Mazda MX-5 Miata (2006 and Newer)

1246

Comments

  • crim1crim1 Member Posts: 2
    i shall ask my mechanic then to see if there's any air leaking
    Thanks for the help
  • redbarakoredbarako Member Posts: 1
    i have an 07 miata. excellent toy with one minor flaw... i just saw water in the trunk and behid seat. could somone tell me where it's possibly coming from and what should i do aside from taking it to the shop.
  • destrydestry Member Posts: 58
    Don't know, but it doesn't sound good? Definitely take it to the Mazda dealership! :sick:
  • jimploggerjimplogger Member Posts: 17
    Your drain holes are stopped up. There are numerous posts on this forum about this and how to clear them. No need to take to the dealer. You can do it yourself.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Take a paper clip to the drain holes to unclog them. Do not look up at them when you do that else you'll end up with a face full of water!

    The holes are near the jack points under the door jamb, at least that's the case on my 1993 Miata.
  • destrydestry Member Posts: 58
    I drove my MX-5 to the beach 2 weeks ago and I got 34.7 MPG :o). Had cruise control on most of the trip and did 5 mph over the limit. I'm very pleased!! :-) :shades:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Sweet. What year and model, again?

    I'm still considering trading my 93 up for either a used 2006 or a new PRHT 2008-09.
  • destrydestry Member Posts: 58
    It's a 2007 GT PRHT in Brilliant Black Clearcoat...LOVE IT! :shades:
  • tgeentgeen Member Posts: 20
    I bought a used 2006 GT last week and it's been a blast so far. I haven't driven the earlier models so I can't compare, but I have the stock (non-sport) suspension and it's been a total, absolute hoot. The gearing is very short on the 6 speed, so it is well-suited to scooting around in urban traffic. In real world city driving, I found it to be a match for the S2000, Z4, and 350Z for all practical purposes. Above 60 mph and the Mazda starts to show the limits of power and ultra short gearing, but it gives up little or nothing in handling, and overall fun.

    I can't say enough good things about this car. I chose it over more powerful alternatives because it just plain felt better. Statistics don't do these cars justice.

    It makes a decent commuter too, and I got 29.5 mpg on my last tank, in mostly city driving. I was not trying to drive efficiently or anything.

    A friend of mine had a PRHT for a while, and it's an excellent piece of work if you really want it and you can afford it. For me personally, I really like the simple ragtop. It's a snap to use and it makes me feel like I'm getting in touch with my roadster roots.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They started making those in 2007? I thought it was 2008.

    You sure? Your PRHT is a 2007 model?

    That opens up some options for me...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah, I test drove a 6 speed. The 2.0l has a lot more torque than my 1.6l, a ton more.

    Do you find the ratios are unnecessarily too close? I was shifting constantly. Even though shift feel is fantastic.

    I don't remember feeling that way about a 5 speed I drove a couple of years ago, probably an 06 model.

    I don't mind the soft top, but my wife loves the idea of a hard roof.
  • destrydestry Member Posts: 58
    What do you mean am I sure..LOL...I am driving a 2007 PRHT. Research it and see for yourself. Good-luck with your choice!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah...of course you know what car you own! :D

    I guess I was just very surprised.

    I can search for used 07s, so it's good news for me.

    I found the perfect car - a used 08 PRHT in that gunmetal color with a tan leather interior - gorgeous. BUT it was $28 grand. That's same-as-new pricing.

    A while ago fitzmall has a basic PRHT for around $23k, so that's my target price, sort of, for a new one. Used may cost the same but at least it would be more loaded up.
  • destrydestry Member Posts: 58
    You can get a new PRHT (Sport Model) for like $25K. Mine was $29K since it's the Grand Touring PRHT. Good-luck with your search! :shades:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Thanks.

    If anyone finds a bargain somewhere, please let me know.
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    I've been searching for pre-owned PRHT's for our pre-owned inventory, and they are tough to come by.

    The only one we got was in May, and that was a trade-in at the Chevy dealer down the road from us, and in turn sold it to us. We originally sold it. The guy traded it for a Vette. Which was a car he was considering when he bought the PRHT in the first place.

    Anyway, it was a 2007 GT in Copper Red with Saddle interior and had 7,000 miles on it. We sold it for $24,990. If you found one now, low $20's should be the asking price.

    Happy hunting!
  • jimploggerjimplogger Member Posts: 17
    I have a neighbor with a 2008 PRHT, Copper Red, Leather, 6 speed manual, low mileage for sale. IOt is in Maryville, TN. Email me at jimplogger@bellsouth.net and I will put you in touch if you are interested.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Hmm, I saw a new one at Fitzmall for $23k, and while that probably had more equipment, that's too close to a new car price. I would just buy new if it's in that range.

    It sold. I should have nabbed it.

