I washed my Touring this weekend and there sure are lots of spokes. At least the surfaces are flat, but it takes some time to clean them thoroughly.
Still, I like them, they look modern. The Sport's 5 spokes are also nice but seem very 1990s. Also the surfaces are concave, so double-check about them being easy to clean.
I'm sure the ride would be softer, though.
Mine has summer tires and the tread life is only rated 140. I'm not sure about the all-seaons 17"s (is that available if you don't get the Suspension Package?) or the 16"s for that matter but I'm sure both will last longer than my summer-only gumballs.
I debated long and hard over the 5 speed vs. 6 speed manual. The 5 speed's overdrive gear is actually taller, so it revs lower on the highway. I'm not sure why the EPA highway numbers are better for the 6 speed, that's a bit counter-intuitive.
Any how, the 6 speed has very close ratios. The shifter is wonderful, and the stick is the best in the market, so I don't mind. A very short 1st ratio (even 2nd is short) allow me to creep forward in traffic easily. That plus the soft clutch make it no problem.
You do need to shift more, though. And 4th->5th only drops the revs by 500 rpm, same for 5th->6th. Mazda made them all so close, you'll forget what gear you're in unless you look.
In that regard the 5 speed may be better, they are spaced out further.
On a track you'll probably appreciate the close ratios, but in everyday driving, likely not. Except if you crawl in bumper to bumper traffic and can appreciate the very short 1st gear, like I do.
In the end I took the risk, went with the 6 speed, and the crawl ratio actually paid off. Now I'm glad I got it.
The 17" tires with the Suspension package are a little bit stiff, but definitely tolerable.
I can hardly believe those prices! That's INSANE! :surprise:
I sat in a Smart For Two convertible at the NY Auto Show and the base model was $16.9 or so, more than that Miata! For a dinky little 70hp 3 cylinder. Crazy!
I wrote a letter to Mazda pleading my case - I missed the rebate by 18 days. I doubt they'll give me the extra $2500 (not a chance), but I'm hoping they at least offer some free accessories or some type of discount coupons.
I think you can't go wrong. Used ones are actually priced higher than what you are paying. Seriously.
I have not picked up the car yet but those are the prices offered via email with the internet manager.
Once again thank you very much for your very well thought out feedback and insight.
One of the advantages of the deflation that we are experiencing is a big leg up for the buyer. And the relentless competition of the marketplace. The Mini has had an impact on Miata sales in my opinion. I cant believe the values in home prices now.
Please wish me luck and no dings or dents.
As you know the 1990 Miata started at approximately $14,000.00 and adjusted for inflation in todays dollar would have an MSRP of $24,000.00.
I will let you know what happens and I am very grateful for your advice.
I knew I couldn't wait any longer, so I pulled the trigger today. Picked up a Galaxy Gray with the suspension and premium package. $9250 off $27,235 sticker. Total OTD price of $18,203 with license and registration. (No sales tax in Oregon.) My other half drove it home. She promised I could drive it to the beach tomorrow.
Saw an ad at another dealer for $9782 off sticker, but it was a loaded automatic without the suspension package.
My friend came over with his wife and picked up my 93. Sad to see it go, but know it's going to a good home.
Looking forward to many years of happiness with my new Miata!
I am thrilled with my discount ateixerira but erics beat me by almost $2000.00. He hit the ball out of the park.
I am sorry that you did not get to take advantage of the same rebate. In this type of economy there will probably be great buying opportunities in the future for great prices.
As you know some dealers play games and there are also those unpleasent surprises and that is what I meant by wishing me good luck in delivery.
Thank you again for all of your advice and keen insight.
After multiple conversations with the internet manage who assured me that there were no dents, scratches or water intrusion I purchased my plane ticket.
On delivery day the paint looked fantastic except for the two dings on the passenger side. When I sat in the car I notice a very strong horible deoderizer. This was a red flag and when then I found water in the trunk.
