So my mom wants a Miata...

[GregF]

Finally, I catch a break. My mom has always looked at my obsession for cars as anything but positive. But out of the blue, she says to me at dinner, "I think a Miata would be cool." UHGGG.... YES! Now that my car will be down at JMU starting in August and Im moving my sisters car down to Florida, theres plenty of room for a Miata in the driveway (lets be real... Im keeping it in the garage).

Ive read more Miata threads on here than I can count on my fingers, so I know you all are a wealth of knowledge. So my questions for all you Miata junkies: When shopping for a Miata, what year(s) should I stay away from? Any common issues should I know about? Yada yada... buyers guide to used Miatas, please?

My mom also mentioned a new (or CPO) Miata but that seems like it defeats the point of it being an affordable second/fun car. Any opinions on this?

[JustinG]

Buy NIS01 (Shea's) miata.

[GregF]

ohhhhh I like. It could take some convincing since Im sure the wheels, roll cage, and the other obvious aftermarket stuff will probably turn her away (If it were for me Id take it as is).

[JustinG]

Roll bar is a must for Miatas, adds safety, and frankly I wouldn't drive one without it. He still has the stock suspension, so aside from that its just wheels and tires.

[xvxax]

I think the "all options removed" would probably keep me from recommending that to my mom.

I think as far as Miatas go which people could use practically, the NC (2006+) hard top is probably as good as it gets. Most powerful Miata generation and the hard top makes it quieter.

[Jake]

What's the budget here?

[GregF]

Roll bar is a must for Miatas, adds safety, and frankly I wouldn't drive one without it. He still has the stock suspension, so aside from that its just wheels and tires.

I talked to her about the roll bar and to my surprise she said she doesnt mind it.

I think the "all options removed" would probably keep me from recommending that to my mom.

I think as far as Miatas go which people could use practically, the NC (2006+) hard top is probably as good as it gets. Most powerful Miata generation and the hard top makes it quieter.

Im thinking NC is the way to go as well. While this isnt going to be driven all that much, I know my mom would rather go for the conveniences of the NC rather than a less expensive option.

What's the budget here?

She hasnt decided on a specific number. I think the idea is that its cheap enough to justify the few miles per year itll be driven, however, shes going to want it to be as "convenient" as possible (and I dont mean practical). Going with an NC seems to be the most "convenient" option. To put "convenience" into perspective, she cant change a tire, so anything short of a power folding top is a no go. Buying a new one isn't justified simply because its too expensive for how little it'll be driven (I'll more than likely end up being putting the most miles on it).

HOLD UP. I wonder if I could convince her into an S2000 hock:

[Evan]

only miata with a power top is the NC with the folding hard top.

Its also the most 'convenient' and is a pretty fantastic roadster all around. Id take one over an s2000 as a daily driver every time.

[GregF]

only miata with a power top is the NC with the folding hard top.

Its also the most 'convenient' and is a pretty fantastic roadster all around. Id take one over an s2000 as a daily driver every time.

Seems like the NC is the only gen I should be looking at. Regardless of what car she ends up with, it wont be a DD.

Im also thinking about the TT. MMMM german....

[D_Eclipse9916]

Im also thinking about the TT. MMMM german....

MMM, repair shop heaven.

[Jake]

Frankly, for "older" folks who have a bit more money to spend and want a nicer daily-driver (that isn't a total track monster), the NC is the way to go. They started in 2006 and can be found relatively cheap now. The automatic doesn't suck and the manual is just as good as it was in the older cars. Bit more horsepower (167) and creature comforts/safety things.

The NC's soft top is easier to put up than the older cars. It pops up about an inch, you reach back and grab the handle, and basically push it forward. Very easy. No "throw your arm back and rip your shoulder out" as the older cars' design required.

I'm seeing NCs on AutoTrader for $12-16k that would be great for her, particularly compared to a NA/NB with aftermarket roll bar.

[GregF]

Im also thinking about the TT. MMMM german....

MMM, repair shop heaven.

I knew it would be long before someone said it. 'Tis true though.

Frankly, for "older" folks who have a bit more money to spend and want a nicer daily-driver (that isn't a total track monster), the NC is the way to go. They started in 2006 and can be found relatively cheap now. The automatic doesn't suck and the manual is just as good as it was in the older cars. Bit more horsepower (167) and creature comforts/safety things.

The NC's soft top is easier to put up than the older cars. It pops up about an inch, you reach back and grab the handle, and basically push it forward. Very easy. No "throw your arm back and rip your shoulder out" as the older cars' design required.

