2006+ Miatas

[asiancivicmaniac]

I'm helping my mom find a car and I suggested that she is better off getting a used nicer car than getting a new econobox. I've been looking at mid-size sedans and today it came across that she's in her 50s and really doesn't have anyone she has to drive around since both my sister and I are grown and driving ourselves. My dad has a van so it's not like they need a real passenger car. I'm going to pitch the idea of a Miata to her and dad to see how they like the idea. I think they will enjoy having something fun to drive and reliable. My mom is a petite lady and having a small car will be much easier for her to drive and park. She drives ten miles to and from work each day and goes to the store a few times a week. They can't drive stick so it will be an automatic if I'm successful. I figure if my dad likes driving my Max as much as he does that he should like a sportier car.

How are these cars? As daily drivers? What problems to look for if buying used?

 

[silverrat]

Buying an automatic Miata really cuts down on the chance of finding one I think something like 15% are automatic.

 

[zyxelenator]

Maybe she would like new Fiat 500. Small and very cute in ladies viewpoint.Sport edition is pretty fun to drive.
Cooper S is fun and you can find plenty of used and auto. Not sure about reliability.
Miata is nice, but automatic, cmon.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Originally Posted By: zyxelenator
Maybe she would like new Fiat 500. Small and very cute in ladies viewpoint.Sport edition is pretty fun to drive.
Cooper S is fun and you can find plenty of used and auto. Not sure about reliability.
Miata is nice, but automatic, cmon.


According to car mags, the auto isn't that bad. And there are a few in her price range. And it's not like two 50 something year olds are going to track the car lol. Maybe their children would take it for a spin

I don't think the Fiat 500 would be a good choice since it is so new on these shores.

 

[oggb]

The Fiat has the absolute worst visibility of any car I've driven recently. Engine is thrashy and it has no power, transmission likes to shift all the freakin' time.

Interior is nice though.

Miata is a good idea if they can swing having one car that isn't quite so practical.

 

[vssjim]

The Miata is by far the best Mazda by far can't recomend any other Mazda but these are solid with standard maint.

 

[andrewg]

I had a 2007 six speed manual Miata MX5. Simply the best driving car I've ever owned and more fun than a motorcycle to me. I can't speak for the automatic models but the Miata I had was VERY reliable, well built, comfortable, and easy to park in the smallest spaces. I had it on one long road trip with a girlfriend and found it to be a pleasant touring car as well. Short trips or long ones that car was really nice. Drawbacks? None, if you grasp what you are getting into (two seater and a small trunk). To be honest I wish I'd NEVER gotten rid of that car (divorce). I replaced it later with a 2009 Mustang GT. Not even close to as enjoyable as the Miata. I got rid of the GT with no remorse.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

My mom likes the idea so we're going to look at one next week.

 

[k24a4]

let us know how it turns out. i'd love to get into a 3rd gen miata. keep in mind they require premium fuel.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Originally Posted By: k24a4
let us know how it turns out. i'd love to get into a 3rd gen miata. keep in mind they require premium fuel.


Seriously? For that small 4 cylinder?

 

[andrewg]

Originally Posted By: k24a4
let us know how it turns out. i'd love to get into a 3rd gen miata. keep in mind they require premium fuel.

I don't believe that the manual states that. What I recall it stating was that it recommends premium fuel (91 octane or higher). I'm fairly certain you could get by with a mid-grade fuel just fine. But seriously.....if you are going to calculate the cost between filling the tank with premium vs. regular, it's only a few bucks difference. Trust me, the MX5 is worth it.

 

[k24a4]

Originally Posted By: andrewg
Originally Posted By: k24a4
let us know how it turns out. i'd love to get into a 3rd gen miata. keep in mind they require premium fuel.

I don't believe that the manual states that. What I recall it stating was that it recommends premium fuel (91 octane or higher). I'm fairly certain you could get by with a mid-grade fuel just fine. But seriously.....if you are going to calculate the cost between filling the tank with premium vs. regular, it's only a few bucks difference. Trust me, the MX5 is worth it.


you are correct, they "recommend", not "require", premium fuel:

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/musa2/pdf/specs/specs_MX5.pdf

 

[silverrat]

Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
Originally Posted By: k24a4
let us know how it turns out. i'd love to get into a 3rd gen miata. keep in mind they require premium fuel.


Seriously? For that small 4 cylinder?


What does it being small and 4 cylinder have to do with requiring premium fuel?

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Originally Posted By: silverrat
Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
Originally Posted By: k24a4
let us know how it turns out. i'd love to get into a 3rd gen miata. keep in mind they require premium fuel.


Seriously? For that small 4 cylinder?


What does it being small and 4 cylinder have to do with requiring premium fuel?


It's no S2000 engine

 

[andrewg]

Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
Originally Posted By: silverrat
Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
Originally Posted By: k24a4
let us know how it turns out. i'd love to get into a 3rd gen miata. keep in mind they require premium fuel.


Seriously? For that small 4 cylinder?


What does it being small and 4 cylinder have to do with requiring premium fuel?


It's no S2000 engine

But it is a true value....especially when compared to the Honda. In my opinion far more fun per dollar. Plus, it doesn't need to be driven at higher rpms and makes for a far better commuter vehicle while still being a kick to drive when you want it to.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Just got it home. Mom doesn't drive the interstates so I get to drive it until I go home for Thanksgiving. 2006 with 78k miles. Has some stuff showing wear, but the paintwork and body are immaculate.

 

[jigen]

I think it looks great! Nice buy!

 

[Scum_Frog]

Nice find!!!!!!

 

[k24a4]

a sin that it's an auto, but what were your impressions of the ride and handling?

 

[andrewg]

Nice one. Sure miss mine.