That was enough to nix the deal and I ventured back to the airport to spend more money for a ticket home. What a very stressful and dissapointing day.
This may have turned out to be a blessing because I may have found exactly what I am looking for as if I factory o rdered the car. Not as impressive a discount buy exactly as I want.
Pleaes wish me better luck with this delivery.
Happy Mother's Day for you wonderful moms out there
I just bought a left-over 2008 about 2 weeks ago. It's the Touring model in stormy blue mica and has the retractable hardtop. The dealer actually had 2 more 2008's left. I love the car and actually stopped by to test drive it on a whim...I was planning to buy a V6 Eclipse. Congrats on your purchase !!!
Hello ateixeira and I hope that you are having a great day enjoying your Miata.
Persistence paid off and I found exactly what I was looking for.
Another dealer in Portland had a Copper Red Sport PRHT for an MSRP of $25,135.00. It was delivered to the dealer on May 6th with the protective coating and it had 8 miles on it.
The discount was not as nice but I love it. I paid $18,489.00 not including taxes, title, etc.
One problem that I did not notice upon delivery was that the drivers door is not flush with the rear panel. I will take it into the dealer for an adjustment and hopefully they will not create another problem. It is off a couple of millimeters.
How do you think this could have escaped Mazda quality control?
First off, that price is incredible. Wow. For a power hard top? Mama-mia. Congrats.
I'm jealous, but at least Mazda did send me a couple of gift cards after I wrote a nice letter complaining about my smaller rebate. I'll get some rubber mats and a cargo net, or maybe some mud guards.
The door? Who knows, could have been someone on a test drive that just leaned on it too heavily. Or tried to swing it open too hard. I doubt it came that way from the assembly line.
I have an '08 Touring with the stock sound system (6 speakers) and I must say, the sound is very tinny, next to no base even with base turned up to top setting, and am wondering is it the head unit or speakers or both that would need upgraded to get some decent sound? The head unit looks like it would be difficult to replace to fit properly and look good. I'm thinking about swapping out the speakers and wondered if anyone tried this and if it helps? (I don't have the Bose system). Would appreciate some recommendations. Thanks!
I have an 07 Touring and it's the stock sound system and 6 speakers. They Suck! I've heard the Bose system with 7 speakers and it's some better, but not worth the swap.
Folks, I just want everyone to think about one thing. If you are not sure about the MX5, if you are skeptical about everything you read, think the car has to be cramped, underpowered etc I have to say just go take a test ride! I wanted one for years but it just wasn't practical and at age 52 the wife and I bought one. We bought a used 2008 with a little over 1,500 miles, hard top, fully loaded except for the 6 speed manual which I felt you have to have in a car such as this. The car even had the Mazda Speed tuned exhaust. I enjoy this car more every passing day. I live in Florida and now that October is upon us I am so ready to enjoy this car (my favorite time of year down here). A few things to think about, they have been building, refining and tweaking this car for ever and every year they get a little closer to perfection. Every auto magazine written praises this car year over year in the roadster class and when it gets beat out it gets beat out by a Porsche or something cost twice or three times more than it does. The ratings on reliabilty, quality etc on this vehicle are through the roof and you just can't deny it is a beautiful car. I love retracting my hard top at a red light and watching everyone around me checking it out. Is the cabin a little tight in this car, sure it is but not bad. It's more like a cockpit than a drivers seat and I always enjoy just sitting back as far as possible, cranking the Bose stereo system and enjoy what could be one of the best handling cars made. I'm not sure what it is called but the steering on this vehicle is sort of like a variable feel depending on your speed etc. It is almost like manual steering at higher speeds so you get that real road feel and then true power steering in a parking lot or your lower speeds when you would want it. The hard top is nice and keeps the noise down from a rag top, makes me feel more secure from a theft standpoint and it does feel like it gives the car a more rigid feel. But the true nature of this car comes alive on some twisting winding high speed back roads. I can only tell you that this car is more fun to drive than anything I have ever owned and I have owned a few cars in my years. That being said go back to my first two sentences and go test drive this little roadster and you will be hooked!
