Well, MG pulled out of the US market a long time ago. There wouldn't be a large enough market to support bringing the MGF here to the US (emission, crash test, etc etc) And from what I read, MGF has a pretty spotty maintenance history. And onto the Lotus. You can actually buy an Elise in the US, but only for track use, not on the road. Someone was contemplating about buying an Elise and found out that you can register it for road use but you are limited to 3000 miles a year.
The aftermarket kits, usayit, that are described as "Rosewood" were a perfect match for the stock Nardi knob & brake handle in mine. Check in the marketplace at miata.net.
Fwiw, btw. I'd always wanted wood in a car, remembering the lovely dashes in old British cars. So I couldn't wait to add it when I got my Miata several years ago. I was thrilled with it for quite awhile, but now that the "memory trip" is over I'm not sure it was a terribly good decision. It's a little out of character for a car that's not really "luxurious," and the kits seem to add luxury to the car rather than really connect with the whole wood dash theme that I remember. I hope I'm making sense, but you might think about it before spending 200-300 bux.
That's really interesting, freddy k ... I'm not sure what it means. But if you ever do an Escort rebody of your Miata, I'm sure you'll have something truly unique and a stealth surprise for an awful lot of people on the twisties!
I guess you missed my last post about it, I really hate the escorts wheels, but I'm planning on buying a miata, in either 1 or 2 years from now, so I didn't want to throw the money away. Now I can just transfer the rims :-)
I want to thank everyone on this forum for the help they've given me in my search for a used sports car. This is one of the best forums on Edmunds. While people here love their Miatas, they rarely seem to feel the need to flame other cars in order to make themselves feel good about theirs. jwilson - Mazda should be paying you as a good will ambassador. You have been helpful to dozens of people and always maintain a polite and respectful attitude. Anyhow, I finally bought a car and it's not a Miata so I probably won't be bothering you anymore. Don't misunderstand, I love Miatas and hope to own one someday. I just found something I loved a little more right now. I won't get into why I chose it over a Miata because I don't want to sound like I am putting down the Miata, which I would never do. It's a great car. Thanks again everyone!
MR2 turbo.... shouldn't keep it a secret. Thats a really nice car! When I first saw those in high school... I absolutly loved them. Kinda reminded me of a tiny Ferrari... and its even got the performance to back up its great looks. Really sad how the MR2 (along with 300z, rx-7...) got killed becuase of the mass market of SUVs. There were so many choices back then.
Hello Everyone, I am new to the list, and new to convertibles. I currently drive a 1999 Civic Ex and have always wanted a Miata. I test drove 2 yesterday, both automatic,(yes, automatic! I know this is sac-religous but 80% of my driving is done in stop and go city traffic, and I can't drive a stick) and both died on me multiple times! Anyone have problems with their Miata's? I've read a lot of posts on them and everyone talks about how reliable they are, but that kind of scared me. Both only had about 30 miles on them, and both completely died while driving and while stopped. Man, was it a fun car to drive, and I'ld love one, but I had a lemon RX-7 before and can't afford to have my car in the shop all the time, especially since I can't afford more than one car. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Both of those Miata's had a serious problem. They were automatics.
Seriously however, I'm not sure what could have caused that but I'll blame it on the transmission anyway.
While I'm not trying to shy you away from buying a Miata, if you buy an Auto. you'll be missing out on something 90% of other miata owners have... More fun.
As a true sports car, coupled with a rev-happy small displacement I-4 engine the Miata isn't a package that responds well to the slushbox treatment.
As for not knowing how to drive a manual, NO ONE knows how to drive one fresh from the womb, save perhaps some of the Andretti boys, but it's not too hard to learn. And it's a real poor excuse for not trying.
Stop and go city traffic, well I've got a manual (6 speed) miata, and I've got no complaints. In fact I like it MORE in the city than the 740 turbo I used to have. There's no hesitation if you need to pull out in a hurry, just rev-clutch and go.
Was wondering if tire balance speeds mattered to the Miata. Ours usually gets the high speed balancing, but it's more convenient (closer) now for me to just get the regular balance/rotate from Good Year. Any opinions? Is one as good as the other? Or should this type car get the high speed balance? Thanks!
sebarge, I have never had to have a tire balanced besides when it was mounted. I rotate my tires every 3000 miles on my car, about every 7000 on the wife's. Takes about 20-30 minutes.
I do get my tires mounted at a quality shop though. Both of the ones I frequent use Hunter GSP 9700 high speed balancers and the staff is very competent.
I've been bad...I've sold my '97 Miata and I'm now suffering from withdraw. The wife wanted a more comfortable vehicle. I'm not complaining about the new car, it's faster than the Miata, quiet, refined ... and I almost fall asleep at the wheel. I wonder if there are any Miata ex-owner support groups out there.
sebarge - I also used to rotate my Miata's tires myself and I would agree with locke2c. The only vibration that I could feel resulted from the tires breaking into a new wear-pattern after the rotation, but that has nothing to do with how the tires are balanced, and it also doesn't last very long. If you are very sensitve to how your steering feels, you can also opt not to rotate your tires at all, simply take the wear and replace the tires more often.
