Nice feedback on the tire questions; As many times as i Iave been on Miatanet, I never looked at the reviews. Thank you for that!See you later. bjrich.
Chick car....all this implies you are insecure and really care that much what people think. And what do people know anyway? Most of these people probably want SUV's cause they are "in". Maybe my older age and maturity allow me to look past that kind of petty thinking, but I now buy cars because *I* like the way they drive and suit my needs.
Thanks to all who have responded again. I was just curious, one thing I have noticed is that non Miata owners just hate the car. Everybody from my brother on down is beating me to death about buying a Miata. Anyway, my primary question here I have gotten a quote of 26230 for the SE with hardtop abs and tape deck, with the 4.9 special finance rate. Does that sound like a good deal? It is only 162 above the dealer invoice. Anyone who has purchased one recently please advise. THX again gang, from a soon to be Miata Owner
It is not at all unusual for non Miata owners to totally misunderstand and underestimate the Miata. I wouldn't say they hate it, pretty strong words. I'm not offended or bothered by other people's ignorance.
Hey, I could offer an opinion on pricing for used first Generation Miatas, don't know jack about new ones, $162 over invoice sounds pretty darn good to me. I know we keep harping on this, but there is a whole discussion board devoted to this, see "Pricing and Dealer Discussion" at miata.net http://www.miataforum.com/cgi-bin/Ultimate.cgi
I say drag your brother to the dealership to test drive one with you. Pretty soon he'll be saying, "Wow, this thing is fun. Now I understand the appeal."
Hey guys, I haven't written in awhile. I was stationed in Korea and talked to this forum about getting another miata when I came back home (Ft Walton Beach, FL!!) Well, I got back on 5 April and bought a base red 2001 Miata on the 10th of April, so I wasn't kidding!! Anyway, my Miata is making a gutteral, almost exhaust sound sometimes when I go from a stop position at around 1K to 2K RPMs. It is usually when it has been sitting for a minute or so at a light or after running it pretty hard on an interstate and then coming into town. I keep thinking it is something with a intake that cools and then contracts but I don't know. It isn't often but it does bother me. I took it to the dealer but of course we coundn;t recreate it, go figure. It is always in reverse or 1st when this happens. Please let me know if anyone has had similar problems. Also, when it is a little cold (nothing is truly cold here though) it will be hard to go in first gear. It kind of jumps a bit and acts sluggish and does this annoying hopping thing or I have to use a lot of rev to keep it from acting sluggish. This really bothers me but it only last a few seconds when I first start and doesn't do it again until the next frsh start of the day or after many hours of just sitting there!! I had a used '97 with no problems ever and now my baby isn't perfect!! Somebody, give me some help, the dealers don't care after you buy it and act like "well, one in a million of these cars may have a temperament, congratulations your the millionth." My email is jeffrey.h.roberts@hurlburt.af.mil I would really appreciate some help here, you all know how much people love these little cars and I am certainly not the exception.
Welcome home Jeff. Sounds like you bought a nice car. I'm sorry but I can't help you out with your problem. You should try posting at http://www.miata.net I'd try in the 1999-2001 forum. I'm sure someone there will know what the problem is.
The Miata is for everybody. Even if you would only own one as a second, third, or fourth car.
I find that anyone who gives the Miata a try ends up finding it a pretty cool ride. Even if the car is not their kind of thing they still end up enjoying it. This is the first car I've owned that people have actually asked me if they could drive it just for the hell of it. I actually like letting people take it for a spin! It seems most find the power better then they expected as well, though the one with the ITR found it lacking.
Rince I've been driving this car (only a week( all those magazine stats really became meaningless. I've driven the Boxter, and it's an amazing car, but I don't think I'd trade the Miata for one even if I had the cash.
Me too, I insist all my friends take it for a lap, I mean, spin. :-)
Gutteral, almost exhaust sound? It is a kick back, i.e. unburned fumes in the exhaust that later pop? Or maybe a loose heat shield on the exhaust rattling?
After nearly 5 months of researching a car, I finally picked up an emerald mica LS w/susp + ABS. I pick it up on wednesday, and I plan to have some fun with it I'm only 5'10" and 130lbs, so this car is perfect for me. I did spend more than I wanted, but since this car is pretty rare, I'm not too bothered by it. I'll just have to put in some overtime.
