I'm from NYC (Queens) also and I'm going to need to replace the top soon as well. I've looked around and here are the prices I've been quoted:
Rear Window only - $450, includes all labor for installation. They need to take the top off, cut out the old window, stitch the new window on, and reattach the top.
Top and Window - $600, non-Robbins though. I may wind up going this route.
I guess just shop around and see. Let me know if you find any deals...
Thanks, for the suggestion about minimizing water spots, Markinatlanta. I had seen the "Absorber" in magazine ads, but couldn't find it in my local auto parts store. I ended up buying this thing called the "California Water Blade" (basically a very soft squigee). I just used it after washing tonight to remove most of the water and then finished up with a chamois. That combination worked great! I'd recommend the "Water Blade" to anyone (downside is it was $20).
i'm trying to buy my first miata - i found a clean, black '94 with 75k miles for $6000. my question is -is that too many miles? i drove the car today and it seems like its in good shape. the timing belt was changed at 60k miles and it looks like the current owner has taken good care of it. tomorrow i'm taking it to a mechanic to check out for any hidden flaws - is there anything special i should have him check out?
quick update, first off, LOVE THE CAR!! the 2001 LS is just magic, the handling with suspension upgrade is sooo tight. My first sports car, and I'm not disappointed in the least. My shifting technique is much smoother now, and after 7 days, 400 miles already But i've been good keeping it under 4000 rpm.
In the process of personalizing my baby, when it's complete i'll post a link to pics. So far, i've replaced the gauge faces to metallic blue, cluster is now brushed stainless steel, replaced the vinyl shift/brake boot with blue leather, ordered the blue carbon fiber trim, just painted the center console royal blue (but may have to redo this in blue vinyl, because despite prepping, priming and everything, the paint still feels very delicate and easily chipped), next week i'll be swapping out the stock stereo system
thanks again everyone for much insight and inspiration, this is definitely a keeper
If you have any mechanical skills at all you may want to consider replacing the top yourself. I think the $600 quote you're receiving is pretty much standard. Check out:
and see if it's something you think you can handle. If not, I've heard good things (second hand, not third) about the PBC shop outside of DC. It may be worth the drive!
If you have any mechanical skills at all you may want to consider replacing the top yourself. I think the $600 quote you're receiving is pretty much standard. Check out:
and see if it's something you think you can handle. If not, I've heard good things (second hand, not third) about the PBC shop outside of DC. It may be worth the drive!
Sorry I'm late, but I found the Water Blade at Costco a while back for $7. You have to be a member and availability is seasonal, though.
I use it plus a chamois.
David: 75k miles is not too high for a 1994, especially given the maintenance records.
I finally bumped my timing this weekend. Been meaning to do that for almost a year now. Went from 10 BTDC to 14 BTDC, and the difference feels minor, but you can feel a little extra at the low end. Taking off at 3200rpm, she now can brake the wheels loose a bit. Before it took a few more rpms.
I also got an RActive front strut tower brace from aieonline.com for $58 delivered, and put that on. Haven't really had a chance to push it yet, but I should in the next day or so.
I need some stock unit in there as a decoy to deter thieves, unless you want to swap a same sized stock unit with mine? it would be kind of a waste to have a perfectly good cd player doing nothing in there anyway If you have a spare stock unit that fits the 2001 console, you can drop it off, and i'll give it to my installer this friday and he'll swap them during his install
if u do live in an area with plenty of thieves, keep the stock unit in. however, i would suggest u keep the stock unit in anyway, as it is incredible. however, install a subwoofer, and some more powerful speakers or somethin n u got urself the perfect stereo system. the thing about the miata is the head unit is right at the perfect height to use while keeping ur wrist relaxed on the shifter. quite a feat, as toyota couldnt do it with the MR2.
I GOT IT! finally, after a million ages I drove my new (new to me) Miata home. I always thought you people who say you can't stop grinning in it were kind of weird. I found myself half way home with a giant grin on my face! I LOVE it! cheers!
Congrats. Now it's time to yank off the tie-downs if they haven't already been removed.
Then you may want to get a baseline on all the service. Do you have receipts from the previous owner? If not, I'd do a full service so that you know how old each component is:
oil and filter change spark plugs, plug wires air filter fuel filter (it's not in the engine bay) PCV valve O2 sensor differential oil change transmission oil change (or ATF flush)
Also consider bleeding the brakes and an alignment. Then you can drive worry free.
I am trying to decide between the 01 SE and an Audi TT. Seems the Audi is more usuable and safer, but the miata is much 10k less and more fun to drive. Also anybody have any comments on interstate driving, winter driving, and whether or not the detachable hardtop is worth it. Also love any comments from TT owners. THX
First, that the TT is safer is debatable - the ability to avoid an accident is a better real world indicator of safety in a car. That said many people have walked away from horrific accidents in Miatas.
The Miata is probably noisier and smaller than the TT, but that's why it's more fun to drive. The Audi is a dressed up VW Golf (not a slam - just a fact. The Golf is a great car). The Miata is a Miata. It is derived from nothing else.
I can't comment on winter driving in the Miata, but I know people who live the snow belt that use them year round. However, an AWD TT will definitely be the better performer in this case. I drive my Miata (a '93 with 111K miles that I've had since new) down an interstate every day and I love it. My wife likes it on a pretty day with the top down, but doesn't prefer it at other times.
In my opinion the hardtop becomes less of an issue with '99 and later Miatas since they come with a glass rear window. The consensus seems to be that while the hardtop gives better vision (the back window is bigger), it's noisier (due to resonance) and takes up a lot of space in storage. There are ways of dealing with this aftermarket though.
Miatas have superb reliability. TT's and Golf's are better than average but don't come close. Parts are also much cheaper for Miatas than Audi's.
Miatas are loads of fun. They're easy to customize. They're nearly bulletproof. Cheaper to repair/maintain.
TT's offer a little more exclusivity. Better winter driving. Gorgeous styling (Inside and Out).