Wow, that is weird that both would stall on you. The only thing I was suspect is that there is a slightly recurring problem with the Miata that may cause the idle speed to drop a bit while the car is warming up. With an automatic, the dip might be enough to cause the car to stall. This can be fixed by the dealer by a number of ways (most commonly by adjusting the idle speed)
Anyway, I do believe an automatic in a Miata is a bit of a crime. Driving a manual in the Miata is really much of the fun...the Miata has one of the best shifters on the planet, something even a novice manual driver would notice. It's not that hard to learn...all it takes is an hour or so and practice to make it second nature. Local driving schools offer by-the-hour lessions. One or two lessons is all you need and the rest is practice. Some people hate it at first but once you give it time to become second nature (say after a week or two), you will either like it or be ambivalent about it. In a Miata, most LOVE it as the Miata is one car that rewards you when you shift it. As for stop-and-go, I never have a problem with it, it's always a bit more work but its worth it for the added thrills you get when the roads are clear.
Thanks for the responses guys. So none of you have had any problems with your Miata's? I must say, it was the most fun I've ever had driving a car, but to have TWO of them die on you multiple times kind of scares me. I really know very little about cars, but one of the two I drove only died when I was stopping (three times in a twelve hour period) and two of the times were not right after I started it. The other one I drove died four time on the test drive that lasted about 15 minutes, and it actually died as I was accelerating to get onto the interstate, and also a few times while I was braking. Could it be an idle problem if it does it while moving (not braking?) I haven't ruled it out, I'm going to try to find another one to test drive tomorrow, but I am a bit unsure right now if I can trust it. The car is so small that these many SUVs and truck right now could run over you, and with their many blind spots I would have a problem driving a little car that died on me on a regular basis. If anyone has experienced any problems with their newer models, I would appreciate any input. I have had bad luck in the past with both Mazda and Ford cars (an RX-7 and an explorer sport) so I am sitting on the fence right now. The one thing I do really need in a car is reliability. Thanks in advance for any input!
First, I agree with most everyone. An automatic miata does not do it justice. Such great engineering and technology was placed into creating the miata (just finished reading through the Miata Performance Handbook) and especially its drivetrain. Its got to be one of the best shifters in the market. All that I wanted to say from there has already been said.
Second... Before I got my miata, I spent about two months of researching anything I could find on the car. I found that most agree on its exceptional reliability. Its not uncommon to see 100k plus miles on them.... and I've heard of a few with over 200k. There was a few pre 93 miatae that had a crankshaft problem but to my knowledge that has been corrected since then. You should check out www.miata.net and do some homework. Check out and ask any questions at the miata forum. There is even a great FAQ with great info on old and new miatae.
Finally, I originally was set on either a new 2000 LS (or SE) miata or a Z3. I ended choosing neither and going with a really well kept 97 M-edition. Don't be afraid to check out any of the pre-owned (used) ones out there. I saw many great conditioned 96 and 97's sitting on lots ever since the new body style came out. An automatic will be quite easy to find and easier to haggle down the price. (Automatics are harder for the dealer to push out the door) I just saw 4 autos and 1 manual sitting on the dealer lot on my way to work this morning. Drivetrain wise... they are almost identical and I enjoyed both equally. I like the new body style but I prefer the old retro popup round headlights. As with any used car... do your homework and have it inspected.
good luck
As a side note, the rx-7 was the closest thing a person can get to an out of the box racer. Everything about it especially the turbo'd rotary engine screams high performance. The problem is most did not understand how to take care of them.
All I can say is....I am baffled that you had the problems you did. The idle drop problem only happens when you are stopping and only in the first five minutes. Since they were automatics, perhaps they weren't running well because they had been sitting around so long on the dealer lots? (automatics are a harder sell for a Miata since 99% want manuals). Cars don't like sitting on dealer lots for months on end.
The Miata is a reliable car. But I'm not here to try to convince you that you will have NO problems with the Miata. The RX7 is a different case because it was a showcase of the Mazda's most advanced technology like rotary engines...you usually suffer when you are on the bleeding edge of technology. For the most part, the Miata is a tried and true design which hasn't really changed that much over 11 years. The only other car that is comparable is the Toyota MR2-Spyder. These are hard to find and I think only come in a manual. Right now you'll pay a dear premium for one. And there is almost no storage space at all (there is no trunk). But of course, it will be Toyota reliable.
Blind spots? Drive with the top down! Now, we do suggest that you give a manual a try. It's a small investment in time and money. I think everybody should at least learn. It's like swimming or biking, a good skill to have even if you don't do it regularly. You may never know when you need to drive one (say, as a designated driver) In some countries, finding a rental automatic is very hard.
So, maybe you should find one more car to test drive. I'm at a loss to explain what happened but this can't be typical. There are 20000 Miatas sold in the US every year. And at least a few hundred are automatics. Since you enjoyed it...I've give it one more chance.