I've been reading the garage section at miata.net, and was wondering where everyone takes their miata for maintenence. I don't really trust any dealers to do the job, nor do I trust giffy-lube type places. Also, I'm not sure if my local garage would even knonw how to change the oil in my miata (and I'd rather not do it myself either).
I live in NJ, so there is Flyin' Miata about 1.5 hours away from me. Kinda long way just for an oil change, but I'm sure I could find a nice curvy road that takes twice as long (and fun!). At worst, I'll at least have a backup place that knows my car.
I did it. I 've been wanting a convertible for 2 years (Had been driving '97 Acura CL) and kept lusting over Miata's. Test drove 2001 Chrysler Sebring--nice car, but not as fun as miata. I bought 2001 crystal blue mica base with 5 speed, convience package, front/rear mud guards and spoiler on 7/27/01. I fit in the car like I was made for it (5'5"). I was concerned about my husband, but he did fine (6'1") and loves it too. It's my car, but I'm sure he'll "need" it sometimes too. I joke and say it's my "midlife crisis car"--I'm only 36, but now I wish I had gotten one sooner. ZOOM, ZOOM, ZOOM.
Hi distec and plurz; YOU guys are really going to enjoy your new Miatas. I am sure!As to servicing green mica; In my opinion, be sure and use the Miata Filters and seals when changing oil. The filters are important. The dealers really are not too bad and generally can be trusted, IMO>I have learned to deal with them. My 2001 is also Crystal Blue Mica plurz, and I think it is stunning. My wife likes it too. Again, best wishes to both of you.
I bought my first roadster a long time ago (used '65 MGB, w/ a 3-main crank) and loved driving it through 44 states as a college student.
In later years I owned two Miatas, and was surprised at how closely they matched the feel of the "B." The B's steering and shifter were tighter, but it required infinitely more maintenance, and the live rear axle was no match for the independent rear suspension of the Miata.
I'm 6'2" and fit the B and the Miata about the same, which is to say just barely. A miss being as good as a mile, I logged many 500 - 800 mile days in both cars and enjoyed them both.
Thanks to Mazda for bringing the affordable roadster back to life.
Following up on my post from July 12...my parents own a 1990 Miata in desperate need of a new rear window. My dad got an estimate from a place in Nyack, NY for $1000 (top with glass window and installation). My dad said the place was reputable, so I can get the name and number of the place if you want. He was told it's only $50 more to get an an electric rear window defroster from the supplier, so it makes sense to get that. Anyone know how much it would be to get it hooked up?
Another question...has anyone had any experience with Wet Okole seat covers (www.wetokole.com)? I've seen pictures, and considering they're seat covers, they look as if they were stock (check them out on a project VW Golf 1.8T at www.vwvortex.com). They're $225 for the pair (made of Neoprene with a choice of colors) specially fit for the Miata.
One last thing...when my dad was stopped at a light in NYC, some idiot in a truck decided inhabit the same space as our Miata. Now it has a nice 4 inch long dent in front the the left front wheel well. The guy's excuse: "You're too small, I didn't see you." That makes the 6th accident (and the second one that happened with the car not in motion) the Miata has been in, none of which has been my parents fault (the entire front end of the car is not original)...
I've had my miata for 4 days now and have been able to keep top down since I got it-- the weather is perfect (Baltimore, MD area). I LOVE THIS CAR!!! I'm almost ready to fill her up and was wondering on the gas. The manual said premium is best, but can use a lower octane with decreased performance. The dealer salesman said regular is fine. Please tell me if anyone had tried both and if any difference noticed or would you just use premium? Also what car wash detergent/towels to dry, etc... are recommended? This is my first convertible and I need some "beginners" advice. Thanks for the help!!
discussion in the 3er's Gearhead forum topic. Premium makes the engine perform better, run smoother, better mileage, etc. Here's a quick fact: you save money by filling 'er up with regular. However, you get decreased mileage, so whatever you save by using regular you lose by decreasing mileage. Use premium, the engine will seem better. However, the detergent I have no idea. Enjoy your car.