Really your talking about two completely different cars though. The Miata's only true competitor is the Toyota MR2 (but the Miata is more practical). The TT competes most directly with the MB SLK.
Hope that helps some. Check out:
www.miata.net
to see how attached Miata owners become to their cars. Miatas have the single largest club for one MODEL (not make) of vehicle in the world.
I have never found the Miata that enjoyable on interstates, lots of noise and ride is jittery. And winter driving is not its strong suit. You absolultely need winter tires and its ground clearance is pretty short. Hardtops are nice for winter cause it saves softtop wear and tear, stiffens the body structure for bumpy wintery roads, keeps the heat better, and offers a big rear window.
The TT is a wonderful car. Its real-time AWD system works well enough to make mincemeat out of wheelspin and of course being a coupe or convertible with rollbars, and lots of airbags, the chances of surviving an accident is much higher. (I don't buy the fact that you can actually avoid most accidents in a Miata...if anything, the TT's AWD system and stability control will allow you to get out of the way faster). It's much more refined and usable as an all-round car.
But of course, you lose the "involvment" of a Miata. In terms of pure fun, the Miata is leagues ahead. It is far easier to afford/upkeep and you aren't paying for many frills. And it's reliable compared to a typical Audi. That's all part of its charm.
Like I said the safety is debatable. The single biggest safety device in ANY car though is the one that sits in the driver's seat.
Miatas have low insurance rates so they're definitely not death traps.
However, with all the airbags and the rollbars, the Audi definitely offers more safety features which leads, at the very least, to a better perception of safety. If you feel safer in it that's all well and good, but that same logic can be carried to buying an SUV over a Miata.
I don't think there's a huge difference between the two cars in a real world situation - at least not enough to be a deciding factor. Yes, the TT has AWD and stability control, but the Miata has better reflexes, therefore I think it's a wash.
If it's a primary car you'll use year-round, a TT Quattro roadster is probably a better choice. Of course that's why it costs more. I find they are gorgeous, especially inside.
Quattro is NOT standard, though. The base roadster is FWD and has 180hp, and costs about $7500 more than a Miata SE.
The TT Quattro roadster gets 225hp and AWD, but the price difference bloats to an eye-opening $13,220, plus the Miata may have rebates.
In fact, my $40 grand would buy a Miata LS 6 speed and a Subaru Outback Sport.
"I don't think there's a huge difference between the two cars in a real world situation - at least not enough to be a deciding factor. Yes, the TT has AWD and stability control, but the Miata has better reflexes, therefore I think it's a wash. "
Agree to a degree. The TT is very sporty. With all the Golf comments, I was surprised at how different it was, feels nothing like a Golf, every bit a sports car. Even the shifter is nice and precise unlike other VW products. Handling is also very predictable and turn-in is quick. So I don't really think the Miata really has any significant degree of agility over another very sporty car like the TT.
Does anybody else really believe the Miata is as "safe" as a TT?. I don't believe it's unsafe but certainly you can't compare it to a coupe with AWD, side curtain airbags and stability control. Driver skills matters but there are lots of accidents in this world that don't have anything to do with driver skill. A friend of mine was rear ended by an Explorer. I'd take the TT over the Miata in that case. Another example, the only time I really needed active safety was when some idiot decided to run the red light and I had to accelarate out of the way. In these kinds of cases, AWD is a far nicer because it maximizes available traction and gets you moving faster. So I still believe in the real world, the TT is safer. This isn't so hard to believe isn't it?
We drove a 90 Miata with a very tight suspension, and 69000 Miles on it from St. Lo to NYC in 1993. No hard top. We also drove it to the Poconos a few years later. Both times it was pretty well loaded down. To be frank, it was not very nice or comfortable. We managed to enjoy the trips. We sold it this year, (141,000 Miles, and the buyers wave at us when we see each other) and bought a new 2001 LE. The new seats have made a hugh difference in the comfort... The car so much better riding, much more quiet, and it is really a pleasure. It still gives that feeling of making every time we ride in it. We are planning an extensive 20 day trip up to the great northwest for next year. With the top up, it is just like driving any car. You are getting sound advise from other postings. I have not driven a TT or even sat in one. It sure is good looking. You will not be sorry that you bought a Miata for 2001.By the way, I have lots of bells and whistle on the LE. At least I am most pleased the please equipped. As to snow... If it is snow... If drive in a Miata, it is too bad to drive in many cars. Best of luck. bjrich.
Interesting comparison, I've never driven the Audi either. Only from what I've read Audi's 1.8T and Quattro make a great setup. No denying, the TT is one fine looking automobile. We should all have that problem, Miata SE or TT. )
ateixeira: Thanks, I've already taken care of half of it, and slowly getting to the other half.
As for highway driving, I was expecting it to be much louder the way people go on about it. It's no lincoln, but it ain't supposed to be. At 160km/h the noise was very tolerable, and the wind was not bad at all. The noise that is there is not annoying like the buzzy engine of my last car. Add in the three cases of beer which fit in the trunk - This car is impressing me in every way. :-)
Thanks for all those of you who have posted your opinions so far. It has given me a lot of assistance. Today I did a back to back drive of both cars each for over an hour.
Miata DE - appeared to be rather sluggish in the power department, and the ride comfort was terrible. The flat position of the seats really took a toll on my poor lower back. After 48 miles and over an hour of driving in a variety of circumstance (stop and go, highway, twisties) I felt like I was beat to death. It was a nimble little machine and I did not think the road noise everyone complains about to be bad at all, even at highway speeds. I purposely ran neck and neck with a couple of semi's to see if that would be daunting. I felt no significant apprehension. The stop and go traffic was a nightmare. Are the clutches always this tight on the miata or is this just because this car was not broken in?
TT - there is no comparison as to the looks of course. Even though I only drove a 180, it had a nice kick to it and felt more powerful. I know the 0-60 times are very similar but the higher torque on the TT made it feel much faster. The interior is larger and the seats are much more comfortable. The climate control seemed to do a better job at keeping the car cool, it was over 90 outside, than the miata's which seemed to struggle,(and the a/I seemed to drain a lot of power off). The TT was comfortable on the interstate and did not seem so small and vulnerable. The seats were much more comfortable and I did not feel the pain in the lower back like i did in the miata. The TT has a non functional backseat, but at least it is a place to store stuff. It also has storage area in the hatchback. There is precious little room in the miata.
