I don't really care for the integrated fogs... I prefer projector style lights mounted inside the "mouth". I've seen this done quite often and I plan on adding them to mine.
Congratulations, Colin, on your consistent performance. I've never been to divisionals, even to spectate. How long was the course? What was the winning time? Are you running all stock?
One thing I insist on adding to your observations about autoX: it's fun. Really fun.
Joe, I'll be very brief since my car isn't a Miata and that's the topic. I *finally* got a firm commitment from my wife that she'll compete in her first autocross next month! (It's a ladies day event so that helps.) She will be driving her Miata.
My Impreza has KYB AGX adjustable struts all around and an adjustable rear sway bar. I also have Goodridge braided steel brake lines and a 2.25" catback with a Borla turbo muffler. Mmm... boxer sound. On the way are a new set of tires (Yokohama AVS S1) and some EuroRotor kevlar semi-metallic brake pads. The car should be much fast, but there's a loose nut behind the wheel. I lost STS by about 2 seconds (over 2 days).
The course was about 800-900 feet out and then roughly the same coming back. The weekend's FTD was set by an A Modified car (huge wings, look like Hillclimbers) running 38s flat. My best in that direction was 52.xxx for comparison.
I just came from a local dealer who was ready to sell me a base Miata (Emerald Mica - beautiful!) for $17,907 plus tax, tags & registration. The price is $1,400 under Edmunds dealer invoice. The dealer told me the Miata rebate is only $1K, whereas the Edmunds rebate site states a rebate of $1,750. Even figuring the higher rebate, the dealer would only be making ~$350 profit!!
I drove the car and both my wife & I loved it. And, I think I can get 2 golf bags in the trunk! I may go back Monday and sign the contract. I'm just concerned over the '01 specs for this car, and it's pricing. Anyone have any real word on what Mazda has in store? Opinions?
Shifty, have you heard anything?
I really had a Z3 in mind, but at almost 1/2 the cost, the badge is not worth the difference.
Hey, that sounds like a great deal. I just bought an LS Emerald green with tan. I paid about 3k more for mine. New ones will not be discounted for awhile I bet. I would go for it. I have no regrets with mine. I called 4 different dealerships and all quoted $1,000 rebate, not what Edmunds had listed. Enjoy
Hey Folks, I'm new and don't have a Miata...yet. But I test drove a '97 yesterday. The one had 48K but I noticed that the bolster on the side of the drivers seat (fabric) was all frayed from where the driver rubs against it while getting in. Do they all do that? Also, has anyone driven one with an automatic tranny? Does the AT reduce the fun factor a great deal? Yes, I can shift.. but do a lot of fooling with the CD player/radio, drink coffee, etc. Any thoughts? Thanks, Steve Gaineville, Ga
Anyone interested in buying a hardtop in Montego Blue? My son is taking my wife's beloved 94-M Edition to college in Santa Barbara and has no need for the hardtop (or the space to store it.) The top is in excellent condition. Cover and stand included. Make me an offer. San Francisco Bay Area.
I'd hang onto it unless space is really at a premium.
Someday one of you is gonna sell the car and it would be nice to have the matching top to go with it. Better yet, maybe the car will stay in the family forever, in which case, ditto.
As far as wear on the seats, our '94 has 118,000 miles of getting in & out and the seats still look really good. The only wear I see is actually in the middle area of the driver's seat, but still not very bad. As far the Automatic vs. Manual, my husband uses our 5-speed Miata for daily driving in the Atlanta area, so he also uses the phone, sits in traffic, drinks coffee, coke, etc., and loves his CD player. But he also really loves the shifting part of the car. When he isn't sitting in traffic or drinking his coke, he is having a blast w/ the car. He says he would rather deal w/ the stop and go traffic and still have that "fun" factor of the manual. I also find the car very responsive w/ the 5 speed, and would rather have that for this type car. But, it still is your personal preference. They are nice cars, either way.
Nope, I don't personally have any 2001 specs yet, except what we've all heard about the HP bump. But with a car like a Miata, since they've taken great car not to change the car too much year to year, if you miss the model change your car still doesn't look like the "old model".
