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Comments
Good news - I used some silicone sealant on that little crack in my vinyl top, and it seems to have worked well. It's sealed up and appears to remain flexible. The real test will be when I start putting the top down again (it's way too cold right now), so I'll let you know how it holds up.
This let me put off the new top until it's at least warm enough that I could contemplate changing it myself (it's a 3rd vehicle and we have a car port, so I could really take my time).
-juice
I knew it was a good idea to get an 02! I only got it b/c crystal blue was being discountinued, but now it appears that Mazda has cheapened the quality as well. No Torsen LSD, cheap top, cheapy looking faux aluminum interior, fewer color combos. Add to this Mazda's lousy customer service for parts (6 weeks to get a rim!, 6 weeks to get weatherstipping! COME ON!).
It's too bad, Mazda has a lot of neat cars too (P5, 6, etc.)
Another pretty dumb question... as much as I love Miatas, I don't know that much about cars. I read in a post that you need to keep the revs up to 3500 for the car to perform. What does that really mean? My Miata will be a commuter car.
Thanks again...
My LS has ABS and its nice, but in bad weather, I usually just drive my old Accord so it wasn't a must-have. What I really like is the 6-speed. To be honest, the only reason I went with an LS is for the color combo (Crystal Blue and tan leather). If I had to get and 03, I'd just pick the one that I liked the looks of the most. It is, afterall, a rather frivilous car that is made to be liked for the fun, not for how practical it is.
Point is, to me the features that the LS brought were nice, but I could have been happy with a base one.
So if you had one 10 years ago, the new engine should feel more flexible. They're also more comfortable and refined.
I drive a '93, but I've test driven a '99 and a new one last year.
-juice
The catch is I'm not finding any places that will install it for less than $350, and even then they won't offer their usual guarantee because it's an aftermarket top.
For now, my little patch work will do. If I find an installer that will either offer a better price or stand behind their work with a full warranty (preferably BOTH) then I'll bite.
-juice
the 03 base model should be just as nice as an 02 base, correct?
also, what is crappy about the new BASE interior? i know that the LS has that ugly painted silver plastic, but the base didn't change, did it? plain black i thought....
i like the idea of a new 03, base, with bigger brakes and the strut tower brace. but i hear what you are saying about bigger brakes not working with snow tires....
Still, if it was me, I'd pick up a leftover 02 (lots of them in St. Louis) and get for about $2,000 back of invoice (better deal than 0% anyway).
My quick fix is holding up well, actually. It's raining today.
-juice
Miata is some where between a CRX and Prelude.
The best way to get in the car is sit down on the edge of the seat then rotate 90 degree. Do the reverse to get out.
1. trying to decide between a 5 speed and 6 speed - I would use as both a short commuter 10 miles each way and then vacation touring 450-550 miles a day. I am assuming that the 6 speed would make the touring cruising a bit more pleasant - Any down-side to the 6 speed to the 5 speed (other than cost)?
2. I know that part of the fun is the sporty ride - but what do most of you think about the general comfort of the MX-5 for the touring mileage driving that I am considering
- if I tour for extended periods will I need to schedule a chiropractor in every city I visit or not?
3. Also I saw in the Mazda brochure a luggage rack option - I don't recollect seeing many of those - any experiences that could help me understand the desirability or foolishness of luggage racks on the Miata.
Thanks in advance - I am getting close to "joining the Miata family" but need a little more perspective before I "pull the trigger".
The luggage rack is an option, and unfortunately it came on my '92. It requires that holes be drilled in the trunk, so you can't remove it later if you decide you don't like the "look". On my '92, the load limit of the rack is listed as 25#s. The PO told me that he had never used it. I'm currently looking for a "plain" trunk lid, so that I can re-paint and replace mine.
say what???
Hondas have forever damaged your brain. Accept RWD and repent. ;-)
Seriously though, a Miata has a lot more go-juice than a CRX Si, and nowhere near that of a 93-up Prelude VTEC. but it handles far better than both, the CRX's curb weight makes it feel nimble but it's still an understeering FWD bore.
-Colin
I prefer local, curvy roads over highways in my Miata. It gets loud and rides rough at speeds above 65mph anyway, plus the curves are more fun. To be honest, I would not call it a good tourer. Luggage space is at a premium, passenger space is tight for me, payload is minimal, ride isn't really smooth, and the gas tank limits range.
Just my opinion, but it's much better for quick errands, short trips, twisty local roads, not touring. You feel like an ant next to a semi, so I stick to roads with no trucks.
-juice
The part numbers are:
0000-88-MX59-RL Right side
0000-88-MX59-LL Left side
Even a complete set should only run you $190.
Try giving your local dealer a call with those numbers.
I am not used to owning a car that leaks anything. He said it was no problem, that it was an expensive and unnecessary fix (at this point). I appreciate his honesty, but I still wonder if it's "normal" for a car to leak anything. I am not a mechanical doofus, but I am no expert, either. Anyone with any experience/thoughts? Thanks! - Todd
-juice
Most common sources of oil leaks are -
1) "O" ring on CAS sensor (at rear passenger side of engine on a '91)
2) Cam cover gasket
Both are easy and cheap fixes if you do them yourself. Buy an OEM gasket for the cam cover if you replace it as it is much better quality and fit than aftermarket.
I feel better about it now.
To dgraves: Bottom line is I always have sold my cars before they hit higher miles, so that's probably why I never experienced leaks. I had to buy this high-miles Miata because I loved it so much! Thanks again.
Are there any common problems for these cars... ie. ignition, fuel? Thanks!
But it's much easier to check the oil level every few days and add if necessary. If you lose more than a quart a week, then maybe you have problems. If any less, then don't sweat it and just refill as needed.
If it's hesitating, maybe consider a throttle body service. It took our 626 from sluggish to peppy just like that.
-juice
But now my Miata is my commuting car (30mpg ... gotta love it) and the Lexus SC300 is my cruze around town and pick up hotties car. ha, ha.
Also, is the engine supposed to rev at 4,000 rpm at about 70? Any other advice is appreciated.
I want to sleep tonight hoping I made the right decision. Since I may not check this everyday, you can email me at tvbob13@hotmail.com. Thx
I've been trying to find a '99 for $10 grand and can't, and even the ones that are close have 80k miles or so.
The hardtop and rack are worth almost a grand alone, add something for leather, add something for the very low miles.
Oh yeah, it's worth that. Congrats.
-juice
about 4k rpm at 70mph is normal, yes.
oh, and do not expect emails back! give us a break, this is a discussion board. subscribe and come join us.
-Colin
-juice
Never buy a used car from a smoker.
I went for a test drive in a used Xterra once. They had 2 on the lot, so I asked to drive the cheaper one. After a few minutes, the salesman came back with the keys. We opened it up and whammo! A blast of cig smoke whafted right into my face. I didn't even get into it, jst said, "uhh, I think I'll try the yellow one instead." That thing sat on the lot for months and months.
For that smoke, yuck, but try baking soda. Sprinkle a whole box on all the upholstery and let it sit overnight to absorb the odors. Vac the next day, or at least after a couple of hours.
Make sure you get under the carpets and seats. Detail that bad boy.
If that doesn't work, you'll need new upholstery.
-juice
But the price is rumored to drop to $199 soon.
It can hook up to a cassette player with an adaptor (very cheap, $10 or so I was told) or an FM sender (about $35 IIRC).
It's small and it's portable, so you could theoretically use it as a walkman and in multiple cars.
-juice