Uh oh...drove a Miata today....

[sts 50]

I'm still mad at the Porsche for breaking (and it's still in the shop with no end in sight), and I've been seeing all these happy looking Miata owners sportin' around in this nice weather with the tops down, so my mental wheels have been turning. I drove a Miata 4 years ago, before I bought the 944, and didn't fit well - too tall, but I thought I'd try again since there's one right here in Cross Lanes. Long story short, I fit fine (the M Edition car I had driven before had different, leather covered seats, evidently taller than the standard seats). So - pluses I see for the Miata are: top goes down, cheaper parts, top goes down, cheaper tires, top goes down, smoother engine and gearbox, top goes down, fairer classing (and options, too - stock, CSP, STS2...), top goes down.....you get the idea. Major disadvantages: 944 has more room, for persons and cargo and is a Porsche. Accelleration is equal - neither car has any. Should be able to get a decent Miata for the 5-6K the Porsche is worth.

Please discuss.....

[HiHoSilver]

can't go wrong with a Miata, I loved driving Rob Godby's at a Riverside event back in the spring.

I too was a little tall but the car felt reallly good.

I am also looking for a Miata to drive as a daily.
Saw a 98 model in Dunbar today for sale, but the price was 7800, a little more than I want to spend and a little over priced.

Kevin Smith has one, not sure what he plans to do with it. green w/tan top, I think it is a 2000 model, not sure though.

getting ready to get on ebay to look.


BTW, I just about ran over you today in cross lanes. Remember the BIG Black truck that let you out!!!! LOL

[sts 50]

Thanks for that, Chuck! I don't think you'd be interested in the one I drove today. Low mileage (less than 50K), but some less than clever bodywork on the passenger side. $7995 became $6200 pretty quickly, but that still sounds a little high for a '91.

[administerturbo]

it seems like everyone loves a miata. i mean really. but don't forget, all things break once in a while, even older jap cars.

it's hard for me to tell you to get rid of the p-car because i know what it means to you and i think both cars have their pros and cons. oh, fyi, miatas go really well in the snow with snow tires (even on backroads), don't ask me how i know.

are you having fun in the 944?

[SeanB]

Scott:

CSP Miata: $6800 - http://208.109.27.147/showthread.php?t=24077
STS Miata: $5200 - http://208.109.27.147/showthread.php?t=23623
ES Miata: $2800 - http://208.109.27.147/showthread.php?t=23824

Choices, choices!

[SeanB]

Also, if you browse SCCAForums there are a handful of nationally prepped R package cars. Having watched Nick and Chris flog theirs, I am convinced that the Miata is arguably one of the funnest cars to abuse.

Miata is one of the answers to life, the universe and everything. :f1:

[kirk4]

So what's wrong with the 944. If your spending a ton of cash fixing it seems like a shme not to drive it after. Plus you will loose the knowledge that your spending more money to keep another old Porsche on the road. I enjoyed my 914's but it's also nice to hop in the car and the majority of the time it starts. I think the 944 has more style than the Miata and stands out but cheaper service and the top down factor is a huge plus.

[Jason V]

IMHO a CS or ES prepped car is the way to go if you can find one prepped... if you find a stock one the "formula" for ES and CS is well known. I would have one but no amount of seat lowering ect will make me fit in one... I can drive them top down and get a great view of the top of the winshield...

[gtfour77]

I posted in your other post Scott... oops. I think a CS miata would be sooo much fun, can't wait to drive Rob's on his newly acquired V710's!!! :clap:

From the other post:
"You should do it Scott! You really can't go wrong with a miata...and I am getting plenty of experience working on them lately so you'd have a garage to take it to if needed.

Seriously though, (Edit) if I didn't just get another MR2 I'd be all over a miata. They are incredibly fun to drive, expecially with some V710 or A6 sticklers..."