Hey, My parents own a 1990 Miata, bought in August 1989 (chosen over a Porsche 911, Alfa Spyder, and RX7). I'm 18 and drive it whenever I can (girls LOVE this car). It's a great car...my parents like it more than their two Mercedes (girls LOVE these too). But since the car is almost 11-years-old (69K miles), it's starting to show some wear. The driver's seat has a small tear on the side. Does anyone have any recommendations for seats covers? One-size-fits-all covers look cheap, so I want ones specially designed for the Miata. Also, there are also some cracks on the front facia of the car, so I just want some input on where to get a bra for the car. Thanks. Just some little stories about our Miata. It's had a rough life. It's been in numerous accidents, though not one ever our fault. When taken in for service, the dealership backed a Chrysler Town & Country into it. A few years later, a careless driver of a Honda Prelude hit the car head-on at about 15 mph. The Miata demolished that car...it ripped off it's front bumper, leaving a large red stripe across the hood. About a month after getting the car repaired, an idiot in a Nissan Pulsar decided to take out the front fender. And then about 6 months ago, a guy in a Dodge Caravan scraped the side of the car...luckily he owns an auto body shop. But thanks to Geiko, everything's mended up and the car looks good...maybe because half of the exterior panels are not original. It's a tough little car...hopefully it doesn't suffer the same fate the 1983 RX7 that proceded it did. That one was broadsided by a Buick in 1986. About an automatic Miata...what's the point? It's a sports car, it needs a manual transmission. So put down your Coke and cellular phone (I do!), and just enjoy the ride. Enough said. Sorry about the long post guys...later. -Todd
There are some Miata vendors that sell seat covers. Mostly leather. So if you want new seat covers, maybe it is time to upgrade to leather. From what I have seen, they are really nice. As for the front, maybe you want to consider getting a new front and put it on and repaint? I know this is a more expensive proposal, but it will look nicer. Check out www.miata.net There is a classified section you can see if there is a bra for sale by individuals. Also various other thigns should be useful info for you.
Well, I found a Miata that didn't die on me. I am VERY happy. I feel I got a great deal, 23,000 tax, title, everything for an Emerald green LS with Automatic and Anti-lock breaks. I know you guys hate Autos, but it is still a BLAST to drive. Anyone have any comments on good alarm systems and what to look for in a dealer/installer? I want an alarm and keyless entry. Also, the hard top, how heavy is it and how do you guys store them? I'm thinking of buying one for winter driving, but have no garage.Thanks for all the info on the car, I'm glad I gave them a second chance after 2 died on me. I believe it was the dealer with the problems, not the car. Thans again!
Good luck with your decision, cyberjen. I know you've thought long and hard about this so I'm sure you're the 1 in a million that the auto is made for. The car is a ball, I agree.
The hardtop might be hard to store w/o a garage. But they sell them (as above: see www.miata.net classifieds) as well as a cart to store them (on end). For those who have a garage with some roof clearance, there is a handy dandy harness and winch arrangement that makes it possible to put it on/off w/just one person, although always easier with two.
Assuming you live in a snow belt, a hardtop is a good idea. They are not heavy but you'll need another set of arms to install it just because it's awkward to handle. The ceiling joist idea is a popular idea. You'll want to get snow tires if you drive in snow.
As far as alarms, there are many good ones on the market. Ones that disable the immobolize the ignition or some other vital circuit is mandatory, otherwise it's just a fancy noisemaker. I've used Clifford alarms and I was happy. Many have an option for remote entry at extra incremental cost. Also, many people opt for the proximity ones where it will go off if somebody sticks their arm into the topless car. But false alarms for that type may prove more annoying than useful....just don't leave anything in the car that's valuable and use the remote trunk disable feature to keep your trunk valuables safe. As for installers, you'll have to ask around locally. Have them explain to you exactly where they are mounting things and drilling. A quality installer will consult with you before doing the actual work. I always use a Club as a visual deterent if I am parking in a higher risk area.
Check out Miata.net's forum at www.miataforum.com That's where the majority of Miata owners hang out.
Regarding the alarms, if you want it to be protected with the top down you must get radar. Alpine has the most intelligent radar, but it's around $450-500 installed. If you're still interested, I can provide more details. My wife's Miata has one.
Otherwise I'd look at something in $250-$300 range, like a Viper 500+.
More info would be great Colin. I want to protect it with the top down, as well as protecting the top when it is up. I usually don't leave stuff in the car, but there are quite a few hoolum teenagers in my neighborhood, and would prefer not to wake up in the morning with my roof slit. Warpdrive, what is the remote trunk disable? is that a feature of a remote keyless entry, or of the car itself? Thanks again, Cyberjen
If you insert your key in your trunk lock and turn it to your left, it will disable the trunk release in your center console. That way, even if they break your center console and try to use the trunk release, they can't open the trunk. This is a feature of newer 1999 and all 2000 Miatas.
A lot of people leave their cars unlocked just because they are afraid their roofs will get slashed by people just looking to steal stuff from inside your car. And they there are people who go around slashing convertible tops just for the fun of it.