I'm seeing NCs on AutoTrader for $12-16k that would be great for her, particularly compared to a NA/NB with aftermarket roll bar.

What about safety? I understand NA and NB arent the safest, but how about the NC? It must be safer considering the changes in safety requirements...

[Kaan]

Im also thinking about the TT. MMMM german....

WTF... that suggestion makes the Miata look good lol

the only time a TT is fun to drive is in forza.

[Jake]

What about safety? I understand NA and NB arent the safest, but how about the NC? It must be safer considering the changes in safety requirements...

I dunno, I would assume they are safe-ish. More airbags than the NA/NB (dual front and side) and newer design. I have no idea what the safety ratings on them are. My view is that the smaller size = easier accident avoidance = less likely to get in a wreck in the first place.

[SlimKlim]

HOLD UP. I wonder if I could convince her into an S2000 hock:

I wouldn't. Inevitably she'd take it out on a slushy day or just hit some sand/gravel in the road, and then come home and skin you alive for selling her into a car with no traction control.

Also, looks and reliability aside, the older TTs just aren't that nice to drive, far too heavy footed and sluggish for how small and impractical it is. If you want to go for something more premium, get her into a Z4. They've come down to $14-17k and while they look goofy, and probably aren't great track cars, are actually really fun to drive. The long hood and low slung driving position make it feel like an old school roadster, the 3.0i designation is pretty respectable and the 3.0si has bawls.

I'll throw my vote in with the NC as well. Comfortable, modern creature comforts, Mazda reliability and cost of ownership, and still a great car to drive. While its no NA in terms of go-karting around a corner, they really managed to capture the charm of the original miata in the drivetrain. Peppy, nice sounding little 4-banger and clicky, fun to drive transmission. They also have an auto with paddle shifter thingies if she didn't want to work a clutch pedal.

EDIT: Does the NC have pop up roll over bars? I know the Z4 does, it seems like that should be a requirement on modern convertibles.

[Evan]

face it. she is going to buy a vw beetle convertible.

[Goodspeed]

EDIT: Does the NC have pop up roll over bars? I know the Z4 does, it seems like that should be a requirement on modern convertibles.

I don't think they "pop" in any way, but under the cosmetic covers there is some basic protection from the factory...if you're short.



+1 on the NC. The only knock against them I've ever heard is that the earlier NC's (pre-happyhappyjoyjoy face) had suspensions that were overly soft (see if you can find an action pic of a "sport package" 2006 car, the body roll will shock you)...so, nothing that will really matter to your mom.

Also, the current Club Sport models are really hot. Convince her.

[Sully]

I wouldn't. Inevitably she'd take it out on a slushy day or just hit some sand/gravel in the road, and then come home and skin you alive for selling her into a car with no traction control.

That would only rule out '99-'05. '06 got electronic stability control. They also added that sexy blue color (not suzuka) S2K's also have power tops and moar powers. An '06 can probably be had for 17k-20k. (That is a guess) I found one for 16k while looking for mine but it sold quick at that price before I could even make arrangements to look at it.

Edit: while not traction control, that should eliminate the ass hop at least And I'm sure there is some form of traction control in that system...they are drive by wire from then on also

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[Jake]

My mom drove an S2k when she was shopping for her convertible. This was in '06 so it was an AP2. Loved how it drove, but it was "too much of a race car" for her to actually own. And this is coming from someone who's owned Super Sport Chevies and a CRX Si.

Older folks don't (usually) find an 8k-9k redline - that you have to use to drive the car - entirely desirable. Mom's "fun car" now is a high-waisted, thrashy-V6'd, clunky-manual-transmissioned Mercedes wearing Chrysler's high heels and lipstick. Not a great drivers' car, but you don't have to rev it to the moon to go anywhere.

[Sully]

My mom drove an S2k when she was shopping for her convertible. This was in '06 so it was an AP2. Loved how it drove, but it was "too much of a race car" for her to actually own. And this is coming from someone who's owned Super Sport Chevies and a CRX Si.

Older folks don't (usually) find an 8k-9k redline - that you have to use to drive the car - entirely desirable. Mom's "fun car" now is a high-waisted, thrashy-V6'd, clunky-manual-transmissioned Mercedes wearing Chrysler's high heels and lipstick. Not a great drivers' car, but you don't have to rev it to the moon to go anywhere.

My dad enjoys the s2k and I'm sure he doesn't rev it high because he didn't even know what VTEC was till I showed him one day . They can be fun without revving high.

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