Hands down the TT is the better car. But the price difference- ouch. about 10k. Of course the TT will hold value better than an SE I think, somebody correct me if you know different. the big problem is there is they will not negotiate on the TT. The best I get them to come down was 600 off MSRP. But there is only one dealer here in KY.
So anybody have any other advice? I am going to pull the trigger tomorrow on the TT.
Although it sounds like you've made your choice, I'll put one last plug in for the Miata. I don't know if you checked out Miata.net or not, but for less than $3K you could add a supercharger and lumbar support to the Miata. You could then proceed to dust the TT and fix your back support problem and still have a car that will last 200K miles without a sweat. If I recall correctly, the 2001 BRG limited edition has Bilstein shocks too. They'll ride harder than a regular LE (fully equipped non limited edition). Again, that's something that can be changed for a few hundred dollars.
Miatas like to be revved - they don't have as much torque down low. Neither would the TT without a turbo.
The clutch should loosen a little over time, but it can be a pain in stop and go traffic.
For $10K more, I would hope the TT is a better car. As I said before, they're not really competitors. It's like comparing a vintage MG to a vintage Jaguar. They may both be small convertible sports cars, but they're not in the same league (nor were they intended to be).
Miatas actually hold their values well, though I can't say that I know how well the Audi holds up. I DO know that when I first bought my Miata, I kept track of its resale very closely until I had it paid off. I always owed less than it was worth and that was with a 5% down payment and 6.5% over 60 months. Not many car's financing work out that way.
A Miata more comfortable, more torque, great highway cruiser, top shelf styling, all without adding cost, weight, or sacrifices light responsive handling. That's a scary thought. So then the TT, Z3, S2000 and Boxster all become redundant or unnecessary. Each has their own strength, but you don't want the Miata to stray too far from its original design and intent.
Two more points, not only is the Miata cheaper to buy up front, but much cheaper to operate day in and day out. Second, torque make you lazy. )
Last thing, for where you appear to be at, you might consider driving a 3 Series coupe as another reference point. Good luck.
Thanks again to all who have posted. after sleeping on it, I am still not convinced that I really want to nix the Miata. Everything the Miata fans have said makes sense. The whole idea of getting a sports is exactly the nimble feel the road nose and wind in your hair. That is really what the Miata represents. I might add this fact for the record, the model I drove had the hard top and it was installed on my lengthy test. In anyone's opinion does that make a difference in the pleasure of the car. I was sort of comparing it to the Quattro coupe. The real issue is the money. Though the TT is better, I am not sure if it is 10k better. Actually more because the Miata has a 4.9 finance rate and dealer cash, so the bottom line is alot lower. The difference in payments is something like 225 a month. For that I could just about buy a Jeep for the bad weather. This will be my primary car, but not my only car I do have a 10 year old Toyota corolla wagon that I can use for groceries, etc. and it runs well in the snow. I am going to give the Miata one final test drive just to make sure. To be honest I hit the dealership yesterday expecting to drive out in the BRG SE
It is difficult for me to believe that it was hard on your back, and road hard. It was suggested that it was the Bilsteins shocks. I had been warned that this was too hard for me, by several people! several times! The SE does indeed have those shocks. My LE does not and it rides really great!!! No kidding. also watch the air pressure very closely and always keep it around 27 lbs. per tire. (Some times, I run it at 26 lbs and it is fine) Getting close to 30 lbs., will definitely give you a much harder ride. Put the Bilstein together with the air pressure too high and it would certainly be very hard riding. This is great suspension on Miatas, but it must be used properly,IMO. Put the Bilsteins and the proper tires on and it is a super racing car for SCCA type work. as it is meant to be.It was also mentioned that the Miata is a "revving" engine, as mentioned by j2kbarlow. My 2001 LE will push me back in the seat when it gets on the cam and is really super, at least to me. As far as comfort..As I had said, we are planning a 20 day west coast trip. My wife is 6 feet tall and weighs 175. I am 6 feet tall and weigh 285.We think the car is extremely comfortable and rides great or we would not consider this kind of trip.IMO, you need to work with a Miata salesman who knows what he is doing and knows cars...They are very hard to find! Go back, get an LE, check the tire pressure, get it on the cam right off the bat in first gear, and you will get a different car feeling altogether.
If you are indeed going back for another Miata test run, take my advice about switching to and LE and checking the tire pressure. Also, I have never driven a Miata with the Hard Top on, so perhaps that too would make a difference. Looking forward to hearing about the second test drive! bjrich. also, my new Miata is Crystal Blue Mica, and I have had many, many compliments on what a beautiful car it is, and many thumbs up from passing cars!
Thanks bjrich I think I will do that. Now that I think about it the car was probably not prepped In fact the radio was not hooked up, which I did not mind as I wanted to hear the road noise and engine. Someone else told me that the tires may have not have been lowered to the right pressure, as they are delivered over pressure from shipping. That's great to hear that someone as tall as you thinks the Miata is comfortable. I am only 5-10 175 and it feels like I am wearing the car, which is not all bad. I am not sure what caused the lower back pain, but I thought it probably related to the low flat profile of the seat. It sits nearly on the floor and it seemed as if my feet and butt were at the same level. But I had been in and out of about two other cars on test drives prior to the Miata so it may just have been fatigue catching up. That is why I am going to go again and do a drive of just the Miata. You have a point about the sales force. Unfortunately this is a Audi/Mazda dealership. I think the salewoman I am working with has really been pushing the TT more, since the dealer profit on the TT is outraegeous. They have to deal on the miata's more with the dealer cash and all. An interesting note though. I have been watching the inventory at this dealership pretty close to see what moves and what does not. The miata's are selling, they have moved at least one SE in the last week, but the TT's are gathering dust. They haven't moved one in at least the last month. So that may have to do with the push on the TT. I am never one to drive in and drive off with a new one, I like to ruminate about qa purchase and analyze what happened in the negotiating process just so I can pick out the subtle crap the sales force tries to do. Of course it is easy for me because this is the same crap I deal with in my biz day to day.LOL. Any other thoughts from anyone are well appreciated. THX
Background, I own a new Honda Prelude and really want a convertible. I wanted a convertible with the drivetrain and engine refinement that I was used to from the Prelude but a new M3 is the only car I've ever driven that matches up. Since I really want a convertible, and since I've all but accepted that the new convertible that I do buy in three or so years is going to hover around the $50k mark, and since the few experiences I've had in the Miata have been great, I'm thinking of getting a used pretty Miata for basic top-down motoring fun. Something cheap and reliable that I can polish up and use for fun when I'm not in the mood to push the Prelude at its limits if that makes any sense. Plus the Miata always seemed like the perfect second car for me.