You can't stop someone from slashing your roof any more than you can stop them from keying your car. ...Don't ever park it outside. If you don't have a garage, then that's that.
Check your local car audio and security shops. If you are not familiar with the shops but there are multiple ones that sell it, absolutely pick the one with the best service and cleanest store. If they are the least bit unprofessional, that's usually a good clue to not allow them to work on your car. Just MHO.
Glad you found what you wanted! I guess we will be seeing each other on the road in town. It will be hard to tell our cars apart! I saw one at Colonial Grand the other day with the same colors. I bet there are 6 or so in town with our color combo's. Enjoy, Kyle
Believe it or not Kyle, I've yet to see a green one around! I'll keep a look out for you though! Red and Black seem to be the most popular colors I see around here. I was thinking about getting a blue one, but never saw one to tell if the color looked black or blue. The brochure made the green look lighter than it did in person so I figured the blue looked lighter also. Too many people I know claim that their car is blue around here but they look black to me. Nothing against black, but I had a black explorer that always looked dirty, and the last green car I had seemed to always look okay even if you didn't wash it for a week or so. Hopefully we won't be parking in the same parking lot any time soon, that could get a little confusing! Thanks for the help with the pricing, and if I were you, I wouldn't take your car to Jeff Sykes. Since I had problems with their new cars, I've talked to a lot of people that have had MANY problems with them screwing up their vehicles. I know they screwed up my RX-7, but they were the only ones around here that would touch it. I've been very happy with Jerry Damson here in town, so I plan on driving to Decatur for my service. It's a little of a drive, but they said they'ld give me a used car to drive while the service is being done, and that with an appointment they can get me in and out pretty quick. Thanks Again! Jenn
Legend has it -- and I really don't know if it's true! -- that one reason the Miata's insurance rates are low is because thieves and vandals don't bother them a lot. I know I've never had a problem but agree that my own experience could just be dumb luck. (I'm knocking on wood.) Maybe it's because the car doesn't look aggressive and doesn't have a lot of attitude, I dunno. In any case, que cera, cera -- enjoy.
that one reason the Miata's insurance rates are low is because thieves and vandals don't bother them a lot
I won't speculate on that, but one reason for sure is that a LOT of older folks purchase them after all their children have left the nest and they can get by with 'only' a 2 seater.
-Colin 24 and enjoying low rates thanks to my elder and wiser fellow miata owners
When we insured our Miata, we thought, "uh-oh, red, sporty convertible - $$cha-ching$$." We were pleasantly surprised at the low rate. The insurance guy said it was because of the 4-cylinder engine. It wasn't classified as a "Sports" car, just a small car w/ a 4-cylinder. Fine w/ me, as long as rates stay down. :-)
Well, after posting one dealer's offer of a base unit at 17,907, I have since migrated past the LS to the SE. I finalized the deal this afternoon. Will be taking possession of a '00 SE tomorrow at noon. Final price, without options, was $22,740 plus FL tax, tag & title.
I bought through a broker who has ties to 400+ car dealers in FL. I had migrated to the LS (emerald green) and went to a dealer in Broward Cnty. to look at the color combination. Personally, the beige top did not did do the color justice. Black looks a lot better, but, well, we all know how Mazda limits selection..... They had 2 SE units on the lot, one was in the showroom. After seeing one "in person", I decided the extra $$ for the SE was worth it.
So, tomorrow at noon I'll join the ranks. My wife and siblings think I've succumbed to the mid-life crisis - first the watch, then the car. I say it's better a car than another woman - huh? & please, no offense to others! My wife and I will be taking the car up to Jacksonville this weekend for it's first road trip.
Speaking of which, any tips for the initial break-in? RPM's, and when do you begin protecting the top, and with what product to keep the "parchment" color from turning?
I'll review posts tomorrow night after our neighborhood cruise and the clearing out of the garage!
If you have not already, go check out www.miata.net Most of your questions will be answered there (check faq and garage section, but stay away from reviews and marketplace, your wallet will thank you Anyway, also check the forum www.miataforum.com You can post questions there and many many many people will answered. Almost all the forum members are Miata enthusiasts (there are a few who were and now drive other roadsters.) Good luck, and welcome to the Miata community
Hey, Congratulations. I finally got a look-see at the 2000 SE and love it. That top is beautiful. Nice choice of a color name: parchment. It is much lighter than the other tan tops, and really is sharp. Hopefully you can keep it that way.
a) the spelling, C13, is French. But your explanation is an interesting comparo of romance linguistics, not available at any other Edmund's topic!
b) The insurance is partially determined by engine size and, according to legend (again), is one of the reasons it was/is important to design the car so it stayed under the 2 liter designation.
c) glad you finally got the car, pinecrestjim. You sure do shop! As above, you'll find the Miata.net to be a wealth of handy tips, one of which will advise you to use nothing stronger than a car wash soap and a soft brush (and that, rarely) on your top. Be especially wary of things like Armorall. I don't think it does any harm but it washes down on your paint and makes a mess.
