Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

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Comments

  • sebargesebarge Member Posts: 50
    Hi Sonny,

    We have a '94 Miata with 140,000 + miles on it. We have had it a few years now and have put on lots of the mileage ourselves. Both the previous owner and ourselves have had NO problems at all with the car. It's still running very well. We keep up with the recommended stuff, but it's never been in the shop for anything else. We expect to drive it into the 200,000 mile mark easily.

    Beth

    http://convertiblencats.homestead.com
  • davidb72davidb72 Member Posts: 174
    I have both!!!! Lucky me!


    http://members.cardomain.com/davidb72

  • bjrichbjrich Member Posts: 125
    Go to Car and Driver and read their coverage for one year of the Miata, long term test drive,,, and the 2001 is even a better car.All the highs and lows (very few lows)sYu will not find a better engiengineered balanced car for any where near the money of a Miatas.
  • peanutpeanut Member Posts: 2
    We have to sell our 99 Miata, about 11k miles, automatic, dark green, touring package.
    Two separate dealers have offered $10,000 as a trade in value, saying that it's the end of the season (we live in Boston) and demand is low.
    Our other option is to sell it ourselves, but we are leaning towards trade in because we suspect it will be hard to find a buyer given the season, most drivers would prefer a stick shift, and the hassle of dealing with the whole transaction.
    Any thoughts?
  • MarkinAtlantaMarkinAtlanta Member Posts: 194
    I think just as there is a market for people who want manual transmissions, there is also a market for people who want automatics. Not to stereotype, but when we bought our used Miata in March, from a private party, the owner said she had a lot of other potential women buyers who only wanted an automatic Miata. http://www.edmunds.com/used/1999/mazda/miata/2drmx5convertible/prices.html This says $13,000 and check kbb.com too. Try listing using the autotrader magazine, they come out to your house, take a photo, and put it on the web too, for $35 what do you have to loose. The sort of person coming to you house looking at Miata's, generally aren't the shady types.
  • MarkinAtlantaMarkinAtlanta Member Posts: 194
    I'd also recommend going to the Smart Shopper Conference, Real Life Trade-In Values topic and ask Bill (Brentwoodvolvo) what your car is worth. He is a straight shooter.
  • bjrichbjrich Member Posts: 125
    IMO, for $14000 to 15,500 or perhaps more.If it has the tan leather it surely will get a good sale price.Shine it up, set it in the driveway, run the ad, and be patient!
  • thebigkahunathebigkahuna Member Posts: 83
    Thanks Beth and Mark, as I have continued my research (especially on miata.net) I have come across a very troubling problem with 99-00's. I have attempted to find this problem (the #4 valve bearing) on the edmund's boards but either overlooked it or it isn't a known issue here? Just when I was about to start some test drives I'm about to reconsider altogether. It would be especially troubling to buy a little used 99 out of warranty to find my engine fail within the year. Any suggestions/comments on this issue?
  • MarkinAtlantaMarkinAtlanta Member Posts: 194
    See posts #1553 & #1554. Here's another option, a first generation Garage Queen, one with really low miles.
  • subaronsubaron Member Posts: 5
    2 months ago I posted that I was considering trading my 300M for a new SE for my wife.

    I was cautious about the trade thinking my wife would get tired of it after a few weeks.

    Just the opposite!! I am no longer her "first love" as I have been displaced by the Miata.

    Oh well, I'm OK with that as long as I get to drive it regularly, which we do frequently at night just for the fun of it.

    BTW, has anyone had any negative experiences with the deck or trunk luggage? Also, is there a website that offers Miata luggage at better prices than what I have been seeing ($200 plus)?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Sonny: if you fit in a Miata, and conversely, the Miata fits your needs, I think it's about the best choice you could make.

    I bought a used 1993 (like Mark suggests) and it's so reliable it's almost BORING in that way. You see, I enjoy working on cars and mine never seems to break no matter what. I did the 30 service early and cannot find anything else to do on it!