So my questions are, 1. On a budget of about $5k, what should I be shooting for? 2. How are the older Miatas holding up today? I know they were holding up wonderfully back in 1999 when I last looked at a used MX5 but obviously it's not 1999 anymore. 3. What sorts of issues should I be aware of regarding the 1990-1994 Miatas, which I assume are what I'd be looking at? I'm wondering about things like the convertible top, body rust, etc. 4. What do maintenance costs look like, realistically? I've read the good experiences, so I'd like to hear some of the horror stories. I don't want to do this unless I'm able and willing to handle the worst case scenarios. 5. Any tips on how I should go about looking? As a fairly experienced buyer of used Preludes in the past I'm well aware of how some sports coupes can be seriously misused by previous owners. I'm wondering if this is something I should stay aware of regarding the Miata. 6. How is the power output on some of the earlier Miatas? I'm not expecting a racer, I'll state that up front. But I'm wondering if you'd characterize it as anemic, adequate or above average. 7. Should this car be garaged? I have space for one car and think I'd choose to house the 2001 Prelude in it over the used Miata, but then again the Prelude can take a beating indoors and outdoors. Can the Miata or should I pamper it more than the Prelude?
I might have a bunch more questions but I'm hoping the collective experience here can help me with the important ones above. I'm almost certain this (and not buying a new Miata, Solara, Sebring, etc.) is the right thing to do; in fact I almost spent as much money on a new Miata as I had on my Prelude just a few days ago only to catch myself and realize that I'd rather have an M3 in three years and a decent used Miata for occasional fun, until then.
kylawer - You've gotten some great advice. The only thing I can add is this: The 2001 Miata is one of Car and Driver's 10Best; it's been on Automobile magazine's All Star list for 11 years straight and it's singularly the best selling sports car of all time worldwide. It's a fantastic car.
It's a good place to start for used Miatas. Also, check out the regular FAQ page on that same site for differences in models from year to year.
Short answers to your questions are:
Miatas are still some of the most reliable cars on the road. A properly maintained one will go 200k miles without much work.
For $5k you probably are looking at a '94 or earlier car. Unless the car was garaged, don't expect the top to last much longer on one that old. If the top's on it's last leg, expect to pay between $200 - $600 (depending on type of material, type of window, and quality) for a new one. Don't be afraid of mileage if the maintenance schedule has been folowed.
TO be honest, I haven't heard any horror stories. Even abused Miatas can be rejuvenated with some TLC.
The '94 had a power bump (due to a 1.8L engine rather than a 1.6) and had a passenger side air bag added along with some chassis bracing. They're not incredibly faster because they're slightly heavier. The 1.8 sounds different than the 1.6. More performance parts are available for the 1.6 (but not by much).
Most Miata owners fall into two camps regarding its power - not enough and just right.
Being a convertible, the Miata will require less TLC if it is garaged, but it won't require any more pampering than your Honda (and probably less) mechanically. Miatas of that vintage dont' have clear coats so a good coat of wax is essential to keeping them shiny.
Hope that helps! Really everything you should need is on miata.net :O)
Freddy: if you get an exhaust with the spare re-locator kit, I bet you could get it up to 4 cases of beer! ;-)
kylawer: my last suggestion is to see if you can attend a local Miata event. Then look around, see if you can get a ride in a few. That way you can sample different mods and suspension setups.
Though you seem to be in love with the TT. Do not buy a Miata unless you feel with a few mods it would reward you with similar passion.
Sphinx: I just bought a used '93 last year with low miles, after a lot of research. From what I've read:
1. $5k will get you an early (90-93) Miata with maybe 70k-100k miles.
2. They hold up well if you take care of them. You would not believe mine was 8 years old.
3. The only "issue" early Miatas had was the crank problem on some 1990s.
4. Maintenance costs are lower than average. I do all that stuff myself, and for the most part it's easier on the Miata than on any other car I've ever owned. The exception is the hard to reach oil filter (use left hand and some yoga).
5. This is a tough one. I just looked for a "virgin" Miata that was not raced. The seller was the proverbial little old lady, a school teacher even. She had only 26k miles and all the service records, 30k service done early, even. I paid a bit over your price range last fall ($7800), and it passed inspection with flying colors, even the headlights were aimed properly! I was lucky.
6. Power with the 1.6l is what I would call adequate. Mine is bone-stock. The only thing I've done is advance the timing to 14 degrees BTDC, which seemed to improve the low end a bit. GReddy kits group buys start at $1080. :-) My previous car was an Escort with the same 1.8l engine in the 94 and later Miatas, and it definitely had better torque.
7. Mine stays outdoors most of the time. That's fine as long as you're willing to put the top up each night. It takes me 15 seconds to put the top down, about 20 seconds to put it up. Piece of cake.
Good luck. I think the trick is question #5. Drive a few and make sure yours feels tight.
I just got back from a trip up north and the car continues to impress me. The trunk packs up very nicely with the right organization. I got a tent, chair, sleeping bag, fishing kit, a bag of clothes and supplies, and of course, a 24 of beer. Way better then I ever expected.