It's been too long & not enough care, I guess. "Thanks," C13.
Have a great 4th. Great fun around here (NE) this weekend: the Grand Nationals are in Worcester (MA) and they predict around 4,000 hotrods, classics, and specialties will be on display. And in Newport (RI), then Boston the "tall ships" will be sailing.
Actually I was just about to correct myself. I think it's "sera". I never realized that the expression, as popularized by the song, was French. Somehow I always thought it was Italian, and I always thought Doris was saying it wrong. My apologies to you and her.
All of you who are absolutely DYING of boredom will pleased to know that I'm having lots of fun.
While American insurance companies may look at the engine size, there are some very compelling reasons the miata had a 1.6 and then a 1.8 liter engine.
The Miatas target design was 4 cyl. British roadsters. Helps to have a similar sized engine.
Mazda already had the two engines, and they'd fit in a lateral engine compartment. (Which is one reason why the Miata never has had the 626 and 323 V-6)
In Japan and much of Europe, taxes on displacement exsist, and sub 2 liter cars are a lot more popular there. Additionally, smaller engines will use less fuel, again, not a US issue but the Miata is a world market car.
And, the #1 reason:
Balance.
If you're really curious I'm sure you could fire a question off to Bob W. (Miata designer) over at Miata.net and get a better answer than this.
You don't mean Bob H., do you? The clown who calls himself, or allows himself to be called "The Father of the Miata"?
Tom Matano designed the car, or at least headed the team that did it.
Mr. Hall's great contribution was, when asked to suggest new models, he advised them to build a roadster. All the magazines had been saying that in print for years. Hell when I was in design school I designed a generic RWD roadster myself, also attempting to borrow the best from old designs and new technology, and I even presented a case that Mazda ought to be the firm to produce it. I oughta be at least the 2nd cousin or the brother-in-law of the Miata.
Everybody back then was suggesting the same thing and drawing thumbnails.
Here's an interview with the guy who actually did the work:
Zaq, the increase from the 1.6 to the 1.8 occurred at the same time added weight (in the form of braces in the doors, second airbags, and other safety stuff) was added on ('94). This kept the performance similar. Mazda has been intent on keeping the performance as desirable as you describe in your post so as not to compromise the design (and balance) of the car.
Tom Matano is my idea of a genius. But when you've got a success there will be lots of people who want to share the credit, and indeed Mazda had a team that involved a number of folk. But the actual design of the car was the result of the smaller group headed by Matano. It took a lot more, however, to convince Mazda that the car should in fact be built. There are some excellent articles in back issues of Miata magazine on the history and giving some of the background, available through MCA & the magazine.
Its summer and I don't have a car for some simple transportation (I am 16 and my parents take both cars to work). Considering my budget is rather low, I was looking for a car that was around 4k. I noticed in recent Recycler ads that a 1990-1991 Miata with decent mileage is going for about that amount. Since I am only using the car for going to work and back, well maybe a trip to the beach through PCH , is it a wise purchase. I know I could get a 91' Accord for the same price, but I want something fun! Suggestions???
I was quoted $17,907 for a base unit here in FL (see posts 417 and 440), after originally being told their best price was $18,307. Seems they could afford the extra $400 when they thought I might not walk back through their doors.
Of course, that was the end of June. You may not get the extra discount now, as dealers ALWAYS lower their offers at the end of the month.
If you're a member of a credit union, they may be able to refer you to a local auto broker. They work with dealer fleet departments and can usually obtain the best deals.
I have a '92 Miata,5-speed, and I drive the hell out of it every day to and from work(but it is garaged in the winter). It has been an absolutely flawless ride.I guarantee that you will fall in love with this car the second you wind it up through the gears. I cannot tell you how good this car has been for my mental health. And, except for regular maintainence, it hasn't cost me a cent, except a new set of tires at 50k. It now has 82k on it, and it is still running like it did the first day I got into it. 16 and a chance to own a Miata??? Go for it, kiddo. You will never forget it. I intend to be buried in mine. Top down, of course!! Good luck!!
