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#1
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Ok, you've convinced me
I'm at an age where I look for the small things in
life to give me pleasure. I've loved the look and the idea of a Miata for years but my practicality always led me to other cars. I own a 2006 Mazda3 GT but I'm looking to trade it in for a MX-5. I don't have the cash for a new one, so I'm on the lookout for something used. I can't make up my mind between something only a couple of years old with PHTP or an older one that won't cost as much. I consider the PHRT almost a necessity because here in Vancouver, BC it rains something fierce from September to April each year. I would consider going south into the US but the powers-that-be make it a real pain to bring a car home. Any suggestions at to which years hold up better, things to be on the look-out for etc. would be greatly appreciated. Professor PS I've already found a local Miata club to join. |
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#2
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Ok, you've convinced me
On 2010-05-10, Professor > wrote:
> I consider the PHRT almost a necessity because here in > Vancouver, BC it rains something fierce from September > to April each year. The non-PHRT models do have a soft top that you can put up when it rains. -- Grant Edwards grant.b.edwards Yow! I'm in direct contact at with many advanced fun gmail.com CONCEPTS. |
#3
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Ok, you've convinced me
On May 10, 12:59*pm, Professor > wrote:
> I'm at an age where I look for the small things in > life to give me pleasure. > I've loved the look and the idea of a Miata for years > but my practicality always led me to other cars. > I own a 2006 Mazda3 GT but I'm looking to trade it in > for a MX-5. > I don't have the cash for a new one, so I'm on the > lookout for something used. > I can't make up my mind between something only a > couple of years old with *PHTP or an older one that > won't cost as much. > I consider the PHRT almost a necessity because here in > Vancouver, BC it rains something fierce from September > to April each year. > > I would consider going south into the US but the > powers-that-be make it a real pain to bring a car home. > > Any suggestions at to which years hold up better, > things to be on the look-out for etc. would be greatly > appreciated. > > Professor > PS I've already found a local Miata club to join. 2006-2008 = NC1 2009-2010 = NC2 Basically the NC2 is the excellent NC1 with all the TSBs (roof latch, clutch, etc) rolled up, various upgrades to make it more robust and sporty (suspension changes, transmission changes, higher redline, bigger oil pan, forged crank etc), plus a lot of new features/frills (better sound proofing, stance lowered 1/2", goofy grin grill etc). With the lowered price of the car, and the current exchange rates, if you can find a new '09, that's your best buy. I don't know what rebates are still available on unsold '09. The next best would be a used '09 GT PRHT. The lowest cost would be an '06 ST. Nothing really wrong with the NC1. Aftermarket parts will adress the suspension issues. The stuff you cannot upgrade is not as important (to most people). Have Fun! Net |
#4
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Ok, you've convinced me
On 2010-05-10 12:59:11 -0400, Professor > said:
> because here in Vancouver, BC it rains something fierce from September > to April each year. And mostly fog and drizzle from April to September. ;-) Still... better than most places i've lived. cheers Don |
#5
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Ok, you've convinced me
In article >,
Professor > wrote: > Any suggestions at to which years hold up better, > things to be on the look-out for etc. would be greatly > appreciated. All Miatas after the 1991 model year are robust and extremely reliable with only basic maintenance, as long as they're not overheated or run out of oil. Price should reflect condition more than mileage, and older models are cheap enough that minor repairs are easily affordable. Spend some time at miata.net. You'll find a buyer's guide for the first series of cars (1990-97). I'd have any prospective purchase checked over by an independent mechanic familiar with Miatas. The PRHT is wonderful, but the soft tops on all years are quite weatherproof and easy to use. My 1994 still has its original top. You'll see some with vinyl rear windows and some with glass, depending on year or aftermarket replacement. Don't sell or trade your 3 yet. You could buy, say, a 1994-97 for a few thousand, just to see whether you're a roadster kinda guy. Sell it at little or no loss in midsummer, then either spring for a newer Miata or write the idea off and move on. Or keep the 3 for general use, and keep the old Miata to drive in the best weather. That's what I do, and it's ideal with a two-car garage. Above all, test drive the various model years, and decide which you like best. -- Lanny Chambers St. Louis, MO '94C |
#6
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Ok, you've convinced me
Alright, well, somebody has to put a good word in for the in between choice,
the best choice ;-), the 'NB' 1999~2005! Here's my take on it, if you're trying not to spend too much money but you also don't want the oldest / original body style with the pop-up headlights and such. The 2nd gen Miatas have become quite reasonable. High points (no specific order); -glass rear window (never have had a leak on the NB top, had occassional leaks on the NA between top and side windows) -(still) modern looking styling both exterior AND interior -less sqeeky / rattly interior bits than NA -many are far cheaper than any NC is to date and not allot more than an NA of similar mileage. Trust me on this. Some will disagree but only trust the opinion of those who have spent years with both ;-) Seriously though, the beauty of the Miata is that it's actually hard to go wrong! The test driving phase is not to be under-rated, done properly (meaning DO NOT just drive one of each and think you know), I think you will know which one meets your needs and budget best. Keep us posted on what you decide to do. Later, Chris 99BBB |