[SentraWV]

Although we can always use more "Zoom Zoom" in the family, ask yourself this question: what do you want your toy car to be? If you want to do a full-on autocross build, the Miata would certainly fit the classes better. But if your main concern is a fun to drive tossable care to flog every now and then, it would be a shame to lose all the work you've done (er, are doing) on the 944.

Also, to sort of bump what Nate said - Miatae break, too, sometimes. 18-year old ones even more so.

Now, aren't you proud that I came up with something other than, "what, you want to replace one underpowered rear drive sports car with another one?!?" :biggrin:

NP: Dream Theater, Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From a Memory

[crobin4]

Although we can always use more "Zoom Zoom" in the family, ask yourself this question: what do you want your toy car to be? If you want to do a full-on autocross build, the Miata would certainly fit the classes better. But if your main concern is a fun to drive tossable care to flog every now and then, it would be a shame to lose all the work you've done (er, are doing) on the 944.

Also, to sort of bump what Nate said - Miatae break, too, sometimes. 18-year old ones even more so.

Now, aren't you proud that I came up with something other than, "what, you want to replace one underpowered rear drive sports car with another one?!?" :biggrin:

NP: Dream Theater, Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From a Memory


He told me he wanted a C4.

Sorry for stepping on the toes of the FWD drivers out there in another post, but that individual is currently trying to deal on an '09 Sti. :wink:

[administerturbo]

and don't i recall a conversation with you about a TAG kart???? :angel:

[willco-MX5]

Scott.....I have been thinking about parting ways with mine.

I haven't had the time (or made time) to autocross it in two years now. I rarely check the formns anymore but I did today, so maybe the car gods are telling me something.

It's a 94 r package
143k miles
Koni Yellows with Koni springs
Racing Beat cat back
Racing Beat air intake
Flyin Miata say bars with Racing Beat end-links
Boss Frog double hoop roll-bar
extra set of wheels with old victor's
extra seats with butt lowering technology (padding removed)

Cosemetically the car is not too bad, faded paint could use some tlc, some dents here and there, a hole in the back plastic (free duct tape included).

I haven't advertised it anywhere as of yet, but I would only be looking to get around $3,000.

If interested in taking a look, let me know.

[sts 50]

Thanks for the replies. Once the 944 is out of the shop (looks like next week), I'll drive it and some Miatas (Miatii?) back to back - who's bringing one to the July event? The top down thing is seriously appealing, so that's a big factor. The only way I could make this work would be to get top $ for the Porsche and then find a deal on a Miata - I pulled several back issues of GRM last night and reread the cover story where they rehabbed one they found for $1100 and ended up with only $3100 in it. Kind of like my guitars, the wife stays out of it as long as the net outflow of cash is relatively low. The 944 is pretty close to being "right", but still needs another $2K or so for suspension parts and some electrical niggles - more than I've got laying around loose. Who knows - once it's done I may fall in love all over again.

[TimMaddox]

There is a green one for sale in the Verizon parking lot, I pass it everyday going to work. Do you want me to stop and check it out? If the keys are in it I can get it for a realllly good price.

[HiHoSilver]

There is a green one for sale in the Verizon parking lot, I pass it everyday going to work. Do you want me to stop and check it out? If the keys are in it I can get it for a realllly good price.



Tim,

please do so

thanks
Chuck

[HiHoSilver]

Scott.....I have been thinking about parting ways with mine.

I haven't had the time (or made time) to autocross it in two years now. I rarely check the formns anymore but I did today, so maybe the car gods are telling me something.

It's a 94 r package
143k miles
Koni Yellows with Koni springs
Racing Beat cat back
Racing Beat air intake
Flyin Miata say bars with Racing Beat end-links
Boss Frog double hoop roll-bar
extra set of wheels with old victor's
extra seats with butt lowering technology (padding removed)

Cosemetically the car is not too bad, faded paint could use some tlc, some dents here and there, a hole in the back plastic (free duct tape included).

I haven't advertised it anywhere as of yet, but I would only be looking to get around $3,000.