    What's the asking price on that neighbor's car, out of curiosity?
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    It was $28K new.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    My '93 has leather...I have to think about whether I want that again or not. It gets a bit hot in the summer (non-perforated).

    I may choose a used Touring or Grand Touring one, or a new Sport.
  • BirminghamBirmingham Member Posts: 12
    I am considering purchasing a 2006 Miata, Touring edition. I am trying to decide between the manual shift or the six-speed Automatic with the manual override. Other than just personal preference, does anyone have any thoughts on which is the better option; performance, reliability, MPG, etc.?
    Thanks!
  • tgeentgeen Member Posts: 20
    I have an 06 GT, 6 speed manual. Performance, reliability, and MPG are going to be pretty close, so I wouldn't consider them to be major factors. But why would you want to de-emphasize "personal preference?" This is the major reason why I've never bought an automatic in 25 years. It's like paying the kid next door to play with your new toy. The whole point of a car like the Miata is to become more involved with the machinery and the business of controlling it, not less.

    Go to any big harbor on a nice day, and you'll see lots of sailboats and lots of motorboats. One uses older technology, which is elegant and perfectly serviceable, but takes some time to learn the skills to exploit the wind and waves. The other is more like point and shoot driving. Which skipper would you say is the better seaman? Point and shoot driving is for beginners.
  • BirminghamBirmingham Member Posts: 12
    You are right, 100%. Originally I was looking for a late-model with a 6-speed manual. I test drove a 2006 Touring with manual but for some reason the clutch just wore me out. I had to put on the floor to get it to shift. Knowing I would be driving in stop-and go-traffic a couple days of week, I decided the automatic might be a better choice. But, last week I found a 2007 6-speed manual that was much easier to shift. I am going to buy it instead.
    Thanks!
  • tgeentgeen Member Posts: 20
    Birmingham, you won't regret it. It's the most fun you can have on four wheels. I am more impressed with this car every time I drive it. The shifter and clutch are very light and easy, and all the tactile feedback is perfect, so driving in stop-and-go traffic is not really that difficult once you get to know where the friction point is on the clutch.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Congrats. How much did you pay? I'm casually looking also.
  • destrydestry Member Posts: 58
    I have the 6 speed automatic with paddle shifters on the steering wheel and I LOVE it! Traffic is always heavy where I live and the automatic is a blessing. I like having the option of using automatic or manual, depending on traffic! :shades:
  • BirminghamBirmingham Member Posts: 12
    I paid $18K for the 2007 Touring with 7000 miles and manual transmission. So far I'm lovin' it. There were a few 2006 models for sale from $16,500 to around $17,900 depending on mileage and condition.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah, I'm sort of expecting those to drop as it gets colder.

    You got a good price. That's only about $1000 more than a year-older car with many more miles, plus most of those are Sport models, not Touring.

    Congrats.
  • driverightdriveright Member Posts: 91
    ...plus most of those are Sport models, not Touring.

    The 2006 Touring is the same trim as the 2007 Sport. Go figure.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah? I guess they added content?

    It's hard to shop for used ones because there are 3 models and each year the content varies.

    The other thing is that I'd like heated seats, but often they are paired up with the suspension package (not to mention loaded to the gills), and I'm not sure I want all that.
  • pasquali56pasquali56 Member Posts: 21
    My wife has an '06 Grand Touring and loves it. The only problem is various rattling noises - both front and back. The dealer has never been able to solve the problem; my wife is now kind of resigned to the fact that a car like this is destined to be a little noisy, with rattles, etc. Should we accept this and live with it -- or do you think we should take it back to the dealer and be a little more forceful in resolving the issue? Thanks.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Do you have the stiffer suspension package? People complain about that being a bit stiff, and that could cause a jiggly ride.

    Also make sure the tire pressure is no higher than what they put in the door jamb.

    I have a '93, and it can take 26-28 psi in the tires. Any higher and the CD player skips like crazy.
  • BirminghamBirmingham Member Posts: 12
    Where can I find a good description of of the different trim packages? For example, what options/features are included in each.
  • driverightdriveright Member Posts: 91
    Where can I find a good description of of the different trim packages?

    For the current year, use Mazda's site.link title

    For prior years, try Edmunds "Used Cars" then "Research Prices & Specs".
  • BirminghamBirmingham Member Posts: 12
    Does anyone have experience programming the remote for keyless entry? I bought a brand new remote with programming instructions on eBay and had the blank key cut to match the original. I have followed the instructions exactly many times, but cannot get it to program. The dealer will program it for $95.00 but I would rather save the money and do it myself.
    Let me know if you have gotten this to work for the 07 Miata.
    Thanks!
  • tgeentgeen Member Posts: 20
    Go to miata.net and do a search. I don't know the answer, but somebody there probably does.
  • medic481medic481 Member Posts: 32
    Hi - Just got a good deal on an 06 Grand touring. Is there a way to tell if it has the premium suspension pkg? The dealer did not mention this. Is there a site where you can enter the VIN and get a readout of the car's features? Thanks
  • tgeentgeen Member Posts: 20
    If the struts and shocks are painted yellow, then it's got the suspension package.

