic, practicing coordinating my clutch and shifting, but still not the same. It couldnt get any lower than last weekend when I spent an hour at Andretti speedway playing one of those driving video games that had a 5speed and clutch. My fiancee couldnt stop laughing at that one.

I figure about an hour of driving around a couple of quiet streets should be enough before I hit the road home (I hope). Thank god the roads will be relatively empty on saturday

cdnpinhead

I owned a '94 R package, and there was a modest cost for that option. The file with all that is elsewhere, so I can't give precise numbers. My previous Miata was a '91, for which I went to great lengths to not get power steering. I could never figure out why a car in the size and weight class of the Miata needed power steering.

That said, The "R" package is a great deal. You get the Bilsteins (which, on my 240Z that I drove many more miles, wore forever), the LSD rear end (you can't get it any other way) and a couple of other items.

What you'll be dealing with is that most people buy this car to be seen in it, not to actually use it. The people who actually use it (that would be taking long road trips involving many corners) love the "R" package. The rest drive it to work and complain about the "abrupt" feel as they hit potholes.

If you really drive your cars, buy the "R."

If you're a poseur, perhaps not.

In either event, buy the Miata. You'll love it.

wolfx

i'm going for that option because even in normal driving, i'm a "spirited" driver, and I love taking turns aggressively (but safely!)... the dealer told me that's what the suspension upgrade was suited for

is this what the R package was? or is the R package even harsher than that?

ace10

was, and is available on many, many models of the miata, not just the R's. btw, oem bilsteins are not gonna get you much more than 35K miles.

ace

MarkinAtlanta

I agree, the car doesn't need it, addition by subtraction.

freddy_k

Today I put my deposit down WOOHOO!
It's a Midnight blue 1999 with all options except A/C, including a hard top. Mileage is a little high and there is a pretty nasty ding on the front fender that almost through me off it, but it's getting taken care of, and the rest of the car is clean, except sombody stole the mazda emblem off the trunk. I should be able to pick it up sometime next week. Although I was thinking about the blisteins later on I really don't think I need them, but I'll decide as I go. I can't wait!

Thanks to everybody in this Forum, I've been keeping up with it for a long time now.

davidb72

Congrats!!!!! The next thing to do is to get it out to an autocross!!!! Also, check out http://www.miata.net . That is the definitive online authority on all things Miata! Good luck!

WarpDrive

....Still lots of great weather motoring left this year.

wolfx

ok, ok, i know driving stick isnt a biggy, but for me it's such an achievement... i've wanted to learn for so long and now i'm going at it! Although I drove around the car dealer's lot for about an hour before i felt confident enough to drive 15 miles home.. i did it!! any hints how i how i can start moving when stopped on a hill?... keeps on stalling, i guess my timing with the clutch is still off

it's so wonderful driving in a convertible on a warm summer night

dgraves1

Until you get better at timing the clutch release, you can use the parking break to hold the car while you give it a little gas and release the clutch until it just starts to engage. Then slowly release the hand brake at the same time as you continue to engage the clutch and feed in gas. This probably sounds more complicated and it probably is but you are less likely to roll back into the car behind you.

freddy_k

Find a small incline where no cars will come up behind you and just practice balancing the car on the friction point, so that the car is prevented from rolling backward by just using the clutch. Once you have a good sense of where it is then all you need is a little gas before releasing the clutch the rest of the way.
Doing this all the time will ruin the clutch, but a little practice won't hurt it. Before you know it you'll be wondering why you had a problem in the first place!

subaron

My wife has fallen in love with the Miata after riding in one with a friend in the mountains. My biggest concern is safety. Anyone have experience with a collision and is insurance reasonable compared to nonsports car (we would trade in a Chrysler 300M).

My other concern is storage. Any comments on the added luggage deck on the trunk lid.

Thanks,
Ron

davidpaul

I traded my 300m in for a 2001 SE. Haven't looked back. As for the size, keep the defensive-driver skills honed.

No comparison between these to cars; apples & oranges. I miss the 300 in many ways, but the problems. With the top down, excellent 6spd shifter, leather trim, etc.. I love this car.

:-)

jwilson1

As usual, Mr. Shiftright, is in the center of the target. But since you sound as if you might be new to all of this, pinecrestjim, be aware that the scenario he describes is "normal maintenance" along with frequent oil changes.

That said: it's worth it to have a top notch mechanic go over these cars very attentively. The design is flawless. Given good maintenance, the cars last very well.

Take care.
Joe W>

wolfx

i didnt know you could reach back and pull the top up! this is faster than an "automatic"
discovering something new with my miata everyday

bjrich

Dear wolfx; You are really getting the feel for that new car, but I'm still waiting for the complete description. Tell us all about it.It was so hot and muggy over the weekend, ran about 200 miles with the top up and the air on. Enjoyed it all the way and much more than previous model, it is more refined.Had to clean the bugs off.Running about 29 mpg constantly.