I have an '08 Touring and the radio sound is absolutely aweful! My old Jeep has more base and better tone. Has anyone replaced the stock unit with an aftermarket? Do the speakers need swapped also to get some decent sound in there? With the radio being "built-in" to the dash, I'm wondering if it would totally ruin the look of the dash to replace it. Or will replacing the speakers do the trick? Welcome any advice.
While I don't disagree, far from it since I bought a 2008 NC model, I do miss some things about my 1993 NA.
The cowl and doors were lower, so it felt more open. It was lighter, all the controls were lighter. The seats had less side support but they were softer and more comfortable.
Also - you could drive at speed with the driver's window down, and the passenger's window up, and it had the perfect aerodynamics.
With the new one you have to keep both windows and the rear deflector up, so it feels less airy.
The new one has tons more power, torque, refinement, security, safety features, grip, and most importantly has not lost the fun driving feel, so I'm still quite happy with it.
I rubbed a post and it put a 3 inch gouge in the lower plastic bumper on the side, close to signal light. I was so mad at myself, after waiting almost 20 years to get this car! My husband, who used to paint cars for a living, ordered the paint from ExpressPaint, which is supposed to be a factory match. He sanded, primed, painted and cleared it and it's a good match, just a shade darker and not quite as shiny as the rest of the car. He thinks that if he clears it again, it will be better. Any suggestions?
P.S. This car was worth the wait and the money. Driving it is better than a vacation, which is always over too soon.
I have a 2008 Miata Retractable hardtop. I want to know if anyone else has the same problem. Previously I owned a 91 rag top with 190 K miles. The problem is road noise. Yeah, I know there is going to be some noise, but this car is horrible. I hate to drive it. The 91 was 10 times quieter. Dealership said it was the high performance tires wrong. I put regular highway tires on it no change. The hardtop was supposed to be less noisy. You get it on a tar and gravel road and you can't even hear the radio for the roaring sound. I'm at a loss with this car. I've got 16 K on the car but am contemplating getting rid of it. I hate to drive it with the top up. Can anyone help me? This can't be normal.
The 91 model probably had 14" rims, the new ones have 16-17" rims. The sport package has especially low profile, summer tires, on 17" rims, that are noisy.
You replaced the summer tires with all seasons (or touring tires, perhaps), but it's still an ultra-low profile if the size is the same.
I'd recommend swapping the 17s for some 16s. I'm sure if you place an ad on Craigslist you'll find another local Miata owner who would want the bigger rims.
Make sure the pressure is no higher than specified.
I had a 93 and went to an 08, so similar to you. The ride is indeed stiffer, you notice especially on pot holes. I may try slightly higher profile tires, but I probably will not swap the rims.
You may want to ask an upholsterer if he can add a lining to the top inside, as well, to help with sound absorbtion.
Hi, My name is Mark Har. I am pretty sure I am buying a car at Luther dealership this week! I could use that coupon! Call me on my cell 612 210 4055 and i will come pick it up ASAP! Thanks so much! Mark
Hi, My name is Mark Har. I am pretty sure I am buying a car at Luther dealership this week! I could use that coupon! Call me on my cell 612 210 4055 and i will come pick it up ASAP! Thanks so much! It looks like it I could buy tomorrow! Mark
Comments
Still, I like them, they look modern. The Sport's 5 spokes are also nice but seem very 1990s. Also the surfaces are concave, so double-check about them being easy to clean.
I'm sure the ride would be softer, though.
Mine has summer tires and the tread life is only rated 140. I'm not sure about the all-seaons 17"s (is that available if you don't get the Suspension Package?) or the 16"s for that matter but I'm sure both will last longer than my summer-only gumballs.
I debated long and hard over the 5 speed vs. 6 speed manual. The 5 speed's overdrive gear is actually taller, so it revs lower on the highway. I'm not sure why the EPA highway numbers are better for the 6 speed, that's a bit counter-intuitive.
