Mazda Miata
Submitted by Chuck Lynch
I didn't find this car, it found me. I could never have located one like it, they are too rare. But about three years ago a little cash came my way, and with the big 5-0 right on the horizon it was time to find something sporty, small, and red. The final three choices came down to a new Mustang, Acura RSX, or MX-5 Miata. All red.
Time to go a-lookin'. Our local Blue Oval Ford dealer told me that unless I was ready to buy their car that day, they did not have time to talk to me. The last red RSX our Acura dealer would ever have had 400 miles on it, which I consider to be a demo, and they would not deal. And the Mazda dealer also thought highly of their cars; I simply would not pay $30,000 for a Miata.
Off to the classifieds and other used car sources. I was rethinking the red theme, too. Did I really want to attract that much attention? Then I saw one on the road ... a dark metallic green Miata, a few years old. Classy, I thought. When I picked up a local events paper and scanned the used-car listings, there it was--a green Miata with a six-speed. It had low miles (33,000) and was in good shape. The price was good, too.
The next day, I gave the owners a call. Trekking into Nashville is never fun--the town has grown, but the roads haven't. I finally found their house, right in the flight path of the airport, and the guy was more than honest about the car. He showed me every minute scratch he knew of, said his girlfriend needed a larger car for traffic (I agreed totally), and we came to a quick agreement over the price. The next day, he even personally delivered the car to my house, nearly 45 minutes away. I didn't know exactly what the car was when I bought it, and he obviously didn't know what he had either.
It is a 2001 Miata MX-5 SE (Special Edition), Number 1,610 of 3,000
made. As far as Miatas go, this thing is loaded! British Racing Green,
fender badges, tan leather seats, tan floor mats with BRG 'Miata
Special Edition' embroidery, 6-speed transmission, air conditioning,
power steering, power brakes, power windows, cruise control, Bose
AM/FM/Single CD, power antenna, power mirrors, remote entry and trunk
release, fog lights, wind blocker, cargo net, rear defroster, 16'
polished aluminum wheels, NARDI wood steering wheel, shifter knob, and
hand brake lever, plastic wood dash trim, 2 cup holders (can't get
along without cupholders!), and a larger polished exhaust tip. As far
as I know, it's only lacking two options: ABS and a cassette player; I
prefer the dash storage bin over a cassette player.
To date, 26 months later, I've put 9,000 miles on the SE. I've done
a few cosmetic repairs, as it would have been in better shape had I
bought it new. A new lower driver's seat cover ($250) from Mazda looks
much better than what came with the car; I'm not a fan of the longevity
of leather seats. There are some nice aftermarket parts available, so I
added console/interior lights, a trunk light, and side marker lights in
the red quarter panel reflectors. I hope the top lasts another couple
of years, there's a tiny ping in the hood, and the windshield is
showing some small chips. Other than that, the car is in pretty good
shape going on eight years old.
After
having the car for nearly a year, I turned a corner at a red light one
night, and all of a sudden, the interior of the car was filled with an
eerie green glow. Seems one of the previous owners had decided green
neon lighting looked cool with the tan trim (It does not), and the
system, once broken, had fixed itself for no apparent reason. Needless
to say, all remnants of the lighting were removed the next day,
restoring the car to its deserved level of dignity.
I get tempted to sell from time to time to trade, but I know I would
always regret turning this car loose. It's special, it found me, and it
has a good home. Like a good pet, it doesn't eat much, is always
faithful, never leaves a mess, and is, ahem, rather cute. Oh, by the
way, I looked up the value of the car recently--it's worth $25 more
than I gave for it.
--Chuck Lynch
Al on November 06, 2008 at 08:21 AM
So "with the big 5-0 right on the horizon" you decided you need a toy. [edited, does not conform with comment guidelines - basic gist is he thinks the Miata is a midlife crisis car]
David Colborne on November 06, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Al: 4 out of 10. As far as trolls go, it's relevant to the article, which is a start. That said, you went in a pretty obvious direction, so that's going to be a penalty. Better luck next time!