    Peanut: if yours were a 5 speed, I come up to Boston and buy it from you in a heart beat. The price is way, way low. Green? Aw, man, you're killing me. Sure the tranny type wasn't a typo?

    Sonny: buy peanut's if you want an automatic. :-)

    Ron: I own a Forester, too. AWD + roadster make a great fleet!

    -juice
  • qualityguyqualityguy Member Posts: 101
    Guys, could you pls advise me, what is a good price of 1-3 year old Miata (oldest - 1999 car)in NY area and if there is a big difference between 5 and 6 speed? My idea is to get a Miata or a Tiburon and supercharge the car; it just seems to me that Miata is more reliable, and Jacksonracing.com is a click away, with their Eaton superchargers. (If there is anybody who did that work on the car, friendly evaluation of results wood be greatly appreciated.)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Figure on about $3500 to start on a Jackson Racing setup. They are well engineered and you can even remove it and return the car to stock if you ever need to sell it.

    My guess is anywhere from $10-20k depending on mileage and condition. They didn't produce a 1998 model, so I'd look for a '99 with low miles.

    -juice
  • qualityguyqualityguy Member Posts: 101
    Are each year's suspension tweaks and body stiffening for models so significant, that 2000 must be preffered to 1999, and 2001 - to 2000? And again - must it be 6 speed or 5 speed is pefectly fine? (I am trying to justify here for myself bying of obviously more expensive car with limited-slip differential). Hoe noisy it is with hardtop on? And, is the car actually everyday driver, even in NY winter?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    IMO, no. I use mine as a 3rd car, and my Subaru makes a perfect companion.

    You are right to have those concerns. The only unhappy Miata owners are those that didn't realize what compromises you make in order to own a pure sports car. If you have the right mindset, it's the perfect car.

    If you do use it year round, just get snow tires. I'd also put in some nice and loud Hellas and practice defensive driving.

    -juice
  • j2kbarlowj2kbarlow Member Posts: 89
    I use my Miata daily, but I'm in NC not NY. There's not a big difference in the final drive ratio between the 5 and 6 speed so it won't be any quieter at highway speeds between the two. The 6 speed accelerates a little quicker. Not gonna be much difference in body stiffness between model YEARS but there are some differences in suspension PACKAGES in each year. If there's any difference in body stiffness between the years you're interested in, it'll be due to age not design. Some of the Special Edition Miatas have stiffer suspension (Bilstein shocks) that may be too much for a daily car. Some say the car is louder with the hardtop but that can be fixed with an aftermarket headliner. The 2K1's have several upgrades over the 99-00 - different seats, more HP, restyled front, etc.
  • dgraves1dgraves1 Member Posts: 414
    I thought the additional horsepower in the 2001s disappeared.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Only some of it...has a better torque curve too.
  • dgraves1dgraves1 Member Posts: 414
    Well, I thought it lost most of it. Don't know about the torque curve but I don't think the 2001 is any faster than the 2000. My point was that I don't think horsepower should be one of the deciding factors between a 2000 and a 2001 models. It's really not a discriminator.
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    The 2001 is not faster because it only gained 2 hp, yet it also gained 100lbs of weight.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Some found it the same, others like Autoweek found it was quicker.

    The key difference is that the new engine has variable valve timing and a bumped up compression ratio. The bad news is it now burns premium fuel, without a significant gain in power.

    Personally, I don't think the Miata is even about straight line speed, and they last forever, so my next one (in a few years) will likely be a used '99 model.

    -juice
  • bjrichbjrich Member Posts: 125
    I use only 87 octane in my 2001 and have had nothing but great performance in close to 10,000 miles.You can feel the surge of power when the valves do their thing. Love it!
  • j2kbarlowj2kbarlow Member Posts: 89
    Yes the 2K1 doesn't make as much as originally claimed in American guise, but this can easily be reclaimed with a free flow exhaust. The stock American exhaust is more restrictive than international units thus the lower HP. As ateixeira says, the engine HAS been siginificantly reworked, and, therefore, different than the 99-00 (my original point).

