Learn me comfortable Miatas

[D_Eclipse9916]

So no this is not for me. This is for my mom's boyfriend. He is looking for a fun little runabout and he mentioned himself without me suggesting a miata. He isnt looking for (OMG THIS IS BEST YEAR FOR SPEC MIATAR) or some fixer upper. He is looking for something he doesnt need to touch and just can have fun. Whats the best year for comfort? He is also as tall as me at 6'2 but wears about 30lbs more.

Price limit is probably 5-10k I think at this moment. Heck he is happy with his 95 biege camry so no need for turbo/v8 etc.

[ScottyB]

2006+ with the power retractable hardtop and sport package

[.RJ]

For $5-10k, a 99+ miata sport package

[Evan]

99 is too small.

2006 can be had for 10k but its getting to be stupid pricing season

[Goodspeed]

Agreed with others, at that size he'll probably have a better experience for his needs in a NC, but for $7-8k or so he may be happy in a '01+ NB with the improved seats.

[Scott]

2006+ with the power retractable hardtop and sport package

If you've ever seen the diagram for repairing the top or talked to a Mazda Tech, you really don't want the retractable hardtop.....

Agreed with others, at that size he'll probably have a better experience for his needs in a NC, but for $7-8k or so he may be happy in a '01+ NB with the improved seats.

^^^This

[Jake]

I'd say an 01+ NB would be a good idea. Seats changed that year. Also, the 99-00 take regular fuel, 01-05 take premium because of the VVT. Not much of a thing (the cost difference is really negligible, especially with a ~12 gallon tank) but just an FYI.

Audiophiles hate the Bose system that came in a lot of NBs, but if he likes his beige Camry, he'll love it. The LS trim has all the pimpy options like power windows/mirrors/locks, leather seats, cloth top (vs vinyl), Bose.

[Evan]

seriously guys, no normal 6'2" human would consider a NA/NB miata comfortable.

I did it for a few years and it was pretty awful, even with a seat that I cut the foam out to give 2" more head and legroom.

With the stock seat it was almost undriveable.

[Jake]

seriously guys, no normal 6'2" human would consider a NA/NB miata comfortable.

I did it for a few years and it was pretty awful, even with a seat that I cut the foam out to give 2" more head and legroom.

With the stock seat it was almost undriveable.

Hey now, I know mom says I'm 'special' but I think I'm pretty normal :finger: I'm uh, about 6' 2" and 170 lbs and I was seriously fine DDing my NA until I put coilovers on it (rough ride) and installed the rollbar. The rollbar took away some room, but before hand, it was peachy. I mean, it was no 5-series where I could stretch out much, but that's not the point of the car.

[JustinG]

6'3 and when I drove your car to Subway at VMP, I think pre roll bar? I felt like my knees were in my face.

[Goodspeed]

Do you find something comical about my appearance when I am driving my automobile?

[D_Eclipse9916]

Okay, so apparently he has an affection for NA miatas...maybe NB miatas... So find me some good ones!

[Goodspeed]

Okay, so apparently he has an affection for NA miatas...maybe NB miatas... So find me some good ones!

Manuel? Autotragic? You can throw a stick at any used car lot and hit one or open-palm mash your keyboard and probably find 6 for sale in your neighborhood. With the weather popping like it is they'll be more 'spensive though.

[D_Eclipse9916]

Any years to avoid? Manual. Any years to go for? Special option packages?

[Kaan]

Any years to avoid?

1990-2012

[HAULN-SS]

like

[JPolen01]

Any years to avoid?

1990-2012

Winning

[Jake]

Any years to avoid? Manual. Any years to go for? Special option packages?

I'm partial to the 1.8L cars, so look at 94-97s. If he wants nice things, get an M-Edition... they came with nicer metallic paint, tan leather and tan roof, better (aka less sucktastic) stock audio, and fancy rimzz.

If not an M-Edition, get a Popular Equipment Package like mine. That got you power windows/mirrors, headrest speakers, alloys, cruise control and a Torsen LSD. Air conditioning was always a separate option no matter the package.

A lot of uneducated sellers will try and sell their non-M cars as M-Editions. The paint colors that ARE legit M's are Montego Blue, Merlot, Starlight Blue, and Marina Green. Anything else is not. The leather is crappy and usually doesn't hold up well though, so unless you find a really cared-for one, it may be best to find a cloth-seated PEP.

[SlimKlim]

Agreed with others, at that size he'll probably have a better experience for his needs in a NC, but for $7-8k or so he may be happy in a '01+ NB with the improved seats.

^ What he said. I think a VVT motor with the better seats would be the best car to get inside his price range, short of slapping $5k on his budget and stepping up to the NC, that seems like the best way to go for comfort.

If he wants the NA body style do what Jake said.

[Ole]

Now that all the haters have posted, here's the truth. I am 50 years old, 6'2" and weighed (pre P90X) 230lbs. I drove a 99 from here to Phoenix, AZ. with no issues. I then drove a different 99 from here to So. FL in 1 day with no issues with my son (6'4" 250 lbs). Evan is just different (remember the picture of him changing his oil?). Lord knows what position he was in when he was driving his 99.....

I prefer the NB body style over the NA. Better everything. More power (bigger mice), better synchros in the trans. Better diff (assuming you get one with a Torsen). Better factory stereo. Power windows, etc. You can find a good one for mid-range of what he is looking to spend.