Yeah, good choice, but I suspect that for $4,000 that Miata is a bit of a "beater". I'd suggest saving up some more money and buying a nice clean one, 1991 or up, for around $5,500. The tops are expensive to replace, the shocks wear quickly, as do the spark plug wires, and the earlier 1990s do have a few problems. So if you buy a $4K car with a bad top, bad shocks and bad plug wires, it's really a $5,500 car anyway. See my point?
Question - on my road trip to Jacksonville, I had considerable vibration at 62+mph. I took the car to a dealer for a rebalance of the tires, as vibration at that speed usually indicates an out of balance wheel. The dealer reported the wheels were all in balance, but the air pressure was off between the tires.
I've never heard of air pressure causing high speed vibration. And I had checked the pressures 2 days before going to the dealer. They said that with a car this light, air pressure would cause the vibs.
The "vibrations" you are referring to are a commonly known problem with the mx-5, but it is fixable. Check out the garage section at miata.net.
Basically, anything throwing the wheels off balance even just tiny bit causes vibrations due to the small size and light weight of the vehicle. I've even been told that those locking nuts on the wheels can cause vibrations since they are a few ounces heavier than the other regular wheel nuts.
I am a 39 year old Man living in South Florida. I have just purchased a 2000 Mazda Miata with green exterior and tan leather interior. The car is an absolute blast to drive and pleasant to my eye. I could of spent more money on other cars that compete with the Miata but I'm glad I didn't. All I can say is great job to Mazda for keeping the light weight affordable roadster alive. Now living in South Florida is more fun than it already is.
Welcome to the ranks of us South Floridians enjoying our Miatas and finally getting some reward for the high taxes we're encumbered with.
I just bought my '00 SE (hey, that could be her new name - "oose") two weeks ago, and would never have dreamed a car could provide such fun and exhilaration. BTW, I'm in your age bracket.
Topic....2001 Miata. Taken directly from Mazda Canada literature distributed to the dealers...... Base Vehicle.... Sequential Valve Timing w/ 155 HP and 125 lb-ft. Improved ABS system and strengthened brake performance. Improved engine noise. Standard Immobilizer.
Exterior..... New Front Bumper. New Headlights. New rear combination lamps. 15" wheels standard on base model.
Interior.... Driver side auto-down function added to power windows. Newly shaped seats. New black seat fabric. New door trim. Improved foot rest location. Standard chrome meter rings. Standard leather wrapped steering wheel. Standard white gauges. Improved console compartment. Improved cupholders location. Adoption of power door lock switch. Adoption of seatbelt pretensioners with force limiter.
Colour and Trim.... Classic Red now available with Tan Leather interior. (Previously unavailable in Canada)
New Exterior Colours.... Crystal Blue Metallic. Midnight Blue. Pure White. Sunlight Silver Metallic.
New Leather Package Content.... Tan Leather (new material appearance) Tan Top. Nardi Leather shift knob. Cruise Control. Windblocker. Bose Audio system. ABS LSD 6 speed manual transmission (new) 16" wheels with 205/45R16W tires. (new) Factory installed foglights. (new) Keyless entry (new) Chrome inner door handles. Strut tower bar (new)
Options..... Factory installed AC Automatic Transmission available with Leather Package.
Newly Available Sports Package.... Aero Sport package. 6 speed manual transmission. 16" wheels and tires. Factory installed foglights. Sport suspension including Bilstein shocks. Strut tower bar. LSD.
Colours Available..... Pure White * Brilliant Black Classic Red Midnight Blue * Sunlight Silver Metallic * Grace Green Mica (known as Emerald Mica in the US) Crystal Blue Metallic * * new for 2001 Miata.
"Improved engine noise" ??? I wonder what that means. Some people would probably like it a little louder, some a little quieter. Most love it just the way it is.
Engine sound can be tuned from the stereo. Controls for loudness, bass, treble, and you can switch among 11 different aftermarket exhaust system samples.
Comments
One thing I insist on adding to your observations about autoX: it's fun. Really fun.
Take care.
Joe W.
My Impreza has KYB AGX adjustable struts all around and an adjustable rear sway bar. I also have Goodridge braided steel brake lines and a 2.25" catback with a Borla turbo muffler. Mmm... boxer sound. On the way are a new set of tires (Yokohama AVS S1) and some EuroRotor kevlar semi-metallic brake pads. The car should be much fast, but there's a loose nut behind the wheel. I lost STS by about 2 seconds (over 2 days).
The course was about 800-900 feet out and then roughly the same coming back. The weekend's FTD was set by an A Modified car (huge wings, look like Hillclimbers) running 38s flat. My best in that direction was 52.xxx for comparison.
-Colin
I drove the car and both my wife & I loved it. And, I think I can get 2 golf bags in the trunk! I may go back Monday and sign the contract. I'm just concerned over the '01 specs for this car, and it's pricing. Anyone have any real word on what Mazda has in store? Opinions?
Shifty, have you heard anything?
I really had a Z3 in mind, but at almost 1/2 the cost, the badge is not worth the difference.
I'm new and don't have a Miata...yet. But I test drove a '97 yesterday. The one had 48K but I noticed that the bolster on the side of the drivers seat (fabric) was all frayed from where the driver rubs against it while getting in. Do they all do that? Also, has anyone driven one with an automatic tranny? Does the AT reduce the fun factor a great deal? Yes, I can shift.. but do a lot of fooling with the CD player/radio, drink coffee, etc. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Steve
Gaineville, Ga
Someday one of you is gonna sell the car and it would be nice to have the matching top to go with it. Better yet, maybe the car will stay in the family forever, in which case, ditto.
As far the Automatic vs. Manual, my husband uses our 5-speed Miata for daily driving in the Atlanta area, so he also uses the phone, sits in traffic, drinks coffee, coke, etc., and loves his CD player. But he also really loves the shifting part of the car. When he isn't sitting in traffic or drinking his coke, he is having a blast w/ the car. He says he would rather deal w/ the stop and go traffic and still have that "fun" factor of the manual. I also find the car very responsive w/ the 5 speed, and would rather have that for this type car. But, it still is your personal preference. They are nice cars, either way.
My parents own a 1990 Miata, bought in August 1989 (chosen over a Porsche 911, Alfa Spyder, and RX7). I'm 18 and drive it whenever I can (girls LOVE this car). It's a great car...my parents like it more than their two Mercedes (girls LOVE these too). But since the car is almost 11-years-old (69K miles), it's starting to show some wear.
The driver's seat has a small tear on the side. Does anyone have any recommendations for seats covers? One-size-fits-all covers look cheap, so I want ones specially designed for the Miata. Also, there are also some cracks on the front facia of the car, so I just want some input on where to get a bra for the car. Thanks.
Just some little stories about our Miata. It's had a rough life. It's been in numerous accidents, though not one ever our fault. When taken in for service, the dealership backed a Chrysler Town & Country into it. A few years later, a careless driver of a Honda Prelude hit the car head-on at about 15 mph. The Miata demolished that car...it ripped off it's front bumper, leaving a large red stripe across the hood. About a month after getting the car repaired, an idiot in a Nissan Pulsar decided to take out the front fender. And then about 6 months ago, a guy in a Dodge Caravan scraped the side of the car...luckily he owns an auto body shop. But thanks to Geiko, everything's mended up and the car looks good...maybe because half of the exterior panels are not original. It's a tough little car...hopefully it doesn't suffer the same fate the 1983 RX7 that proceded it did. That one was broadsided by a Buick in 1986.
About an automatic Miata...what's the point? It's a sports car, it needs a manual transmission. So put down your Coke and cellular phone (I do!), and just enjoy the ride. Enough said. Sorry about the long post guys...later.
-Todd
As for the front, maybe you want to consider getting a new front and put it on and repaint? I know this is a more expensive proposal, but it will look nicer.
Check out www.miata.net There is a classified section you can see if there is a bra for sale by individuals. Also various other thigns should be useful info for you.
The hardtop might be hard to store w/o a garage. But they sell them (as above: see www.miata.net classifieds) as well as a cart to store them (on end). For those who have a garage with some roof clearance, there is a handy dandy harness and winch arrangement that makes it possible to put it on/off w/just one person, although always easier with two.
Take care.
Joe W.
As far as alarms, there are many good ones on the market. Ones that disable the immobolize the ignition or some other vital circuit is mandatory, otherwise it's just a fancy noisemaker. I've used Clifford alarms and I was happy. Many have an option for remote entry at extra incremental cost. Also, many people opt for the proximity ones where it will go off if somebody sticks their arm into the topless car. But false alarms for that type may prove more annoying than useful....just don't leave anything in the car that's valuable and use the remote trunk disable feature to keep your trunk valuables safe. As for installers, you'll have to ask around locally. Have them explain to you exactly where they are mounting things and drilling. A quality installer will consult with you before doing the actual work. I always use a Club as a visual deterent if I am parking in a higher risk area.
Check out Miata.net's forum at www.miataforum.com That's where the majority of Miata owners hang out.
Otherwise I'd look at something in $250-$300 range, like a Viper 500+.
