I suppose I could use a hardtop for the winter, but we just had a really nice day last week and I had the top down. I'd hate to lose golden opportunities like that.
Plus, a hard top was $800 last time I looked, even for a used one. Have they come down a lot?
I'm surprised they don't just shoe-horn the Speed3's 244hp 2.3l in there. I wonder if it would fit?
Not to nit pick, but the Speed3 is rated at 263hp. However, there really is no shoe horn needed. The 2.0 and 2.3 use the same block. I would think the intercooler would need to be placed in the front on the grill, to prevent the hood bulge. I don't see why it can't be done.
I'm a member of Mazda Media, right from Japan. Those pics you saw are only the production models with body kits, and exhaust / suspension upgrades / wheels, according to Mazda. There was no mention of engine upgrades, turbos or anything. If anything, they are a glimpse of what we might see. I highly doubt it. They seem to flashy, even for Mazda. Remember, Mazdaspeed is about being a low key, sleeper type vehicle.
I have a 2008 Grand Touring PRHT. The brakes squeal when I apply light pressure. Anybody else have this problem? I finally took it into the shop after about 8 weeks of this and it stopped the day before I went in. They couldn't find anything. Then it started a day after I had it in the shop. I know I will be the brunt of some jokes, so I am expecting and even welcoming it. But, the noise is really kind of annoying.
I'm sorry to hear your having problems with your brakes. I am not having that problem and mine is a 2007. Something doesn't seem right? My brakes are great! I hope you get it worked out soon...
It's a fairly well-known fact among Mazda3 owners (like myself) that the brakes on the "3" and now also the MX-5 suffer from this same squealing problem. Almost all the car reviews I read before I bought my '05 Mazda3 commented on the problem, and I continue to experience it after 2 years of ownership. The squealing is only apparent when the brakes are wet and haven't caused me any safety issues to date. It's definitely a little annoying. I have an '08 MX-5 on order and from everything I've read, I'm expecting to have the same problem with that, too. Don't know what, if any, "fix" is available... from what I've heard it's just something we have to live with.
It may be a different problem. Mine squeal in dry weather as well. However, I noticed that they didn't start until it got cold outside and stopped a couple of days when it got warm. I don't think this is serious, but would like to know what is causing it.
You're right... mine (on the Mazda3) squeak occasionally under dry (& cold)conditions too, but after I've driven for a few minutes the noise stops. You can read just about any consumer review site for the Mazda3 on the web, and I would say 60% of owners comment on the problem. And I've seen a lot of the same comments regarding the MX-5 brakes, as well. Not to say you shouldn't bring it to your dealer's attention, but short of replacing the stock brakes with an aftermarket set-up, I get the impression it's just one of those things that is inherently problematic. Good luck! Let us know if your dealer resolves it.
I drove a 2005 Mazda 3 S and totalled it and never experienced any brake problems. I now drive the New MX-5 and by brakes do not make any noise at all and I hope they don't!
The bulletin for squeaky brakes is for the 2006 and 07 models but I am sure this is the same thing. I guess the thing to do is to apply some pressure at the dealership.
when mine was first new they squeeled a bit for about a week, now it only happens when I back out of my driveway on damp mornings, not every day. its only does it once and thats about it, if it did it always I would have the dealer check it out for me..
My first 2008 special edition Mazda MX-5 arrived last week. The proud new owner takes delivery this Saturday. It's really nice.
The interior is a nice dark brown, as is the door leather trim, the steering wheel, and cloth top. I really like the wheels. However, I wish they were from the new 40th Anniversary Rotary Edition RX-8.
I see there's one currently up for bids on ebay if anyone would like to see photos. I also like the dark brown leather... wish that was available across the board. Are the wheels chrome? I couldn't tell from the pics on ebay. What other features are specific to the SE?
Yes you are right about getting it checked...again. I have been scouring websites and it seems alot of people are having problems with the MX-5 squeal problem. I don't think it's serious but certainly annoying for a new $30,000 car.