It started to rain on the way up in several short showers, though not very hard. It turned out that the car and I stayed perfectly dry inside so I didn't even bother stopping to raise the roof.
The only complaint I have so far is that the tonneau cover doesn't stay hooked on in the back so it flutters around a lot in the wind.
I haven't driven anyone yet who has not been impressed in one way or another by the car. It's just too much fun!
I bought mine used, and the boot cover was missing. Doesn't seem to matter - the top stays put by itself, no noise whatsoever.
If there is light rain, as long as you're going relatively fast you're OK. The trick is if it picks up you can't stop - until you find an overpass to stop under and put the top up.
Just read an article by mrshiftright and he said all Japanese cars "needed better tires by 10,000 miles."Presuming that is true, and I am not sure is or isn't.. We have some sort of Bridgestone tires on my "Crystal Blue Mica" ( I just love saying that ) Actually, they are Turanza sr30. Are these not good tires?I can not find any fault with them at 6000 Miles.I have purchased previously a set of Dunlap D60-A2's for my 1990 Miata about 5 years ago. I did not like them, and at 25000 miles they looked pretty well worn, and they seemed not to hold well on wet streets...The back end tried to come around a couple of times. I got rid of them and bought Michelin X1 tires, and they were $115.00 a piece. For such a small tire, it seemed very expensive but I believed they were the best that money could buy. I had almost 50,000 miles on them when I sold the 1990. They looked good. When I read the guru's statement I wondered if I have been missing the "right mind set" about tires. Things I look for in a tire...Safty! Comfort in ride! Long life! Low price if I can get it. Since Brigestone/Firestone have been having so many problems, I have wondered if mine are okay. Keeping in mind, I have only 6000 miles on these Turanzas, what would you Miata mavens suggest to me. (be friendly,now)The heat and rain here in St. Lo has been miserable the past days, and holy mackerel, I have a dirty car, and the top has been up. Hope to have some good advise about tires for the Miata. Thanks guys!
Honestly, I think you've answered your own question. In 6000 miles, if you have not found any fault with them, keep the Turanzas.
There is a perfect tire for each individual, because priorities are different. For example, I want almost the exact opposite as you. I want a summer tire, with zero regards for wet traction, because when it rains I drive my Subaru anyway. I want ultimate grip and handling, with no regard for road noise or tread life.
So if we got the same tire, one of us would be delighted and the other would be thoroughly dissappointed.
For you, stick with the Turanzas, and then next time around consider a new set of Turanzas or those Michelins you remember fondly.
I just bought a set of Bridgestone Potenzas (RE730) to replace Dunlop SP8000. I've gotten good wear from Dunlops (including the D60A2's). So far I've been impressed with the Potenzas though. They've done well in the wet (which my OEM Bridgestones did NOT do) and are relatively quiet. They seem a little "lazy" in turns compared to the SP8000's, but then again they don't tramline like the Dunlops would do on grooved roads and the grip limit still seems pretty high. In other words, great for an everyday tire, okay for autocrossing and such. Check out:
with +1,+2, or +3 wheel upgrades, try the pirelli p7000 super sports. they have held up very well after 8K miles and are, in my opinion, very reasonably priced. the wet/dry grip is well balanced, in fact much better than the 15" oem bridgestones. this is a tire that most people probably overlook when shopping for upsized tires.
Wow, thanks for all the advice. I will say one thing Miata owners certainly are vocal about their love for their cars, more so than the TT folks. One final question, don't laugh, but I am fairly young single guy and all I hear is "don't buy that car, it is a chick car" from my friends. Is that true is it a mostly female demographic that drives miata's? Have any of you ever gotten that line? Also, I really thought I was sold on the TT, but after negotiating a little, I got the following offer from a couple of dealers. $26230 for the SE with ABS, Tape and Hardtop, at 4.9 for 60 months. Is that a fairly good deal on the SE? THX again for all the advice.
63% of owners are male 68% married 68% went to college 47 is the median age $82,400 is the median income
So, we are middle-aged affluent men, demographically.
Anyone that calls it a chick car is probably just jealous. I've only heard that once, from my buddy that used to drive a Jeep and now drives a minivan. Seriously.
Any how, women are far more practical buyers than men, so it shouldn't be seen as a negative anyway.
I can't count the number of times I've heard that. If it is true, then chicks know good cars! Either way I feel bad for anyone who chooses cars based on which is more macho.
Ask yourself one question. If you're driving down the street and somebody turns their head to check you out, would you rather it be a guy or a girl?! Personally I'd rather impress the girls.
The greatest feature of the Miata is that it is truly free of attitude. It's just a fun, well built, classy roadster in a league of it's own. Once you're driving it you won't care about anybody's opinion because you'll be having to much fun to listen to them!
The Miata is also a car that is somewhat "anti-materialistic" compared to the German roadsters...I mean, everybody can afford a Miata, you can buy prime used examples for about $7K-$8K USD. And because it has few pretensions of prestige and has few frills, there is less of the "snobbery" factor. Miata people in my club are down to earth, very friendly people who just love driving. There is no need to outdo the Jones' across the street, just enjoy the ride!
I bought my A4 just because I liked the "prestige" associated with German cars, but getting the Miata gets back to the roots, FUN! and nothing else. Also plan on getting a WRX (no prestige, pure driver oriented experience) and demote my Audi to my wife duty.
Yeah, I was trying to find a way to say the same thing. You just don't feel snobby driving a Miata. They are just fun, and people smile back instead of grimacing with envy.
I usually insist that friends drive it a bit to see how fun it is. With an SLK I'm not sure I'd be doing that.
After a test drive, noone ever criticizes the Miata.
Comments
Rear Window only - $450, includes all labor for installation. They need to take the top off, cut out the old window, stitch the new window on, and reattach the top.
Top and Window - $600, non-Robbins though. I may wind up going this route.
I guess just shop around and see. Let me know if you find any deals...
