MmmMiata... I love those.
I definitely agree with getting one. They look like a total blast!
I definitely agree with getting one. They look like a total blast!
Thinking about a "fun" car -- Miata?
- Thread starter Benzadmiral
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My son has had a 92 for years and loves it.
Are you comfortable driving a little car in which you can get squashed like a grape by a larger vehicle that may or may not know it has even hit anything?
If so, go for the Miata.
I can tell you that our regular cars are about the size of your Park Avenue and when I get in the Solstice I feel very vulnerable to larger vehicles on the road, most of whom are driven by idiot maniacs who should not be allowed to be in control of a can opener.
We have less than 1K since new on our Sol, and it will not get more than 10K on it in our lifetime, if that tells you anything.
edit: Never had a Miata, but here are the pros and cons of small cars:
pro: they are small, so they are a hoot to drive and they are cute to look at it particularly if you have a good looking wife sitting in it, and they don't take up a lot of room in the garage, shop, whatever you store them in when they are not being driven, which is 99% of the time you own it.
con: they are small, pretty much anything on the road can kill you in it, can't carry much of anything, making them a day trip / weekend trip car. They are a lot of fun for this, so maybe that it is a pro after all.
If so, go for the Miata.
I can tell you that our regular cars are about the size of your Park Avenue and when I get in the Solstice I feel very vulnerable to larger vehicles on the road, most of whom are driven by idiot maniacs who should not be allowed to be in control of a can opener.
We have less than 1K since new on our Sol, and it will not get more than 10K on it in our lifetime, if that tells you anything.
edit: Never had a Miata, but here are the pros and cons of small cars:
pro: they are small, so they are a hoot to drive and they are cute to look at it particularly if you have a good looking wife sitting in it, and they don't take up a lot of room in the garage, shop, whatever you store them in when they are not being driven, which is 99% of the time you own it.
con: they are small, pretty much anything on the road can kill you in it, can't carry much of anything, making them a day trip / weekend trip car. They are a lot of fun for this, so maybe that it is a pro after all.
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Originally Posted By: Win
Are you comfortable driving a little car in which you can get squashed like a grape by a larger vehicle that may or may not know it has even hit anything?
If so, go for the Miata.
Miata is a fun car to drive but. Some friends of mine were out for a Sunday drive in their Miata about 7 years ago when it was broadsided by a Tahoe. They are no longer with us.
Are you comfortable driving a little car in which you can get squashed like a grape by a larger vehicle that may or may not know it has even hit anything?
If so, go for the Miata.
Miata is a fun car to drive but. Some friends of mine were out for a Sunday drive in their Miata about 7 years ago when it was broadsided by a Tahoe. They are no longer with us.
You can get killed in any car, but yes, the smaller cars are indeed a more dangerous choice. You could always buy an old bus.
That said....I had a late model Miata MX5 (same one they still sell). It was, without any doubt, the best car I've ever had. The balance, handling, fun, and mechanicals, ALL conspired to make it one exceptional vehicle for the money. Not a week goes by that I don't regret getting rid of that car (divorce). I had a Mustang GT since, thinking that it would bring back the fun but with much more raw horsepower. Stupid purchase! Wasn't near as fun as the Miata nor was the driving feel as precise, nimble, and joyful to drive. I had originally purchased the MX5 for a similar reason you are considering.....to get as close as possible to a 'motorcycle' without actually getting one. Well, of all the vehicles I've driven, the Miata does indeed give you that sort of 'one with the road' feel and fun that a motorcycle provides (I have ridden many bikes by the way).
If the Miata you're looking at is in great condition....get it. You'll really enjoy the car.
That said....I had a late model Miata MX5 (same one they still sell). It was, without any doubt, the best car I've ever had. The balance, handling, fun, and mechanicals, ALL conspired to make it one exceptional vehicle for the money. Not a week goes by that I don't regret getting rid of that car (divorce). I had a Mustang GT since, thinking that it would bring back the fun but with much more raw horsepower. Stupid purchase! Wasn't near as fun as the Miata nor was the driving feel as precise, nimble, and joyful to drive. I had originally purchased the MX5 for a similar reason you are considering.....to get as close as possible to a 'motorcycle' without actually getting one. Well, of all the vehicles I've driven, the Miata does indeed give you that sort of 'one with the road' feel and fun that a motorcycle provides (I have ridden many bikes by the way).
