OK, the stock head unit is almost 12 years old now and the CD player skips too easily, so I'm thinking about replacing it.
I'm not an audiophile, so I just wanted a simple CD player, maybe a changer if it's priced well. I'd prefer something easy to install, I can get behind the dash but I'd rather not splice wires.
Any recommendations for a replacement head unit, say, for less than $200?
Another option I saw a while back was a 6CD changer out of a Mazda Tribute, supposedly those fit right in. Anyone seen those on Ebay lately?
I just put a new Alpine cd player in my 1990 A-package. After as much "shopping" on line and localy as I could stand, I got it at Circuit City for $189 + hard ware for installation which they did on site for free.
They had another Alpine unit for $139 that would have been good as well, but I wanted the dual pre-amp outlets just in case I added speakers, amplifiers or a subwoofer later on.
Anyway, I highly recommend an Alpine unit. Great sounding units without the bells and whistles, or the need of an amp to make it sound good.
I think most people are looking at the LS and the MSM and asking themselves if they want the turbo and the higher insurance premiums...not so much if they want cruise control or not, but hey, YMMV.
As for why there is no cruise, I don't know. Ever since the first "factory tuned" Mazda that came out (Protege MP3), Mazda has not had cruise control. The MSP didn't have it, and now the MSM doesn't have it either. I guess Mazda figures that people that buy these cars are into driving, not steering and the cruise is for wussies...who knows.
My 1990 A-package does not have cruise and I have not missed it. My 02 LS had it and I found myself using the cruise very rarely. I use cruise control all the time in my 04 Matrix XRS and my wife's Civic...go figure.
Juice I bought one of the Tribute in dash 6 cd/ radios off eBay a couple of years ago. It's been a great addition to my Miata. I very much like the fact that it looks oem & thieves don't seem to pay any attention to it. If you get an aftermarket head unit get one that is as stealthly as you can find. Many of the aftermarket head units seem to scream steal me with their looks.
If you can find the Tribute unit the install is fairly straight forward. Heck even I could do it. Maybe a search of Mazda recyclers will find you one.
If you would like the link to a great set of instructions e-mail me. Forum rules & all.;-)
Sold my '01 Miata today. Some lucky HS senior with an overly generous mom now is now bopping around in it. Sad, but I wasn't really getting much use for it, and it was taking up the garage spot I needed for my new car, and a copious amount of insurance premium (i'm in NJ). 10K+ was too much to tie up in a toy.
Actually, she looked a lot better in it than I did (me not being a cute teenager), and fit better at about 5'5" or so.
Someday, if I move to a state with cheap insurance and a bigger garage, I may get a replacement, but I would move to an older one for smaller $$, if it is going to be a weekend toy that only does a few K miles per year.
I hope someone out there can help with an important decision! I've got a 1991 Miata and it's time for a new one. I tried the LS and the Mazdaspeed and the prices are close enough that I consider them the same, so money isn't the deciding factor.
The Mazdaspeed is really cool to drive and may even be a bit too much car for me until I get used to it. It also has lots of standard features that I don't care about (if only they could remove them and reduce the price!). The LS is just like my old car and I love it too, and it comes in more color choices!
My question is winter driving in the Mazdaspeed. The salesman made such a thing out of the performance tires and suggested snow tires for winter. He even got to the point where they would throw in another set of rims and tires (plain old 15" tires like my old car) that, although not snow tires, would be what I'm used to handling. But the odds of me actually gettting the tires changed twice a year are slim to none.
So, how bad are these tires in the winter? I'm a one car person so a second car isn't an option. I like the LS model and that seems like it'll be slightly worse than my current '91 and slightly better than the Mazdaspeed in bad weather. Or am I wrong there?
I live in northern New Jersey, so there's usually snow in the winter, but not anything major. And if there is, I'm staying home anyway!
I had an 02 LS and I know have a 90 A-package. The only thing that will make your NA any better in the snow would be the narrower tires vs those on the LS or the MSM. The newer ones also have a LSD but with summer tires it will be useless in snow. I got stuck driving home in a snow storm in my LS a couple of years ago and it was simply the most horrifying experience I've ever had behind the wheel. I'm told that true winter tires (NOT all-seasons) make the Miata capable in the snow, but the summer tires that come on the car are not intended for snowy roads at all.
My advice would be to spring for snow tires and separate rims if you ever plan on driving any Miata (that includes your NA) in the snow.