I haven't drive one with the top up yet! Thanks again for the info. Guess I'll be learning to drive a stick soon. About the blind spots, I was actually referring to the other drivers blind spots, not mine. I'ld hate to be pulling out of a parking lot, have the car die, and have Billy bob in his SUV with no mirrors pull out on top of me since they do have blind spots, I drove one for two years and had a few problems. I'll go out to the Miata site this weekend and check things out. I have done a lot of research on these little guys, I definately don't take car buying lightly although I do tend to switch them out frequently (anyone need a 99 civic EX, loaded with plenty of options?) EVERYTHING I have read or seen or anyone that I have talked to that has one boasts about the reliability. I just tend to have really bad luck with cars, and am trying to find out as much info as I can before I make the investment. I found a dealer that has another one, and they have agreed to let me take it for a weekend, so I'll make my decision then. Sorry if this offends anyone, but I wasn't sure if since Ford got a hold of Mazda if the reliability went down, therefore other people might be experiencing the same problems at the lots. Thanks again!
I am one week in with my 2000 LS 5-sp, and I absolutely love it. My only problem at this point is keeping my wife out of it. She wants to drive it all the time!! I have had zero problems with it so far. Nice peppy acceleration, and handles like a dream. Just wish I would have bought one 5 years ago!!
I certainly won't argue with the point that the Miata manual gearbox is nice. I like it a lot. But an hour or 2 of stop and go is enough to make even ME appreciate autos, and I have always preferred to grind my own.
On other drivers' blindspots: It's true that it's easier for a blind, negligent, distracted idiot in a tank to miss you in a Miata than in something larger. That comes with the territory. It's also easier to place yourself in an area where you're not depending on him being awake or cogniscent of his surroundings, and where you have some room to maneuver in case somebody does something stupid.
On the negative side, you HAVE to learn to do that with a smaller vehicle if you want to survive. Motorcycles are the extreme example. Very maneuverable, and they bloody well HAVE to be.
On Miata reliability: It should be excellent. I'm nervous about reliability too and I wouldn't hesitate to get a Miata. Dealer cars are sometimes horribly abused and neglected. I probably wouldn't buy from a dealer who had 2 turkeys. If these were 2 different dealers, then it might have been a coincidence.
Then again, who knows - maybe 2000 auto-equipped Miatas have a problem.
Good analogy motorcycles. I broad-sided a car on a bike 30 years ago and it was not fun. It still didn't keep a fool like me from riding them, but it made me a bit more mindful of what can happen.
I've replaced my bike with the Miata and try to drive with the same caution, although I did get enticed into a race at stoplight with some young guy in an Integra LS with an aftermarket exhaust.
He beat me to 60 by a whole car length. Oh, the shame of it all! That wouldn't have happened on the 900RR, but I guess I'll have to live with it.
I don't race other cars...but in this case I had to...
The other car was a Audi A4 1.8T Quattro. The guy pulls up beside my Miata and I can see him checking it out. Light turns green, I hear him winding his engine out. I keep revving. Second gear...I chirp the rear tires, he's still with me, third gear, I nose ahead a wee bit. And he lets off (90 km/h in 70 zone). Damnit, I should've pulled on him more, cause he's got a passenger. My 10AE is rated at the 1/4 mile slightly better than the Audi.
Anyway, I had to drag this car...because I own an Audi 1.8T myself and had to see how which car is actually faster.
So there you have it, I have two cars that cost the same (same list price) and perform the same in a straight line.
dgraves, sorry I missed you. Hope you check back in occasionally as your comments are always thoughtful. Enjoy the "new" MR2 -- a great ride -- but don't let the tail hang out toooooo much;)
cyberjen, you may be looking at the wrong car for you. If you do more cruising & trafficjam driving that prefers an automatic & are so much in big traffic that you feel vulnerable .... actually, you're giving up some of your ability to avoid an accident by not having a stick to work with. The car's agility is its best safety device.
While I'm not a fan of the car myself, I've heard a lot of people like the Volkswagen Cabrio for such situations. Is that a possibility?
I have NO idea how you got two cars that died like that. I've never heard of it. Maybe just an adjustment, but I sure wouldn't buy either vehicle until the mechanics can get it to the point that you can drive it without worrying about the car dying. Not good.
Thanks guys, I still want to look at the car though. I don't so much feel vulnerable in the Miata, I'm a very defensive driver and tend to handle my own pretty well, but if I have to worry about a car dying on me at inopertune times, THEN I will feel vulnerable. I drove an RX-7 for 7 years of the 11 I've been driving, so I got used to dealing well with idiot drivers with trucks ten times the size of me. I did start feeling really vulnerable when my RX-7 started having problems and I could no longer trust it. Both cars were at the same dealer, and yes- it was the same dealer that I HAD to take my RX-7 to because no one else would touch a rotary engine (they literally told me that they could take it to the dealer for me and charge me for it!) I wasn't planning on buying from them, but I figured that since they were close to home it would be a good place to try one out. I actually was looking at a Cabrio, but they weren't nearly as much fun to drive. Even though the Miata's I drove were automatics, when they weren't stalling on me they had a ton of pick-up and were a blast to drive. I kept one over night to specifically try it in rush hour to and from work and I surprisingly didn't feel intimedated at all buy the idiots that drive here in Alabama. I know these guys are ment for open roads with lots of turns, and that the stick shift makes it more fun to drive, but for me it was a blast just sitting in traffic and catching some rays. I did get a chance to open it up some and test it on some curves, and I would have already bought one by now if I didn't have the problems I did. But, if I had one that tended to die one me, it would only be a matter of time before I did get ran over because I couldn't get it started quick enough. So, I found another dealer and plan on trying it today, maybe my luck will be better!
