LOVE my R53. Will likely never part with it. BUT... in a fit of family generosity, instead of selfishly updating my road bike, a Kestrel Talon in harlot-red, with naked carbon-fiber fishnet seatstays and a smattering of Ultegra/DA and Mavic, I went ahead and purchased an inexpensive pre-loved Miata. Roughly the same money as a nice road bike. If you're considering a Miata, don't. MAN are these things addicting. (Nearly as bad as my R53!) (ignore the dirt left over from last weekend's autocross!)
I've owned three Miatas - '90, '93 and '99 - and you're right: They are addictive, and minimum maintenance equals maximum fun. Plus, the aftermarket is really strong. I should have kept the 10th Anniversary Miata, but a Honda S2000 was calling my name. I can't wait to see what the new Miata looks like next February when it's unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show.
The Miata is the only car I've ever owned more than one of in my life. I had a '99 and an '02. Loved them both. In fairness to my MINI, I love it more. If I'm still driving it will probably be the second car I will own more than one.
I would love to have an old NA Miata, but around here you just cant find a good one without paying way over what any early 90's car is worth. Had a shop in town at one time, that was swapping the entire drivetrain from the FD3S RX-7 into the NA chassis... Want FAST, thats one way to do it!
I'll speak from the other side.....underpowered, uncomfortable, loud, too small inside and at 5'10" tall I'm looking the windshield header right in the eye....I do not get the love for these cars. I've tried to buy three of them...a 94, 04 Turbo and a '06. I had each of them for a weekend and of the bunch the '06 was the only one I fit in. That one had good power but the engine sounded terrible, just a loud moan.....the only time I enjoyed it was with the top down so I couldn't hear the engine and it rode like a rock....which is strange cause most people complain about the new ones being too softly suspended. Anyways, I took the '06 back and bought my '03 JCW, a much better car and driving experience to me, even if it wasn't a convertible.
Wow - did the previous owners leave a telephone book on the seat? I'm 5'10" and never experienced anything like that…
5'11 Here, driven every generation of them to some extent and no problems. Granted I am built like a noodle, but height wise were good. The engine noise... Um... Early design of a Japanese DOHC... Not really known for a ear pleasing sound. The NA was raw to drive. Like my first CRX it was just fun to toss around, but the Miata could go sideways and not plow. Didn't really care for the NB too much, it just wasn't there visually for me. However, throw some good stiffer coilovers on an NC, and it gives you the same feeling as the NA, plus can look pretty sweet if done right.
HA, a few times at the track, I have tried to get into a Miata's passenger seat to go around with the owner for a few laps. I can get one leg almost in (6'5"), and that's it. I think my eyes would be above the windscreen top line if I could get all the way in! Love my R56 for this reason. They realized that very tall people might like to drive a fun car.....good thing I have long arms though.....with me basically sitting in the back seat, the shifter is just about a full arm reach The Miata has been heralded for years as a fantastic handling car in the twisties...unfortunately, I wouldn't know :biggrin5:
I almost bought a Miata when they first came out, but I found a super deal on a very low miles MGB and bought that instead. I still have the "B", not sure if I would still have a Miata had I bought one.
After years of LBC ownership specifically MG's I'm happy to say the Miata provides all the smiles of an LBC for me. There are only two things the LBC does better, parks at the Brit car show & provides roadside tech sessions. My Miata is my lazy man's sports car. :biggrin5: I still like LBC's very much, just don't want to own one at this point in my life.
I remember parking my R53 next to a MGB at a car show, my car looked like a Suburban next to the MG. Would hate to see it parked next to an Elan that I owned way back when.