Any how, the 6 speed has very close ratios. The shifter is wonderful, and the stick is the best in the market, so I don't mind. A very short 1st ratio (even 2nd is short) allow me to creep forward in traffic easily. That plus the soft clutch make it no problem.
You do need to shift more, though. And 4th->5th only drops the revs by 500 rpm, same for 5th->6th. Mazda made them all so close, you'll forget what gear you're in unless you look.
In that regard the 5 speed may be better, they are spaced out further.
On a track you'll probably appreciate the close ratios, but in everyday driving, likely not. Except if you crawl in bumper to bumper traffic and can appreciate the very short 1st gear, like I do.
In the end I took the risk, went with the 6 speed, and the crawl ratio actually paid off. Now I'm glad I got it.
The 17" tires with the Suspension package are a little bit stiff, but definitely tolerable.
1. The sport with convienence package would cost me: $15,900.00.
2. The touring would cost me: $17,000.00 with no options.
I cannot believe that I can purchase something so fun for so little cost.
I am thrilled and if you have any other thoughts please let me know.
I sat in a Smart For Two convertible at the NY Auto Show and the base model was $16.9 or so, more than that Miata! For a dinky little 70hp 3 cylinder. Crazy!
I wrote a letter to Mazda pleading my case - I missed the rebate by 18 days. I doubt they'll give me the extra $2500 (not a chance), but I'm hoping they at least offer some free accessories or some type of discount coupons.
I think you can't go wrong. Used ones are actually priced higher than what you are paying. Seriously.
Once again thank you very much for your very well thought out feedback and insight.
One of the advantages of the deflation that we are experiencing is a big leg up for the buyer. And the relentless competition of the marketplace. The Mini has had an impact on Miata sales in my opinion. I cant believe the values in home prices now.
Please wish me luck and no dings or dents.
As you know the 1990 Miata started at approximately $14,000.00 and adjusted for inflation in todays dollar would have an MSRP of $24,000.00.
I will let you know what happens and I am very grateful for your advice.
Selection is dwindling.
Saw an ad at another dealer for $9782 off sticker, but it was a loaded automatic without the suspension package.
My friend came over with his wife and picked up my 93. Sad to see it go, but know it's going to a good home.
Looking forward to many years of happiness with my new Miata!
Other people I've heard from are only getting $7-8 off MSRP, so you did real well. Congrats!
$18,203 is an economy car price, wow!
Many thanks to all of you for your great advice and insights.
I am scheduled to pick up my Galaxy Gray Touring this weekend for $17,000.00.
Please wish me luck and a smooth delivery of my new baby.
I will let you know how it goes.
With appreciaton and good cheer,
I am sorry that you did not get to take advantage of the same rebate. In this type of economy there will probably be great buying opportunities in the future for great prices.
As you know some dealers play games and there are also those unpleasent surprises and that is what I meant by wishing me good luck in delivery.
Thank you again for all of your advice and keen insight.
I did write a letter to Mazda begging for sympathy. Hopefully I can at least get a discount on accessories, something. Anything.
After multiple conversations with the internet manage who assured me that there were no dents, scratches or water intrusion I purchased my plane ticket.
On delivery day the paint looked fantastic except for the two dings on the passenger side. When I sat in the car I notice a very strong horible deoderizer. This was a red flag and when then I found water in the trunk.
That was enough to nix the deal and I ventured back to the airport to spend more money for a ticket home. What a very stressful and dissapointing day.
This may have turned out to be a blessing because I may have found exactly what I am looking for as if I factory o rdered the car. Not as impressive a discount buy exactly as I want.
Pleaes wish me better luck with this delivery.
Happy Mother's Day for you wonderful moms out there
Bummer about the 2008, dealers like that give the whole industry a bad name. Good thing you spotted the flaws.
Persistence paid off and I found exactly what I was looking for.
