Miata as first car? Suggestions?
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.
2013 Honda Fit, 1991 Mazda Miata, Princess Blanca, Mystery, 1993 Volvo 940 - sold, 2003 Mazda Protoge5 - carmax'd, 1996 BMW 328is - sold, 1996 Honda Accord - sold
  Reply
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:
Current: '20 Kia Stinger GT2 RWD | '20 Yamaha R3 | '04 Lexus IS300 SD
Past: '94 Mazda RX-7 | '04 Lexus IS300 (RIP) | '00 Jeep XJ | '99 Mazda 10AE Miata | '88 Toyota Supra Turbo

My MM MoviesWatch Them Here
  Reply
Nah, red 95
2013 Honda Fit, 1991 Mazda Miata, Princess Blanca, Mystery, 1993 Volvo 940 - sold, 2003 Mazda Protoge5 - carmax'd, 1996 BMW 328is - sold, 1996 Honda Accord - sold
  Reply
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!
Current:
2011 F150 Platinum | 1995 BMW 325i 1983 BMW 320i  The MMoped | 2008 BMW 128i
Past:
1996 Toyota Tacoma: | 1992 Mazda Miata | 2002 BMW 325i |
2003 Toyota Tacoma | 1995 Miata M Edition | 1997 Subaru Outback |
1992 Mazda Miata | 1990 BMW 325i  | 2007 Toyota 4Runner | 
1995 Ford Windstar 1987 BMW 325i | 1987 BMW 325 | 1990 BMW 325i Vert |
2018 VW GTI | 1990 Mazda Miata | 
1989 BMW 325i Vert 2015 Fiesta ST | 1983 BMW 320i parts car
  Reply
Should have bought Shea's!
Posting in the banalist of threads since 2004

2017 Mazda CX-5 GT AWD Premium

Past: 2016 GMC Canyon All Terrain Crew Cab / 2010 Jaguar XFR / 2012 Acura RDX AWD Tech / 2008 Cadillac CTS / 2007 Acura TL-S / 1966 5.0 HO Mustang Coupe
2001 Lexus IS300 / 2004 2.8L big turbo WRX STI / 2004 Subaru WRX / A couple of old trucks
  Reply
I don't have the money now. End of summer. Also, looking to spend under $3,500 and 95% stock.

Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk
Current:
2011 F150 Platinum | 1995 BMW 325i 1983 BMW 320i  The MMoped | 2008 BMW 128i
Past:
1996 Toyota Tacoma: | 1992 Mazda Miata | 2002 BMW 325i |
2003 Toyota Tacoma | 1995 Miata M Edition | 1997 Subaru Outback |
1992 Mazda Miata | 1990 BMW 325i  | 2007 Toyota 4Runner | 
1995 Ford Windstar 1987 BMW 325i | 1987 BMW 325 | 1990 BMW 325i Vert |
2018 VW GTI | 1990 Mazda Miata | 
1989 BMW 325i Vert 2015 Fiesta ST | 1983 BMW 320i parts car
  Reply
What's everyone's thoughts on Salvage titles?
Current:
2011 F150 Platinum | 1995 BMW 325i 1983 BMW 320i  The MMoped | 2008 BMW 128i
Past:
1996 Toyota Tacoma: | 1992 Mazda Miata | 2002 BMW 325i |
2003 Toyota Tacoma | 1995 Miata M Edition | 1997 Subaru Outback |
1992 Mazda Miata | 1990 BMW 325i  | 2007 Toyota 4Runner | 
1995 Ford Windstar 1987 BMW 325i | 1987 BMW 325 | 1990 BMW 325i Vert |
2018 VW GTI | 1990 Mazda Miata | 
1989 BMW 325i Vert 2015 Fiesta ST | 1983 BMW 320i parts car
  Reply
unless you are an expert on that car, "which you are not," you should walk the fuck away.
#99 - 2000 Civic Si (Future H2 Car, Former H1 car)
IPGparts.com, AutoFair Honda, Amsoil, QuikLatch Fasteners
NASA-MA Tech Inspector (Retired)
  Reply
Kaan Wrote:unless you are an expert on that car, "which you are not," you should walk the fuck away.