As for you not changing them 2 times per year...well you do get your tires rotated avery 5-10k miles don't you? Just have the shop slap on the snow tires / rims for you at the tire rotation. If you don't want to pay someone to do it for you, do what I did and go to Autozone (or whatever) and spend <$40 on a good 2-3 ton floor jack and some jack stands and change the tires yourself. Even if you are mechanically inept, you should be able to do this in well under an hour.
Either way, it will surely beat the thousands of $$$ spent when the first dusting of snow appears and you spin out on the NJ turnpike. :O
BTW, if you really don't know how to use a jack or a tire iron or anything, just drop another post and we'll be more than happy to help you out.
I would not attempt to drive a Miata in wintry conditions without at least all-season tires. With true winter tires, they actually are quite capable as long as you don't have deep enough snow to drag the floorpan in it. that tends to get you stuck in a lot of vehicles, not just Miatae.
Get a torque wrench with a long shaft. That lets you torque the lugs easily.
I forget now but the lug nuts are 19 or 22mm, something like that.
Once they are loose, I have a cordless drill that I bought a 3/8" drive attachment for. So I pop the socket on that and the wheel is off in no time, very little strength or effort required.
I have a floor jack like thel recommends.
Still, when it snows I take my Subie. Even in the rain. Huge advantage in traction, plus better protection. I'm not worried about me, I'm worried about inattentive drivers behind the wheel of all those behemoths.
I bought a used(8800 miles) 2001 spyder and it is a blast to drive. Yes, not much cargo space but enough to be able to take a change of clothes for an overnight. It gets 30 MPG and goes around a corner like it's on rails. Acceleration is good, up to 50 in a wink. It's a head turner and not to many around. Mazdas are all over the place. The miata is nice but if you want "cool factor" go with the MR2 spyder.
I live in the hills of western Massachusetts and I drove my 1990 Miata in the winter for several seasons. My 2002 BMW Z3 3.0i stays in the garage for the winter. I recommend Bridgestone Blizzak tires for winter. I now have a 2001 Miata and the tires have already been ordered from Tirerack.com. The Miata handles very well in the snow when equiped with snow tires. Actually, it outhandles my four wheel drive Honda CRV. The only time I wouldn't drive it is when the snow is deep or a storm is expected that might leave body height snow. Then I take the four wheel drive. On packed snow or shallow loose snow it's fine. If you order tires and rims from Tirerack.com they will mount and balance them for free. I've done this about 8 times. UPS drops them in your driveway in two or three days. I autocross the Miata in the summer on performance tires. It's a great all year car that fullfills a lot of needs.
Miata handles better than the MR2. The Miata has won 6 consecutive national autocross championships in C stock. Last year it took 13 out of the top 15 spots (MR2 took the other 2). The preceeding year the Miata took 14 out of the top 15 spots (MR2 took the other one). MR2s are less common, but that doesnt make them cooler. They're less common because the styling is quirky and dooesn't appeal to many people. Also the trunk space is much less than that in the Miata. By the way, I like the MR2, just not as much.
So . . . when is this new version scheduled to make its debut on the showroom floor? Will Mazda wait until next fall when the regular '06s come out? Or will they bring it out next spring at the beginning of top-down season? Enquiring minds want to know.
Word is that the NC is set to debut at the Geneva auto show. It will go on sale as an 06 model later on in the summer.
It also appears that these spy photos represent an advanced prototype. So this is the best look so far, but the production model will still probably be a fair bit different.
I'm going to look at a '97 Miata "M" tomorrow morning (9-8-04). It's BRG of course and the owner says the car is a "9" of a possible "10". It's got 52K on the clock and offered for $10,000. I plan to offer max $8500. Any comments??
Check the Edmunds value and then go over and ask Terry in the Real World Trade-in what it might be worth, though he'll give you a wholesale price, just for reference.
I hope it's not being mis-represented as a Special Edition when it's not. That does affect the value.
I recently "almost" purchased a one owner 2000 red LS with leather and 30K and new Bridgestones at a dealer for $11,350. Is the '97M truly a BRG? I previously owned an '01 SE BRG and all the Miata mags said that the BRG comes out every 10 years, the first being '91. I have noticed a lot of sellers, including used car dealers calling any green Miata a BRG.
I say if they're smart enough to know what BRG stands for, they know theirs is not the real BRG.
I've seen a lot of people misrepresent C packages as LE models. LEs only came in certain colors each year but it still takes a pro to de-bunk that myth. I'm sure some sellers get away with it.