Eddie
bill
i'm trying to buy my first miata - i found a clean, black '94 with 75k miles for $6000. my question is -is that too many miles? i drove the car today and it seems like its in good shape. the timing belt was changed at 60k miles and it looks like the current owner has taken good care of it. tomorrow i'm taking it to a mechanic to check out for any hidden flaws - is there anything special i should have him check out?
thanks for the feedback.
In the process of personalizing my baby, when it's complete i'll post a link to pics. So far, i've replaced the gauge faces to metallic blue, cluster is now brushed stainless steel, replaced the vinyl shift/brake boot with blue leather, ordered the blue carbon fiber trim, just painted the center console royal blue (but may have to redo this in blue vinyl, because despite prepping, priming and everything, the paint still feels very delicate and easily chipped), next week i'll be swapping out the stock stereo system
thanks again everyone for much insight and inspiration, this is definitely a keeper
http://www.miata.net/garage/garagetops.html
and see if it's something you think you can handle. If not, I've heard good things (second hand, not third) about the PBC shop outside of DC. It may be worth the drive!
http://www.miata.net/garage/garagetops.html
and see if it's something you think you can handle. If not, I've heard good things (second hand, not third) about the PBC shop outside of DC. It may be worth the drive!
I use it plus a chamois.
David: 75k miles is not too high for a 1994, especially given the maintenance records.
I finally bumped my timing this weekend. Been meaning to do that for almost a year now. Went from 10 BTDC to 14 BTDC, and the difference feels minor, but you can feel a little extra at the low end. Taking off at 3200rpm, she now can brake the wheels loose a bit. Before it took a few more rpms.
I also got an RActive front strut tower brace from aieonline.com for $58 delivered, and put that on. Haven't really had a chance to push it yet, but I should in the next day or so.
-juice
good luck
I GOT IT! finally, after a million ages I drove my new (new to me) Miata home. I always thought you people who say you can't stop grinning in it were kind of weird. I found myself half way home with a giant grin on my face! I LOVE it! cheers!
Then you may want to get a baseline on all the service. Do you have receipts from the previous owner? If not, I'd do a full service so that you know how old each component is:
oil and filter change
spark plugs, plug wires
air filter
fuel filter (it's not in the engine bay)
PCV valve
O2 sensor
differential oil change
transmission oil change (or ATF flush)
Also consider bleeding the brakes and an alignment. Then you can drive worry free.
-juice
THX
The Miata is probably noisier and smaller than the TT, but that's why it's more fun to drive. The Audi is a dressed up VW Golf (not a slam - just a fact. The Golf is a great car). The Miata is a Miata. It is derived from nothing else.
I can't comment on winter driving in the Miata, but I know people who live the snow belt that use them year round. However, an AWD TT will definitely be the better performer in this case. I drive my Miata (a '93 with 111K miles that I've had since new) down an interstate every day and I love it. My wife likes it on a pretty day with the top down, but doesn't prefer it at other times.
In my opinion the hardtop becomes less of an issue with '99 and later Miatas since they come with a glass rear window. The consensus seems to be that while the hardtop gives better vision (the back window is bigger), it's noisier (due to resonance) and takes up a lot of space in storage. There are ways of dealing with this aftermarket though.
Miatas have superb reliability. TT's and Golf's are better than average but don't come close. Parts are also much cheaper for Miatas than Audi's.
Miatas are loads of fun. They're easy to customize. They're nearly bulletproof. Cheaper to repair/maintain.
TT's offer a little more exclusivity. Better winter driving. Gorgeous styling (Inside and Out).
Really your talking about two completely different cars though. The Miata's only true competitor is the Toyota MR2 (but the Miata is more practical). The TT competes most directly with the MB SLK.
Hope that helps some. Check out:
www.miata.net
to see how attached Miata owners become to their cars. Miatas have the single largest club for one MODEL (not make) of vehicle in the world.
The TT is a wonderful car. Its real-time AWD system works well enough to make mincemeat out of wheelspin and of course being a coupe or convertible with rollbars, and lots of airbags, the chances of surviving an accident is much higher. (I don't buy the fact that you can actually avoid most accidents in a Miata...if anything, the TT's AWD system and stability control will allow you to get out of the way faster). It's much more refined and usable as an all-round car.
But of course, you lose the "involvment" of a Miata. In terms of pure fun, the Miata is leagues ahead. It is far easier to afford/upkeep and you aren't paying for many frills. And it's reliable compared to a typical Audi. That's all part of its charm.
Miatas have low insurance rates so they're definitely not death traps.
However, with all the airbags and the rollbars, the Audi definitely offers more safety features which leads, at the very least, to a better perception of safety. If you feel safer in it that's all well and good, but that same logic can be carried to buying an SUV over a Miata.
I don't think there's a huge difference between the two cars in a real world situation - at least not enough to be a deciding factor. Yes, the TT has AWD and stability control, but the Miata has better reflexes, therefore I think it's a wash.
If it's a primary car you'll use year-round, a TT Quattro roadster is probably a better choice. Of course that's why it costs more. I find they are gorgeous, especially inside.
Quattro is NOT standard, though. The base roadster is FWD and has 180hp, and costs about $7500 more than a Miata SE.
The TT Quattro roadster gets 225hp and AWD, but the price difference bloats to an eye-opening $13,220, plus the Miata may have rebates.
In fact, my $40 grand would buy a Miata LS 6 speed and a Subaru Outback Sport.
-juice
Agree to a degree. The TT is very sporty. With all the Golf comments, I was surprised at how different it was, feels nothing like a Golf, every bit a sports car. Even the shifter is nice and precise unlike other VW products. Handling is also very predictable and turn-in is quick. So I don't really think the Miata really has any significant degree of agility over another very sporty car like the TT.
Does anybody else really believe the Miata is as "safe" as a TT?. I don't believe it's unsafe but certainly you can't compare it to a coupe with AWD, side curtain airbags and stability control. Driver skills matters but there are lots of accidents in this world that don't have anything to do with driver skill. A friend of mine was rear ended by an Explorer. I'd take the TT over the Miata in that case. Another example, the only time I really needed active safety was when some idiot decided to run the red light and I had to accelarate out of the way. In these kinds of cases, AWD is a far nicer because it maximizes available traction and gets you moving faster. So I still believe in the real world, the TT is safer. This isn't so hard to believe isn't it?