Well I can tell you what I've used which is by no means everything on the market. I started with Meguire's - not too impressed, but it worked. Went to Zymol - much better. I'm now using Griot's Garage stuff - love it. In fact, I'm using their stuff almost exclusively now. It always works as advertised! If you're not familiar with them:
Keeping the car clean is nice, taking care of the top it vital. Here are some hints:
Never stow a wet top, it can mildew Never stow a very dirty top, it can cause abrasion Watch for and tighten loose linkages as they appear Use the boot cover, the exposed underside is suspectible to UV degradation more so than the top There are 2 schools of thought as to how to protect the top, either leave it alone (only wash with mild soap) or use UV protectant Don't use Armor All on the interior, it does more harm than good
if anyone cares... is j&j's baby shampoo and vegetable oil. the shampoo is as mild as it gets while still providing some suds and the oil is there to lubricate the sponge, rag or mit. it sounds kinda whacky but it really works, especially with warm water. i use a a 50/50 ratio, maybe two or three tablespoons of each per gallon of water.
Premium won't necessarily get you better mileage. I've actually heard a few people report reduced mileage, though it may have been a coincidence.
It will pay for the oil company executive's Porsche, though, that's for sure. At wholesale prices, premium costs just 3 cents more to produce than regular. The rest is pure profit, so you can see how much effort they invest in convincing you premium was touched by God himself.
I only use regular in my CBM;I use any brand of CAR washing detergent.No difference in mileage. No difference in washing ability. Use a Mcguairs wax; Cleaner Way, Liquid wax, and for touch ups use their Mist and WAX. IT IS TERRIFIC!Get a California Duster Mop for dusing between washes. All of this is available at Wal-Mart.I bet you are lovn'it!Best Wishes. bjrich
I use a product called Tannery on the leather and vinyl, which does a really good job, and is safe to use in on most surfaces. For cleaning the outside, Mcguairs is a good brand to go with in general.
Premium gas: I've heard that using higher octane gas can clog the fuel injectors. I don't know this as a fact though.
Top: If the top dries while it is down it could cause it to shrink as well.
I went to pick up my miata on tues, its so beautiful It's emerald mica with the tan top (LS+susp). I didn't get to drive it home, since I'm just learning how to drive stick, but I was happy enough in the passengers seat (my aunt drove). I also realized how bad the garden state parkway smells =Þ I'm not used to being able to smell everything on the road.
My aunt took me to an empty parking lot today after classes for a little lesson. Took me about 20 min to get the car moving with stalling/jerking. My main mistake was releasing the clutch completely/fast and pressing hard on the gas(not used to the sensitivity). Once I learned how to slide the clutch with the gas, I did pretty well. Should only need a hour or so until i can get on the road with it.
I was just teaching my little brother yesterday. Put him on a slight uphill, and he was stalling.
Just try to remember to go oh-so-slowly lifting the clutch. It helps if you find the friction point and engage it smoothly. Try to keep the accelerator pedal steady, at about 2-3000 rpm, don't blip it or you will jerk forward and then stall.
My brother was driving like a champ in no time.
Freddy: it's interesting you mention that, because our 626 got clogged fuel injectors (major hesitation) despite the fact that it was on a premium-only diet. It's fine after a fuel service, but now we use 87 octane, and it's running as good as ever.
I just got an e-mail from Mazda with a link to their new RX-8 screensaver. It is available for both Mac's and PC's. It's pretty cool, although it is very graphics intensive and may slow down considerably depending on your computer. This particular computer I installed it on is a Celeron 333mhz with a Nvidia graphics accelerator and it comes across a bit choppy. But, I don't care. There are a lot of shots of the RX-8 here that you can't see in the RX-8 gallery. It seems to me this car is pretty close to production because it looks like the interior has been considerably "finished" compared to the concept car that was at the auto shows. Here's the link:
Congratulations on your new emerald mica. You will get the hang of that clutch in no time. Just keep practicing and also spend some time, once you get comfortable with the clutch, starting off on some hills. On a hill you can really feel the clutch engage.
When I first learned to drive, in about 1978, I started with an automatic. I lusted for an MGB for about a year and then finally got one. I just jumped right in and started driving it like I knew what I was doing. I think I learned to drive a stick on pure adrenaline.