+Juan
  Reply
<!-- 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.
#99 - 2000 Civic Si (Future H2 Car, Former H1 car)
IPGparts.com, AutoFair Honda, Amsoil, QuikLatch Fasteners
NASA-MA Tech Inspector (Retired)
  Reply
Would I regret getting the 1.6? I've been trying to limit my search to the 1.8 liters.
Current:
2011 F150 Platinum | 1995 BMW 325i 1983 BMW 320i  The MMoped | 2008 BMW 128i
Past:
1996 Toyota Tacoma: | 1992 Mazda Miata | 2002 BMW 325i |
2003 Toyota Tacoma | 1995 Miata M Edition | 1997 Subaru Outback |
1992 Mazda Miata | 1990 BMW 325i  | 2007 Toyota 4Runner | 
1995 Ford Windstar 1987 BMW 325i | 1987 BMW 325 | 1990 BMW 325i Vert |
2018 VW GTI | 1990 Mazda Miata | 
1989 BMW 325i Vert 2015 Fiesta ST | 1983 BMW 320i parts car
  Reply
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.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
SM #55 | 06 Titan | 12 Focus | 06 Exige | 14 CX-5
  Reply
Thanks for the advice!
Current:
2011 F150 Platinum | 1995 BMW 325i 1983 BMW 320i  The MMoped | 2008 BMW 128i
Past:
1996 Toyota Tacoma: | 1992 Mazda Miata | 2002 BMW 325i |
2003 Toyota Tacoma | 1995 Miata M Edition | 1997 Subaru Outback |
1992 Mazda Miata | 1990 BMW 325i  | 2007 Toyota 4Runner | 
1995 Ford Windstar 1987 BMW 325i | 1987 BMW 325 | 1990 BMW 325i Vert |
2018 VW GTI | 1990 Mazda Miata | 
1989 BMW 325i Vert 2015 Fiesta ST | 1983 BMW 320i parts car
  Reply
Thoughts on buying one with a bad top and replacing it?
Current:
2011 F150 Platinum | 1995 BMW 325i 1983 BMW 320i  The MMoped | 2008 BMW 128i
Past:
1996 Toyota Tacoma: | 1992 Mazda Miata | 2002 BMW 325i |
2003 Toyota Tacoma | 1995 Miata M Edition | 1997 Subaru Outback |
1992 Mazda Miata | 1990 BMW 325i  | 2007 Toyota 4Runner | 
1995 Ford Windstar 1987 BMW 325i | 1987 BMW 325 | 1990 BMW 325i Vert |
2018 VW GTI | 1990 Mazda Miata | 
1989 BMW 325i Vert 2015 Fiesta ST | 1983 BMW 320i parts car
  Reply
Oh just buy one already Wink


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
2013 Honda Fit, 1991 Mazda Miata, Princess Blanca, Mystery, 1993 Volvo 940 - sold, 2003 Mazda Protoge5 - carmax'd, 1996 BMW 328is - sold, 1996 Honda Accord - sold
  Reply
Ask Maeng about when we tried to "refinish" his Miata top at Mike's party :lol:
Posting in the banalist of threads since 2004

2017 Mazda CX-5 GT AWD Premium

Past: 2016 GMC Canyon All Terrain Crew Cab / 2010 Jaguar XFR / 2012 Acura RDX AWD Tech / 2008 Cadillac CTS / 2007 Acura TL-S / 1966 5.0 HO Mustang Coupe
2001 Lexus IS300 / 2004 2.8L big turbo WRX STI / 2004 Subaru WRX / A couple of old trucks
  Reply
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.
Now:
'16 Ram 1500 | '97 BMW M3 | Some Press Loan

Then:
87 BMW 325e | 91 BMW 535i | 96 BMW 328i | 95 BMW 325i | 95 Mazda Miata | 13 Focus ST | 09 BMW 128i | 00 Pontiac Firebird | 05 Yukon Denali | 96 BMW 328iC | 11 Ford F-150 | 06 BMW M3 | 10 Range Rover SC | '03 Ford Ranger | '18 Ford F-150 | '01 BMW X5 | '98 Volvo S70 T5M
  Reply
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.
Current:
2011 F150 Platinum | 1995 BMW 325i 1983 BMW 320i  The MMoped | 2008 BMW 128i
Past:
1996 Toyota Tacoma: | 1992 Mazda Miata | 2002 BMW 325i |
2003 Toyota Tacoma | 1995 Miata M Edition | 1997 Subaru Outback |
1992 Mazda Miata | 1990 BMW 325i  | 2007 Toyota 4Runner | 
1995 Ford Windstar 1987 BMW 325i | 1987 BMW 325 | 1990 BMW 325i Vert |
2018 VW GTI | 1990 Mazda Miata | 
1989 BMW 325i Vert 2015 Fiesta ST | 1983 BMW 320i parts car
  Reply
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:
Now:
'16 Ram 1500 | '97 BMW M3 | Some Press Loan

Then:
87 BMW 325e | 91 BMW 535i | 96 BMW 328i | 95 BMW 325i | 95 Mazda Miata | 13 Focus ST | 09 BMW 128i | 00 Pontiac Firebird | 05 Yukon Denali | 96 BMW 328iC | 11 Ford F-150 | 06 BMW M3 | 10 Range Rover SC | '03 Ford Ranger | '18 Ford F-150 | '01 BMW X5 | '98 Volvo S70 T5M
  Reply
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.
1994 Ford Ranger
2004 Honda S2000
2007 BMW X3
  Reply


Forum Jump: