Miata
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 691
Likes: 317
From: NW OH
Miata
My husband has been looking at miatas lately. He has a mustang convertible now which is nice but "too big". He is looking at a 2016 grand touring. He used to have an i3 which was a nice size but it was getting long in the tooth (and lousy on the highway...) and before that a great big dodge challenger that you could put a piano and about 7 dead bodies in the trunk.
The kicker is, before I had the short stint with the supra I had a 2016 miata for over 5 years and I liked it. But it was the base model, did not have nice seats or navigation screen or even an automatic transmission. The seats kinda sucked and it was tiny and cramped. He did not like riding in it or driving in it. I I love my vette and think it's a great car. In fact we recently got a new credenza from homegoods and I thought the lady at the store helping to load it was gonna laugh at my little old vette. But she was thankful because she didn't have to pick it up so high like a lot of these trucks and SUVs nowadays. Of course it fit (had to slide the seats all the way up)...
But if he got a miata just like my old one "but better" I'm worried I might be a little jealous. At least we "borrow" each others cars all the time.
If that other guy can post aboot wanting an frc with mag wheels I can post aboot marital/automotive thoughts?
The kicker is, before I had the short stint with the supra I had a 2016 miata for over 5 years and I liked it. But it was the base model, did not have nice seats or navigation screen or even an automatic transmission. The seats kinda sucked and it was tiny and cramped. He did not like riding in it or driving in it. I I love my vette and think it's a great car. In fact we recently got a new credenza from homegoods and I thought the lady at the store helping to load it was gonna laugh at my little old vette. But she was thankful because she didn't have to pick it up so high like a lot of these trucks and SUVs nowadays. Of course it fit (had to slide the seats all the way up)...
But if he got a miata just like my old one "but better" I'm worried I might be a little jealous. At least we "borrow" each others cars all the time.
If that other guy can post aboot wanting an frc with mag wheels I can post aboot marital/automotive thoughts?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 157
From: Pennsylvania
The Miata is a fine car especially the ND2 with hard top. Honestly they are in some ways more fun and better than the c5 but what kept me away was the lack of power. If mazda would give the Miata 325-375 hp it would be the car everyone wanted you can not beat the light weight and handling of a Miata but they are just underpowered. Either way if you own a Miata you will be happy with it and get lots of smiles per mile. In some ways a c5 and Miata in the same garage is like having your cake and eating it too.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 691
Likes: 317
From: NW OH
to be fair. over the years my miata had collected: hail damage. cracked bumper cover. binding clutch pedal. 2nd and sometimes 4th would grind. Aftermarket swaybars that almost immediately started creaking. Carvana did not care about any of those issues when I sold it as they did not keep the car from running. We were also having relationship trouble at the time when I bought it, not a good time to buy a car.
Still... he brought it up and I was like
Some times you just need a fresh start.
Still... he brought it up and I was like
Some times you just need a fresh start.
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 215
Likes: 134
From: Hydro, Oklahoma
The OP said, "The seats kinda sucked and it was tiny and cramped.."
That, exactly, describes why I will never have another Miata. Two hours in the Miata and I was ready for a chiropractor. I have done several multi-thousand mile trips in the C5 and have nothing but praise for it's comfort.
That, exactly, describes why I will never have another Miata. Two hours in the Miata and I was ready for a chiropractor. I have done several multi-thousand mile trips in the C5 and have nothing but praise for it's comfort.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 401
Likes: 265
From: Baltimore, MD
Are C5 owners really disparaging the seats in another car? LOL. The C5 factory seats are the worst ever fitted to a sports car in the history of mankind. Personally, I’d love to have a Miata to pair with my vette. The Z06 is a poor nice day cruiser with its fixed roof. I had a Mustang convertible rental a few weeks ago and was surprised at how big it felt. I’d love a tiny car for fun, nice weather driving.
A used Miata should hold its value quite well, so if he hates it, it shouldn’t cost too much.
A used Miata should hold its value quite well, so if he hates it, it shouldn’t cost too much.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 691
Likes: 317
From: NW OH
I had the base "sport" model and didn't like the seats when suddenly found myself commuting several hours on a fairly regular basis for work... 6 hours on the hwy ruined me for the rest of the day... the touring version supposedly has nicer seats...
nowadays if I have to drive that much I just fly but that employer was paying milage, and didn't have to deal with lyft or rentals...
I didn't like the C5 seats from a sports perspective (lateral support) but they sure are comfortable... I have mine in the house on a 2x6 base to use as regular chairs in the office lol
nowadays if I have to drive that much I just fly but that employer was paying milage, and didn't have to deal with lyft or rentals...