Anyway, I too, just recently bought a 2001 Miata base with convenience package in midnight blue mica. I absolutely love it. Have wanted one since 1990. I love driving it! I know you will love yours too!
I'm in the market for my first Miata. Prefer used Miata as a weekend toy. Found a '94 automatic with 27K miles, hard top, and leather interior. Asking price is 9900. Reasonable? Paint has some chips but otherwise exterior wear and tear looks acceptable. Appreciate any thoughts, opinions, suggestions or cautions. L Berliner WV
IMO, one of the great joys of the Miata is the great shifting five speed stick. I have never driven an automatic but do believe i would much rather buy a 5 speed.Good luck!
There is certainly a difference if you've driven stick and just don't like it and if you just don't know how.
But if it's because you haven't driven stick:
First, The Miata gearshift is one of the best!
I didn't really know how to drive stick until I bought one, but as long as I'm driving a sports car or sporty car I'll never go back, it doubles the fun of driving! Just one opinion anyway.
I know with the 90-93 1.6 liter engines, the automatics had 105 hp, the manual engines had 116 hp.
I have a coworker, his daughter just turned 16, he is buying her a car. She originally wanted a Mustang, they came to an agreement on a new Beetle (looks soooo cute). The merits of buying a 16 yr old a new car is not the point here. The point is he asked me my opinion, I told him not to spend 20k or so on a new Beetle, get his daughter a used Miata for well under 10k, she'll like it much more than the Mustang, Beetle, and he'll save too. His response was that his daughter doesn't know who to drive a 5 sp, therefore it was not an option. My reply, teach her, I think people need to know for emergency reasons anyway. He never considered it, he bought her a new Beetle (in the color she wanted). Another missed opportunity, luckily we all know better.
I dunno if I would recommend a Miata for an inexperienced 16 yr old driver. Teenagers are bound to make some mistakes in their first car and the Miata is not necessarily a car that will survive mistakes as nicely as a car with a roof and benign (safe) FWD handling characteristics. I think the additional work of having to teach her how to drive manual eliminated the car from consideration.
There are easier battles to be won in convincing people to buy a Miata.
Well, I hear you WarpDrive. In this specific case, I know this is a good kid. And you are only 16 once. It is also a pretty solid car, notwithstanding the fact it is a small convertible. When I started driving (1973), FWD came on about 2% of all cars, now it more like 80%, and this is Atlanta (no snow, 364.5 days/year).
...to a pure performance road tire. I've driven a non-Miata with one and it's the best tire I've ever used. People who had the stock Miata's Pilot SX's (which is also a decent albeit expensive tire) say the T1-S far surpasses them on the wet and noticably better in the dry. However, DO NOT, I repeat, do NOT ever try these or any other performance tire in near freezing temperatures (even if there is no snow), you have extremely poor traction as the summer compound doesn't take well to cold pavement. Just be aware of this if you try it. As for harsh riding, it's comparable to other performance tires (a bit harsh) and they seem quieter than other performance tires (but you still will get a bit of tire noise)
Does anybody have any info on the TSB related to bad machining on the engine? www.miata.net-garage-tsb-tsb014_00r.gif is the number. It states the lower half of the engine may need to be replaced. Anybody have any problems with this or know anything about it? Any input/info would be appreciated. Thanks
I just waxed my 6 month old 2001 Miata. The wax said not to use on any besides painted surfaces. Can anyone give me advice on how to care for the plastic bumpers (front and rear)? Can they be considered "painted surfaces"?
Varies by location and demand, but I get the impression it is just a few hundred over invoice. How far back in this topic have you read? Try here too, under 'Pricing and Dealer Discussion'.
We don't have the newer model, but do have a red '94 where the plastic bumpers tend to "fade out" compared to the glossy red of the rest of the car. I can restore the gloss to the bumpers easily by waxing them also. I have to keep at it, as the wax doesn't hang on as long.
I would consider the bumpers a painted surface, as the wax really does help. And without the wax, my bumpers would be pink by now.
The bumpers are defintely painted surfaces. As are the mirrors. In fact, anything that is not chrome (badges, door handles) or clear (windows, taillamps) is a painted surface (including your wheels).