If the Miata you're looking at is in great condition....get it. You'll really enjoy the car.
If you are worried about getting killed, stay home or take the bus.
If you are wanting to enjoy getting there and often don't need to drag a lot along, get a Miata or some such.
If you are wanting to enjoy getting there and often don't need to drag a lot along, get a Miata or some such.
If the budget allows for it, I'd go with a Solstice GXP Coupe. A better looking car IMO and a possible collecter car at the same time.
Originally Posted By: FORD4LIFE
Originally Posted By: Win
Are you comfortable driving a little car in which you can get squashed like a grape by a larger vehicle that may or may not know it has even hit anything?
If so, go for the Miata.
Miata is a fun car to drive but. Some friends of mine were out for a Sunday drive in their Miata about 7 years ago when it was broadsided by a Tahoe. They are no longer with us.
Actually you'd be surprised that death rate per mile for miata's is pretty low, like almost midsize car low. I can't find the stats online anymore but I know both my cars are death traps compared to a miata, statistically speaking. Small and midsize SUV's have high death rates too.
Anyways, a miata is almost like driving a brinks truck compared to motorcycles and if driven with same attention to the road a good motorcycle rider uses, a miata is plenty safe.
Originally Posted By: Win
Are you comfortable driving a little car in which you can get squashed like a grape by a larger vehicle that may or may not know it has even hit anything?
If so, go for the Miata.
Miata is a fun car to drive but. Some friends of mine were out for a Sunday drive in their Miata about 7 years ago when it was broadsided by a Tahoe. They are no longer with us.
Actually you'd be surprised that death rate per mile for miata's is pretty low, like almost midsize car low. I can't find the stats online anymore but I know both my cars are death traps compared to a miata, statistically speaking. Small and midsize SUV's have high death rates too.
Anyways, a miata is almost like driving a brinks truck compared to motorcycles and if driven with same attention to the road a good motorcycle rider uses, a miata is plenty safe.
I'm sorry, but I am SO SICK of all the negative attitude towards small cars all the time.
EVERYTIME someone posts about buying a car smaller than a CV or SUV, people always say 'you're going to get killed in that thing'.
People: YOU CAN BE KILLED IN ANY VEHICLE, SMALL OR LARGE. IT'S ONE OF THE DANGERS OF DRIVING.
Being a good, alert, defensive driver is what keeps you safe.
EVERYTIME someone posts about buying a car smaller than a CV or SUV, people always say 'you're going to get killed in that thing'.
People: YOU CAN BE KILLED IN ANY VEHICLE, SMALL OR LARGE. IT'S ONE OF THE DANGERS OF DRIVING.
Being a good, alert, defensive driver is what keeps you safe.
The OP might want to look at BMW Z3 cars. They are now in a similar price range as the car he was looking at and are very safe cars.
Update: I wrote that and then came across this post:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1410734
Update: I wrote that and then came across this post:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1410734
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The Miata has always ranked among the top five to ten BEST cars for fun....especially per dollar. Track tests AND real world driving attests to that. Sure, you could get a faster car....and perhaps even a flashier vehicle (although the copper red one I had always got more looks than most cars). But to do that YOU WILL pay more.
Seriously....get the car. It's soooo much fun to drive. I had the six speed manual....what a blast.
Seriously....get the car. It's soooo much fun to drive. I had the six speed manual....what a blast.
I haven't heard back from the guy in MS about his black one, but a dealer in Slidell has a silver '01. Maybe another trip out of town is in order. . . .
I know it's a small car, so it'll behoove me to be even more cautious with it in traffic. This would be for runs where I don't need to bring a lot of stuff along -- for instance, there'd be room for one cat carrier, or one human passenger, not both!
I know it's a small car, so it'll behoove me to be even more cautious with it in traffic. This would be for runs where I don't need to bring a lot of stuff along -- for instance, there'd be room for one cat carrier, or one human passenger, not both!