I owned two Miatas, a '91 and a '94 R package, and both were extremely reliable. I have a somewhat intimidating commute to work near several gravel pits and concrete plants, so decided that discretion was the better part of valor and went to larger cars (first an Eagle Vision, then later a Lincoln LS).
That said, the Miatas never let me down. I work for Honeywell, and the other morning a Miata pulled in next to where I had just parked, and I took the opportunity to discuss the car and offer him my collection of maintenance parts I bought at a nice dicsount in the early '90's. He said the car was "nickel & diming" him to some extent. Further discussion revealed that the car had 140,000 miles on it -- at some point a car's entitled to have the little stuff start to pack up.
This is probably the most reliable roadster ever built. If you want a roadster, you can't do better in terms of reliability.
tiltboy, maybe you could keep the wife out of the Miata if you started smoking cigars in there...the big fat "Master of the Universe" type. Or attach an extra heavy duty spring to the clutch pedal (aren't I EVIL?)
Hey Cyberjen, Where are you in Al? I live in North (Huntsville). I just bought mine locally(Birmingham), so e-mail me and I will let you know the deal I got etc. Mr. Shiftright, I guess I will have to share for now. I like an occasional cigar, but my WIFE does too!!!! Plus I would hate to get a burn in the new leather!!!
Hey Cyberjenn, I talked to Med-Center today and they had no auto's in stock. He said if you have a particular color, they would find what you want and get it for you.
Would like to hear from anyone with an 99 Anniv. or a 00 SE as I'm in the market for one. Price paid, how it affected ins. permiums etc. I'm at fsu30_uf23_1999@yahoo.com. Thanks in advance!!!
We need to buy another car and my wife is going through a midlife crisis. She is interested in getting a cool car. We test drove the Miata today and love it. It will become my car to commute 80 miles per day, mostly freeway and not much stop and go, usually. We live in Wisconsin and I'm concerned with the snow. For the most part, the streets are clear but there are those days when the the snow sneaks up and its slippery. My question, how safe is the Miata in Wisconsin winters? Does anyone have experience they can pass onto me? Thanks
It's more a problem of ground clearance than anything else. If the snow is plowed, that's not a problem. And there's the matter of being seen by other motorists, but you can't really depend much on that no matter what you're driving.
For slipperiness, you can get ABS, which she might like. I dn't think they offer a traction control system. Others here will know.
You'll want a hardtop, for retaining the warm air, and some mats to protect the carpets from snowy boots.
A little ballast in the trunk might help.
A separate set of wheels in the narrowest stock width, with the best snow tires available, will help a lot.
I have not driven my Miata in the snow so take this with a grain of salt. Snow tires are must and get a set of 4. Unlike popular belief, don't put extra weight on the rear wheels. This will only upset the balance of handling. Better off just leave the car as it is. You would want to steer the car at the same time you want to move.
I'm yet another person bit by the Miata - Ever since I test drove one about a year ago, its been in mind and the 'virus' is taking over! (especially loved shifting that 5-speed!) So, needless to say, I see a Miata in my future as a second car for nice sunny days.
As I prepare to eventually take the plunge, two things have come across my research table recently that I thought I'd bounce of this crowd - I apologize if these have already been discussed in the archives (its taking me a while to comb through the extensive history - good reading though!):
1) Pricing - I feel as though I've thoroughly researched pricing and incentives and such, but there is a local dealer in the Cincinnati area that constantly has ads in the Sunday paper that state the following for a 2000 Miata:
MSRP $23520 -Rebate 1000 -Discount 3271 My Price $19249
Does this make sense to anyone? How can the dealer offer such a steep discount? I know what the published invoice prices are and such - is this dealer just getting some massive incentive from the factory? I have yet to go into this dealership to ask...thought I'd start here first...Also, the ad does not state whether this is a base or LS model, although the MSRP is really close to that of an LS? Anyone else seeing this type of pricing? This is throwing off my self confidence that I've done enough research on pricing. Obviously, I'll visit this dealership eventually to try and find out what's really going on...
2) HP Increase in 2001? I just recently read in one of my many car magazines (may have been AutoWeek? I'm trying to find the article now...) that Mazda is boosting power by 15hp for the 2001 model year - has anyone else heard this? With this, I'm thinking I'll wait till next year to take the plunge...I assume they'll also eventually mate this increased powerplant with the six-speed...I guess this is primarily in reaction to increased competition. As soon as I find the article, I'll try to remember to post a confirmation message here.