I have the 6 speed manual PRHT, Touring edition, and I'm having a problem my dealer can't diagnose or correct properly. At first, it shifted fine. Then after about 250 miles, I started having difficulty shifting into 2nd gear, particularly in the first 10-15 miles of driving after I start the car. Sometimes I can barely get it into gear and I have to force it. Other times, it feels like there's a notch or something in the way that I have to slide the gearshift past. Then after 10-15 miles in that driving session, it smooths out and shifts like a dream. Downshifting into 2nd is difficult sometimes also, easy at other times. The dealer drained the fluid (found no shavings), replaced the fluid and added an additive, which seems to be helping a little, but not always. Sometimes I feel "the notch" when shifint ingto 3rd, but not nearly as much as 2nd. All the other gears are just fine.
It seems to me if the problem was really the fluid, ALL the gears would be rough, not just second. Or, if there was a problem with the way the 2nd gear is milled or seated, then it would always be hard to shift and wouldn't smooth out after 10-15 miles.
I'm now up to 700 miles. I'm documenting everything in case I end up having to make a Florida "lemon law" claim, but I'd really rather solve the problem. Otherwise, I love the car. But it gets scary when I pull out into traffic going 45 mph, and I can't shift out of first to get moving. I could shift directly into 3rd, but for a brand new $26,000 car, that should have to be the answer.
Any thoughts? Anyone else having a similar problem?
700 miles ain't much mileage. My '06 seemed a little stubborn to go into second in the beginning but at a couple thousand miles it worked just fine. My car now has 10,000 miles and it has been one of the most enjoyable manual transmissions I have owned overall. The tranny is tight at the beginning but thats a good thing. Just enjoy the car and keep the revs up, the warranty is not going away anytime soon...
I like that chocolate leather, but IMHO is clashes a bit with that silver.
The silver is actually called Icy Blue. In bright sunlight, it will look like silver, but, it really is blue. It is the only exterior color. The only way to modify the Special Edition is your choice of an auto tranny or manual. Smart key, xenon's, all standard
What is pretty cool, is the stitching on the leather is the color of the car. Nice touch
got to agree that the dark brown with the colored stitching is a great touch but the Icy Blue color has not grown on me yet, Maybe in time, hopefully they will offer the dark brown leather on different colored '09's..
Thanks! It was good to hear that someone else had some difficulty and it got better instead of worse. I know there's a warranty, but I cringe at the thought that I might be damaging perfectly good new gears. And I'll be sure to tell the cops you told me to keep the revs up!!!
So, I've been reading for months now about issues over the driver's side door cupholder and how it intrudes into the driver's left knee. So last Saturday I was at my local Mazda dealer, who just got a couple ragtop MX-5's last week. I put myself in the cockpit to see if this is a valid complaint, and I'm just not sure that it is for me. Of course, there's a big difference between sitting in there for five minutes in a showroom and going on a 3-hour cruise. I suppose it'll depend on one's height as to where that darn cupholder will hit on your body, but for now at least, I'm not too worried about it. I'm curious as to what the rest of you think... is the cupholder a problem for you? :confuse:
I am female and five foot seven. It doesn't bother me. My passenger like the feature. I think headroom would be the bigger comfort factor in this car. I don't have much clearance and sure that I am shorter than many people who drive this car. No matter...I just love love love it!
I am a 5"10 male and the cupholders in the doors do not bother me. I actually like them! I also went for the 6 speed automatic (MT) and the 2 center cupholders are perfect! If you have a 6 speed manual, the cupholders are in the way. I love my MX-5! Zoom-Zoom :shades:
They bother me (a little) in the showroom. I haven't gone on a long enough drive.
It's not a big enough problem for me to lose interest, and I like the idea of having a cup holder (even if I use it for other things). But why right at knee level?
