Looking for a sports car bargain: $5K rebate on '08 Miatas! [Archive]

Chris S

03-30-2009, 01:53 AM

Friday night while surfing Miata.net, I learned that Mazda just unveiled $5000 rebates on remaining '08 Miatas. I've been tire-kicking '06's waiting for the right deal (and also for my '99 to sell). Well, they were already selling for around invoice +/-, and adding the rebate made it too tempting to resist.

I immediately went to Mazda's website, and sent requests for quotes for every suitable model within 250 miles. I ended up w/ a GT in True Red/Black, w/ Suspension and Premium #2 Packages. Listed for around $27,300, got it for $19,995 - complete w/ all kinds of goodies like heated leather seats, keyless ignition (just like the M3 and Vette), a Bose stereo that actually sounds decent, etc.

My '99 10AE Miata got trashed in Austin's possibly worst hailstorm ever last Wed., and hopefully the damage will be high enough to get them to total it. I plan to keep the new one relatively stock as long as I have the 10AE, then use some of the proceeds from it to start some light mods (rollbar, coilovers, etc.)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3662/3393566585_30bfe08424_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3394377272_3644764d8c_o.jpg

R6Chick

03-30-2009, 07:34 AM

That's a great price, congrats!

bmblebee

03-30-2009, 07:36 AM

It is a sharp ride, congrats!

101lifts2

03-30-2009, 02:43 PM

28k for a Miata is getting raped. Even 20k doesn't seem all that great. Considering the thing came out in 1990 and it pretty much looks the same.

Trip

03-30-2009, 03:21 PM

Your neighbors house looks like a castle

Cut your grass

Chris S

03-30-2009, 03:48 PM

You sure throw some coin around. What do you do for a living?

I manage the financial outlook and some other functions for the Consumer division of a global computer company.

RACER X

03-30-2009, 03:50 PM

28k for a Miata is getting raped. Even 20k doesn't seem all that great. Considering the thing came out in 1990 and it pretty much looks the same.

thats the beauty of that car......timeless. and $20k is a steal for all he got......how much is a POS solstice/sky?

good deal chris......

Chris S

03-30-2009, 03:51 PM

Your neighbors house looks like a castle

Cut your grass

Not my hood - that was at a stop in Waxahachie along the way when we had to pull over and attend to our crying 5 mo. old (he was riding in the truck).

pauldun170

03-30-2009, 04:06 PM

Not my hood - that was at a stop in Waxahachie along the way when we had to pull over and attend to our crying 5 mo. old (he was riding in the trunk).

Must remember that skimming a thread can lead to the wrong impression.

Amazing the difference one letter can make

Rsv1000R

03-30-2009, 04:27 PM

I always suggested to my son he could ride in the back of the Z, But it's not a real trunk as it opens to the passenger compartment, and I'm not sure he could fold himself into it anymore....

Homeslice

03-30-2009, 04:47 PM

I rode in the "trunk" of a Beetle all the time when I was 5-6

101lifts2

03-31-2009, 12:09 AM

thats the beauty of that car......timeless. and $20k is a steal for all he got......how much is a POS solstice/sky?

good deal chris......

When the Miata came out it was under 15k..now its 30k and its the same CAR!!!!

Why would I pay double for the same shit? At least the Americans make the cars totally different.

Adeptus_Minor

03-31-2009, 12:52 AM

When the Miata came out it was under 15k..now its 30k and its the same CAR!!!!

Why would I pay double for the same shit? At least the Americans make the cars totally different.

Yeah...and if, in 1990, you had suggested that a decently equipped Chevy half ton could go for $30k, heads would have spun. It's still just a truck.

Cutty72

03-31-2009, 12:57 AM

When the Miata came out it was under 15k..now its 30k and its the same CAR!!!!

Why would I pay double for the same shit? At least the Americans make the cars totally different.

It has actually changed a lot.
New engine and tranny.
New suspension
Entire new platform a few years back.

Check out some MazdaSpeed parts for it... still covered under warranty.

101lifts2

03-31-2009, 12:58 AM

Yeah...and if, in 1990, you had suggested that a decently equipped Chevy half ton could go for $30k, heads would have spun. It's still just a truck.

Yeah, but they look different!

The thing with the Japanese is that they usually won't change designs unless they are pressured by marketing to do so.