I agree that ballast in the trunk may be counter-productive, but it's easy enough to experiment with. It's not like a permanent installation.
If anything, I'm thinking like 2 or 3 10-lb discs (weight-lifting type deals) in the spare tire well, just for low-speed acceration from a standstill. That won't upset handling any more than the average trip to the grocery store.
But it's quite true that it would be a small help if it's any at all. The right tires on the right width rims will make a heck of a lot more difference.
For additional security, she can also carry a phone and a kit of serious emergency equipment.
If he is selling the LS for that, I would go and get one. I live in Alabama, and I just bought one for $21,300. I computed that to be about $250 over invoice with the rebate applied. MSRP was $24,500 or somewhere close to that. I would guess that it's a base model with a bunch of dealer add-ons. I have also heard about the extra 15 horses for 2001. Variable assist timing is what I think I read. I doubt you will be able to find the prices we are getting now on a 2001.(due in September I think) You may have to wait 6 months and pay an extra 2-3k for about the same car. I thought about it, and decided I wanted one now. I wish I would have done it 5 years ago!! Good Luck
I'm not sure of the details on how the factory and dealers are making such big discounts but here in Southern California, the discounts are even bigger. The dealer down the street from me has been advertising Miatas that MSRPed at 23,500 for 17,998 (Same dealer was advertising used 1999s for 19,998 - go figure)
I think that applies more to very nose heavy cars. In a Mustang, lots of weight in the trunk is a must, but in the Miata it shouldn't make much difference. It is important to get thinner tires. 175's on 14 inch rims should do the job. Also there is a difference between winter tires and snow tires. If you live in a place where it snows but not in excess, and the streets are plowed pretty quickly, (like Toronto) then get winter tires. Snow tires provide much less traction when the streets are dry. If you live in a place where the snow piles up on the streets all winter, you should purchase a winter beater. Unlike fwd cars, the Miata can actually make driving in snow more fun and less of a chore.
True, but I had to get my rear brakes serviced because of that last winter. $300 (cdn) brake job, but I mangaged to pretend ignorence have it done on warrenty :-)
It's hard to believe you guys would act that way;/
Whatever makes you think it would be fun to slide around in a Miata?:)
While I don't drive mine in the winter, a friend who drives on the X-way, like thereigo says he'll have to, likes the effect he gets from extra weight in the trunk -- specifically, he adds a big bag of topsoil (!) that fits right down in the trunk well, and also a 10 lb bag of cat litter that he uses if he needs a bit of extra traction.
Like someone said: experiment. But if you end up with cat litter and topsoil don't tell anyone about it because they may tell everyone else how weird you are!
Prior to traction control, SUVs and power steering, there were actually living breathing drivers on the road (right here in America!) who could *control* a car in a slide. This arcane art, as with sword-making and snake-taming, is rapidly disappearing.
At this weekend's midwest divisional autocross (in Salina, KS) there were a few folks whining about the course being too fast because there were several off-course incidents including one unfortunate one where a mk4 Supra TT broke every suspension component on the right side and snapped the axle. Fortunately the car didn't roll. (magically, almost.)
The course was fast, as most divisionals are because they have rules about the minimum gate width and distance between gates. This lends towards fast courses. I crossed the finish lights both days around 60-70 MPH and I only have 165HP. 3 times I got a little dicey, but never spun or DNF'ed, but 2 of those times I did pick up a cone.
However, I was in the camp that said this type of event is EXACTLY what autocross is supposed to be about. Dodging cones at <40MPH on a "miata course" is fun, but the odd fast course really helps develop car control skills that are needed in emergencies on the street and all the time on a real race course.
Anyway, I hope this was on topic enough because many Miata owners who drive their car hard have spun it at least once. Go to an autocross and learn what to do. Reading about oversteer and skid control in books is a good start, but it's nearly worthless without seat time. Autocross is a good place to start because it's cheap. You can also go to a driving school and you'll learn a lot... but it will fade if you don't use what you've learned.
For those considering waiting for a 2001 or getting a 2000, I would consider getting a left over 2000 when the 2001s come out. Prices on year old - new miatae seem to drop quite a bit and dealers are more likely to be more flexible. About two months ago, I saw several 99s remaining ranging from 13k to an 10AE hardtop 23k. Apparently the 10AE was fully loaded... its original sticker had it listed at 29k.
Besides.. with the massive aftermarket for miatas you can get some really nice goodies with the extra cash you saved. A reliable supercharger is available for those speed deamons. For those with a lust for even more and don't mind a little bit of tinkering there is even a turbo kit available... one supposedly boosts the miata to about 250hp.
Comments
And onto the Lotus. You can actually buy an Elise in the US, but only for track use, not on the road. Someone was contemplating about buying an Elise and found out that you can register it for road use but you are limited to 3000 miles a year.