-juice
Even though the Miata is extremely stable, it can flip if you get off the road or hit some object sideways.
As for highway driving, I was expecting it to be much louder the way people go on about it. It's no lincoln, but it ain't supposed to be. At 160km/h the noise was very tolerable, and the wind was not bad at all. The noise that is there is not annoying like the buzzy engine of my last car. Add in the three cases of beer which fit in the trunk - This car is impressing me in every way. :-)
Miata DE - appeared to be rather sluggish in the power department, and the ride comfort was terrible. The flat position of the seats really took a toll on my poor lower back. After 48 miles and over an hour of driving in a variety of circumstance (stop and go, highway, twisties) I felt like I was beat to death. It was a nimble little machine and I did not think the road noise everyone complains about to be bad at all, even at highway speeds. I purposely ran neck and neck with a couple of semi's to see if that would be daunting. I felt no significant apprehension.
The stop and go traffic was a nightmare. Are the clutches always this tight on the miata or is this just because this car was not broken in?
TT - there is no comparison as to the looks of course. Even though I only drove a 180, it had a nice kick to it and felt more powerful. I know the 0-60 times are very similar but the higher torque on the TT made it feel much faster. The interior is larger and the seats are much more comfortable. The climate control seemed to do a better job at keeping the car cool, it was over 90 outside, than the miata's which seemed to struggle,(and the a/I seemed to drain a lot of power off). The TT was comfortable on the interstate and did not seem so small and vulnerable. The seats were much more comfortable and I did not feel the pain in the lower back like i did in the miata. The TT has a non functional backseat, but at least it is a place to store stuff. It also has storage area in the hatchback. There is precious little room in the miata.
Hands down the TT is the better car. But the price difference- ouch. about 10k. Of course the TT will hold value better than an SE I think, somebody correct me if you know different. the big problem is there is they will not negotiate on the TT. The best I get them to come down was 600 off MSRP. But there is only one dealer here in KY.
So anybody have any other advice? I am going to pull the trigger tomorrow on the TT.
Miatas like to be revved - they don't have as much torque down low. Neither would the TT without a turbo.
The clutch should loosen a little over time, but it can be a pain in stop and go traffic.
For $10K more, I would hope the TT is a better car. As I said before, they're not really competitors. It's like comparing a vintage MG to a vintage Jaguar. They may both be small convertible sports cars, but they're not in the same league (nor were they intended to be).
Miatas actually hold their values well, though I can't say that I know how well the Audi holds up. I DO know that when I first bought my Miata, I kept track of its resale very closely until I had it paid off. I always owed less than it was worth and that was with a 5% down payment and 6.5% over 60 months. Not many car's financing work out that way.
Two more points, not only is the Miata cheaper to buy up front, but much cheaper to operate day in and day out. Second, torque make you lazy.
Last thing, for where you appear to be at, you might consider driving a 3 Series coupe as another reference point. Good luck.
The real issue is the money. Though the TT is better, I am not sure if it is 10k better. Actually more because the Miata has a 4.9 finance rate and dealer cash, so the bottom line is alot lower. The difference in payments is something like 225 a month. For that I could just about buy a Jeep for the bad weather.
This will be my primary car, but not my only car I do have a 10 year old Toyota corolla wagon that I can use for groceries, etc. and it runs well in the snow.
I am going to give the Miata one final test drive just to make sure. To be honest I hit the dealership yesterday expecting to drive out in the BRG SE
That's great to hear that someone as tall as you thinks the Miata is comfortable. I am only 5-10 175 and it feels like I am wearing the car, which is not all bad.
I am not sure what caused the lower back pain, but I thought it probably related to the low flat profile of the seat. It sits nearly on the floor and it seemed as if my feet and butt were at the same level. But I had been in and out of about two other cars on test drives prior to the Miata so it may just have been fatigue catching up. That is why I am going to go again and do a drive of just the Miata.
You have a point about the sales force. Unfortunately this is a Audi/Mazda dealership. I think the salewoman I am working with has really been pushing the TT more, since the dealer profit on the TT is outraegeous. They have to deal on the miata's more with the dealer cash and all. An interesting note though. I have been watching the inventory at this dealership pretty close to see what moves and what does not. The miata's are selling, they have moved at least one SE in the last week, but the TT's are gathering dust. They haven't moved one in at least the last month. So that may have to do with the push on the TT.
I am never one to drive in and drive off with a new one, I like to ruminate about qa purchase and analyze what happened in the negotiating process just so I can pick out the subtle crap the sales force tries to do. Of course it is easy for me because this is the same crap I deal with in my biz day to day.LOL.
Any other thoughts from anyone are well appreciated.
THX
So my questions are,
1. On a budget of about $5k, what should I be shooting for?
2. How are the older Miatas holding up today? I know they were holding up wonderfully back in 1999 when I last looked at a used MX5 but obviously it's not 1999 anymore.
3. What sorts of issues should I be aware of regarding the 1990-1994 Miatas, which I assume are what I'd be looking at? I'm wondering about things like the convertible top, body rust, etc.
4. What do maintenance costs look like, realistically? I've read the good experiences, so I'd like to hear some of the horror stories. I don't want to do this unless I'm able and willing to handle the worst case scenarios.
5. Any tips on how I should go about looking? As a fairly experienced buyer of used Preludes in the past I'm well aware of how some sports coupes can be seriously misused by previous owners. I'm wondering if this is something I should stay aware of regarding the Miata.
6. How is the power output on some of the earlier Miatas? I'm not expecting a racer, I'll state that up front. But I'm wondering if you'd characterize it as anemic, adequate or above average.
7. Should this car be garaged? I have space for one car and think I'd choose to house the 2001 Prelude in it over the used Miata, but then again the Prelude can take a beating indoors and outdoors. Can the Miata or should I pamper it more than the Prelude?