Originally Posted By: CivicFan
The OP might want to look at BMW Z3 cars. They are now in a similar price range as the car he was looking at and are very safe cars.
Update: I wrote that and then came across this post:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1410734
Oh, I did my time with German cars. Lovely to drive, to polish and fret over . . . not so lovely when it comes to repair/maintenance costs. A nearby dealer has a '99 Z3, metallic blue over black, for $7K. But the insurance, Mein Gott!
(Of course, that same Gotcha! might apply to the Miata.)
The OP might want to look at BMW Z3 cars. They are now in a similar price range as the car he was looking at and are very safe cars.
Update: I wrote that and then came across this post:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1410734
Oh, I did my time with German cars. Lovely to drive, to polish and fret over . . . not so lovely when it comes to repair/maintenance costs. A nearby dealer has a '99 Z3, metallic blue over black, for $7K. But the insurance, Mein Gott!
(Of course, that same Gotcha! might apply to the Miata.)
Originally Posted By: LS2JSTS
If the budget allows for it, I'd go with a Solstice GXP Coupe. A better looking car IMO and a possible collecter car at the same time.
Of course I'm partial, but I'd definitely agree...although not just to the coupe exclusively. I love my ragtop and I haven't even driven it in the summer months yet!
Not to mention it has quite a bit more bite than the Miata, to say the least...
If the budget allows for it, I'd go with a Solstice GXP Coupe. A better looking car IMO and a possible collecter car at the same time.
Of course I'm partial, but I'd definitely agree...although not just to the coupe exclusively. I love my ragtop and I haven't even driven it in the summer months yet!
Not to mention it has quite a bit more bite than the Miata, to say the least...
Most guys who autocross a miata have a trailer hitch and a small trailer for their R-comps.
Another popular option is a motor cycle trailer, for longer trips. I assume they are good for .9G cornering?
Another popular option is a motor cycle trailer, for longer trips. I assume they are good for .9G cornering?
Originally Posted By: Lurch
I'm sure they'd be a fun car.
I looked into getting one as my only car but the trunk is very small and the MPGs are good but not great.
I remember part of fun in my TR-4 days was packing light. Free your self from stuff. With the Miata you won't need to carry the tools and spares a Triumph needed.
I'm sure they'd be a fun car.
I looked into getting one as my only car but the trunk is very small and the MPGs are good but not great.
I remember part of fun in my TR-4 days was packing light. Free your self from stuff. With the Miata you won't need to carry the tools and spares a Triumph needed.
Originally Posted By: CivicFan
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Get it! You only live once...
I second that.
+1 if you can afford it.
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Get it! You only live once...
I second that.
+1 if you can afford it.
I own an MGB which I bought when it was but four years old, with only 18K miles.
There is nothing more entertaining to drive than a small open car.
Any Miata handles better, goes faster and is worlds more relible than an MGB.
I'm not sure that the Mazda has a better clutch or shifter, since both of these are world-class on the MG.
Anyway, I would say that a Miata would be a great choice.
A neat litle open car, with modern Japanese reliability and durability.
Any MG was a bit of a challenge as a daily driver, as I used mine when I bought it thirty years ago.
A Miata gives you all of the fun of a Brit car, with none of the headaches.
If you really want one, go for it.
I may join you, since I would love a turn the key and drive sports car.
I have thought about the Miata as a daily driver since 1990.
There is nothing more entertaining to drive than a small open car.
Any Miata handles better, goes faster and is worlds more relible than an MGB.
I'm not sure that the Mazda has a better clutch or shifter, since both of these are world-class on the MG.
Anyway, I would say that a Miata would be a great choice.
A neat litle open car, with modern Japanese reliability and durability.
Any MG was a bit of a challenge as a daily driver, as I used mine when I bought it thirty years ago.
A Miata gives you all of the fun of a Brit car, with none of the headaches.
If you really want one, go for it.
I may join you, since I would love a turn the key and drive sports car.
I have thought about the Miata as a daily driver since 1990.
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