Speaking of things sellers do to inflate the value of an ordinary car -- every once in a while someone on eBay tries to sell a rare "Nardi Torino" Miata. Invariably they include a closeup of the steering wheel or shift knob with the "Nardi Torino" logo as proof of authenticity. Also invariably they decline to mention that ALL (second generation) Miatas come with steering wheels and shift knobs that bear the same Nardi Torino badge.
If it's just decals and simple add-ons, special editions don't add much, if anything, to value. Special editions are valuable when they include major components you couldn't get on the "regular" models, like a 6-speed or a boost in HP. This has been proven time and time again in the collectible car market.
Miata SE's are separated from "regular" ones by simply cosmetic differences...a special paint color and / or different wheels. I think the MSM may command a premium down the line more than the SE's will....but time will tell.
The Special Editions are not all that rare. Mazda typically makes 1500 SEs each year. That sounds like a tiny number until you realize the entire annual production is just under 12,000. And that means one out of every eight Miatas is a Special Edition. Makes 'em seem a little less special, don't it?
Will the MSM Miata hold its value better than its normally aspirated cousin? It depends on how deeply discounted they are at the dealers, and also how reliable they prove to be after 60, 80, or 100,000 miles.
So far, the one I like the most is the 2000 Miata in black/black. It has 50500 miles and clean body except that the rear bumper paint was in oxydized condition (not smooth, it wasn't peeling but it felt rough). It's manual w/cloth interior so not much option. The owner originally listed at $10700 but got the price down to $9000. Do you think it's good deal? The tires are not matching and needs to be replaced but engine seems to be in great shape and it's immaculate in/out. Anything else I should check before other than CARFAX? I did check for accident in front and rear but looks like all original fender/bumper. Any input will be greatly appreciated from my fellow Miata owners.
it didn't feel like more than that to me. honestly I have no idea what Mazda was thinking. it should've had at least 200 HP.
trying to protect the RX-8 sales doesn't seem to make sense because they're not very similar cars.
and regarding the popular "the chassis can't handle 200 (or whatever) HP", that's bull. I've driven a turbo '99 and it was awesome in every sense and not dangerous or scary.
I wouldn't worry too much about the tires if it were me...I'd be replacing them with some Yokohamma ES100's or something anyway, bu tyou can still use their condition to drive down the price a bit.
Miata values vary widely depending upon where you are in the country. $9000 sounds like a decent deal for around here (mid-MO) where Miatas are relatively scarce. In SoCal it may not be such a great deal.
Don't let the fact that it is a manual make you think that it is a base model...it's a sports car, not a Camry...it's supposed to have a manual!
Only things I would check would be the condition of the top and if you're really serious, try taking it to a mechanic for a more involved inspection (ie. AC check, etc.)
for the MSM? I know the September $3000 cash back has just ended, but I'm waiting for the '05 colors anyway. There's gotta be some incentives coming along because they gotta clear the '05s before the next gen Miata coming in '06!
Hi folks, I have a 96 M with Nitto tires on it. Noticed front passenger side was leaking a little, and when I took it in they would not fix due to condition of tire: it is cupped on the inside, looks like someone took an ice cream scooper "scooped out" the inside tread edge all the way around, about an inch or so. You can see steel belt threads here and there. Coincidentally, I notice a squeaky sound at time from that wheel. The alignment seems great-what gives? Problem with struts? This car has 98K miles on it. Thanks for any help, Greg
cupping is a toe problem. put the car on the rack and you'll find that the alignment is actually not great, though it might seem as if it isn't pulling to either side.
Thanks, and here's an update: the cupping on closer exam is only a portion of the tire, like a crescent shape-not necessarily all the way around--A tire place said it is definitely a "broken steel belt", and needs replaced. If thats the case, I guess its better than suspension probs--but I will have the alignment checked anyway, especially if considering new tires. Maybe put the new tires on the back and move the old Nittos up to the front. Steel belts break often? Maybe get another opinion...
1 year ago: I have Subaru wrx wagon, wife has Mazda 6i, 5 spd (bought brand new June 03) Right now: Wife wanted Odyssey, got her a used one. I still have wrx, and of course the mazda 6.
I really want a convertible (have always wanted one). I want to trade in the 6i for a miata w/ sport suspension package. The 6i is on a 0% for 60 mos, and they have miata for 0% same term. i'll have negative equity, but i can do 1000-1500 to pay for neg equity... i've drive miatas, and they're a blast.