My dad has a '97 Miata that he threw a supercharger in at one point. Then, just for kicks, he let me drive it one day... a lot of people knock Miatas for being "feminine", but, dang, they are a lot of fun. I mean, you can just toss those things around a corner like a tennis ball and it'll stay right with you. Simply amazing.
I can also relate with your frugality - if you're only going to put 9,000 miles on your toy in two years, there's absolutely no need to blow $30k+ on it unless you just absolutely feel you're going to get good value on it. It's not like you're going to be pushing hard enough to require much from the warranty or anything anyways.
Cookie the Dog's Owner on November 06, 2008 at 08:46 AM
A very close friend of mine has a Lotus Elan S2, which is a really sweet car . . . when it is running.
I understand that when the first-gen Miata was designed, Mazda considered the Elan as its benchmark. So the Miata is an Elan, but without the Lucas electrical system or the peculiarly British indifference to reliability.
An Elan-equivalent that doesn't break every 100 miles. Sweeeeeeet!
That Car Guy on November 06, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Al, I can't help but to wonder why you are thinking about my penis. BTW, I'm sure I could buy and sell you with the change in my pocket! ~CL
Theodore on November 06, 2008 at 09:09 AM
I once went to a car show and, happening upon the Miata display and noting it surrounded by middle-aged men, remarked loudly, "Look! It's the Mazda Mid-life Crisis!" Oh, the callousness of youth! I have since repented of my ways, and tomorrow I am flying from Texas to Florida to pick up a Miata of my very own. It is nothing so fancy as Chuck's beautiful machine, but it has its own charm born of simplicity: a white 1997 base model, power nothing. It does have air conditioning. That was an option that year.
An Australian acquaintance of mine once said, "Leave it to the Japanese to perfect the British roadster." It is the best of both worlds, blending as it does the British driving experience with the Japanese mechanical experience. I can't wait.
Jeff on November 06, 2008 at 09:11 AM
I don't see why ANYONE would buy new. Ever. Depreciation being the way it is, I'd much rather benefit from it than shell out several extra thousand for a car fresh off the lot. There's the risk of a used car having been treated badly- well, that's what shopping around is for. So, nice purchase Chuck.
That said, it might have been nice if this article said a little more about the car in its own right. Most people don't give the Miata nearly as much credit as a sports car as they do for it being a hairdresser's car or a midlife-crisis car. That's ignoring the essence of the car for something only incidental to it, and what a shame that is- because the Miata IS a fantastic drivers' car.
Mochi Mochi on November 06, 2008 at 09:18 AM
I completely get the "car as pet concept". Especially if you live in a place where you can't have a dog, having a really fun - maybe even cute - car is a great option. It's easy to get really attached to these little beasts. you wanna keep them happy, well cared for... always good to take them for a brisk run and give them some exercise.
the miata is a great little car. this idea that they are "feminine"... no so much. i'm sure they appeal to a very broad demographic. but if thinking a car is "feminine" keeps you from enjoying a really great ride, you got some "issues". i have seen a lot of heavily modded miata's here in SoCal. They are some nasty brutish pieces of work(in a good way), and unlike other tuner cars, these just look really aggressive without all the fins, wings, decals, and fanfare. they have the look of a car that spends time on the track, not doing burnouts in the walmart parking lot.
That Car Guy on November 06, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Dear CAR LUST Fans: I tried to write a light, friendly review on this car. I had hoped by now that most people knew of the Miata's overwhelming sales and performance successes through the years, so I focused on the 2001 SE trim and features instead of the overall specifications of the car. I've been an automotive journalist for about 25 years, and I've won a pile of sweatshirts from a major magazine.