-Colin
Cyberjen
Here's a link to the alarm.
http://www.alpine1.com/html/De_n_282_n_n.html
Check your local car audio and security shops. If you are not familiar with the shops but there are multiple ones that sell it, absolutely pick the one with the best service and cleanest store. If they are the least bit unprofessional, that's usually a good clue to not allow them to work on your car. Just MHO.
-Colin
Jenn
Tkae care.
Joe W.
"Que cera cera" would be a hybrid Spanish/Italian way of saying "What there was, there was", or "What used to be, used to be."
Or in standard Spanish it would mean "What wax, wax".
I figured you'd all want to know.
I won't speculate on that, but one reason for sure is that a LOT of older folks purchase them after all their children have left the nest and they can get by with 'only' a 2 seater.
-Colin
24 and enjoying low rates thanks to my elder and wiser fellow miata owners
We were pleasantly surprised at the low rate. The insurance guy said it was because of the
4-cylinder engine. It wasn't classified as a "Sports" car, just a small car w/ a
4-cylinder.
Fine w/ me, as long as rates stay down. :-)
I bought through a broker who has ties to 400+ car dealers in FL. I had migrated to the LS (emerald green) and went to a dealer in Broward Cnty. to look at the color combination. Personally, the beige top did not did do the color justice. Black looks a lot better, but, well, we all know how Mazda limits selection..... They had 2 SE units on the lot, one was in the showroom. After seeing one "in person", I decided the extra $$ for the SE was worth it.
So, tomorrow at noon I'll join the ranks. My wife and siblings think I've succumbed to the mid-life crisis - first the watch, then the car. I say it's better a car than another woman - huh? & please, no offense to others! My wife and I will be taking the car up to Jacksonville this weekend for it's first road trip.
Speaking of which, any tips for the initial break-in? RPM's, and when do you begin protecting the top, and with what product to keep the "parchment" color from turning?
I'll review posts tomorrow night after our neighborhood cruise and the clearing out of the garage!
Jim M.
Pinecrest (Miami) FL
Most of your questions will be answered there (check faq and garage section, but stay away from reviews and marketplace, your wallet will thank you
Anyway, also check the forum www.miataforum.com You can post questions there and many many many people will answered. Almost all the forum members are Miata enthusiasts (there are a few who were and now drive other roadsters.)
Good luck, and welcome to the Miata community
b) The insurance is partially determined by engine size and, according to legend (again), is one of the reasons it was/is important to design the car so it stayed under the 2 liter designation.
c) glad you finally got the car, pinecrestjim. You sure do shop! As above, you'll find the Miata.net to be a wealth of handy tips, one of which will advise you to use nothing stronger than a car wash soap and a soft brush (and that, rarely) on your top. Be especially wary of things like Armorall. I don't think it does any harm but it washes down on your paint and makes a mess.
Take care.
Joe W.
Woke up early this a.m., couldn't go back to sleep, so the garage is now cleaned out. Plenty of room for the new mid-life crisis car.
I'll check out the websites for answers to all the questions. Thanks again.
Jim M.
French is it?! Thought you could retreat over the Alps, eh?
Non ci penso.
Wouldn't it have to be 'Que seras, seras'?
Have a great 4th. Great fun around here (NE) this weekend: the Grand Nationals are in Worcester (MA) and they predict around 4,000 hotrods, classics, and specialties will be on display. And in Newport (RI), then Boston the "tall ships" will be sailing.
Time to go play!
Take care.
Joe W.
All of you who are absolutely DYING of boredom will pleased to know that I'm having lots of fun.
The Miatas target design was 4 cyl. British roadsters. Helps to have a similar sized engine.
Mazda already had the two engines, and they'd fit in a lateral engine compartment. (Which is one reason why the Miata never has had the 626 and 323 V-6)
In Japan and much of Europe, taxes on displacement exsist, and sub 2 liter cars are a lot more popular there. Additionally, smaller engines will use less fuel, again, not a US issue but the Miata is a world market car.
And, the #1 reason:
Balance.
If you're really curious I'm sure you could fire a question off to Bob W. (Miata designer) over at Miata.net and get a better answer than this.
-Zaq
Tom Matano designed the car, or at least headed the team that did it.
Mr. Hall's great contribution was, when asked to suggest new models, he advised them to build a roadster. All the magazines had been saying that in print for years. Hell when I was in design school I designed a generic RWD roadster myself, also attempting to borrow the best from old designs and new technology, and I even presented a case that Mazda ought to be the firm to produce it. I oughta be at least the 2nd cousin or the brother-in-law of the Miata.
Everybody back then was suggesting the same thing and drawing thumbnails.