I'm 5' 7" and it has never been a problem for me at all, my wife is a little taller and she has longer legs and they don't bother her either, the only problem she has is not haveing a lot of room to stretch her legs on those all day back road cruises, but not a problem as we will just pull over for breaks from time to time..
I have to agree with your wife on the leg room. The drivers side is just fine, but the passenger side has less leg room and you can't stretch out your legs. I agree, you have to pull over so the passenger can get out and stretch! Still an awesome car and still a PROUD owner of the new MX-5. :shades:
I found a blog that provides some interesting information on this lack of passenger legroom - http://www.mx-5.com/community/forums/ShowThread.aspx?PostID=6313. Or do a google search for "MX-5 passenger legroom" and you should find it. Apparently there's a plastic footrest or spacer underneath the carpeting on the pass. side that can be easily removed. This "spacer" doesn't appear to serve any safety or insulation purpose, and once removed, adds at least 3 additional inches of legroom. The blog that I read has photos of the offending piece, as well as several people describing how they modified the footwell once it was removed. According to one owner, he had contacted Mazda and received a letter back informing him that removing it would not be a safety concern. I plan on making the modification on my own MX-5 once I get it later this spring.
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You know, I have had manuals for years but I got an auto with my new Miata. I had problems (slight) with the transmission when I got it. It wasn't shifting right, and I was a concerned. But after a 1000 miles or so it worked itself out.
I know nothing about mechanical issues in cars, but I do think there is a break-in period. I was concerned at first. This probably doesn't help anyone but I think sometimes these little bugs work themselves out.
Additionally, I think most new Miata owners are very sensitive to their cars. We expect a perfect machine.
Interesting. I did quite of bit of research before I bought mine last September. NOBODY in my area was budging off of sticker price and I had heard that some dealers were tacking onto the sticker price.
So here is the question to all you PRHT GT owners. Did anyone out there pay sticker price besides me? I am hoping to hear I am not the only one.
What did you mean by "just keep the revs up" when you said:
>>. Just enjoy the car and keep the revs up, the warranty is not going away anytime soon...
I have just started to read the Miata forums, as I just bought one yesterday. Other then performance reasons, is there a reason to keep the revs up? Just want to make sure I didn't miss something important, unique to this engine. thanks ;-)
Just bought an almost new Miata yesterday. 06 Grand Touring, 6 speed, Premium package, Suspension package. 1700 miles (yes, 1700). Sticker was 27,500. I paid 20,500.
However, I was shopping new cars as well. I was looking at Subaru WRXs, Mitsubishi Evolution X, and Miatas. In all cases I found the dealer showrooms completely empty and sales people looking very very bored. Everyone agrees that the economy is really really slow. Most had so called "market" adjustments. For example, the Evolution X sticker was $35k and they "market adjusted" it up another $4500. totally around $40,000. Note: This car Just came out and is super hyped all over in the press. However, when I told them that in no way will I ever pay an additional markup. He said "well I guess you are not buying this car then". I smiled and politely said.. "well I guess probably not from you". I didn't get mad, I just hung out a little longer with him, engaging in a polite dialog. Looking at the car some more because they are very rare....he asks me if I will buy it at sticker price. I said, well at least we would be a lot closer. After a test drive, I told him that I didn't care for the interior as it doesn't feel like a $35k interior to me. Next he starts going under sticker a thosand dollars. Long and the short of it... dont let the markup discourage you right now. Its a buyer's market, especially for sports cars which dont have large volumes (ie. dont move off the lot at great rates). Pay no attention to it. It is just a form of negotiation. Get them to spend some time with you and after that show them that you are willing to walk away after they have vested some time with you. You will find they are bluffing if you dont insult their ego or engage in angry dialog.
When I shopped "newish" used cars at the dealers, I was successfull with negotiating from the trade-in value up. Yes.. I said wholesale, trade-in. People dont have a lot of disposable income right now to spend on a sports cars. Dont pay any attention to the retail price. The price of the car should be, a reasonable profilt plus what the dealer paid for the car. This will be less then a private party sale.. no matter what they say they want for it. Ignore it. Get them to invest some time, dont get mad or leave quickly if they initially make it appear they dont want to deal. In every case, the dealer was ok with my offer of $500 profit above their cost (i.e. wholesale price).
