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+--- Thread: Miata as first car? Suggestions? (/showthread.php?tid=10613)
Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - *insertusernamehere* - 05-01-2014
I'll post my thoughts in the Miata since it was my first time driving one as well:
Well. It's definitely slower so I'll just say that now. No where near as torquey as the BMW but its not bad for what it is. However, the steering feel was great. It was really responsive and took very little input to turn. I could also feel how much lighter it was in comparison to the e36, that was pretty awesome. I've never been able to really feel the lightness of a car. I actually thought I would dislike how small and compact it was but surprisingly it was more of a comforting feeling rather than a cramped feeling. Having the top down is a blast haha. Makes me wish I got the e36 in convertible. The seats were nice and it was a solid ride with a really revvy engine and the exhaust note, while stock, wasn't half bad. Having the top down with such a small body puts the tailpipe right behind your ears and thats kind of awesome. I wish BMW didn't our shifters so damn sloppy with such a long throw. The short and notchy shifter in the Miata is perfect. I really appreciate the simplicity of it all compared to the BMW. No dash screaming at you telling you false errors, the A/C/heat wasn't controlled by two different controls one of which is a computer and the radio was just a plain ol' 90's cassette player with a regular ol' screen. Not the amber filament things BMW has that go bad. All in all, its a damn cool car and I'd gladly own one. Only for the right price though (not the 6Grand they were asking) and I can safely say I wouldn't give up the e36 for it. Eventually I'd get bored with the lack of power. The BMW is right where I wanna be. I recommend it for ya Taylor, much more than the E36. You're more enthusiastic about the Miata.
Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - Goodspeed - 05-01-2014
Which Miata did you end up drivng, the red '02? The lightness (and convertible-ness) really does corrupt. I'm not sure I'd be happy in a 3k+ lb hardtop anything again :lol:
Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - *insertusernamehere* - 05-01-2014
Nah, red 95
Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - Senor_Taylor - 05-01-2014
Yup, Matt and I took a 95 Miata with the 1.8L on an hour + "test drive" with no intent to buy. The steering response was amazing. I've never felt something feel so much like a go-kart. I fit WAY better than I thought I would. (Seat all the way back) and I didn't mind the lack of power at all. It was blast revving it out all the way through the gears and not even speeding. It sounded so nice with the stock exhaust, I can't image how sweet it would sound with a nice cat back. (I can't imagine it wouldn't be cheap considering the car is 2 feet long). I love the simplicity and it's funny how every time I drive a new car, the shifter gets shorter. 7.3 powerstroke, Toyota Pickup, Celica, E36, and then the chode of a shifter the Miata had, which felt very nice. Everything was so simple and clean and the engine bay was probably the least cluttered thing I've ever seen. The clutch was so nice and light, I can't imagine getting tired of it.
My only gripe was the origami I had to make my right leg into to hit the brake people. Other than that, I was impressed by the interior space and it was surprisingly easy to get in and out of, at least with the top down. The pedals were the perfect size and I had no trouble hitting them even though I was wearing big boots. I'm definitely very excited about looking for Miata. Let's make this happen!
Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - WRXtranceformed - 05-01-2014
Should have bought Shea's!
Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - Senor_Taylor - 05-01-2014
I don't have the money now. End of summer. Also, looking to spend under $3,500 and 95% stock.
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Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - Senor_Taylor - 05-30-2014
What's everyone's thoughts on Salvage titles?
Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - Kaan - 05-31-2014
unless you are an expert on that car, "which you are not," you should walk the fuck away.
Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - V1GiLaNtE - 05-31-2014
Kaan Wrote:unless you are an expert on that car, "which you are not," you should walk the fuck away.
+Juan
Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - Kaan - 05-31-2014
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://winchester.craigslist.org/cto/4439225109.html">http://winchester.craigslist.org/cto/4439225109.html</a><!-- m -->
here you go... under budget 100% stock... negotiate for better price.
Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - Senor_Taylor - 05-31-2014
Would I regret getting the 1.6? I've been trying to limit my search to the 1.8 liters.
Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - Evan - 05-31-2014
Senor_Taylor Wrote:Would I regret getting the 1.6? I've been trying to limit my search to the 1.8 liters.1.8s are almost the same market price as 1.6s and most non base models of had torsen lsds on top of the better engine. I'd look for a 1.8 but don't run away from a 1.6 if you find a great deal.
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Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - Senor_Taylor - 05-31-2014
Thanks for the advice!
Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - Senor_Taylor - 06-01-2014
Thoughts on buying one with a bad top and replacing it?
Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - *insertusernamehere* - 06-01-2014
Oh just buy one already
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Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - WRXtranceformed - 06-01-2014
Ask Maeng about when we tried to "refinish" his Miata top at Mike's party :lol:
Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - Jake - 06-01-2014
Senor_Taylor Wrote:Thoughts on buying one with a bad top and replacing it?
If you're going to swap a top from a different car (so, frame and fabric already married) it's pretty easy. If you're going to buy new fabric and install it on the existing frame, you can do it yourself but it's apparently a full-day (or multi-day, if you work slow) project and you need to be handy with a rivet gun.
FWIW, I paid a pro in NoVA $500 for parts + labor to install a new vinyl roof on my NA when I had it. Still have the guy's contact info. I think the roof alone was $250 so I felt paying the extra for him to do it right the first time was worth it.
Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - Senor_Taylor - 06-02-2014
NOVA contacts are worthless to me, but thanks for the info. Right now I'm making a solid $400 a week or more, so I plan to have the money soon. Just trying to finish buying all of these expensive and unplanned parts for my truck. I plan to be seriously looking around the end of June if everything pans out. If I don't have at least $2000 extra cash by July, i may just hold off on the Miata.
Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - Jake - 06-02-2014
Senor_Taylor Wrote:NOVA contacts are worthless to me, but thanks for the info.
All's I'm getting at is if that's the pricing up here, it'd be cheaper down where you are. :thumbup:
Re: Miata as first car? Suggestions? - Maengelito - 06-02-2014
WRXtranceformed Wrote:Ask Maeng about when we tried to "refinish" his Miata top at Mike's party :lol:
Haha, that was the hardtop, not a soft top. If anyone ever finds "tree bark" colored spray paint, let me know.