If interested in taking a look, let me know.



as mented above I am looking for a Miata, may be interrested in your, any chance you can post some pictures?

Thanks
Chuck

[johnnytavo]

Scott.....I have been thinking about parting ways with mine.

I haven't had the time (or made time) to autocross it in two years now. I rarely check the formns anymore but I did today, so maybe the car gods are telling me something.

It's a 94 r package
143k miles
Koni Yellows with Koni springs
Racing Beat cat back
Racing Beat air intake
Flyin Miata say bars with Racing Beat end-links
Boss Frog double hoop roll-bar
extra set of wheels with old victor's
extra seats with butt lowering technology (padding removed)

Cosemetically the car is not too bad, faded paint could use some tlc, some dents here and there, a hole in the back plastic (free duct tape included).

I haven't advertised it anywhere as of yet, but I would only be looking to get around $3,000.

If interested in taking a look, let me know.

Wow that sounds like an awesome deal! Wish I had some money, I need some RWD.

[willco-MX5]

I'm out of town for work until tomorrow evening, I'll get some updated pictures and throw a post in the for sale section.

Yes, $3,000 would be an awesome deal! KBB price for this car with this mileage is a little lower, but all of the goodies should make it much more attractive.

[TimMaddox]

Tim,

please do so

thanks
Chuck

I have looked the last few days but haven't seen it.....maybe they are on vacation this week, or it might be sold.

[Jason V]

Devils Advocate post!!!

ummm.... 3k to 5k will buy a very nice 125cc shifter kart setup!! Just sayn' and it is more top down than the Miata.. but even less practical...LOL

[sts 50]

Nothin' to do with practical, but most of the toy car mileage is local, sunny day grocery store runs and the like. Cart won't work for that. The idea is to make the Saturday afternoon beer run as much of an "event" as possible.

[2ndShot]

Scott / Chuck,

Miata in OH, complete with racing stripes:
http://www.thebiglot.com/ad_auto.asp?WI=2785480071&MK=MAZDA&MD=MX-5%20MIATA&PN=1&AT=1&PL=0&RD=500&

and PA:
http://www.thebiglot.com/ad_auto.asp?WI=2524469583&MK=MAZDA&MD=MX-5%20MIATA&PN=1&AT=1&PL=0&RD=500&

[HiHoSilver]

thanks Odie,

but I bought Kevin's 2000 Miata Sunday.

[2ndShot]

Awesome, should be a fun autocrosser... but... leave it home this Saturday.

[HiHoSilver]

This Saturday is shot, not going to be able to make it to P-Burg. bummer!!!!!!!!!!:hammer:


I still plan to x-cross the vette, the Miata is going to be my daily/work car.

[2ndShot]

This Saturday is shot, not going to be able to make it to P-Burg. bummer!!!!!!!!!

Dude! That sux...

[HiHoSilver]

well, after buying Kevin's Miata two weeks ago, I am with out a Miata after this morning thanks to an old lady in a 1992 Old Cutlas :(.

I was the wreck at Southridge this moring if you heard the traffic report.

will try to post pictures later.

So I am back in the market.

I am ok, just broke my small toe on my left foot.

[mordant80]

well, after buying Kevin's Miata two weeks ago, I am with out a Miata after this morning thanks to an old lady in a 1992 Old Cutlas :(.

I was the wreck at Southridge this moring if you heard the traffic report.

will try to post pictures later.

So I am back in the market.

I am ok, just broke my small toe on my left foot.

That is just friggin unbelievable. Glad you're ok man.

[TimMaddox]

I vote to start an honorary DD category (demolition derby) and award you first place and DQ the 92 Oldsmobile....

I think maybe that was an omen you need something more like this....
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/1277086187.html

[HiHoSilver]

That is just friggin unbelievable. Glad you're ok man.


funny part of this is I was on my way to get a state inspection sticker. the one on the car died last August.

I just put the licence plate on it Thursday night.

