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Comments
with both? I love the styling and power of the Mustang but realize I won't be able to toss it around like the Miata, and gas will cost more
(premium). Insurance shouldn't be an issue since I'm no young kid. I love the looks of the new Mustang. The power would be a plus, and it sounds great. What do ya think? This car is for nice weather only. I'm also posting this in the Mustang topic.
(Just got rid of the wife's Mustang for a Miata.)
-Colin
Are the aftermarket systems as good?
Thanx,
Dave
http://www.miataforum.com/ubb/Forum14/HTML/000747.html
-Colin
Also, sice this is going to be my only car, my main concern is the trunk space. Do any of you single-car Miata owners regularly have trouble getting "stuff" home from the store or other places? Also, are your neighbors and family tired of you asking to borrow their truck or station wagon to go and get 5 bags of cedar mulch and other homeowner stuff from the Home Depot?
I almost bought the car on the spot yesterday after taking it for a test drive. I was amazed by the car's solid feel for such a small car and how much fun it was just to drive. Practicality still got the best of me and I left the dealership in my VW, much to their dismay. But I'm thinking of going back Monday morning! Any suggestions would be helpful!
Thanks!
The 10AE was the most desirable '99 and folks have been getting the leftovers for $18k-22k.
-Colin
That said: I used to be able to bring home a full week's groceries for a family of four -- well, more like 6 because 2 were teenage boys. Of course I had to fill the trunk, the shelf behind the seats, and sometimes the passenger seat. People grinned as they saw me loading the car in the parking lot, but not as much as I grin when I'm driving it. There was once a picture in Miata magazine of a Miata with a (new) wheelbarrow in it -- the owner had to get home from Home Depot with it and found a way to get it all "in" (mostly hanging out of course. Wood chips should be no problem: you can tie put one bag in the trunk, tie two bags on top of the trunk, and put two more in the passenger seat. And, if you get in a wreck, at least you'll landscape the crash site!
What I'm saying is: it's not a practical car, but if you REALLY want it, you'll be able to "make do" without superheroic efforts.
Take care.
Joe W.
1.
How much does a normal miata depreciate over time and is there a decent site where I can find that info?
2.
If dealers really quotes a residual value less than the normal market value for the vehicle, wouldn't they run into risk of having to sell the vehicle to the leasee at a discounted price if the leasee decides to purchase the vehicle at the end of lease period?
1. That's low. They do depreciate, but not nearly that fast. Used car values can be found here on Edmunds and on kbb.com
2. Yes, they risk the leasee purchasing at a good price. BUT, if the leasee doesn't purchase then they have plenty money in the bank and will ask retail from another purchaser. If you are an experience leaser or find yourself trading in nearly-new cars a lot, then you should strive to have the lease payments low and the residual as high as possible. 50% is insane, IMO.
-Colin
Also, I've always driven full-size sedans, with plenty of trunk space. What do you do with the golf bag?
Take care.
Joe W.
Z3 is faster/smoother/quieter (engine, suspension)
Z3 is much more expensive
Z3 feels heavier and not as tossable.
Z3 does not handle as well (Can be twitchy at limits)
Z3 looks more aggressive.
Z3 much more expensive to maintain and less reliable.
These are the obvious differences. I'd say:
Z3 - more geared toward touring/luxury/acceleration
Miata - sportier feeling go-kart for the road
Does anybody have any details on the facelift?
-Colin
How do the Miata's fair in the repair department. My Buick has cost a small fortune over the last 9 years, all my previous Fords held up great. I've never owned a foreign car, and wanted some info.
Also, do they really hold their value? I've heard Mazda's 24 month lease w/ 15K/yr miles rate the residual at 52%. That's steep depreciation.
A '90 in decent shape still brings better than $6k in most parts of the country. My '92, I'm told, is worth $8800, about 45% of its MSRP (spec. ed.)after 8 years. But it's NOT for sale.
That said, the situation on a new one may change. In 90, all the way till recently, there was no competition for Miata so they held value very well. But a 2000 Miata will be on market with the Toyota MR2, and some of the more image-conscious and up-scale money is siphoned off by used Z3s and Boxsters. As new cars, of course these are no competition but as used vehicles "them what has" the bux may be inclined to go for an older BMW/Porsche vs a newer Miata.
The end result is that, when it comes to toys, buy what will be more fun. And that's up to you pinecrest jim.
Why not check actual prices and equipment here at Edmund's or at kelly bluebook (kbb.com)?
TAke care.
Joe W.
But in reality it would be more fun that something like an automatic Cabrio, or god forbid a Cavalier, if she's looking for an open air experience.
Teaching her to drive manual and learning to love the Miata as surely God intended should make just about anyone love driving, but there are some who will still just think of it as transportation.
-Colin
Also, have the ignition timing checked. Many Miata enthusiasts bump up the timing to improve low end response, and this works but could foul up the emissions system.
A well-maintained Miata engine should easily clock 200,000 miles, and in most ways the car's mechanical systems are even more durable than the finest German cars.
A very rugged little car...don't let the size fool you!
thanks - jj
I also think that any serious Miata owner is buying for the driving experience and is not thinking of selling it!! If your buy it, you have a car that is a blast to drive, reliable and will put a chronic smile on your face!! Don't listen to the naysayers!!
