Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

Mr_Shiftright · January 2005

I'll tell you one thing...if you put a Miata on a twisty road and in the hands of an excellent driver he's going to make a fool out of many many "manly macho" cars on the road today.

locke2c · January 2005

you could do the same with a Protege.

~c

Mr_Shiftright · January 2005

Never drove one, don't know.

locke2c · January 2005

same engine as a Miata, about 250lb more weight,

wrong-wheel drive.

not near as fun to drive as a Miata, but enough potential for a great driver to humble an average one.

~c

Mr_Shiftright · January 2005

250 extra lbs. and FWD....er...no thanks then. Gimme the little Miata.

Well sure, I guess an F1 driver could humiliate any of us if he was driving a Jeep Cherokee---LOL!

ateixeira · January 2005

Protoge5 was fun, not enough torque for torque steer so I couldn't even complain about that.

-juice

audia8q · January 2005

This is the biggest secret in the carbiz....Production for the new and redesigned 2006 Miata starts in June and I still don't know which design is the final one. Even the guys I know at mazda either don't really know or they have managed to keep a really big secret.

I have been digging and will post info as I get it!!

ateixeira · January 2005

Thanks...

I didn't really care for the Ibuki concept. I hope the production car is more masculine.

I wouldn't mind a lighter, more back-to-basics roadster, though. It's gotten too heavy and sort of forgotten its original mission.

-juice

thel · January 2005

I haven't seen much more than some of the mule photos. I don't know if I'd pay to get into a newer one or not...especially if I have to put 91 octane into it

I've thought a bit about upgrading to an 00 EVO orange or something (passenger air bag cut off and 87 octane fuel). But they cost about $8000-9000 more than my old 90 is worth and for $8000 I can buy a lot of upgrades for my 90 (turbo, suspension, cool paint, custom interior, etc. ....If I want to put in the work that is.

ateixeira · January 2005

I'm in the same boat. My '93 is probably worth more to me than it is to anyone else, so I think I'll milk it a little longer.

-juice

fredmcmurray · January 2005

thel - If you slap a turbo in there, I'm sure you'll need to be pumping 91 octane, also.

thel · January 2005

But a Greddy turbo will run me well under $2000 and have at least the power of a MSM. Compare that to buying an MSM for $19-20k or so....

miata007 · January 2005

This spy shot looks very good. Something on the back of my head is telling me this is for real. Nothing like the Ibuki concept. Have a look at caranddriver.com

http://caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=29&article_id=- 9059&page_number=1

007

thel · January 2005

That is the latest test mule that has been out for a while now. The NC will look very similar to this.

ateixeira · January 2005

She's getting too big. I hope she doesn't gain too much weight!

Styling looks good, at least.

-juice

thel · January 2005

Well the ride on my 1990 A-pkg is getting a bit too bouncy so I'm getting some KYB GR-2 shocks. I thought long and hard about the AGX adjustables but since I don't autocross and hence, would most likely not adjust them, I couldn't bring myself to spend the extra $80 or so for them over the GR-2's.

I haven't decided whether or not to try to replace them myself or just pay a shop to do it (kinda cold around here). I also plan on getting an alignment at the same time so I may just have both done in the same trip. Maybe I've been watching too much Powerblock on Spike, but I have a (probably) idiotic urge to try the install with me, my tools and my Haynes Miata manual....hmmmmm.

Either way, after I put a few miles on the set up, I'll let you know how it works.

Here's praying for the same, or lower, ride height!

fredmcmurray · January 2005

New shocks won't change your ride height. You would need to change your springs to that.

The way I see it, the main advantage of adjustable shocks is to fine tune them to reach the right balance of comfort and handling for you. If you install the GR-2s and find them too stiff or too soft, you are stuck with changing out the shocks again.

thel · January 2005

All the reveiws I've read said that the ride was similar to or a bit stiffer than the OEM ride which is what I'm looking for. My 02 LS I had was the perfect blend of stiffness and comfort. I'm hoping for the same with the GR-2's. The shocks in my 90 have been shot for some time.

ateixeira · January 2005

How much for all 4? Parts only?

-juice

thel · January 2005

for $190 shipped. The KYB AGX's were a bit shy of $300 shipped if I remember right. I'm not sure how much a garage will charge me to install them. I'm still considering doing that myself though...especially if it ever warms up.

For $100 I can buy some fabric to reupholster my worn out seats. My Dad and I have those skills so I just need to go out and pick a fabric.

ateixeira · January 2005

If you change your mind lemme know and I'll buy 'em. ;-)

Slightly used, I suppose?

-juice

locke2c · January 2005

I'd get the AGX. the adjustability will help ensure that you get the balance of ride quality and sportiness that you're after.

~c

fredmcmurray · January 2005

Good point, Colin. Wish I had thought of that.

thel · January 2005

LOL, I'll let you know.

groovypippin · February 2005

There are pictures of the next gen Miata all over the internet.