I didn't like the C5 seats from a sports perspective (lateral support) but they sure are comfortable... I have mine in the house on a 2x6 base to use as regular chairs in the office lol
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 52
Likes: 64
From: Pittsburgh, Pa
I had a base 2019 Soul Red Miata which I had for three years before I traded it in for a C7. I think the color attracted me the most. I had more comments on the color. I enjoyed the three years I had it. It was fun to drive, under powered, but so small and uncomfortable that I never felt safe driving it and so difficult to get in and out of. Mazda is so concerned about weight that the metal was so thin on the side above the door that I think I dinged it with my elbow getting out. Even though it was mechanically free of issues, great on gas, I personally would not recommend buying one.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,572
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From: Taildragers rule! USA1
When The Mazda Miata 1st came out...........it was supposed to be like a Lotus Elan! If you've EVER driven an Elan (I did) they are the DEFENITION of a sports car. Too bad the Miata never came through, although it is kind of cute, especially the new hardtop model.
https://www.hotcars.com/the-car-that...he-lotus-elan/
https://www.hotcars.com/the-car-that...he-lotus-elan/
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Sorry, but moving this to Other Cars.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,386
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From: Melbourne, FL
What does your husband's boyfriend think about it?
I kid, I kid.
If you want the Miata, then give him the Vette and you get a Miata? Or a Z4 or SLK?
Ive never understood the fascination with Miata. They're slow, poorly built, not that incredibly cheap, and while they handle well, so do a lot of other things. I get that slow car driven fast is fun, but a Miata is just now how I would do it. You could get a Mini Cooper S and have just as much fun but have a semi usable car as well, and be faster!
I kid, I kid.
If you want the Miata, then give him the Vette and you get a Miata? Or a Z4 or SLK?
Ive never understood the fascination with Miata. They're slow, poorly built, not that incredibly cheap, and while they handle well, so do a lot of other things. I get that slow car driven fast is fun, but a Miata is just now how I would do it. You could get a Mini Cooper S and have just as much fun but have a semi usable car as well, and be faster!
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 157
From: Pennsylvania
What does your husband's boyfriend think about it?
I kid, I kid.
If you want the Miata, then give him the Vette and you get a Miata? Or a Z4 or SLK?
Ive never understood the fascination with Miata. They're slow, poorly built, not that incredibly cheap, and while they handle well, so do a lot of other things. I get that slow car driven fast is fun, but a Miata is just now how I would do it. You could get a Mini Cooper S and have just as much fun but have a semi usable car as well, and be faster!
I kid, I kid.
If you want the Miata, then give him the Vette and you get a Miata? Or a Z4 or SLK?
Ive never understood the fascination with Miata. They're slow, poorly built, not that incredibly cheap, and while they handle well, so do a lot of other things. I get that slow car driven fast is fun, but a Miata is just now how I would do it. You could get a Mini Cooper S and have just as much fun but have a semi usable car as well, and be faster!
I was a mazda technician for about 8 years and I vehemently disagree with your statement. Miatas are incredibly reliable and build quality is in many respects superior to the c5. There is nothing gay about the Miata it is just terribly underpowered for modern standards. If the Miata had 350hp from factory no one would hate on it because they are a complete weapon when they have some more hp.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,689
Likes: 1,180
From: Raleigh
I’ve had several Miata’s. The last ND2 was an excellent car. Manual transmission is the only way to go. The Club or Grand Touring will give you LSD but nothing wrong with the Sport.
If buying new and you are an SCCA member you can get S plan pricing which is around invoice. Nav can be had by buying a chip off eBay and just plugging it it for about 80 bucks. Other options are just add ins you can get discounted at most any online Mazda parts store.
most people that comment negatively on them have never driven them. Rock solid reliable and great fun.
If buying new and you are an SCCA member you can get S plan pricing which is around invoice. Nav can be had by buying a chip off eBay and just plugging it it for about 80 bucks. Other options are just add ins you can get discounted at most any online Mazda parts store.
most people that comment negatively on them have never driven them. Rock solid reliable and great fun.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,699
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From: MidLifeinIL just doesn't have the same ring to it
St. Jude Donor '26
Your hubby might not see a big difference between your 2016 Miata and the current ones; maybe some slight refinement, but essentially still the same car. After I sold my F-Type, I missed having a sporty convertible - I looked at the newer Boxsters for a bit, but they were out of my desired price range, as were C7 verts. Looked at Miata too, but wasn't a huge fan of the styling, so ended up looking at (and buying) Miata's cousin, the Fiat Spider. Same chassis & interior as the Mazda, but different styling and powertrain, and you don't see them everywhere like the Miata. Still enjoying that one, after almost a year.
Totally