Definitely wax your wheels if they are painted. Brake dust doesn't stick to them as much, so they stay clean and are easier to wash. It really pays off in the long run.
Tip - wax them every time you rotate them, and get the back side, too. If you drive in snow they'll also resist ice/slush build up that can throw your wheels off balance.
WV: all the 1994s had the 128hp 1.8l, auto or manual. I agree that the manual shifter is the one by which all others are measured, so you may want to sample one if you're willing to try.
I bought a low mileage 1993 model (27k, coincidentally), and would therefore recommend the one you saw. I paid a little less ($7800), but yours has the bigger engine, more bracing, and a 2nd air bag. Mine has been flawless in the 10 months or so I've owned it.
Usually I'd consider a mechanic's inspection and a compression test, but if the 27k miles on the odo are true, I'd be less concerned.
Is there a article or articles measuring the speed of a car in sharp five and ten mile per hour switch back turns... particularly the difference in speed (time) for say ten miles of such driving?Competing A Z3 base, CLK 230 base, Base Boxters, S2000, Spyder, MR2, Miata. All base models, no turbo's or superchargers, or modified suspensions unless that is the only way they can be purchased. It would be interesting to me to see the numbers.
My real search reason was to get away from the extensive difference in Horse power that so many cars have over the Miata, and to see which one really can carve the roads. I have made a run several times up a mountain in Arkansas, leading and following a line of Miatas, up Mount Nebo. It is a super road and fun. I do not believe another car could do it better or faster. It was 7000 rpm in 1st and second, down shift, and up to 7000 in 1st and 2nd....over and over. Perhaps a better driver than I could. The first time I felt bad about running my car that hard.(It had 75000 on it) My friends said, "oh yea, of little faith" and in the next 75000 I learned to believe! They do not make them much better than that. I really to not have that kind of faith in Z3.s or such.
In that case, you already have all the data you'll need.
Throw away all the statistics, and then test drive the cars you are considering. Then buy the one that brings you the biggest smile.
It'll be the Miata as often as any other car.
Though I was surprised by how much I liked the SLK320 at the M-B PowerTrip test drive. Not as communicative or as "pure", if you will, but still a hoot. I haven't sampled the others.
What the Miata has going for it, or rather doesn't have going against it, is weight. For the Boxster, S2000, MR2, Z3, CLK comparo you discussed, I'd bet that the MR2, and possibly the S2000, are the only other cars that weigh less than 2500 lbs. The others are anywhere from several hundred pounds to half a ton heavier. I haven't looked it up, I may do that tonight.
No matter how much more powerful those other cars are: the one thing the Miata will ALWAYS have in its favour: lighter weight. This helps account for a large part of its "grin" factor. The less weight you are throwing driving into the corners with, the more "agile" it feels. Just like a go-kart, you can generate some pretty good G's with a lightweight car and some reasonably sticky tires. That's why the Miata can hold it's own with many more expensive cars when it comes to turning fast. If the road gets straight enough to excercise some of those horses, then the Miata loses badly.
Having said that, any expensive sports car can beat the Miata if the Miata driver does not excercise the car to its limits. Take a advanced driving course, try some slaloms at the local autocross and these skills can be learned. And then the Miata can outcorner most cars. The Miata has potential for great cornering that CAN be reasonable explored unlike those other pricier cars.
Comments
Anyway, my primary question here I have gotten a quote of 26230 for the SE with hardtop abs and tape deck, with the 4.9 special finance rate. Does that sound like a good deal? It is only 162 above the dealer invoice. Anyone who has purchased one recently please advise.
THX again gang, from a soon to be Miata Owner
Hey, I could offer an opinion on pricing for used first Generation Miatas, don't know jack about new ones, $162 over invoice sounds pretty darn good to me. I know we keep harping on this, but there is a whole discussion board devoted to this, see "Pricing and Dealer Discussion" at miata.net http://www.miataforum.com/cgi-bin/Ultimate.cgi
I say drag your brother to the dealership to test drive one with you. Pretty soon he'll be saying, "Wow, this thing is fun. Now I understand the appeal."
-juice
Jeff
Good luck
Chuck
I find that anyone who gives the Miata a try ends up finding it a pretty cool ride. Even if the car is not their kind of thing they still end up enjoying it.