Here's the best link I have found to a large batch of high quality photos - Discuss!

http://www.userweb.suscom.net/~95redmiata/NC/index.htm

lngtonge18 · February 2005

Hmm..interesting pics. It looks like Mazda stayed true to their loyal owners by just refining the original design. The overall design is definitely more masculine. I like the smaller triangular windows and the dual chrome exhaust tips. The roll hoops are a nice addition as long as they don't restrict rearward visibility. It appears the top folds differently then before, kind of like the RX7 convertible. I'm not too sure whether I like the headlight design. The rear taillights might be a bit too familiar. The oval shaped hoodline is different, though reminiscent of the slow selling Nissan NX2000. The orange hued leather interior and those strange ribs on the center console need to go. Otherwise, the interior looks great; different and new while at the same time familiar.

terpfan2 · February 2005

Here is a link to a write up on the new Miata in autoweek:

http://autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101860

The review says it will have a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, up from a 1.8-liter engine in the current Miata . The bigger engine will turn out about 20 more horses as well, reaching upward of 160 hp. The torque climbs to about 140 lb-ft.

miata007 · February 2005

Any news yet on when the car will actually arrive at local dealerships? From what I read, some mags said spring time and others said around summer.

007

kenoka · February 2005

I would guess late summer. They still need to retool the plant, and I haven't even seen an announcement for when job 1 begins.

wheelz4 · February 2005

saw your piece in 3xZoom.....I agree, Mazda needs to keep the MX-5 basic and affordable. I like the update...fairly subtle and yet much stronger. They didn't go crazy with hp or tire size. I think the Solstice, coming in under 20 large will exert some pressure on Mazda to price it competitively, as the Soltice is about 2 large less than the current base Miata. The Solstice does look a little flashier (not surprising for a Pontiac) but I think the MX-5 is more timeless and will age better. I'd be surprised if the Solstice was the better driver/handler (memories of Fiero?!) but I guess we'll have to wait for the inevitable comparisons.

ateixeira · February 2005

We don't need silly luxuries. Like power steering. ;-)

New design looks great from the rear view, IMO. I like the roll hoops too, and that means you can drive at a FATT event without a roll bar now.

Hood came from the Ibuki concept, so did the headlight shape, though the type is different.

I do like the fenders, gives it an RX8 flavor, that part of it is more muscular.

I'm not crazy about the front view, it could be more masculine, but overall it's nice and the design certainly doesn't seem to get in the way.

-juice

ateixeira · February 2005

Yeah, I hope they keep it light. It will grow so that's a concern I have.

Solistice will be bigger and heavier, half way between the old Miata and a Corvette.

-juice

nyccarguy · February 2005

I like the design. To me it looks like a shortened version of a BMW Z8. There are some pictures and a short write up in April's "MOTOR TREND."

groovypippin · February 2005

Nc weighs in at 22lbs heavier than nb

thel · February 2005

From what I've seen, the NC is harkening back to the NA more than the NB. The interior looks much more NA with the striaght pieces in the door panels to the caramel color of the interior (I still like the 01-02 tan best).

I think I'd rather have an orange MSM. More power, better looks (IMO) and a cheaper price tag. Unfortunately for me, the nearest Mazdaspeed dealer is at least 1.5 hours away...really inconvenient if I need any warranty work on that turbo.

ateixeira · February 2005

I can live with 22 lbs extra weight. That's impressive given the stretch in wheelbase and track.

My '93 has a tan interior and I liked that also. Black gets hot in the sun.

New one should have enough legroom for folks over 5'10".

-juice

poorrichard01 · March 2005

I know I should really hold off until I see one in the flesh, but for now I like the NB better than the NC. I love the new wheel arches, the new instrument cluster and center stack. I don't like the front end lights and hood. My hope right now is that the new Miata will generate enough interest that the remaining 2005s become bargain priced.

Poor Richard

PS I've really seen enough of these Conestoga-Wagon-like wheels with the radial spokes going out to super-low-profile tires. They remind me of something out of an Old West movie, IMHO of course.

ateixeira · March 2005

I like the new lights. The NB lights look like an afterthought, which is why I prefer my '93 model (at least with the headlights hidden).

The new lights are integrated into the overall style.

-juice

brunoganz · March 2005

I have a 2001 Miata with 68K miles. Recently, while on the highway the engine started cutting in and out. It did this for about a mile and then all of a sudden it stopped. It proceeded to run just fine with no difference in performance than before the incident. It has done the same thing twice since, stalling both times. I turned the car off for a few minutes and when I started it back up, it ran just fine, no problems at all. Drove home each time with no problems. I took it into Firestone to check the diagnostic and they told me that the memory logged a P0304, misfire and a P1345, cylinder discriminator signal. The guy said they usually go together and recommended new plugs and wires. I dont believe him since in my opinion bad plugs and or wires wont present such an intermittent problem. To me, Its gotta be something else. Does anyone have any ideas?

waerl · March 2005

This car leaks everytime it rains. Top seems to be sound. Any ideas?
Also does anyone know of of a mechanic in the New York City or Wash, DC metro areas that has experience with this problem?