Fwiw, btw. I'd always wanted wood in a car, remembering the lovely dashes in old British cars. So I couldn't wait to add it when I got my Miata several years ago. I was thrilled with it for quite awhile, but now that the "memory trip" is over I'm not sure it was a terribly good decision. It's a little out of character for a car that's not really "luxurious," and the kits seem to add luxury to the car rather than really connect with the whole wood dash theme that I remember. I hope I'm making sense, but you might think about it before spending 200-300 bux.
Take care.
Joe W.
Take care.
Joe W.
jwilson - Mazda should be paying you as a good will ambassador. You have been helpful to dozens of people and always maintain a polite and respectful attitude.
Anyhow, I finally bought a car and it's not a Miata so I probably won't be bothering you anymore. Don't misunderstand, I love Miatas and hope to own one someday. I just found something I loved a little more right now. I won't get into why I chose it over a Miata because I don't want to sound like I am putting down the Miata, which I would never do. It's a great car.
Thanks again everyone!
Enjoy....
I am new to the list, and new to convertibles. I currently drive a 1999 Civic Ex and have always wanted a Miata. I test drove 2 yesterday, both automatic,(yes, automatic! I know this is sac-religous but 80% of my driving is done in stop and go city traffic, and I can't drive a stick) and both died on me multiple times! Anyone have problems with their Miata's? I've read a lot of posts on them and everyone talks about how reliable they are, but that kind of scared me. Both only had about 30 miles on them, and both completely died while driving and while stopped. Man, was it a fun car to drive, and I'ld love one, but I had a lemon RX-7 before and can't afford to have my car in the shop all the time, especially since I can't afford more than one car. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Seriously however, I'm not sure what could have caused that but I'll blame it on the transmission anyway.
While I'm not trying to shy you away from buying a Miata, if you buy an Auto. you'll be missing out on something 90% of other miata owners have... More fun.
As a true sports car, coupled with a rev-happy small displacement I-4 engine the Miata isn't a package that responds well to the slushbox treatment.
As for not knowing how to drive a manual, NO ONE knows how to drive one fresh from the womb, save perhaps some of the Andretti boys, but it's not too hard to learn. And it's a real poor excuse for not trying.
Stop and go city traffic, well I've got a manual (6 speed) miata, and I've got no complaints. In fact I like it MORE in the city than the 740 turbo I used to have. There's no hesitation if you need to pull out in a hurry, just rev-clutch and go.
Thanks!
I do get my tires mounted at a quality shop though. Both of the ones I frequent use Hunter GSP 9700 high speed balancers and the staff is very competent.
-Colin
I wonder if there are any Miata ex-owner support groups out there.
sebarge - I also used to rotate my Miata's tires myself and I would agree with locke2c.
The only vibration that I could feel resulted from the tires breaking into a new wear-pattern after the rotation, but that has nothing to do with how the tires are balanced, and it also doesn't last very long.
If you are very sensitve to how your steering feels, you can also opt not to rotate your tires at all, simply take the wear and replace the tires more often.
Anyway, I do believe an automatic in a Miata is a bit of a crime. Driving a manual in the Miata is really much of the fun...the Miata has one of the best shifters on the planet, something even a novice manual driver would notice. It's not that hard to learn...all it takes is an hour or so and practice to make it second nature. Local driving schools offer by-the-hour lessions. One or two lessons is all you need and the rest is practice. Some people hate it at first but once you give it time to become second nature (say after a week or two), you will either like it or be ambivalent about it. In a Miata, most LOVE it as the Miata is one car that rewards you when you shift it. As for stop-and-go, I never have a problem with it, it's always a bit more work but its worth it for the added thrills you get when the roads are clear.
To each, his own.
When the majority of your driving is in heavy traffic an automatic is a godsend.
And the Miata auto is no slushbox.
Second... Before I got my miata, I spent about two months of researching anything I could find on the car. I found that most agree on its exceptional reliability. Its not uncommon to see 100k plus miles on them.... and I've heard of a few with over 200k. There was a few pre 93 miatae that had a crankshaft problem but to my knowledge that has been corrected since then. You should check out www.miata.net and do some homework. Check out and ask any questions at the miata forum. There is even a great FAQ with great info on old and new miatae.
Finally, I originally was set on either a new 2000 LS (or SE) miata or a Z3. I ended choosing neither and going with a really well kept 97 M-edition. Don't be afraid to check out any of the pre-owned (used) ones out there. I saw many great conditioned 96 and 97's sitting on lots ever since the new body style came out. An automatic will be quite easy to find and easier to haggle down the price. (Automatics are harder for the dealer to push out the door) I just saw 4 autos and 1 manual sitting on the dealer lot on my way to work this morning. Drivetrain wise... they are almost identical and I enjoyed both equally. I like the new body style but I prefer the old retro popup round headlights. As with any used car... do your homework and have it inspected.
good luck
As a side note, the rx-7 was the closest thing a person can get to an out of the box racer. Everything about it especially the turbo'd rotary engine screams high performance. The problem is most did not understand how to take care of them.