So, for some tech stuff, this is the first year Mazda put variable-valve-timing in the Miata, and it has 155hp. The 6-speed tranny is quick and tight. It stops on a dime. The suspension is fully independant double-wishbone suspension with gas-charged shocks. It's a thrill to drive, as I live very close to the Natchez Trace Parkway and other small, twisty country roads. If owning a Miata raises any negative feelings I am sorry; please understand I have other vehicles in the stable, including a crotch rocket, a 2001 Mazda Tribute, and an F-150 Super Crew that I hope to also feature here soon. So can we just please enjoy the vehicles here and not insult each other? ~Chuck
Cookie the Dog's Owner on November 06, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Chuck/TCG: let me first say "Excellent writing!" in case that didn't come through in my first comment. Ignore the troll, and have fun in the Miata.
That Car Guy on November 06, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Thank you, Cookie. Oh, I also forgot to say that EVERYTHING on the car still works!
Anthony Cagle on November 06, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Excellent! I always liked these things even though I'm not much of a roadster kinda guy (ponycar devotee here). Mazda hit the nail directly and solidly on the head with the Miata, completely nailing the concept of the roadster and making it affordable and reliable in addition to wonderfully functional. Before 1989 the only thing people (Americans anyway) associated with the term 'roadster' were MGs with their concomitant reliability and quality issues.
I think it's fair to say that there wouldn't be a BMW Z4 were it not for the Miata, and certainly not the slough of others that have come along.
Good on you.
Don H. on November 06, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Chuck,
welcome to the club..as an OVER THE HILL, in my life I have had a Morris minor convert, a Sunbeam Rapier convert,a Sunbeam Alpine Convert, a Datsun 2000 Roadster(still haven't forgiven my daughters for having to trade for a chevy sedan when they came along), and a Pontiac Sunbird Turbo convert. Now after driving a Pontiac Sedan for the last 10 Years I too am looking a The Mazda MX5 Miata so that I can enjoy the top down again. And who cares what the people think of an OLD FART in a Miata!!!!
DON
Brian on November 06, 2008 at 12:25 PM
I love the Miata, it's a modern classic. My friend has a '91 twin-cam, just great. Sporty, nice, same engine size as the Porsche 924, rear wheel drive, just a fantastic and affordable ride. And, since they're owned by Ford, you're actually buying "American" when you get a new one.
Steaming Pile on November 06, 2008 at 12:53 PM
@Cookie - couldn't agree more. Besides, people don't buy Miatas to compensate for anything lacking "down there." They buy them to have fun.
Rob the SVX Guy on November 06, 2008 at 12:58 PM
If I didn't own a dog, and I lived someplace where it was always sunny, I'd think the miata was a great car. With my current climate and necessity for a pretend backseat though, I can't say I'd ever get one, but I definitely understand the appeal. RWD, small, light, reliable, and fun to drive. Oh, and cheap. :) I'll probably get my wife one in a few years, she demands small cars with four wheel double wishbone suspension, so it's either honda products or a miata, as far as I can tell. :P
Goat on November 06, 2008 at 02:02 PM
I own a 2006 MX-5 Miata which I ordered from the factory. After almost 3 years of ownership, I still enjoy it (topless most of the time!), and I'm wa-ay past 50!
I was a British sports car nut, having owned 3-Triumph TR4s and 2-MGBs. The Miata is everything those things were plus reliability, more power, better handling, nice tight cabin and so on.
If you haven't been there already, Miata.net is the best Miata forum out there. You'll learn a lot about your car, and you can share your experiences with other Miata lovers.
Oh, and for the uninformed who think the Miata is for sissies, tell 'em to follow you in the twisties with their 'Vette. They'll have a helluva time keeping up (if they even can!) due to the Miata's nimbleness. I have a 2005 GTO with 400 HP and 400 Ft-lbs of torque, and I know there is no way I can keep up with the Miata on winding roads.
Jake on November 06, 2008 at 03:33 PM
I drove a Ford Escape for a while (mechanically identical to the Tribute) and was unimpressed with the gas mileage. Plus, I wanted something more fun and sporty. I ended up with a 95 Miata at the end of June. I love everything about it, and it is the most fun car at autocrosses or on winding back roads.