There is no reason to say nay:)
Take care.
Joe W.
That said, the Miata is a very reliable car. It's relatively simple, which is half the battle, and it's well executed, which is the other half.
I'm 6'2" and weigh from 220 to 240, depending on a number of things, and fit in the Miata about as well as I did in my '65 MGB, which I drove over 100,000 miles and loved (in spite of the oil leaks and the constant generator repairs).
There is no better driving experience for the price asked than the Miata.
I'm in the process of buying a Lincoln LS with a 5-speed manual, which is possibly what happens to ex-Miata people who have to haul more than one other person and still want to enjoy driving.
Enjoy!
Steve W.
The agility vs. armor argument is a difficult one to call. Too many unknown factors.
The dealer was kinda hinting towards just over 24k for the 2000SE and just under 26k for the 10AE. My initial feeling is that the prices were kinda high.
I was shocked at the original MSRP of the 10AE... 29k+! I know it is a limited production run but 30k for a miata?
Now come to the picking part. Which one you want really depends on your taste. Both of them are nice cars (is there even a Miata that's not nice?) Go shop around and compare price. Also, check out www.miataforum.com . There is a pricing forum there and before you go out and commit large sums of money, go ask question or read posts there. I am sure it will help you tremendously.
I just realized that there is no mention of the sport suspension on the SE's (via mazda's web site). The 10AE does have it listed. Is this correct... SE does not have the sports suspension? I'm leaning towards the 2kSE but I was really looking forward to the sports suspension. Other than the obvious visual differences, what else does the 10AE have anything else the SE does not?
The 2kSE doesn't have the suspension package (what Mazda calls the sports now) So think of it as a leather package with 6 speed.
My greatest concerns are road noise with the top up, traction in the snow (with snow tires), and draftyness with the top up. I live in southern New Hampshire, so snow and cold weather is common, and my fiance's parents are in Pennsylvania, so I'll be taking a number of long trips, which is why road noise with the top up is a concern. I'd assume snow traction is miserable (though with a 50/50 weight distribution it can't be too too bad), and am concerned that the heater won't keep the car comfortable on cold days.
On the other hand I can't wait to get a reliable, good handling, fun car which I can actually enjoy driving!
Other than that, the SE and 10AE are the same, except for all the extra wood, chrome and white faces. The other difference is just (!) color.
Chris_F
Road/engine noise IS very prevalent with the top up. The top is thin and doesn't do much to keep the sound out. Tire noise is audible and the car has very little sound insulation. Of course, this doesn't matter because driving with the top down, all you hear is windy and the barky exhaust. In fact, the "apparent" noise of the top down car is lower because you are distracted by the environment and don't notice the noise as much. With the top up, all you hear is the Miata's considerable engine and road noise. I doesn't bother me at all, it's a compromise that I accept for the ultimate affordable sports car...nothing's more fun than a lightweight 50/50 roadster that handles like a slot car.
The Miata with snow tires is quite fun and the only thing that you have to keep in mind is that it's RWD. Tail out behavior may seem scary at first but the Miata is very controllable. In deep snow (as with any sporty car), clearance may become an issue. But slap on some Michelin Alpins and you'll be better off that the majority of drivers with all-season tires.
I am not sure what your concern about draftiness is but you do hear some wind noise with the top up and the rear window may flap a bit but you don't feel any wind. Also, the heater is very strong and has no problem keeping the cockpit very toasty.
I had a friend who had a Sebrig convertable. During the winter it was always damn cold in that car whether the heater was on or not. It was like the windows were always, ALWAYS open. When it was cold out you got cold. When it was rainy you got wet. This is my concern about the car being "drafty".
Does anyone know whether a hard top would make the car quieter.
The tire noise is not that apparent compared to the engine noise and not nearly as bad as a winter tire. Lots of people install some Dynamat sound insulation in the trunk and that helps the diminish the boom from the road and exhaust.
As for tires I'll probably go with some nice grippy 3 season tires during the Spring-Fall and snows for the winter. On my Civic I've been having the mechanic change the tires because I don't have two sets of wheels. I won't make that mistake with the new car and will probably only change to snows when the weather's bad. I'll have to cross that bridge when I come to it. Ofcourse whatever pair of tires comes with the car will quickly be scrubbed flat as I will probably drive the car quite agressively. I'm already checking out autocross clubs. ;-)
You know, you can buy a reasonably equipped 2000 Miata for about $18K nowadays.
I haven't been here because I've been out on my new Toyo T1S tires -- a new issue from Toyo but shipped early by Bill CArdell at Dealer Alternative. These tires are simply fantastic! It's like I took a few more driving lessons -- the turn-in is exceptional, and they sort of let you know when they're getting ready to let go ... when they do it's smooth and always controlled.
I was planning to upgrade the suspension, but the tires alone are enough that I'll be able to save some money I think! I'm anxious to see what they'll do for my auto X times next month.
The exhaust -- a Thermal also via Dealer Alternative -- sounds nice and throaty and I think it's opened up the performance a little.
Hope you're all enjoying yours. A fine little car, but what a difference some tires can make!
Take care.
Joe W>