I live in the Portland, Oregon area. Ironically, the car I bought in the end came from a private party.. I just couldn't pass up the car in perfect condition with 1700 miles. I realize I may have pad a 1000 less at a dealer by paying $500 over their whole sale/trade in price, but I didn't think I would be very successful finding a car in this condition at a dealer. So it was worth it to me paying a little extra. I dont feel bad, can complain too much about getting almost new car with 1700 miles which has already taken a $7000 (~25%) depreciate off the MSRP. Best Regards!
I would like to congratulate you! That's the buy of a decade, I would say.
I think maybe if I had hung in longer with my search (and that was before the decline of the stock market), I might have gotten a deal (deal meaning anything off sticker). I did actually walk off away from several lots because they refused to budge off of sticker price. I eventually gave way. I truly believed it wasn't going to change for a long while. I never buy emotionally with cars, but in this case I did. I am still happy I got the car when I did though.
I am in my 50s now and have always wanted a car like this. This past summer two very good friends died. One very very suddenly of cancer and the other in a tornado. I had planned on waiting a few years to get this car (until my other one just gave up) but then after the tragedies in my life, realized I might not be around. I already have cheated death once a decade ago....so I decided to go for it. Hence, the emotional purchase so unlike me. But you know what? Even though it still bothers me to have paid sticker, I got the car I always wanted, and it's a joy everytime I get in it...so in that sense...I got my money's worth.
As long as you like it, that's all that matters! I have a 2007 and got mine at Invoice price and know I got one heck of a deal...I'm 43 and it's one of the funnest cars i've ever owned! Zoom-Zoom... :shades:
Just my way of saying have fun. The 6MT is meant to rev - of course making the fill ups come sooner. Just enjoy and become one with the ride. Thank goodness mine is coming out of storage in April
First I want to say that I am sorry to hear about your friends battle with cancer. I understand 110%!
Ironically, I bought my Miata for the very same reason. My mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few months ago and she is barely alive at this point. Sleeping 23.5 hours per day, not eating and hardly drinking. She has always saved money her whole life and when it came time to retire, she was too sick to enjoy it and my dad pass away before she could enjoy it with him.
So you see, I have been raised to be very conservative with my money as well. I buy practical cars. For example, my wife drives a Subaru Legacy Wagon (non Outback, to get slightly better gas milage and save a few dollars over the Outback). I drive a 1992 Ford Ranger with 120k miles.
Buying the Miata for myself would not have happened if it wasn't for the realization that life is too short. Learning a painfull lessen through my parents. You have to enjoy it along the way and not put things off till you retire. Although within reason, you still need to be financially responsible. So as crazy as it felt to buy an unpractical car like the Miata for myself, getting the best deal I could in these economic times was something I wanted to do to make the experience a little easier to swallow financially.
I wish our Miata's bring us joy, and fill our lives with good memories and look back on the experience without any regrets!! Life is too short!
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. My friend had a similar, aggressive intestinal cancer (he was my age), so I know some of what you are going through. Very dark, dark times. We are on the same page with this philosophy. Everyone is calling it my mid-life crises car. What is a mid-life crises but the total awareness that you are indeed immortal and life is too short?
I had an 11-year-old Honda Civic which I loved (great gas mileage, great car) but I was going to save up and pay CASH for this MX-5 and wear out the old one first (160K miles at the time). I am frugal with my money as well.
Well, I had a good chunk of it by the time I forked it over. And my friend got to ride around the block and had his picture taken in the new car. The first passenger ride was reserved for him. And he managed a huge smile.
Anyway, the joy of MIATA is ours now! Congratulations on your great deal and ownership of such a fantastic car!
Comments
Plus, a hard top was $800 last time I looked, even for a used one. Have they come down a lot?