This is the first car I've owned that people have actually asked me if they could drive it just for the hell of it. I actually like letting people take it for a spin! It seems most find the power better then they expected as well, though the one with the ITR found it lacking.
Rince I've been driving this car (only a week( all those magazine stats really became meaningless. I've driven the Boxter, and it's an amazing car, but I don't think I'd trade the Miata for one even if I had the cash.
cheers!
Gutteral, almost exhaust sound? It is a kick back, i.e. unburned fumes in the exhaust that later pop? Or maybe a loose heat shield on the exhaust rattling?
-juice
I've been reading the garage section at miata.net, and was wondering where everyone takes their miata for maintenence. I don't really trust any dealers to do the job, nor do I trust giffy-lube type places. Also, I'm not sure if my local garage would even knonw how to change the oil in my miata (and I'd rather not do it myself either).
I live in NJ, so there is Flyin' Miata about 1.5 hours away from me. Kinda long way just for an oil change, but I'm sure I could find a nice curvy road that takes twice as long (and fun!). At worst, I'll at least have a backup place that knows my car.
Congrats to you, too, plurz. I jokingly tell my wife my Miata is my mistress. She's glad it's a vehicle!
You will find yourselves taking the long, scenic way home.
-juice
I bought my first roadster a long time ago (used '65 MGB, w/ a 3-main crank) and loved driving it through 44 states as a college student.
In later years I owned two Miatas, and was surprised at how closely they matched the feel of the "B." The B's steering and shifter were tighter, but it required infinitely more maintenance, and the live rear axle was no match for the independent rear suspension of the Miata.
I'm 6'2" and fit the B and the Miata about the same, which is to say just barely. A miss being as good as a mile, I logged many 500 - 800 mile days in both cars and enjoyed them both.
Thanks to Mazda for bringing the affordable roadster back to life.
Following up on my post from July 12...my parents own a 1990 Miata in desperate need of a new rear window. My dad got an estimate from a place in Nyack, NY for $1000 (top with glass window and installation). My dad said the place was reputable, so I can get the name and number of the place if you want. He was told it's only $50 more to get an an electric rear window defroster from the supplier, so it makes sense to get that. Anyone know how much it would be to get it hooked up?
Another question...has anyone had any experience with Wet Okole seat covers (www.wetokole.com)? I've seen pictures, and considering they're seat covers, they look as if they were stock (check them out on a project VW Golf 1.8T at www.vwvortex.com). They're $225 for the pair (made of Neoprene with a choice of colors) specially fit for the Miata.
One last thing...when my dad was stopped at a light in NYC, some idiot in a truck decided inhabit the same space as our Miata. Now it has a nice 4 inch long dent in front the the left front wheel well. The guy's excuse: "You're too small, I didn't see you." That makes the 6th accident (and the second one that happened with the car not in motion) the Miata has been in, none of which has been my parents fault (the entire front end of the car is not original)...
Later guys.
-Todd
Can't the guys that install the top also hook up the rear defrost? Should add an hour or two of labor, if that.
-juice
http://www.griotsgarage.com/
Never stow a wet top, it can mildew
Never stow a very dirty top, it can cause abrasion
Watch for and tighten loose linkages as they appear
Use the boot cover, the exposed underside is suspectible to UV degradation more so than the top
There are 2 schools of thought as to how to protect the top, either leave it alone (only wash with mild soap) or use UV protectant
Don't use Armor All on the interior, it does more harm than good
ace
It will pay for the oil company executive's Porsche, though, that's for sure. At wholesale prices, premium costs just 3 cents more to produce than regular. The rest is pure profit, so you can see how much effort they invest in convincing you premium was touched by God himself.
-juice
For cleaning the outside, Mcguairs is a good brand to go with in general.
Premium gas: I've heard that using higher octane gas can clog the fuel injectors. I don't know this as a fact though.
Top: If the top dries while it is down it could cause it to shrink as well.
My aunt took me to an empty parking lot today after classes for a little lesson. Took me about 20 min to get the car moving with stalling/jerking. My main mistake was releasing the clutch completely/fast and pressing hard on the gas(not used to the sensitivity). Once I learned how to slide the clutch with the gas, I did pretty well. Should only need a hour or so until i can get on the road with it.