WarpDrive

Just try dropping your roof at a stoplight someday as the sun comes out after a rainshower. It takes 4 seconds. Once a guy behind me shouted "No fair"

ateixeira

Wolfx: glad to hear you're getting along with the clutch. Just engage it slowly and smoothly, and use the hand brake tip mentioned above (keep your thumb on the release button, hold it up, and release while you accelerate) on steep hills/ramps. Pretty soon you won't need to.

Ron: just make sure your wife knows what she's getting into. Her ride on that mountain road was the ideal drive in a Miata, and every day won't be like that (I wish it were).

If she's athletic, can lift the top by herself, and has short hair or wears a pony tail, go for it.

If she's a couch potato and has really long hair that frizzes up in the wind and tends to complain a lot about the cold and road noise, this is not the car for her.

Hmm, a Subaru and a Miata. Where have I seen that before? Oh yeah, me. My Foresteer and Miata make perfect garage-mates.

-juice

PS Were you at the i Club meet at D&B's a while ago? I remember meeting someone with an RS who's wife had a 300M

bjrich

You do indeed have a nice combo in your garage. A Miata and a Forester. We have been talking about a Forester as a replacement for Mrs.bjrich's 97 Cl 2.2. You have been giving wolfx sound advice on how to handle the clutch. If he follows it he will be flying in no time. My neice has been flying since we took a ride in the Miata for about and hour on a big parking lot. Just came in from the interstate and had some showers while driving, but pushed onward with the top down and the wipers on. Felt no rain. love It! It stopped raining in a short time and the car was dry by the time I pulled in the garage. Rainx on the windshield and McGuires on the body, and it all blows away. Give those a try wolfx!

ateixeira

Foresters complement Miatas nicely. They are kind of opposites in the way they are used, but both are fun to drive (in different ways). I'm averaging over 25mpg - about the same as the Miata, actually, and it's a 2.5l with full-time AWD.

Hop over to the Forester topic under SUVs if you want to hear more. Most owners are pretty enthusiastic about them.

-juice

wolfx

well, thanks to your sound advice, i've been practicing at my own sloped driveway, it's a good 30 feet of driveway to practice my stop and go on 1st gear, reaching the top, i shift to neutral and coast back down, did this for like 20 minutes until i didnt stall/stutter anymore. If it's not too hilly, can do it without using the emergency brake. LOL, my neighbors were wondering what the heck i was doing going up and down, they thought i was crazy! I figure if I do this every evening before I park the car, I should be good to go in no time. I cant imagine what those poor people driving through San Francisco in stop and go traffic must go through.

Today, i only stalled 2x at the light. What an improvement (should have seen me before, it was a crapshoot).

Oh, for the first 2000 miles, what's the RPM I should be shifting at? I hear that I should keep it under 4000. I've been trying to keep it between 2500-3000 for normal driving, and 3000-3500 for more spirited "break in" period driving

MarkinAtlanta

Simple, just don't flog it yet, wait 'til about 1500 miles. Glad you like it.

justfind6

Take the advice on using the parking brake on hills as soon as possible. Using the clutch to hold the car on an incline is not good for it, and will shorten its lifespan considerably. No big deal while learning, but you don't want it to become a habit.
In Europe, everyone is taught how to use the handbrake to hold the car on a hill, and I don't know if it's just coincidence, but none of our cars (1977 on) ever had a clutch replacement before 130,000 miles. And that was with extremely spirited driving/engine braking, etc. We didn't have any traffic cops to worry about, so roads were driven flat out most of the time. Great fun, especially in a Miata (or MX-5, over there).
Dave

ateixeira

Yeah, just keep her under 4000 rpm or so, and try to vary speeds when cruising.

Also, easy on the brakes and even the tires for the first few miles.

-juice

subaron

Juice,

No, I was not at the i-club meet. Thanks for the info and considerations that my wife should consider.

We purchased a 2001 SE yesterday after she assured me that she can handle all aspects of driving.

I now drive the Outback (LL Bean).

ateixeira

Should be a good balance. One very practical AWD wagon (212hp doesn't hurt either), and a Miata. Enjoy 'em.

-juice

bjrich

I keep reading about it and would like to know all about it.Please advise if you know.Good and Bad!A friend also just bought an Outback, the Limited. I guess that is the top of the line?Another friend also just bought a Legacy wagon, just took a trip to Chi., got 32 miles to the gallon. It is a nice driving car as I have driven it.It looks like if you have a Miata you also have to have good size other car.Hope to hear about this Zaino stuff.Thanks.

ateixeira

The Limited is still the 4 banger (2.5l 165hp). The LL Bean model is next up, with the H6, and the VDC is the top model, with stability control.