#7
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Ok, you've convinced me
Chris D'Agnolo wrote:
> Alright, well, somebody has to put a good word in for the in between > choice, the best choice ;-), the 'NB' 1999~2005! Here's my take on it, > if you're trying not to spend too much money but you also don't want the > oldest / original body style with the pop-up headlights and such. The > 2nd gen Miatas have become quite reasonable. High points (no specific > order); > > -glass rear window (never have had a leak on the NB top, had occassional > leaks on the NA between top and side windows) > -(still) modern looking styling both exterior AND interior > -less sqeeky / rattly interior bits than NA > -many are far cheaper than any NC is to date and not allot more than an > NA of similar mileage. > > Trust me on this. Some will disagree but only trust the opinion of those > who have spent years with both ;-) > > Seriously though, the beauty of the Miata is that it's actually hard to > go wrong! The test driving phase is not to be under-rated, done properly > (meaning DO NOT just drive one of each and think you know), I think you > will know which one meets your needs and budget best. Keep us posted on > what you decide to do. > > Later, > Chris > 99BBB I will speak up for the 1999-2005 model, especially the MSM, though I guess I should drive one before I get too happy about it. I would really like to have the NA, NB and NC. An aftermarket turbo monster 1990-1997 model like I have now, the 2005 MSM and a 2009-2010 NC with PRHT. That is not being too greedy is it? Pat |
#8
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Ok, you've convinced me
pws wrote:
> Chris D'Agnolo wrote: >> Alright, well, somebody has to put a good word in for the in between >> choice, the best choice ;-), the 'NB' 1999~2005! Here's my take on >> it, if you're trying not to spend too much money but you also don't >> want the oldest / original body style with the pop-up headlights and >> such. The 2nd gen Miatas have become quite reasonable. High points >> (no specific order); >> >> -glass rear window (never have had a leak on the NB top, had >> occassional leaks on the NA between top and side windows) >> -(still) modern looking styling both exterior AND interior >> -less sqeeky / rattly interior bits than NA >> -many are far cheaper than any NC is to date and not allot more than >> an NA of similar mileage. >> >> Trust me on this. Some will disagree but only trust the opinion of >> those who have spent years with both ;-) >> >> Seriously though, the beauty of the Miata is that it's actually hard >> to go wrong! The test driving phase is not to be under-rated, done >> properly (meaning DO NOT just drive one of each and think you know), >> I think you will know which one meets your needs and budget best. >> Keep us posted on what you decide to do. >> >> Later, >> Chris >> 99BBB > > I will speak up for the 1999-2005 model, especially the MSM, though I > guess I should drive one before I get too happy about it. > > I would really like to have the NA, NB and NC. An aftermarket turbo > monster 1990-1997 model like I have now, the 2005 MSM and a 2009-2010 > NC with PRHT. > > That is not being too greedy is it? > > Pat Why not a V-8 from Monster Miata? 0-60 in around 4.7 sec. Then you can add a turbo to that. |
#9
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Ok, you've convinced me
Frank Berger wrote:
> Why not a V-8 from Monster Miata? 0-60 in around 4.7 sec. Then you can add > a turbo to that. I have heard that the handling gets thrown off a bit with the V8. Not sure I am a good enough driver for it to matter, though. That Lexus V8 system for the Miata has always seemed awesome to me. That power would be incredible. If I build up the current motor with forged pistons and such, I can take the boost about as high as I want, but then things like transmissions, drive shafts and differentials can start to break. The person who built it included things like the 550CC injectors and 3" exhaust in anticipation of building up the engine and increasing the boost. My self-imposed limit out of a 1.8 liter with the stock drive line is probably around 250 hp. Right now, the car is set up with around the same power that you have, and just a bit less weight, maybe 250 pounds less, partly from the earlier model with less safety features and partly from things like the AC being removed. The acceleration levels on the two cars is probably quite similar, but I imagine that the MSM delivers it in a bit more civilized manner. I am really guessing that your MSM is a lot more fun in Texas on a summer day than my 1991 model. ;-) That power to weight ratio of around 200 hp and 2450 or so pounds is plenty for me, one reason that the MSM with the FM package you have is interesting to me. Still going to check out that MSM. I need to go autocross with Chris and swing by Dallas on my way home. Pat |
#10
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Ok, you've convinced me
In article >,
pws > wrote: > I have heard that the handling gets thrown off a bit with the V8. Not > sure I am a good enough driver for it to matter, though. That Lexus V8 > system for the Miata has always seemed awesome to me. Forget Monster and Lexus. Get thee to http://www.flyinmiata.com/ and read about their LS1/LS3 conversions. Only about 200 lb. heavier than stock, not much more than a turbo kit. Is 450 bhp enough? It's only money. They have autocross video. Crank up your speakers. Oh, and better pee first. -- Lanny Chambers St. Louis, MO '94C |
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