Adeptus_Minor

03-31-2009, 01:00 AM

Yeah, but they look different!

The thing with the Japanese is that they usually won't change designs unless they are pressured by marketing to do so.

I dunno about you but I can see very distinct differences between a 90's Miata and the current one. :idk:
Then again, I actually like Miatas so maybe I just pay more attention to them than you do.

Cutty72

03-31-2009, 01:04 AM

flip up lights for one.

Homeslice

03-31-2009, 01:10 AM

Yeah, but they look different!

The thing with the Japanese is that they usually won't change designs unless they are pressured by marketing to do so.
Never mind that the Accord, Civic and Camry get changed every 3 yrs minimum?

How often does the Vette get changed? Once every 9-10 yrs?

RACER X

03-31-2009, 07:31 AM

yeah, it's not like a 6sp tranny should cost more then a 5 spd.

my '94 miata was in the $18's..........

pauldun170

03-31-2009, 09:32 AM

28k for a Miata is getting raped. Even 20k doesn't seem all that great. Considering the thing came out in 1990 and it pretty much looks the same.

Exactly!!!

I SOOOO agreee with you..

Like a 1990 Corvette went for 32K back in 1990 and now it goes for like what 60K-70K

OMG!!!! It's the same car!!!

anyways......

5K discount eh...
Miata's start at 22K so if there are any base model lying around that's a hell of a deal

101lifts2

03-31-2009, 06:20 PM

Exactly!!!

I SOOOO agreee with you..

Like a 1990 Corvette went for 32K back in 1990 and now it goes for like what 60K-70K

OMG!!!! It's the same car!!!

anyways......

5K discount eh...
Miata's start at 22K so if there are any base model lying around that's a hell of a deal

You damn well know a 1990 vette is night and day different than a new Vette.

pauldun170

03-31-2009, 09:43 PM

You damn well know a 1990 vette is night and day different than a new Vette.

...and you damn well know that a 1990 Miata is night and day from a new one.

pauldun170

03-31-2009, 09:59 PM

1990 Corvette: 31.9K base price
0-60 mph in 5.7 - 14.3 1/4
2009 Corvette:48.5K base price
0-60 mph in 4.1

1.6 second improvement time worth 16.6K

1990 Mazda Miata:13.8K base price
9.4 0-60 16.9 1/4
2009 Miata:22.7K base price
0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds

1.9 second improvement time worth 8.9K

Chris S

03-31-2009, 10:18 PM

When the Miata came out it was under 15k..now its 30k and its the same CAR!!!!

Why would I pay double for the same shit? At least the Americans make the cars totally different.

OK, you're really showing your blatant ignorance for a so-called car dude! I never paid much attention to the NC till I saw a well-prepped one. I can hang w/ if not beat most 1st/2nd gen Miatas at Harris Hill Road. I saw a white one not only pass me like I was standing still, but lap me in a 20 minute session. He hangs w/ Elises/Exiges, and says he's 0.2 secs. faster than the top Cayman lap time.

Did the '90 Miata have any of the following?
- 166 hp - much more power and tq.
- 6 sp. tranny
- keyless entry/ignition w/ integrated alarm
- leather, heated seats w/ adj. height
- 200W Bose stereo (I generally hate Bose, but this one sounds pretty good)
- 5 link rear suspension
- greater mass centralization
- HID headlights + foglights
- side impact airbags
- enough space to be comfy on a long drive
- stability control
- one handed top raising/lowering w/ no need for a tonneau cover
- 17" wheels w/ sticky rubber
- tilt steering
- much, much stiffer chassis

Even w/ all that stuff, it's still by far the lightest sports car on the market that isn't a Lotus.

I have a 2nd gen, and trust me, I didn't buy it just b/c I had money laying around that I didn't know what to do w/!

Homeslice

03-31-2009, 11:15 PM

pauldun170

04-01-2009, 12:22 AM

The 1990 miata was much smaller, had almost no creature comforts, was noisy on the highway, and the interior was rather dime-store. Plus the rear window wasn't glass, and it had much more snap-oversteer. Paint sucked and the doors felt kinda like a tin can. With that being said it was probably the funnest car I've ever driven.