Comments
The Miata is more practical, with a lot more cargo space, and the turbo is also quicker.
The MR2 is more fuel efficient, but access for servicing is more difficult, and it has almost no room for gear.
I drove an MR2 with SMG and would recommend you avoid that SMG at all costs. It felt jerky and diminished the performance, too.
The other thing I didn't like about the MR2 were the high cowl and door lines. I felt like I was sitting in a bath tub.
Visibility out of the Miata is a lot better, it feels much more open to me, and that's the entire reason you get a roadster.
I drove one to see if I'd consider an MR2 next time around, but nope, I'll get another Miata for sure.
-juice
I'm not an audiophile, so I just wanted a simple CD player, maybe a changer if it's priced well. I'd prefer something easy to install, I can get behind the dash but I'd rather not splice wires.
Any recommendations for a replacement head unit, say, for less than $200?
Another option I saw a while back was a 6CD changer out of a Mazda Tribute, supposedly those fit right in. Anyone seen those on Ebay lately?
Open to suggestions. Thanks.
-juice
Why not? I thought it would be a given since the Mazdaspeed Miata is the highest-end model.
Also, aside from Cruise Control, what are the major differences between the Mazdaspeed and the LS (with all the candy)?
They had another Alpine unit for $139 that would have been good as well, but I wanted the dual pre-amp outlets just in case I added speakers, amplifiers or a subwoofer later on.
Anyway, I highly recommend an Alpine unit. Great sounding units without the bells and whistles, or the need of an amp to make it sound good.
As for why there is no cruise, I don't know. Ever since the first "factory tuned" Mazda that came out (Protege MP3), Mazda has not had cruise control. The MSP didn't have it, and now the MSM doesn't have it either. I guess Mazda figures that people that buy these cars are into driving, not steering and the cruise is for wussies...who knows.
My 1990 A-package does not have cruise and I have not missed it. My 02 LS had it and I found myself using the cruise very rarely. I use cruise control all the time in my 04 Matrix XRS and my wife's Civic...go figure.
FWIW I have cruise control and I think I've used it once, to test out if it worked! This isn't the type of car that needs it.
-juice
If you can find the Tribute unit the install is fairly straight forward. Heck even I could do it.
Maybe a search of Mazda recyclers will find you one.
If you would like the link to a great set of instructions e-mail me. Forum rules & all.;-)
Chuck
-juice
Actually, she looked a lot better in it than I did (me not being a cute teenager), and fit better at about 5'5" or so.
Someday, if I move to a state with cheap insurance and a bigger garage, I may get a replacement, but I would move to an older one for smaller $$, if it is going to be a weekend toy that only does a few K miles per year.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
-juice
The Mazdaspeed is really cool to drive and may even be a bit too much car for me until I get used to it. It also has lots of standard features that I don't care about (if only they could remove them and reduce the price!). The LS is just like my old car and I love it too, and it comes in more color choices!
My question is winter driving in the Mazdaspeed. The salesman made such a thing out of the performance tires and suggested snow tires for winter. He even got to the point where they would throw in another set of rims and tires (plain old 15" tires like my old car) that, although not snow tires, would be what I'm used to handling. But the odds of me actually gettting the tires changed twice a year are slim to none.
So, how bad are these tires in the winter? I'm a one car person so a second car isn't an option. I like the LS model and that seems like it'll be slightly worse than my current '91 and slightly better than the Mazdaspeed in bad weather. Or am I wrong there?
I live in northern New Jersey, so there's usually snow in the winter, but not anything major. And if there is, I'm staying home anyway!
Any ideas out there?
My advice would be to spring for snow tires and separate rims if you ever plan on driving any Miata (that includes your NA) in the snow.
As for you not changing them 2 times per year...well you do get your tires rotated avery 5-10k miles don't you? Just have the shop slap on the snow tires / rims for you at the tire rotation. If you don't want to pay someone to do it for you, do what I did and go to Autozone (or whatever) and spend <$40 on a good 2-3 ton floor jack and some jack stands and change the tires yourself. Even if you are mechanically inept, you should be able to do this in well under an hour.
Either way, it will surely beat the thousands of $$$ spent when the first dusting of snow appears and you spin out on the NJ turnpike. :O
BTW, if you really don't know how to use a jack or a tire iron or anything, just drop another post and we'll be more than happy to help you out.