Also, where to store it...I dunno.
Not to nit pick, but the Speed3 is rated at 263hp. However, there really is no shoe horn needed. The 2.0 and 2.3 use the same block. I would think the intercooler would need to be placed in the front on the grill, to prevent the hood bulge. I don't see why it can't be done.
I hope you get it worked out soon...
The bulletin for squeaky brakes is for the 2006 and 07 models but I am sure this is the same thing. I guess the thing to do is to apply some pressure at the dealership.
Here's an example (not me):
That's on a Jeep, but the stuff's universal.
It did quiet my dad's Outback brakes.
The interior is a nice dark brown, as is the door leather trim, the steering wheel, and cloth top. I really like the wheels. However, I wish they were from the new 40th Anniversary Rotary Edition RX-8.
Is that the only exterior color?
Brown would look better with a dark red exterior, maybe. Something in the same family.
It seems to me if the problem was really the fluid, ALL the gears would be rough, not just second. Or, if there was a problem with the way the 2nd gear is milled or seated, then it would always be hard to shift and wouldn't smooth out after 10-15 miles.
I'm now up to 700 miles. I'm documenting everything in case I end up having to make a Florida "lemon law" claim, but I'd really rather solve the problem. Otherwise, I love the car. But it gets scary when I pull out into traffic going 45 mph, and I can't shift out of first to get moving. I could shift directly into 3rd, but for a brand new $26,000 car, that should have to be the answer.
Any thoughts? Anyone else having a similar problem?
The silver is actually called Icy Blue. In bright sunlight, it will look like silver, but, it really is blue. It is the only exterior color. The only way to modify the Special Edition is your choice of an auto tranny or manual. Smart key, xenon's, all standard
What is pretty cool, is the stitching on the leather is the color of the car. Nice touch
It's not a big enough problem for me to lose interest, and I like the idea of having a cup holder (even if I use it for other things). But why right at knee level?
Higher or lower, please, Mazda.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
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Review your vehicle
I know nothing about mechanical issues in cars, but I do think there is a break-in period. I was concerned at first. This probably doesn't help anyone but I think sometimes these little bugs work themselves out.
Additionally, I think most new Miata owners are very sensitive to their cars. We expect a perfect machine.
So here is the question to all you PRHT GT owners. Did anyone out there pay sticker price besides me? I am hoping to hear I am not the only one.
A friend of mine bought a 1990 Miata when they came out - and paid $1750 over sticker price. :surprise:
What did you mean by "just keep the revs up" when you said:
>>. Just enjoy the car and keep the revs up, the warranty is not going away anytime soon...
I have just started to read the Miata forums, as I just bought one yesterday. Other then performance reasons, is there a reason to keep the revs up? Just want to make sure I didn't miss something important, unique to this engine.
thanks ;-)
However, I was shopping new cars as well. I was looking at Subaru WRXs, Mitsubishi Evolution X, and Miatas. In all cases I found the dealer showrooms completely empty and sales people looking very very bored. Everyone agrees that the economy is really really slow. Most had so called "market" adjustments. For example, the Evolution X sticker was $35k and they "market adjusted" it up another $4500. totally around $40,000. Note: This car Just came out and is super hyped all over in the press. However, when I told them that in no way will I ever pay an additional markup. He said "well I guess you are not buying this car then". I smiled and politely said.. "well I guess probably not from you". I didn't get mad, I just hung out a little longer with him, engaging in a polite dialog. Looking at the car some more because they are very rare....he asks me if I will buy it at sticker price. I said, well at least we would be a lot closer. After a test drive, I told him that I didn't care for the interior as it doesn't feel like a $35k interior to me. Next he starts going under sticker a thosand dollars. Long and the short of it... dont let the markup discourage you right now. Its a buyer's market, especially for sports cars which dont have large volumes (ie. dont move off the lot at great rates). Pay no attention to it. It is just a form of negotiation. Get them to spend some time with you and after that show them that you are willing to walk away after they have vested some time with you. You will find they are bluffing if you dont insult their ego or engage in angry dialog.