Another dealer in Portland had a Copper Red Sport PRHT for an MSRP of $25,135.00. It was delivered to the dealer on May 6th with the protective coating and it had 8 miles on it.
The discount was not as nice but I love it. I paid $18,489.00 not including taxes, title, etc.
One problem that I did not notice upon delivery was that the drivers door is not flush with the rear panel. I will take it into the dealer for an adjustment and hopefully they will not create another problem. It is off a couple of millimeters.
How do you think this could have escaped Mazda quality control?
With appreciation and kind regards,
I'm jealous, but at least Mazda did send me a couple of gift cards after I wrote a nice letter complaining about my smaller rebate. I'll get some rubber mats and a cargo net, or maybe some mud guards.
The door? Who knows, could have been someone on a test drive that just leaned on it too heavily. Or tried to swing it open too hard. I doubt it came that way from the assembly line.
I just want everyone to think about one thing. If you are not sure about the MX5, if you are skeptical about everything you read, think the car has to be cramped, underpowered etc I have to say just go take a test ride! I wanted one for years but it just wasn't practical and at age 52 the wife and I bought one. We bought a used 2008 with a little over 1,500 miles, hard top, fully loaded except for the 6 speed manual which I felt you have to have in a car such as this. The car even had the Mazda Speed tuned exhaust. I enjoy this car more every passing day. I live in Florida and now that October is upon us I am so ready to enjoy this car (my favorite time of year down here). A few things to think about, they have been building, refining and tweaking this car for ever and every year they get a little closer to perfection. Every auto magazine written praises this car year over year in the roadster class and when it gets beat out it gets beat out by a Porsche or something cost twice or three times more than it does. The ratings on reliabilty, quality etc on this vehicle are through the roof and you just can't deny it is a beautiful car. I love retracting my hard top at a red light and watching everyone around me checking it out. Is the cabin a little tight in this car, sure it is but not bad. It's more like a cockpit than a drivers seat and I always enjoy just sitting back as far as possible, cranking the Bose stereo system and enjoy what could be one of the best handling cars made. I'm not sure what it is called but the steering on this vehicle is sort of like a variable feel depending on your speed etc. It is almost like manual steering at higher speeds so you get that real road feel and then true power steering in a parking lot or your lower speeds when you would want it. The hard top is nice and keeps the noise down from a rag top, makes me feel more secure from a theft standpoint and it does feel like it gives the car a more rigid feel. But the true nature of this car comes alive on some twisting winding high speed back roads. I can only tell you that this car is more fun to drive than anything I have ever owned and I have owned a few cars in my years. That being said go back to my first two sentences and go test drive this little roadster and you will be hooked!
That makes the aftmarket possibilities endless. :shades:
The cowl and doors were lower, so it felt more open. It was lighter, all the controls were lighter. The seats had less side support but they were softer and more comfortable.
Also - you could drive at speed with the driver's window down, and the passenger's window up, and it had the perfect aerodynamics.
With the new one you have to keep both windows and the rear deflector up, so it feels less airy.
The new one has tons more power, torque, refinement, security, safety features, grip, and most importantly has not lost the fun driving feel, so I'm still quite happy with it.
P.S. This car was worth the wait and the money. Driving it is better than a vacation, which is always over too soon.
The bumper does flex but I'm not familiar with materials used in the paint process.
You replaced the summer tires with all seasons (or touring tires, perhaps), but it's still an ultra-low profile if the size is the same.
I'd recommend swapping the 17s for some 16s. I'm sure if you place an ad on Craigslist you'll find another local Miata owner who would want the bigger rims.
Make sure the pressure is no higher than specified.
I had a 93 and went to an 08, so similar to you. The ride is indeed stiffer, you notice especially on pot holes. I may try slightly higher profile tires, but I probably will not swap the rims.
You may want to ask an upholsterer if he can add a lining to the top inside, as well, to help with sound absorbtion.
Mark
Mark