The Miata is a reliable car. But I'm not here to try to convince you that you will have NO problems with the Miata. The RX7 is a different case because it was a showcase of the Mazda's most advanced technology like rotary engines...you usually suffer when you are on the bleeding edge of technology. For the most part, the Miata is a tried and true design which hasn't really changed that much over 11 years. The only other car that is comparable is the Toyota MR2-Spyder. These are hard to find and I think only come in a manual. Right now you'll pay a dear premium for one. And there is almost no storage space at all (there is no trunk). But of course, it will be Toyota reliable.
Blind spots? Drive with the top down!
So, maybe you should find one more car to test drive. I'm at a loss to explain what happened but this can't be typical. There are 20000 Miatas sold in the US every year. And at least a few hundred are automatics. Since you enjoyed it...I've give it one more chance.
On other drivers' blindspots: It's true that it's easier for a blind, negligent, distracted idiot in a tank to miss you in a Miata than in something larger. That comes with the territory. It's also easier to place yourself in an area where you're not depending on him being awake or cogniscent of his surroundings, and where you have some room to maneuver in case somebody does something stupid.
On the negative side, you HAVE to learn to do that with a smaller vehicle if you want to survive. Motorcycles are the extreme example. Very maneuverable, and they bloody well HAVE to be.
On Miata reliability: It should be excellent. I'm nervous about reliability too and I wouldn't hesitate to get a Miata. Dealer cars are sometimes horribly abused and neglected. I probably wouldn't buy from a dealer who had 2 turkeys. If these were 2 different dealers, then it might have been a coincidence.
Then again, who knows - maybe 2000 auto-equipped Miatas have a problem.
I've replaced my bike with the Miata and try to drive with the same caution, although I did get enticed into a race at stoplight with some young guy in an Integra LS with an aftermarket exhaust.
He beat me to 60 by a whole car length. Oh, the shame of it all! That wouldn't have happened on the 900RR, but I guess I'll have to live with it.
The other car was a Audi A4 1.8T Quattro. The guy pulls up beside my Miata and I can see him checking it out. Light turns green, I hear him winding his engine out. I keep revving. Second gear...I chirp the rear tires, he's still with me, third gear, I nose ahead a wee bit. And he lets off (90 km/h in 70 zone). Damnit, I should've pulled on him more, cause he's got a passenger. My 10AE is rated at the 1/4 mile slightly better than the Audi.
Anyway, I had to drag this car...because I own an Audi 1.8T myself and had to see how which car is actually faster.
So there you have it, I have two cars that cost the same (same list price) and perform the same in a straight line.
cyberjen, you may be looking at the wrong car for you. If you do more cruising & trafficjam driving that prefers an automatic & are so much in big traffic that you feel vulnerable .... actually, you're giving up some of your ability to avoid an accident by not having a stick to work with. The car's agility is its best safety device.
While I'm not a fan of the car myself, I've heard a lot of people like the Volkswagen Cabrio for such situations. Is that a possibility?
I have NO idea how you got two cars that died like that. I've never heard of it. Maybe just an adjustment, but I sure wouldn't buy either vehicle until the mechanics can get it to the point that you can drive it without worrying about the car dying. Not good.
TAke care.
Joe W.
I still want to look at the car though. I don't so much feel vulnerable in the Miata, I'm a very defensive driver and tend to handle my own pretty well, but if I have to worry about a car dying on me at inopertune times, THEN I will feel vulnerable. I drove an RX-7 for 7 years of the 11 I've been driving, so I got used to dealing well with idiot drivers with trucks ten times the size of me. I did start feeling really vulnerable when my RX-7 started having problems and I could no longer trust it. Both cars were at the same dealer, and yes- it was the same dealer that I HAD to take my RX-7 to because no one else would touch a rotary engine (they literally told me that they could take it to the dealer for me and charge me for it!) I wasn't planning on buying from them, but I figured that since they were close to home it would be a good place to try one out. I actually was looking at a Cabrio, but they weren't nearly as much fun to drive. Even though the Miata's I drove were automatics, when they weren't stalling on me they had a ton of pick-up and were a blast to drive. I kept one over night to specifically try it in rush hour to and from work and I surprisingly didn't feel intimedated at all buy the idiots that drive here in Alabama. I know these guys are ment for open roads with lots of turns, and that the stick shift makes it more fun to drive, but for me it was a blast just sitting in traffic and catching some rays. I did get a chance to open it up some and test it on some curves, and I would have already bought one by now if I didn't have the problems I did. But, if I had one that tended to die one me, it would only be a matter of time before I did get ran over because I couldn't get it started quick enough. So, I found another dealer and plan on trying it today, maybe my luck will be better!
That said, the Miatas never let me down. I work for Honeywell, and the other morning a Miata pulled in next to where I had just parked, and I took the opportunity to discuss the car and offer him my collection of maintenance parts I bought at a nice dicsount in the early '90's. He said the car was "nickel & diming" him to some extent. Further discussion revealed that the car had 140,000 miles on it -- at some point a car's entitled to have the little stuff start to pack up.
