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Comments
I will post once I try it out!
There is still a release trigger, identical to the regular soft top MX-5, on the top. Press "release", and open the latch. To lower, and raise the top, you must hold down the respective button, "top up" or "top down".
The seals on the top when up seems to be a nice fit.
This car kinda looks like a mini RX-7, or a mini Lexus SC430
I looked at the Mercedes Benz SLK 280, Lexus SC430. I even searched some larger 4 seat cars, Volvo s40, Pontiac G6. All of these are retractable hardtops but all failed my criteria in one or more areas.
Just when I had given up all hope I heard a rumor that Mazda was putting a power retractable hardtop on the MX-5. The Mazda Miata is why Honda created the Del Sol and I had often wondered why the Miata didn't have a hardtop that didn't require a mechanic to install.
Well, I have been waiting since June to hear an actual test drive or test top to confirm that this is the car for me. I was not sure if Mazda would beef up the suspension to handle the extra weight or if it would it be necessary to order the suspension package to better handle the weight, even if it is not a great increase in weight. I also wanted to know if this was an electric or hydraulic system. Hydraulic systems tend to leak and I feel are less reliable. So I am glad Mazda went with electric motor.
By the way, I want a hardtop because I park outside , in the Arizona sun, and cloth or vinyl just does not stand up well under the relentless UV downpour we receive here.
I ordered one as soon as Mazda announced them at the British car show in July or August. So when can I expect to recieve mine? Will it take longer because it wes ordered? How does it look??? :shades:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Followup/articleId=116621
Typical time is 16-18 weeks from time is ordered to delivery. However, if you reserved one that was already allocated to the dealer, it may be sooner.
The car looks great. Should be a very good seller. The top is relatively silent, and quick. The choice of an electric motor was the smart thing to do.
The top breaks into 4 pieces. The roof separates from the side and rear structure, and then the rear window recesses from the rear/side structure. Then there is the back cap, of which the rear break light is mounted, that raises up, then lowers back to position once the top is fully up or down.
The power hardtop is very easy and quick. With the top up highway sounds are nicely muffled, but the engine is louder than in a typical sedan. The ride at speed was very stable. When we got off the highway and put the top down, it handled solidly around my suburban streets. I took a hard turn to make a power-slide, but it felt forced, probably because of the 17-inch wheels. (The salesman had just learned how to drive a stick as a condition of getting his job, and he was loving it!)
The test-drive was fun and the car is impressive, but I'm not planning to buy it. It would be a great replacement for my 1996 first generation 5-speed Miata, but not until I feel like growing up (now 55 and counting).
I love this car.
Will post a follow up after running it a few hundred miles.
RD.
I don't plan on taking the Miata out in bad weather/snow/heavy rain so I'm not really sure the limited slip differential is of great benefit. The upgrade to Bilstein shocks and tuned suspension seems a little pricey for $500.
In any case I guess Miata drivers of 06 and 05 models (maybe older) will have some input on this subject.
Brake4me
$500 is a good deal for the suspension package. There are aftermarket lowering springs out there which will make your Miata handle better, but for most folks the suspension package is fine.
Me, I want a silver PRHT Sport with suspension package.
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Need help getting around? claires@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
The premium packages require the suspension package, and doesn't come with out it. One of the reasons I got the 6M was, that it was the only way to get the limited slip differential - and ofcourse that I love manual trannys! Reason enough for the suspension package.
I paid close to MSRP for mine. 28400 including the colored splash guards (don't know if I am going to use them - they are in the mail as they had to be special ordered), and wheel locks. There were a few dealers offering second stickers thousands more than MSRP, but I think I got a pretty good deal, considering I bought it over the phone the day it arrived on the lot - one of the first ones sold in Seattle. (Probably would have gotten a better deal if I had waited but the color was right, and I didn't want to lose it).
Rahim.
Most dealers would not give me a price quote over the internet, so I wonder if that is due to a new model coming out or dealer price quotes are not that common over the internet? The few dealers I did see wanted to sell the MX-5 PRHT at sticker price but I found one that actually gave me a very fair offer. I don't mind waiting for early 07 to get this baby since winter time in DC is not the greatest time to have the top down on your car. Most dealers do not even have the retractable hard top model to test drive or even on the display floor. My guess is once this new 07 Miata get more press, seen on the street and highway and displayed in dealership orders will take off.
As far as I am concerned, you can't beat the price you pay for what your get. BMW, Porsche, even Nissan sports cars all cost a great deal more and even though the MX-5 is priced thousands less, the quality is still there. Now the question is will Mazda hold firm on current prices or start to raise base prices as the new car season starts to open up.
I have sold my only 2 for full list. No haggling by either customer, both just happy to have the opportunity to purchase one.
The only two draw backs I've seen (and mentioned by other members) is the poorly laid out CD storage holder in between seats and possibly coffee holders. Since I have not driven test driven the hard top version it will be interesting to see how much outside noise is reduced by the hard top versus the soft top. I'm not crazy about wind noise and I understand that might not be a problem while driving under 75 MPH. Anyway thanks for your message.
My attitude about Mazda has always been... if you pay more than invoice, you're paying too much. I have two Mazda's now... they are a good car company.
Nice to see Mazda finally updated their website with 07's.
I would think the hood insulation would be a great help on a soft top MX-5, but also on the retractable. I have no idea the clearance space between the hood and engine but I assume there is enough space for insulation.
MX-5 engines seem to rev a little high in low gears and I was just wondering if extra sound proofing might help? All answers welcomed.
You can wear earplugs for long drives. (I don't.) Most folks adjust.
By the way, this will be my first roadster in many years (it has been a long time since my barely running TR-4 got me around in high school). Between my wife and I we have owned 7 Mazdas with three in the driveway right now.