    I have found the base (non-sport) suspension to be fine for everyday spirited driving fun, and people who've driven both tend to say the "sport" suspension is actually softer. Body roll is a bit excessive with both, that's been my only complaint. I thought I would want the limited slip differential, but on dry pavement I haven't really needed it like I imagined I would. It's always a pretty composed little car. If you live in the snowbelt, the LSD is probably worth it. If you autocross or race, you'll probably want to ditch all the OEM stuff with either suspension.
  • doctormikedoctormike Member Posts: 2
    I'm doing a bit of research and I'd like to find out the headlight height (above the ground) for a 2007 Miata. It's likely to be pretty much the same for 2005-2008. Anybody have a tape measure and willing to measure from the ground to the approximate center of their headlights?

    TIA.

    Mike
  • BirminghamBirmingham Member Posts: 12
    25 inches on my 2007.
  • doctormikedoctormike Member Posts: 2
    Awesome. Thanks so much.
  • ezshift5ezshift5 Member Posts: 858
    ..selling sailboat/trailer(Sunfish) and a new MX-5 will fit the vacant space in my garage. Three questions:

    1. Do all the model trim engines require Premium fuel?

    2. Is the SV as hard to locate as it seems for this sailor on the left coast?

    3. The next trim line up ($1000 more IIRC) from the SV is the Sport. Appreciate any feedback on what an MX-5 Sport might reasonably sell for new..............

    all the best, ez....
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I've asked about #1 and the answer I always get is that premium is recommended but not required. IIRC it even says that on the gas cap.

    I've never seen an SV, so good luck. I'm shopping for used ones.

    I'm on the other coast. Here, new ones go from $22k for a basic sport to about $28-29k for a fairly loaded PRHT.

    What I'm finding, though, it cheap used ones. I saw a 2008 PRHT Grand Touring, 6 speed manual, which would sell for about $27k new, for $19,999 used with 3k miles.

    3k miles is nothing. $7000 off is something. Very tempting.

    So consider getting a better equipped model slightly used.

    I have a 1993 model now that is working fine, and used prices are dropping on the PRHT models, so I'm being patient.

    Still - I want the PRHT for a little more security and to make it a better car in the cold, plus heated seats. Those are things I wish for that I don't have now.

    Good luck shopping.
  • ezshift5ezshift5 Member Posts: 858
    ..you do nice work.

    ..appreciate your response, senor......

    all the best, ez,,,,
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You're welcome.

    If that car sells tomorrow I'll know you bought it, LOL. :D

    j/k, I've seen one other loaded PRHT for under $20k, so they're not that rare. This just happened to have extremely low miles.
  • tishpit1tishpit1 Member Posts: 24
    I'm looking at getting an '08, but the driver's seat lacks enough lumbar support for me. Can someone tell me if there is an access (zipper, etc.) to open the seat cover (either the cloth or leather seats) so a lumber support can be added (thread it through the seat cover opening to the front lower seat back)? Does it look as though the side airbags would allow access to the lower front seat back under the seat cover? I didn't think of looking for this when I test drove one. Thanks!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The 2009s have re-designed seats. You may want to sample one of those.

    The arm rests are padded and the bottle holder in the door is out of the way.
  • tishpit1tishpit1 Member Posts: 24
    I did try a 2009... and yes, the seat is much improved. Just seeing BIG discounts on the '08's so trying to figure if I can salvage this or will have to wait to save more $ for '09.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Sweetness, just picked up my new 2008 PRHT Touring with the Suspension Package.

    Oh my, it's a lot sportier than my 93, perhaps because my shocks were gone. Also the much lower profile summer tires and the extra power - woo hoo I can't wipe this smile off my face!

    Still gotta fine tune the seating position and the bottle holder rubs my knee (though not too bad). There is also more tire noise, and the ride is stiffer.

    Seems MUCH sportier, though. Gotta stay under 4000rpm for 600 miles. Those will be a long 600 miles. :shades:
  • lotiondoclotiondoc Member Posts: 1
    Hi, I recently picked up a new 2008 Miata with the power retractable hardtop. My question is regarding oversize packages in the trunk.
    Has anyone discvovered a way to use the stretchable (bungee)cords to tie down items that cannt fit into the trunk? I wuold likedto take my beach chairs and other beaching stuff on a trip to the beach. It is more fun in the Miata that my other car-a sedan :-(.
    I would appreciate any information or giudance you can provide.
    Thanks.
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