This is probably the most reliable roadster ever built. If you want a roadster, you can't do better in terms of reliability.
Or attach an extra heavy duty spring to the clutch pedal (aren't I EVIL?)
For slipperiness, you can get ABS, which she might like. I dn't think they offer a traction control system. Others here will know.
You'll want a hardtop, for retaining the warm air, and some mats to protect the carpets from snowy boots.
A little ballast in the trunk might help.
A separate set of wheels in the narrowest stock width, with the best snow tires available, will help a lot.
Snow tires are must and get a set of 4.
Unlike popular belief, don't put extra weight on the rear wheels. This will only upset the balance of handling. Better off just leave the car as it is. You would want to steer the car at the same time you want to move.
I'm yet another person bit by the Miata - Ever since I test drove one about a year ago, its been in mind and the 'virus' is taking over! (especially loved shifting that 5-speed!) So, needless to say, I see a Miata in my future as a second car for nice sunny days.
As I prepare to eventually take the plunge, two things have come across my research table recently that I thought I'd bounce of this crowd - I apologize if these have already been discussed in the archives (its taking me a while to comb through the extensive history - good reading though!):
1) Pricing - I feel as though I've thoroughly researched pricing and incentives and such, but there is a local dealer in the Cincinnati area that constantly has ads in the Sunday paper that state the following for a 2000 Miata:
MSRP $23520
-Rebate 1000
-Discount 3271
My Price $19249
Does this make sense to anyone? How can the dealer offer such a steep discount? I know what the published invoice prices are and such - is this dealer just getting some massive incentive from the factory? I have yet to go into this dealership to ask...thought I'd start here first...Also, the ad does not state whether this is a base or LS model, although the MSRP is really close to that of an LS? Anyone else seeing this type of pricing? This is throwing off my self confidence that I've done enough research on pricing. Obviously, I'll visit this dealership eventually to try and find out what's really going on...
2) HP Increase in 2001? I just recently read in one of my many car magazines (may have been AutoWeek? I'm trying to find the article now...) that Mazda is boosting power by 15hp for the 2001 model year - has anyone else heard this? With this, I'm thinking I'll wait till next year to take the plunge...I assume they'll also eventually mate this increased powerplant with the six-speed...I guess this is primarily in reaction to increased competition. As soon as I find the article, I'll try to remember to post a confirmation message here.
Thanks and keep up the great discussion!
If anything, I'm thinking like 2 or 3 10-lb discs (weight-lifting type deals) in the spare tire well, just for low-speed acceration from a standstill. That won't upset handling any more than the average trip to the grocery store.
But it's quite true that it would be a small help if it's any at all. The right tires on the right width rims will make a heck of a lot more difference.
For additional security, she can also carry a phone and a kit of serious emergency equipment.
Also there is a difference between winter tires and snow tires. If you live in a place where it snows but not in excess, and the streets are plowed pretty quickly, (like Toronto) then get winter tires. Snow tires provide much less traction when the streets are dry. If you live in a place where the snow piles up on the streets all winter, you should purchase a winter beater.
Unlike fwd cars, the Miata can actually make driving in snow more fun and less of a chore.
-Colin
Whatever makes you think it would be fun to slide around in a Miata?:)
While I don't drive mine in the winter, a friend who drives on the X-way, like thereigo says he'll have to, likes the effect he gets from extra weight in the trunk -- specifically, he adds a big bag of topsoil (!) that fits right down in the trunk well, and also a 10 lb bag of cat litter that he uses if he needs a bit of extra traction.
Like someone said: experiment. But if you end up with cat litter and topsoil don't tell anyone about it because they may tell everyone else how weird you are!
Take care.
Joe W.
steering, there were actually living breathing
drivers on the road (right here in America!) who
could *control* a car in a slide. This arcane art, as with sword-making and snake-taming, is rapidly disappearing.
The course was fast, as most divisionals are because they have rules about the minimum gate width and distance between gates. This lends towards fast courses. I crossed the finish lights both days around 60-70 MPH and I only have 165HP. 3 times I got a little dicey, but never spun or DNF'ed, but 2 of those times I did pick up a cone.
However, I was in the camp that said this type of event is EXACTLY what autocross is supposed to be about. Dodging cones at <40MPH on a "miata course" is fun, but the odd fast course really helps develop car control skills that are needed in emergencies on the street and all the time on a real race course.
Anyway, I hope this was on topic enough because many Miata owners who drive their car hard have spun it at least once. Go to an autocross and learn what to do. Reading about oversteer and skid control in books is a good start, but it's nearly worthless without seat time. Autocross is a good place to start because it's cheap. You can also go to a driving school and you'll learn a lot... but it will fade if you don't use what you've learned.
-Colin
the 2001 miata HP ???? Price ????
redesign ???
Thanks for any info
BB
Besides.. with the massive aftermarket for miatas you can get some really nice goodies with the extra cash you saved. A reliable supercharger is available for those speed deamons. For those with a lust for even more and don't mind a little bit of tinkering there is even a turbo kit available... one supposedly boosts the miata to about 250hp.