I might have a bunch more questions but I'm hoping the collective experience here can help me with the important ones above. I'm almost certain this (and not buying a new Miata, Solara, Sebring, etc.) is the right thing to do; in fact I almost spent as much money on a new Miata as I had on my Prelude just a few days ago only to catch myself and realize that I'd rather have an M3 in three years and a decent used Miata for occasional fun, until then.
sphinx99 - check out:
http://www.miata.net/faq/usedmx5.html
It's a good place to start for used Miatas. Also, check out the regular FAQ page on that same site for differences in models from year to year.
Short answers to your questions are:
Miatas are still some of the most reliable cars on the road. A properly maintained one will go 200k miles without much work.
For $5k you probably are looking at a '94 or earlier car. Unless the car was garaged, don't expect the top to last much longer on one that old. If the top's on it's last leg, expect to pay between $200 - $600 (depending on type of material, type of window, and quality) for a new one. Don't be afraid of mileage if the maintenance schedule has been folowed.
TO be honest, I haven't heard any horror stories. Even abused Miatas can be rejuvenated with some TLC.
The '94 had a power bump (due to a 1.8L engine rather than a 1.6) and had a passenger side air bag added along with some chassis bracing. They're not incredibly faster because they're slightly heavier. The 1.8 sounds different than the 1.6. More performance parts are available for the 1.6 (but not by much).
Most Miata owners fall into two camps regarding its power - not enough and just right.
Being a convertible, the Miata will require less TLC if it is garaged, but it won't require any more pampering than your Honda (and probably less) mechanically. Miatas of that vintage dont' have clear coats so a good coat of wax is essential to keeping them shiny.
Hope that helps! Really everything you should need is on miata.net :O)
kylawer: my last suggestion is to see if you can attend a local Miata event. Then look around, see if you can get a ride in a few. That way you can sample different mods and suspension setups.
Though you seem to be in love with the TT. Do not buy a Miata unless you feel with a few mods it would reward you with similar passion.
Sphinx: I just bought a used '93 last year with low miles, after a lot of research. From what I've read:
1. $5k will get you an early (90-93) Miata with maybe 70k-100k miles.
2. They hold up well if you take care of them. You would not believe mine was 8 years old.
3. The only "issue" early Miatas had was the crank problem on some 1990s.
4. Maintenance costs are lower than average. I do all that stuff myself, and for the most part it's easier on the Miata than on any other car I've ever owned. The exception is the hard to reach oil filter (use left hand and some yoga).
5. This is a tough one. I just looked for a "virgin" Miata that was not raced. The seller was the proverbial little old lady, a school teacher even. She had only 26k miles and all the service records, 30k service done early, even. I paid a bit over your price range last fall ($7800), and it passed inspection with flying colors, even the headlights were aimed properly! I was lucky.
6. Power with the 1.6l is what I would call adequate. Mine is bone-stock. The only thing I've done is advance the timing to 14 degrees BTDC, which seemed to improve the low end a bit. GReddy kits group buys start at $1080. :-) My previous car was an Escort with the same 1.8l engine in the 94 and later Miatas, and it definitely had better torque.
7. Mine stays outdoors most of the time. That's fine as long as you're willing to put the top up each night. It takes me 15 seconds to put the top down, about 20 seconds to put it up. Piece of cake.
Good luck. I think the trick is question #5. Drive a few and make sure yours feels tight.
-juice
It started to rain on the way up in several short showers, though not very hard. It turned out that the car and I stayed perfectly dry inside so I didn't even bother stopping to raise the roof.
The only complaint I have so far is that the tonneau cover doesn't stay hooked on in the back so it flutters around a lot in the wind.
I haven't driven anyone yet who has not been impressed in one way or another by the car. It's just too much fun!
ace
If there is light rain, as long as you're going relatively fast you're OK. The trick is if it picks up you can't stop - until you find an overpass to stop under and put the top up.
-juice
There is a perfect tire for each individual, because priorities are different. For example, I want almost the exact opposite as you. I want a summer tire, with zero regards for wet traction, because when it rains I drive my Subaru anyway. I want ultimate grip and handling, with no regard for road noise or tread life.
So if we got the same tire, one of us would be delighted and the other would be thoroughly dissappointed.
For you, stick with the Turanzas, and then next time around consider a new set of Turanzas or those Michelins you remember fondly.
-juice
http://www.miata.net/products/wheels/
For other Miata owner's opinions.
ace
One final question, don't laugh, but I am fairly young single guy and all I hear is "don't buy that car, it is a chick car" from my friends. Is that true is it a mostly female demographic that drives miata's? Have any of you ever gotten that line?
Also, I really thought I was sold on the TT, but after negotiating a little, I got the following offer from a couple of dealers. $26230 for the SE with ABS, Tape and Hardtop, at 4.9 for 60 months. Is that a fairly good deal on the SE?
THX again for all the advice.
63% of owners are male
68% married
68% went to college
47 is the median age
$82,400 is the median income
So, we are middle-aged affluent men, demographically.
Anyone that calls it a chick car is probably just jealous. I've only heard that once, from my buddy that used to drive a Jeep and now drives a minivan. Seriously.
Any how, women are far more practical buyers than men, so it shouldn't be seen as a negative anyway.
-juice
PS No data for the TT
Think VW Cabrio, 69% female.
-juice
Ask yourself one question. If you're driving down the street and somebody turns their head to check you out, would you rather it be a guy or a girl?! Personally I'd rather impress the girls.
The greatest feature of the Miata is that it is truly free of attitude. It's just a fun, well built, classy roadster in a league of it's own. Once you're driving it you won't care about anybody's opinion because you'll be having to much fun to listen to them!
-juice
I bought my A4 just because I liked the "prestige" associated with German cars, but getting the Miata gets back to the roots, FUN! and nothing else. Also plan on getting a WRX (no prestige, pure driver oriented experience) and demote my Audi to my wife duty.
I usually insist that friends drive it a bit to see how fun it is. With an SLK I'm not sure I'd be doing that.
After a test drive, noone ever criticizes the Miata.
-juice