Mr_Shiftright · March 2005

He could be right. Miatas are notorious spark plug wire eaters after even 30K miles. Not sure about the plugs, but wires definitely if they are your OEM ones still in there.

ateixeira · March 2005

Two potential issues: spark or fuel.

I'm with shifty here, plug wires are by far the most likely culprit. The stock ones are horrible and usually don't even last 30k miles. Shop around for better ones, there is so much demand that you'll find 5-6 options.

After that, I'd change the plugs and fuel filter, if it's still bad then I'd do a fuel system service to clean that out. That last item solved a major hesitation problem on our 626 V6.

Top leak - I bet your cable snapped. That happened to my '93. I only found out when Performance Buyers Club replaced my soft top, but I'd noticed a loose cable and wasn't sure what it was for.

Cost me an extra $80 IIRC to replace that cable. It basically sinches up the top, so it might be the cure for your leak.

Good luck.

-juice

makana1 · March 2005

I am moving back to San Diego soon and am considering buying a used Miata ('99-'03) to use on my daily commute. Problem is I am very tall (6'7", 225 lbs) and wonder if I can fit comfortably in this car. Any tall Miata owners care to comment? For me the problem in any car is not legroom per se but the amount of space in between the driver door panel and the steering wheel -- often my hand bumps into the steering wheel when I am turning left. Any ideas?

ateixeira · March 2005

No way, no how.

I'm 5'11" (6' on a good day with shoes) and I'd say I'm right about at the limit. Even I could use an inch or two more legroom.

30" inseam, 205 lbs or so.

And BTW, I put spacers in the seat track to give me better thigh support since my knees are splayed upward.

I have to wear small shoes (driving mocs work best), no boots, or my feet don't fit properly in the foot well, even.

Wait for a 2006 MX-5, it's got a 2.3" longer wheelbase and should be roomier in length and width.

Oh, also, the 2006 will finally get a tilt wheel.

-juice

makana1 · March 2005

Thanks for the info -- I'm depressed. Really want to find a nice reliable, affordable Japanese convertible but the Camry Solara is pretty boring.

thel · March 2005

350Z roadster and the s2000 both have more legroom than a Miata...but 6'7"?! Damn, you may be SOL. My 6'4" FAther in law is plenty comfy in his C5 Vette.

thel · March 2005

Plugs and or wires was the first thing I thought of when reading your post as well. For $40-50 you can replace the plugs and wirse with NGK's and at the very worst, it does nothing to help, but you have a fresh tune-up. BTW, this is verrrry easy to do yourself, just get some antiseize goo for the new plugs (torque wrench is good to).

thel · March 2005

Well, as I posted a few weeks ago, I replaced my old shocks in my 1990 A-package. I replaced them with KYB GS2's from ebay for $190 shipped. I decided to follow Kieth Tanner's procedure from his book on Miata Performance Projects.

All told, it was actually pretty simple. I started with the rears and IMO they were harder b/c I had to have my wife pry the lower control arm down to get the shocks in and out.

I then did the fronts which went wihtout a hitch until I had to cut out the lower shock mounting bolt with a pneumatic cut-off wheel b/c it was stuck in the shock bushing. Cutting out that bolt consumed more time than the rest of the project combined (had to run back and forth to Lowe's and Sears for various tools and a temporary replacement bolt...argh).

After replacing them I had to test drive. The difference is night and day. The GS2's are the exact kind of ride I was looking for, not to stiff, not too mushy. If you're shocks are over 50,000 miles or so old, or if you're like me, you don't know when (if ever) they were replaced, then you NEED to get some new shocks in there.

BTW, the spring compressors I bought at Advance Auto Parts for $30 were very simple to use and as long as you take your time, they are completely safe.

ateixeira · March 2005

I'm getting motivated...I know mine are spent.

-juice

thel · March 2005

You can do it. To prepare myself, I read all the articles on Miata.net's garage section, I read my Haynes repair manual and I used Kieth Tanner's book as my main guide. By the time I actually did the job, I barely had to look at the books...I knew the process already.

Tools I used were a torque wrench, a cut-off wheel for that friggin' bolt, a 17 & 21 mm socket, and a 17 & 21 mm wrench. You can rent the spring compressors in DC easy, around here, I couldn't find any to rent so I just bought them. I fyou take your time it should be pretty easy. It was quite a bit easier than when I replaced my soft top last summer.

The improvement in handling and ride after you're done will make you kick yourself for waiting so long....trust me.

Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

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