My car feels like a pig.

It was an '02 base model with a 5-speed (not even a 6-speed). It was pretty low on options, as all it had was the spoiler which I would prefer to do without. I noticed it had been on the lot since March (from the inspection sticker), and I bet I could get a pretty good deal on it.

It had been a while since I'd driven one. I'd forgotten how connected they feel, and how intimate the cockpit is. And how precise the steering feels, and the way the stubby little shifter sits in just the right place...

After years of wrestling with issues of practicality, I think I may be ready to defect. I no longer care about the Miata's puny trunk. I can't get this freaking car out of my head. It's like a bad highschool crush. I'm going to start dreaming about it soon.

 

It's fine if you get a Miata, just as long as you get one of these too:

 

I think you mixed up and posted the wrong picture. You meant to post a pic of a turbo instead of a JRSC, right?

 

I am not a fan of the miata. Never have been. How much are they new?

 

I hope so

 

If I get it it'll stay bone stock.

Well, maybe a clutch/flywheel, but that's it!

Edit: The one I looked at stickered at about $22,000.


[Modified by MK Ultra, 6:52 PM 9/7/2002]

 

You sound like a friend of mine.

"I'm going to keep my S2000 stock."

"Well maybe just a few things here and there."

I wonder how long before he wants cams or FI.

 

hehehe

Do Bosch wiper blades count?

 

my dad picked up a 10th anniv model. it included bilsteins, some more chasis braces, and a 6-speed gear box. I think he mentioned something about an LSD being optional.

The car has 0 ZERO NOOO power. Okay, it has some power...but not enough.

Despite the fact that it does handle sooo well (keep in mind it's perfectly balanced 50/50 and RWD) it loses in the power category...which is where the turbo comes in. Get a turbo and we'll let you get the car

Edit\\\ btw, they were offering 0% financing on the car, which is a certain no brainer. I think now they are offering rebates too. When it was all said and done he got the car for about $5k under what we bargained down to. The thing was just plain cheap!


[Modified by Tweakmeister, 12:59 AM 9/8/2002]

 

315hp at the wheels

 

I really didn't think the car was low on power. It felt fine to me. OK, so the top end was *ahem* somewhat lacking, but I could live with it.

I don't want to add too much hp to a car like that because it would ruin the balance of qualities. I think that's what really attracts me to the Miata: it's just so well balanced. Nothing stands out. Everything is in proper proportion.

 

an Rx-7 shifter is pretty damn nice too

 

my father has turbo miata! two words describe it, drift machine! ~10lbs boost+ and air-water intercooler! t28! sick eric

 

No, I don't think I posted the wrong picture. What's wrong with Supercharged Miatas?

 

I completely understand, after a friend let me borrow his for a fun-run one day. He BTW has an R AND his Miata which is slowly becoming a Full Track car.

I totally understand and No, you don't need boost of any sort to have a total blast in the Miata. Boost helps though...


A.

PS I'm so hooked I am thinking of getting one next spring.

 

once you star to outdrive the car you'll appreciate the power issue more. there was one time I wasn't watching it and attempted to drift a corner....ufortunately the power wasn't there to power slide out and the result was less than ideal (almost nailed a barrier)

it is a blast to drive. and let's face it, when you're tired you just want something that's fun to drive slow. the miate fits this bill well. the seats are probably the only other thing I'd consider changing. they are okay but something that holds you in better in the corners would help (pulling donuts you really notice this )

 

btw if you haven't checked out Miata.net then do so. I know for the 10th anniv. generation there was a potential major engine flaw. my dad's might be affected but unless the engine blows mazda isn't going to change out the part.....and at the mileage this thing gets (it's at 4000 and it's a '99) we'll probably not know if it's a bad one or not in time for the warranty to be in effect.

on the other hand another friend bought one and had the engine blow up as he pulled out of the dealership. mazda replaced everything no questions asked and it's been flawless since.

 

I bought a used 1995 35k mile Miata with LSD and hard top. It is pretty much stock except for Porterfield pads. (Got it for $8.5k two years ago, which might give you an indication of how quickly they depreciate.) I drove quite a few 1st generation Miatas before finding one I liked. Have not driven the 2nd generation, but, by all accounts, it is at best an incremental improvement over the 1st generation one.

I am mystified how any one could think it is more 'connected' than a R. Without the hard top, the stock Miata has brutal cowl shake. Even with the hard top, the lack of chassis rigidity is incredible. For me, this lack of rigidity filters all inputs and outputs from the chassis adding a nasty layer of fuzziness - despite an excellent suspension design. I have not been tempted to add stiffer shocks and springs because they would only make the problem worse.

The Miata engine is agricultural and compared to the B18C5 seems like a mid-1980s rental car engine. I have never found the car to be particulalry underpowered, but in terms of throttle responsiveness and revability it is a decade behind the R engine.

My Miata is an excellent little car for $8k or so but I would not pay much more than that for any Miata. The engine could have been made 15 years ago (hell, family sedans have almost twice its power output now), the brakes are only ok in terms of feel or stopping distance, and they are not all that much lighter than an R.

What they do have going for them is RWD and an excellent suspension design. I wish they concentrated on making the chassis stiffer (even if it added 200lbs) and putting a decent engine in it.


[Modified by norice, 7:45 PM 9/7/2002]

 

I like it because the FR feeling is nice and responsive in steering inputs. Its a safe ride in speed limits because u rev the
hell out of it in 1st 3 gear and u are still the save zone from cops. Anyway, fun car but of course not any R level.

 

There pretty good auto-x cars

rwd, light weight, good gearing, always can add more power

 

everytime I see a guy driving a miata I laugh.

 

I went to look at a mini today, I wonder what the saleman thought "6' 200 lb guy wants to buy a mini..ahahahaha"

 

What year did the miata switch to the 1.8 Litre motor?

 

I miss my 97 Miata. It is not as fast as my B16 rex but the Miata was a hell of lot more fun to drive....... Best handing car I had ever driven. ( ok, I did have springs and struts on it)