    When it comes time to replace my '93, I personally would choose the 2K1 over the 99-00. I love the revised look! The extra HP potential is just a perk.
  • qualityguyqualityguy Member Posts: 101
    It's not getting any easier - so, should it be 2000 or 2001?!
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    It makes no difference. They are the same car. Except for some small details it's really remained unchanged. The engine is only 2 hp more, and you can't tell the difference. I like both the shifters and am happy with the 5 spd. but the 6th would be nice. the extra gear just means you either have to shift more or get to shift more. I considered the new one but found that what I saved on a mint 99 was worth giving up a couple of minor details. The cash difference between it and the same '01could easily cover the turbo and an overhaul on the rest of the car too. I installed 16" rims, but otherwise I like the car out of the box. It's got a rock solid reputation for the reliabilty, so I'm not worried about a few extra km. So far not a single problem.
  • WarpDriveWarpDrive Member Posts: 506
    ....the 2001 feels far stiffer and it's definitely noticeable. Looking under the car, there is loads more bracing which would explain that. The engine seems to feel a just a bit stronger in the mid range. It's subtle but I noticed it right away. I also like the standard immmobolizer. The seats are more supportive. The rest is all detailing but it's nice nonetheless.

    I think it's definitely worth getting a 2001 over a 2000 myself. At one point, I was think of trading it in.
  • qualityguyqualityguy Member Posts: 101
    Suspension - should it be sports with 16 (or it is 17) rims or should I go for the standard?
  • WarpDriveWarpDrive Member Posts: 506
    is very nice if you intend to drive it HARD. But I think the base suspension with the 15 inch wheels is absolutely fine (and maybe even preferred) for normal driving on regular roads. I feel the base Miata is a great value. The six-speed is entirely optional as there isn't a big benefit to it. The limited slip differential is great for autocrossing but you won't miss it on normal roads. The 16 inch just means the tires you buy will be so much more money over 15 inch wheels (I do like the look of the 16's more).

    All the extras of the LS are wasted in my opinion unless you wanted all that stuff anyway. When you start loading it up, it tends to dilute the premise that the Miata is an affordable roadster. I have an 10th Anniversary model but if I didn't get a good deal on that, I would have gone for a base model 2000.

    As for acceleration, the 2001 model is actually slower than my 1999 10th Ann. But it's only by a few tenths and probably not noticeable.
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    You would probably benefit from the sports package if you're supercharging it, the car will handle the extra power better.
    You can also replace the shocks and struts as well as the rims on an an LS to acheive the same thing as the sports package, only you get the extra options.

    Warpdrive: I'm sure it would be more noticable if I drove the 01 for longer then a couple of test drives.
  • j2kbarlowj2kbarlow Member Posts: 89
    quality guy - I think what we're all getting at here, is that no matter what you choose, you can find what you're looking for. The Miata can be enjoyed bone stock and can easily be modified for those looking for a little more. Your choice should be dictated mostly by your budget. If you're content with a daily driver, go light on the options. Only pay for what you want. The good thing is that, if your mind changes later on, you can change/improve just about every aspect of the car as your taste/budget increases. Leather seats, power windows and locks, superchargers, stereos, larger wheels, etc. - all can be added after purchase.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Go light on the options and keep the initial costs down. I bought mine used but there are a lot of things on it I'd give up for a lighter and/or cheaper Miata, such as leather and power mirrors.

    -juice
  • qualityguyqualityguy Member Posts: 101
    Did anybody compare closely Miata and Tiburon? Honestly, I am balancing between these two and WRX on the side - and if WRX would have more power - or, simply a 3 liter engine, it would have been it, and, being a stick affectionado, I don't like it's power delivery and it's slushbox (I guess, I really want BMW 330, but where is the money for it?). Altima, after "close encounter of the third kind", fell off - too expensive and underengineered. Tiburon, as per J.D. Powers, is second worst car sold in USA - qualitywise. Miata looks like the best choice, but not powerful enough per my taste. That's why I wanted to get a slightly used one and supercharge it. That's why I need to figure out which one it should be. I am still very open to any bit of information...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Wait until the new Hyundai does their thing on the Tiburon. I've seen photos of the upcoming model, and it looks much bigger and the front reminds you of a Supra instead of a Pontiac Sunfire. Hyundai has made strides and I'm sure the new Tibby will be much better in terms of quality, though that doesn't necessarily mean much given the room for improvement.