Here's an interview with the guy who actually did the work:
http://www.miata.net/misc/matano.html
Tom Matano is my idea of a genius. But when you've got a success there will be lots of people who want to share the credit, and indeed Mazda had a team that involved a number of folk. But the actual design of the car was the result of the smaller group headed by Matano. It took a lot more, however, to convince Mazda that the car should in fact be built. There are some excellent articles in back issues of Miata magazine on the history and giving some of the background, available through MCA & the magazine.
Take care.
Joe W.
Its summer and I don't have a car for some simple transportation (I am 16 and my parents take both cars to work). Considering my budget is rather low, I was looking for a car that was around 4k. I noticed in recent Recycler ads that a 1990-1991 Miata with decent mileage is going for about that amount. Since I am only using the car for going to work and back, well maybe a trip to the beach through PCH
Of course, that was the end of June. You may not get the extra discount now, as dealers ALWAYS lower their offers at the end of the month.
If you're a member of a credit union, they may be able to refer you to a local auto broker. They work with dealer fleet departments and can usually obtain the best deals.
Yeah, good choice, but I suspect that for $4,000 that Miata is a bit of a "beater". I'd suggest saving up some more money and buying a nice clean one, 1991 or up, for around $5,500. The tops are expensive to replace, the shocks wear quickly, as do the spark plug wires, and the earlier 1990s do have a few problems. So if you buy a $4K car with a bad top, bad shocks and bad plug wires, it's really a $5,500 car anyway. See my point?
Question - on my road trip to Jacksonville, I had considerable vibration at 62+mph. I took the car to a dealer for a rebalance of the tires, as vibration at that speed usually indicates an out of balance wheel. The dealer reported the wheels were all in balance, but the air pressure was off between the tires.
I've never heard of air pressure causing high speed vibration. And I had checked the pressures 2 days before going to the dealer. They said that with a car this light, air pressure would cause the vibs.
Anyone have similar experience or thoughts?
Jim M.
Basically, anything throwing the wheels off balance even just tiny bit causes vibrations due to the small size and light weight of the vehicle. I've even been told that those locking nuts on the wheels can cause vibrations since they are a few ounces heavier than the other regular wheel nuts.
All I can say is great job to Mazda for keeping the light weight affordable roadster alive. Now living in South Florida is more fun than it already is.
I just bought my '00 SE (hey, that could be her new name - "oose") two weeks ago, and would never have dreamed a car could provide such fun and exhilaration. BTW, I'm in your age bracket.
VROOM - VROOM - VROOM
Enjoy the ride.
Jim M.
Topic....2001 Miata.
Taken directly from Mazda Canada literature distributed to the dealers......
Base Vehicle....
Sequential Valve Timing w/ 155 HP and 125 lb-ft.
Improved ABS system and strengthened brake performance.
Improved engine noise.
Standard Immobilizer.
Exterior.....
New Front Bumper.
New Headlights.
New rear combination lamps.
15" wheels standard on base model.
Interior....
Driver side auto-down function added to power windows.
Newly shaped seats.
New black seat fabric.
New door trim.
Improved foot rest location.
Standard chrome meter rings.
Standard leather wrapped steering wheel.
Standard white gauges.
Improved console compartment.
Improved cupholders location.
Adoption of power door lock switch.
Adoption of seatbelt pretensioners with force limiter.
Colour and Trim....
Classic Red now available with Tan Leather interior.
(Previously unavailable in Canada)
New Exterior Colours....
Crystal Blue Metallic.
Midnight Blue.
Pure White.
Sunlight Silver Metallic.
New Leather Package Content....
Tan Leather (new material appearance)
Tan Top.
Nardi Leather shift knob.
Cruise Control.
Windblocker.
Bose Audio system.
ABS
LSD
6 speed manual transmission (new)
16" wheels with 205/45R16W tires. (new)
Factory installed foglights. (new)
Keyless entry (new)
Chrome inner door handles.
Strut tower bar (new)
Options.....
Factory installed AC
Automatic Transmission available with Leather Package.
Newly Available Sports Package....
Aero Sport package.
6 speed manual transmission.
16" wheels and tires.
Factory installed foglights.
Sport suspension including Bilstein shocks.
Strut tower bar.
LSD.
Colours Available.....
Pure White *
Brilliant Black
Classic Red
Midnight Blue *
Sunlight Silver Metallic *
Grace Green Mica (known as Emerald Mica in the US)
Crystal Blue Metallic *
* new for 2001 Miata.
WOOHOO!
Controls for loudness, bass, treble, and you can switch among 11 different aftermarket exhaust system samples.