When I shopped "newish" used cars at the dealers, I was successfull with negotiating from the trade-in value up. Yes.. I said wholesale, trade-in. People dont have a lot of disposable income right now to spend on a sports cars. Dont pay any attention to the retail price. The price of the car should be, a reasonable profilt plus what the dealer paid for the car. This will be less then a private party sale.. no matter what they say they want for it. Ignore it. Get them to invest some time, dont get mad or leave quickly if they initially make it appear they dont want to deal. In every case, the dealer was ok with my offer of $500 profit above their cost (i.e. wholesale price).
I live in the Portland, Oregon area. Ironically, the car I bought in the end came from a private party.. I just couldn't pass up the car in perfect condition with 1700 miles. I realize I may have pad a 1000 less at a dealer by paying $500 over their whole sale/trade in price, but I didn't think I would be very successful finding a car in this condition at a dealer. So it was worth it to me paying a little extra. I dont feel bad, can complain too much about getting almost new car with 1700 miles which has already taken a $7000 (~25%) depreciate off the MSRP.
Best Regards!
I think maybe if I had hung in longer with my search (and that was before the decline of the stock market), I might have gotten a deal (deal meaning anything off sticker). I did actually walk off away from several lots because they refused to budge off of sticker price. I eventually gave way. I truly believed it wasn't going to change for a long while. I never buy emotionally with cars, but in this case I did. I am still happy I got the car when I did though.
I am in my 50s now and have always wanted a car like this. This past summer two very good friends died. One very very suddenly of cancer and the other in a tornado. I had planned on waiting a few years to get this car (until my other one just gave up) but then after the tragedies in my life, realized I might not be around. I already have cheated death once a decade ago....so I decided to go for it. Hence, the emotional purchase so unlike me. But you know what? Even though it still bothers me to have paid sticker, I got the car I always wanted, and it's a joy everytime I get in it...so in that sense...I got my money's worth.
First I want to say that I am sorry to hear about your friends battle with cancer. I understand 110%!
Ironically, I bought my Miata for the very same reason. My mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few months ago and she is barely alive at this point. Sleeping 23.5 hours per day, not eating and hardly drinking. She has always saved money her whole life and when it came time to retire, she was too sick to enjoy it and my dad pass away before she could enjoy it with him.
So you see, I have been raised to be very conservative with my money as well. I buy practical cars. For example, my wife drives a Subaru Legacy Wagon (non Outback, to get slightly better gas milage and save a few dollars over the Outback).
I drive a 1992 Ford Ranger with 120k miles.
Buying the Miata for myself would not have happened if it wasn't for the realization that life is too short. Learning a painfull lessen through my parents. You have to enjoy it along the way and not put things off till you retire. Although within reason, you still need to be financially responsible. So as crazy as it felt to buy an unpractical car like the Miata for myself, getting the best deal I could in these economic times was something I wanted to do to make the experience a little easier to swallow financially.
I wish our Miata's bring us joy, and fill our lives with good memories and look back on the experience without any regrets!! Life is too short!
-Best Regards
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. My friend had a similar, aggressive intestinal cancer (he was my age), so I know some of what you are going through. Very dark, dark times. We are on the same page with this philosophy. Everyone is calling it my mid-life crises car. What is a mid-life crises but the total awareness that you are indeed immortal and life is too short?
I had an 11-year-old Honda Civic which I loved (great gas mileage, great car) but I was going to save up and pay CASH for this MX-5 and wear out the old one first (160K miles at the time). I am frugal with my money as well.
Well, I had a good chunk of it by the time I forked it over. And my friend got to ride around the block and had his picture taken in the new car. The first passenger ride was reserved for him. And he managed a huge smile.
Anyway, the joy of MIATA is ours now! Congratulations on your great deal and ownership of such a fantastic car!