    But it'll be no match for the handling and outright fun of a Miata. You just have to determine if it'll meet your basic needs. Are space, comfort, and quiet a priority to you? Then look elsewhere.

    The WRX is a rocket. Not sure why you'd need more power than that, unless you mean under 3000rpm. Just get a manual and keep the revs up. If your needs change, the sedan and especially the wagon would likely mean it would remain practical for you.

    -juice
  • WarpDriveWarpDrive Member Posts: 506
    Tiburon and Miata don't compare as far as handling is concerned. I drove one a few years back and it felt OK for an inexpensive sports coupe, but it's certainly doesn't have the poise and agility you get in a Miata. Supercharging it is an option but you are right to look for a used one.

    I'm not sure why you would want more power in the WRX. It's no problem as long as you adapt your shifting to keep the revs above 3000rpm. And then practically everything else on the road will be in your rear view mirror. Turbo cars do require a different style of driving....it's just a matter of getting used to it. Even a turbo Miata would unlikely be able to keep up to a properly driven WRX.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    BTW, grab the new Car & Driver. They actually picked the WRX over that 330xi you desire. An S4 took top honors, though at $40 grand you'd expect it to.

    -juice
  • qualityguyqualityguy Member Posts: 101
    WRX with 3 liter or 3 liter 260-280 supercharged engine will actually be direct competition of BMW or AUDI, as I wrote on WRX forum. Everything else is not real competition, but something like comparing a dog sled and a horse carriage. BMW and Audi provide you with higher level of comfort, refinement and sofistication, by their handling or power delivery - you must actually drive the cars, not read about them (I mean, as the rule, and don't mean anything else). WRX is totally different breed of a car; it's like apples and oranges. If they put a 3 liter in Impreza, they could sell cars on par with the above mentioned companies - quantitywise. Quality of Subarus is higher than germans; price could be under the same 25G's. No one will turn such a car down. As a family man, I will by one, definitely. But, for me 4 - seats are two too many... That's why Miata. Tiburon - looks like @#$%; the new one is better, looks halfway like Mustang (from the side) and a couple of other cars. But, I am not buying cars for looks anymore, no more. I wanted to get originally Tiburon and turbocharge it; but then (a couple of years ago) I spoke to some Tib owners and was very discouraged by their talk about this cars quality.
  • qualityguyqualityguy Member Posts: 101
    WRX the way it is is still a great car of it's own right - may be not for me at the moment...
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    I don't see how the Miata can be compared with any of these cars. The WRX is an incredible car, like the Miata, but for different reasons. I wouldn't mind both of them, though I wish they would give the imprezza a design worthy of the car.
    The Tib on the other hand is an economical car, like all hyundai's, and it accomplishes what it's supposed to, which is bang for the buck - and they do a good job of it too. The car is sporty with good steering, but you can't expect it to compete with the higher priced sport coupes.
  • WarpDriveWarpDrive Member Posts: 506
    He really should take about 10 steps backward to assess what he wants out of a car. The WRX and Miata can't be more different and the Tiburon is nowhere in the league of the other two. The Miata is a pure sports car/roadster, the WRX is a rally bred sedan and the Tiburon is a car that competes against Civics and low end Celicas.

    There is nothing you can buy in the price range (except for the MR2 Spyder) that "feels" like a Miata. And there is nothing out there that really competes against the WRX directly (yet)

    By the way, I've driven the 330/S4/WRX and I'd agree with C&D's ranking. All great cars, but the WRX is the one that appeals to the pocketbook and emotion at the same time.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Let your needs decide.

    Let's say you are single or at least have no kids, live in SoCal where it never rains, and your dad has a SUV or van you can borrow any time you need it. You want a fun, economical car, so naturally you buy a Miata and live happily ever after.