~c
I forget now but the lug nuts are 19 or 22mm, something like that.
Once they are loose, I have a cordless drill that I bought a 3/8" drive attachment for. So I pop the socket on that and the wheel is off in no time, very little strength or effort required.
I have a floor jack like thel recommends.
Still, when it snows I take my Subie. Even in the rain. Huge advantage in traction, plus better protection. I'm not worried about me, I'm worried about inattentive drivers behind the wheel of all those behemoths.
-juice
The Miata handles very well in the snow when equiped with snow tires. Actually, it outhandles my four wheel drive Honda CRV. The only time I wouldn't drive it is when the snow is deep or a storm is expected that might leave body height snow. Then I take the four wheel drive. On packed snow or shallow loose snow it's fine.
If you order tires and rims from Tirerack.com they will mount and balance them for free. I've done this about 8 times. UPS drops them in your driveway in two or three days. I autocross the Miata in the summer on performance tires. It's a great all year car that fullfills a lot of needs.
MR2s are less common, but that doesnt make them cooler. They're less common because the styling is quirky and dooesn't appeal to many people. Also the trunk space is much less than that in the Miata.
By the way, I like the MR2, just not as much.
That, and rarity.
-juice
The front windshield looks almost the same. If you squint you see Mazda's new corporate headlights, kinda like the Mazda3.
I'm guessing those rims are 16"?
Check out those integrated roll hoops, nice.
Door handles look huge.
The rear end seems to taper off a lot more, and they moved the fuel filler back a little.
-juice
LOL
Poor Richard
It also appears that these spy photos represent an advanced prototype. So this is the best look so far, but the production model will still probably be a fair bit different.
-juice
Musty interior is a red flag for a leaking top.
-juice
Either way, check the top for sure, also check to see what kind of tires he's got on it. You'll be wanting some high performance summer rubber right?
I hope it's not being mis-represented as a Special Edition when it's not. That does affect the value.
-juice
-juice
they probably have no idea that the British Racing Green is a different color. and that's weird anyway, since that color belongs on Jaguars... LOL
~Colin
I say if they're smart enough to know what BRG stands for, they know theirs is not the real BRG.
I've seen a lot of people misrepresent C packages as LE models. LEs only came in certain colors each year but it still takes a pro to de-bunk that myth. I'm sure some sellers get away with it.
-juice
Richard
-juice
Will the MSM Miata hold its value better than its normally aspirated cousin? It depends on how deeply discounted they are at the dealers, and also how reliable they prove to be after 60, 80, or 100,000 miles.
Richard
Maybe it feels like more than that?
I guess the price isn't really any higher than before so why not.
-juice
So far, the one I like the most is the 2000 Miata in black/black. It has 50500 miles and clean body except that the rear bumper paint was in oxydized condition (not smooth, it wasn't peeling but it felt rough). It's manual w/cloth interior so not much option. The owner originally listed at $10700 but got the price down to $9000. Do you think it's good deal? The tires are not matching and needs to be replaced but engine seems to be in great shape and it's immaculate in/out. Anything else I should check before other than CARFAX? I did check for accident in front and rear but looks like all original fender/bumper. Any input will be greatly appreciated from my fellow Miata owners.
trying to protect the RX-8 sales doesn't seem to make sense because they're not very similar cars.
and regarding the popular "the chassis can't handle 200 (or whatever) HP", that's bull. I've driven a turbo '99 and it was awesome in every sense and not dangerous or scary.
~Colin
Miata values vary widely depending upon where you are in the country. $9000 sounds like a decent deal for around here (mid-MO) where Miatas are relatively scarce. In SoCal it may not be such a great deal.
Don't let the fact that it is a manual make you think that it is a base model...it's a sports car, not a Camry...it's supposed to have a manual!
Only things I would check would be the condition of the top and if you're really serious, try taking it to a mechanic for a more involved inspection (ie. AC check, etc.)
-juice
~c
nitto is not a very good brand of tire. belts do not often break in any quality brand of tire though unless you hit something.
~c
Right now: Wife wanted Odyssey, got her a used one. I still have wrx, and of course the mazda 6.
I really want a convertible (have always wanted one). I want to trade in the 6i for a miata w/ sport suspension package. The 6i is on a 0% for 60 mos, and they have miata for 0% same term. i'll have negative equity, but i can do 1000-1500 to pay for neg equity... i've drive miatas, and they're a blast.