Enjoy the car (sounds like you are so far!) and please feel free to hit up the rest of us crazy Miata people on the Miata.net forums :-D
That Car Guy on November 06, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Thank you, Jake! Our Tribute is mechanically identical to the Escape, but shares no body panels except for the roof. The interiors are virtually identical. The Mazda also has 10% stiffer spring rates, and handles a bit tighter. On a recent trip from Nashville to St. Louis and back, I got 25 mpg at purt near legal highway speeds. The thing flies, and we've been quite happy with it!
Lambo on November 06, 2008 at 04:39 PM
For starters, have you nothing better to do than insult others over the internet over your own insecurities? Grow up, would you? Just because the website is car-lust doesnt mean we have to talk about penis size.
Anyway, let me say this is an amazing car owned by just as amazing driver. This guys got more cars than I have fingers (and I do, for the record, have 10) and knows more than most professionals. You wouldn't know it by looking at him that he is an "Old-Fart", if you aren't distracted by his ride anyway.
I've personally ridden in this car and it is a blast. Its, uh, cute little matchbox size makes it perfect to show off in. I recently took pictures of this car for a school project. Of course, I got an A+, and my teacher even comment on how I had a "sweet-ass" ride (actual words). Of course, had to tell a little white lie and say it was my car, and he just laughed at me.
This car is a beautiful thing, and this blog shows how it came to meet its owner. I know its more than taken care of where it resides now, for its a beaut'.
-Lambo
TurboDave on November 06, 2008 at 04:54 PM
Good piece - write about the Miata MX-5 any time!! I owned a '93 for a couple of years in between motorcycles. Purchased it when it was 2 years old. Oh, and that one was red. It was a great little car, and I expect I will own another one at some time. I'd much rather fling a light roadster around than buy a big-buck, high-HP, low gas mileage, macho-oozing image machine.
da on November 06, 2008 at 05:46 PM
About time a piece appeared here about the Miata. I have a 90 myself, the year they came out and it is a blast to drive. You can eat up a twist road in the thing. It is so much fun to fling around.
Sometimes I pretend I am Speed Racer, and the Miata is my Mach 5, and I have a monkey and a small child shoved in the trunk.
And Pops is on the radio saying, "Speed, we must win the race, HA! HA!"
Adam at highmileage.org on November 06, 2008 at 08:00 PM
5-0 is a great reason to treat yourself. Then again, so is 4-0, 3-0, 6-0, 9-0... why not?!
What a read. Time to track it!
Keep the windows down... many happy miles.
Steaming Pile on November 07, 2008 at 05:55 AM
@da - Chim Chim was a chimpanzee, which is an ape, not a monkey.
/zoology nazis FTW!
rob on November 07, 2008 at 08:03 AM
I have looked at the Miatas many times. I keep getting drawn back to them, but I have two issues with them. The first is curb weight. I have a philosophical issue with a "lightweight sports car" that weighs over 2000 lb, I like the responsiveness in the 1700-1800lb range. Is there any way to put these things on a diet, to get them down to that level, for a reasonable cost?
Secondly, since I am 6'3" with a long torso, I do not fit. Read that as in the stock seat, with me sitting upright and not slouching, the top of the windshield is directly in line with my eyes (and the side window frame as well). How much room is under the seat to allow for lowering the seat assembly?
That Car Guy on November 07, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Hey Rob!
1) The curb weight of a Miata is around 2500 lbs. You may shave some weight off, but I fear a compromise of structural rigidity if you approach your desired weight. Removing the passenger's seat, glove box, spare tire, window glass assemblies, and other non-safety-related items might be a start. No air conditioning is another. Have you checked out a Miata MX-5 Club Spec model?
2) When replacing the lower leather cover, I totally disassembled the driver's seat. There wasn't much room to play with. I think any chance there of height adjustment might be left to a replacement racing seat or recarving the seat foam.
Above, Goat mentioned Miata.net. That would seem to be a great place to start for advice on modifications. Good Luck!