I'm not familiar with Zaino. I still use Meguiar's - the Miata looks great. Would you believe my 1993 Crystal White has not peeled its paint?

It does a good job cleaning up the stuff that a regular wash does not remove. It's rained several times and has beaded up nicely, too.

-juice

davidb72

A lot of the folks at http://www.miata.net use Zaino and are very happy with it. One issue that has come up is a lack of protection for some users. The general concensus seems to be that Z is great for a garage kept car, but maybe not so good for a car that's left outside. There is no dispute that it probably provides the BEST shine available. I use Griots car care products and are very happy with them. I don't have the luxury of a garage, so my cars spend their time outside and I feel that it provides a very good shine with somewhat better protection... Good luck however you go.

bjrich

After posting for the Zaino, I decided not to wait, and just finished using McGuires, clean and wax. It looks terrific. We were with a group of Miata owners from Springfield and Decatur Il, Iis weekend and our Crystal Blue Mica was the first they had seen, and did not realize Miata had added the color. We were the hit of the group. We met them at a Drive in Movie in Litchfield, Il. Theyl.e a very nice group of people They are going to Deal Gap(?)Perhaps we should join them. Have any of you guys seen the Crystal Blue Mica? One of the members of that group was showing me his supercharger and telling me How it would move out. Most impressive. I have to give that some long and hard thought.He has a boast control, and much larger tires. I will have to look into this.I guess that McGuires is still really good stuff and less I hear great things about 'Zaino, will be using itZaino long time.

ateixeira

You mean boost control? Or was his wife keeping him from bragging too much, hence she was his boast control? ;-)

The event sounds like fun. I really have to get myself to a local event in the Washintgon DC area.

-juice

redgoatee7

Hey,

I'm new to this forum. My parents have a 1990 Miata...one of the firsts (bought in August 1989). Considering it's almost 12 now, it desperately needs a new rear window. However, from pricing around, it seems to make more sense to just replace the entire top...and to get a glass rear window.

Does anyone know where to get a new top installed in the New York City area? We looked at tops online at Miata.net, and asked an upholstory shop to install it...for $600 in labor. We just want to shop around more. We are willing to drive an hour or so to get it done. Thanks guys.

Todd

bjrich

A nice guy has a trim shop in Edison, New Jersey,across the street from a Mazda store; Do not remember the name.He put a new Robbins top with glass window on for us back in 93 or 94.Was very honest. (a new diner was being built next store to him. On the west side of the road south.Give him a try;

brauch

Hello, to everyone, as a new Miata owner I really enjoy this forum. a couple of questions:
1. where can I buy this McGuire's that everyone is talking about?
2. are there any SE Michiganders out there that can point me to a local owner's club?
3. what do you recommend for drying my Miata after washing? mine is Brilliant Black and shows each and every water spot.

by the way, I've seen a few Crystal Blue Micas and it really is a gourgeous color! I was thinking about that color, but didn't think I would like it with the base model's black cloth interior. I actually really loved the Evolution Orange from last year.

MarkinAtlanta

It's Meguiar's, not McGuires. The term is homonym, two words that sound the same, but are spelled differently. I get my cleaning supplies by mail (web) order, go to http://www.miata.net and checkout the marketplace section, I've had good luck with Performance Buyers Club and Moss Motors, but it seems like the prices are all the same, no matter who the vendor is.

My car is Brilliant Black too, I also have the water spot issue. I just use a synthetic towel called "The Absorber", it does leave a trail of tiny water droplets, but gets 99% of the water off in one fell swoop. I just don't sweat the small stuff. Good luck! Mark

bjrich

There are three Miata Clubs in Michigan; South Lyon; Dale Hudson, dalesaaurus@aol.com Battlecreek, John Palazzollo jhammer@iserv.net Traveers City Richard Lewis lewisrs@elmo.nmc.edu. I am sure any of them will welcome you and the Black Beauty.I Also recommend you go to Miata Net, and can boggle your mind in Miata stuff. I buy most of my car stuff at Wal Mart, but buy speciality items from many of the marketers listed at Miata Net.

ace10

i'm sure that those folks will appreciate all of the spam they are soon to recieve.

BJRICH-

you may want to delete that message and repost using a dummy letter or two in each address and provide a key to interpreting it. i.e. joeblow@hotmail.com would be listed as Xjoeblow@hotmail.com. there are programs which search message boards and capture the addresses they find.

just a thought.

ace

bjrich

These names are common knowledge and listed in magazines, and on the Miata net.