    Or, say you are a starving student struggling to pay the bills, and want to have a little fun with a semi-practical car. A used Tib should sell for cheap, just be aware that the 10 year warranty is not transferable, but since your brother is a mechanic you're in good shape.

    Scenario 3. You live in the Rockies where it snows a lot, and you're bored with auto cross and want to try driving slideways in RallyCross. You have a small family and the funds to own one nice car. WRX wagon all the way.

    -juice
  • miata007miata007 Member Posts: 129
    I've just went to the german autoshow and saw the new miata concept. The big news is it's got a new 1.9L that produces 200hp, ~250ft-lb @7000rpm.
    Quite impressive for such little engine. The bad news is it is still a concept so not sure if it is going to make it to production.
    My opinion: I think the car is great mechanically as a sports car. The look is futuristic but too bad the design is not clean. Too many things are the front, lights, and fenders. I am always a fan of stylish clean design like the current miata or the retired Z.
    Haven't bought my 1st miata yet. Was looking for one the end of this year, but may be postponed due to the bad economic conditon.

    007
  • qualityguyqualityguy Member Posts: 101
    Let's say you want a fun car - and you have money for this - each of these cars meets the definition...
  • WarpDriveWarpDrive Member Posts: 506
    ...but most people define other criteria to narrow it down more than that...."fun" can mean about anything to anyone. A Jeep Wrangler is fun.

    As I said, a Miata is a far more dedicated sports car than a Tiburon...most people wouldn't even see the Tiburon on their radar screen when shopping for a Miata.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If you allow yourself the luxury of choosing the most "fun" car without caring about any other factors, then the decision making process can be really simple.

    Drive each. Measure the width of your smile. Pick the car that brought you the widest grin.

    :-)

    -juice
  • qualityguyqualityguy Member Posts: 101
    "fun" can mean about anything to anyone - sure, but I am shopping for myself. And, I love Miata and WRX; Tiburon, honestly, is more of a compromise - you can get one around New Year time for 12G's. I just need to figure out, which Miata I should get (for further mods); I'll most probably trade my Legacy for a WRX in a year or less, for my wife/me to use. My wife surprises me - she suddenly became Alex Zanardy type of a driver and developed love to sports cars. Guess, my bad influence...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Do what I did - keep a fleet of three cars. More, even. The extra insurance costs are offset by the convenience of having a spare car for guests, service, etc.

    Plus that allows you to own cars that are more niche oriented, instead of making compromises. Get yourself a 4x4, a roadster, and a sports sedan.

    You could keep the Legacy for the wife (and winter), get a used Miata to setup for autocross, and then have a WRX as a daily driver.

    Ain't life grand?

    -juice
  • MarkinAtlantaMarkinAtlanta Member Posts: 194
    I assume you weren't aware of Zanardi's horrific crash this weekend. Let's pray she is more of a Schumacher.
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/hi/english/motorsport/newsid_1546000/1546118.stm
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Schuey is overrated. He hasn't had to compete against any of the true greats of the sport.

    True, Ayrton Senna was there at the beginning, but who was always better in the rain?

    -juice
  • qualityguyqualityguy Member Posts: 101
    I meant exactly what I meant - she drives like a cart driver that's why doesn't get more expensive and heavy Lincoln; and re. accidents, though not any recently - don't even get me started here...
  • qualityguyqualityguy Member Posts: 101
    For future development on Miata - see "Road and Track", "Mazda's Secret Miatas Reveled", September 2001 (Volume 53, Number 1) pages 65-67, summary 67; as per them, as one of the options, in 2003 we could get a Miata with 3L V-6 Duratec (Tauras/Escape) engine producing 250 bhp 230 lb.-ft, which is great, but lightnes and agility obviously will go. Good bye Mazda Miata, hello Mazda Mustang... Or it could be 1.3 turbo from future RX-8 - though I liked previous RX-7 (drove only turbo iteration of it), the car, due to engine specifics had completely different caracter. Why didn't they put turbocharged 2.5 V-6 from MX-6 in Miata (as performance engine) in the first place?
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