Just try to remember to go oh-so-slowly lifting the clutch. It helps if you find the friction point and engage it smoothly. Try to keep the accelerator pedal steady, at about 2-3000 rpm, don't blip it or you will jerk forward and then stall.
My brother was driving like a champ in no time.
Freddy: it's interesting you mention that, because our 626 got clogged fuel injectors (major hesitation) despite the fact that it was on a premium-only diet. It's fine after a fuel service, but now we use 87 octane, and it's running as good as ever.
-juice
http://www.mazdausa.com/conceptcars/default.asp?screensaver=yes
When I first learned to drive, in about 1978, I started with an automatic. I lusted for an MGB for about a year and then finally got one. I just jumped right in and started driving it like I knew what I was doing. I think I learned to drive a stick on pure adrenaline.
Anyway, I too, just recently bought a 2001 Miata base with convenience package in midnight blue mica. I absolutely love it. Have wanted one since 1990. I love driving it! I know you will love yours too!
L Berliner
WV
But if it's because you haven't driven stick:
First, The Miata gearshift is one of the best!
I didn't really know how to drive stick until I bought one, but as long as I'm driving a sports car or sporty car I'll never go back, it doubles the fun of driving! Just one opinion anyway.
I have a coworker, his daughter just turned 16, he is buying her a car. She originally wanted a Mustang, they came to an agreement on a new Beetle (looks soooo cute). The merits of buying a 16 yr old a new car is not the point here. The point is he asked me my opinion, I told him not to spend 20k or so on a new Beetle, get his daughter a used Miata for well under 10k, she'll like it much more than the Mustang, Beetle, and he'll save too. His response was that his daughter doesn't know who to drive a 5 sp, therefore it was not an option. My reply, teach her, I think people need to know for emergency reasons anyway. He never considered it, he bought her a new Beetle (in the color she wanted). Another missed opportunity, luckily we all know better.
There are easier battles to be won in convincing people to buy a Miata.
what's your opinion for ride/handling in dry/wet/light snow condition?
does it make a lot of noise?
are they harsh or soft riding?
http://www.miataforum.com/
I would consider the bumpers a painted surface, as the wax really does help. And without the wax, my bumpers would be pink by now.
Beth
http://convertiblencat.homestead.com
Tip - wax them every time you rotate them, and get the back side, too. If you drive in snow they'll also resist ice/slush build up that can throw your wheels off balance.
WV: all the 1994s had the 128hp 1.8l, auto or manual. I agree that the manual shifter is the one by which all others are measured, so you may want to sample one if you're willing to try.
I bought a low mileage 1993 model (27k, coincidentally), and would therefore recommend the one you saw. I paid a little less ($7800), but yours has the bigger engine, more bracing, and a 2nd air bag. Mine has been flawless in the 10 months or so I've owned it.
Usually I'd consider a mechanic's inspection and a compression test, but if the 27k miles on the odo are true, I'd be less concerned.
-juice
Some comparos take cars to the track, but even then a certain track will favor a specific car, depending on how twisty and how long the straights are.
-juice
Throw away all the statistics, and then test drive the cars you are considering. Then buy the one that brings you the biggest smile.
It'll be the Miata as often as any other car.
Though I was surprised by how much I liked the SLK320 at the M-B PowerTrip test drive. Not as communicative or as "pure", if you will, but still a hoot. I haven't sampled the others.
-juice
No matter how much more powerful those other cars are: the one thing the Miata will ALWAYS have in its favour: lighter weight. This helps account for a large part of its "grin" factor. The less weight you are throwing driving into the corners with, the more "agile" it feels. Just like a go-kart, you can generate some pretty good G's with a lightweight car and some reasonably sticky tires. That's why the Miata can hold it's own with many more expensive cars when it comes to turning fast. If the road gets straight enough to excercise some of those horses, then the Miata loses badly.
Having said that, any expensive sports car can beat the Miata if the Miata driver does not excercise the car to its limits. Take a advanced driving course, try some slaloms at the local autocross and these skills can be learned. And then the Miata can outcorner most cars. The Miata has potential for great cornering that CAN be reasonable explored unlike those other pricier cars.