[HiHoSilver]

I vote to start an honorary DD category (demolition derby) and award you first place and DQ the 92 Oldsmobile....

I think maybe that was an omen you need something more like this....
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/1277086187.html

thats cool, but I am looking for a drop top.

[SentraWV]

That sucks, Chuck! Wonder if it's the same "old lady" who totaled Scott's old 4-banger Mustang (and sent my other brother through the windshield).

[The Announcer]

My thoughts are (now that I know he's ok), that will teach him to buy a car without me! LOL

[TimMaddox]

thats cool, but I am looking for a drop top.

Nothing a Sawzall won't fix. Seen it done before, and I can loan you mine.

[crobin4]

That Sucks! Sounds like my kinda luck.:frown: Jeez! Glad your OK!

[Jason V]

Glad you are ok Chuck.. !!!!

[Neogema]

Glad you did not get hurt Chuck!!

[2ndShot]

Chuck... this one is still listed, but this site is slow to remove old items.
http://www.thebiglot.com/ad_auto.asp?WI=2785480071&MK=MAZDA&MD=MX-5%20MIATA&PN=1&AT=1&PL=0&RD=500&

[2ndShot]

01 miata in this week's ad bulletin... 586-3787

[HiHoSilver]

01 miata in this week's ad bulletin... 586-3787

thanks Odie!

really have not thought much more about the car since the wreck, Cathy's mom took a down ward turn and had to move the to the Hospice on this past Sunday, she passed away Tuesday morning. so this week has been busy but sad.

Geico finally called me back today, I spoke with the Home office rep, she actually asked me if I could drive it to a shop to get it fixed (hahah). I told her no.........the whole front end is damaged and just about every fluid is still on RT 119. The an adjuster called me about 2 hours later ,but I missed is call. Teh lady who pulled out in front of me told Geico it was her fault, have to give her credit for being honest and not fighting to make it seem that it was my fault. I spoke with her for several minutes after the wreck. She kept telling me she was sorry for tearing up my new little sports car, I had to laugh. them she preceeded to tell me "back in the day I hade a 240Z, and that all the guys could not believe I would race the car around town." no reason to not believe her. I could not be mad at her for what happened. as the bumper sticker says "shit happens" or was that Forrest Gump (hehe)


not 100% sure if the car is totated, depends on repair cost vs book value. as long as the frame is not bent, I would not mind having the car fixed. I have not been able to find. i do nt think I will be albe to find another 2000 model for what I apid for this one. I have seen a ton of 1990-92 models for more than I have in the 2000 model.

[HiHoSilver]

talked to the Adjuster today, its offical, Miata is totaled!

bummer, but the car booked for quite a bit more than what I had in it, he even agreed to reinburst me for he taxes and Lic. that I paid two days before the wreck.


I am on the search.

[Luke Zyla]

There are some 99 Miatas on Miata.net that look like great deals. There is one with a FM turbo and several other items for only $9500. :biggrin:

[DennisBlevins]

I'm a 3 time Miata owner...a '92 Black and Tan, a '97 M Edition and my current daily driver is a 2000 Special Edition. If you want a better Miata, stick with the special package cars. You get a Torsen limited slip differential and a close ratio six speed in the later cars. The '92 had a viscous LSD and the '97 something similar. They didn't hook up as well as the 2000 Torsen. If you buy a standard model, you get an open rear end and a 5 speed. The motors are bulletproof. Non interference. If you break a timing belt, the pistons don't trash your valves, you just install a new belt, maybe a water pump and idler, and you're back on the road. An old high school friend runs CSP with a modified '99 Miata. He recently ripped the front sway bar mount out of the frame running stickies at an event in Tenn. There are some mods to prevent that. I also know of a race prepared Spec Miata in Ashland, KY that might be for sale. I highly recommend a Miata as a daily driver if you don't have kids or a lot of junk to haul around. My top hasn't been up for 4 days. Life is good!

[HiHoSilver]

thanks for the tips Dennis