There is no comparison to today's Miata. They are 2 full generations apart. Doubt if they even share any parts except maybe wheel bearings and wiper motors.

In it's defence, a majority of cars from 1990 had dime store interiors and chitty paint.

Totally agree on fun to drive. Once you get over the fact that EVERYBODY is leaving you from a stop light (when driving that first year Miata now in 2009) and they are not even trying...
Holy crap is it fun to drive.

However...in a 1990 Corvette.
Driven in 2009...
Once you get past the "It's got some balls" when leaving that same stop light. It just turns into a series of "damn", "this is just bad".
You gotta constantly goose the motor to keep your mind off the little crappy things and when your done you kinda write it off as "it's just old...I really want a new one!!!"

In the Miata, just when you start getting annoyed at those fucking doorhandles you gotta hold open to lock the door and the motor, the motor that under 4K is just, it just takes a long time to get there but when it does....."Hey wonder what a new set a shocks will do for the handl......hey another corner.....
FUCK YOU MINIVAN I'll CATCH YOU IN THE TWISTIES!!......"
In other words....fuck refinement and decent radios and plastic that holds up in bad weather with the top down...It's just a fun car to drive.

101lifts2

04-02-2009, 02:32 PM

...and you damn well know that a 1990 Miata is night and day from a new one.

But its not...looks almost identical..minus the pop lights!:zowned::drool:

101lifts2

04-02-2009, 02:34 PM

101lifts2

04-02-2009, 02:36 PM

OK, you're really showing your blatant ignorance for a so-called car dude! I never paid much attention to the NC till I saw a well-prepped one. I can hang w/ if not beat most 1st/2nd gen Miatas at Harris Hill Road. I saw a white one not only pass me like I was standing still, but lap me in a 20 minute session. He hangs w/ Elises/Exiges, and says he's 0.2 secs. faster than the top Cayman lap time.

Did the '90 Miata have any of the following?
- 166 hp - much more power and tq.
- 6 sp. tranny
- keyless entry/ignition w/ integrated alarm
- leather, heated seats w/ adj. height
- 200W Bose stereo (I generally hate Bose, but this one sounds pretty good)
- 5 link rear suspension
- greater mass centralization
- HID headlights + foglights
- side impact airbags
- enough space to be comfy on a long drive
- stability control
- one handed top raising/lowering w/ no need for a tonneau cover
- 17" wheels w/ sticky rubber
- tilt steering
- much, much stiffer chassis

Even w/ all that stuff, it's still by far the lightest sports car on the market that isn't a Lotus.

I have a 2nd gen, and trust me, I didn't buy it just b/c I had money laying around that I didn't know what to do w/!

I am speaking of the body design, not Stability control, which is mandated for any vehicle past 2007. I'm betting it has a tire pressure monitor system too, right? lol

And my car knowlegde is knowing how shit operates, not memorizing book spec. knowledge and whether the dashboard is "tight" or not.

goof2

04-02-2009, 02:57 PM

You could have built a much faster Miata for less than you spent on this new one.

For example: http://home.comcast.net/~npartist/

For those who think V8 swaps are a detriment to handling, be sure to check out his videos section.

I really would like to do the new 480 hp LS3 in a Miata. It would be OK here (no emissions), but if I had to move I wouldn't be able to pass emissions in most states. I would rather have a $2k track only bike than a $20k+ track only car.

pauldun170

04-02-2009, 03:05 PM

I really would like to do the new 480 hp LS3 in a Miata. It would be OK here (no emissions), but if I had to move I wouldn't be able to pass emissions in most states. I would rather have a $2k track only bike than a $20k+ track only car.

Around here if you want to have fun with engine swaps it better be OBD-I recipient car or earlier.

goof2

04-02-2009, 03:34 PM

Around here if you want to have fun with engine swaps it better be OBD-I recipient car or earlier.

I think it is that way in most states. Here in FL you can do whatever you want. As an example some guy down here did a Jag V12 in to a Miata for some reason. The most difficult part would be getting insurance. Other states don't let you get that far.

Along the same lines though, I would also like to someday swap Integra Type-R power (with the limited slip) in to an original Mini. That could be a hell of a lot of fun.

Adeptus_Minor

04-02-2009, 03:41 PM

I am speaking of the body design,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_Miata

They have pictures by generation.
If you can't see the difference there, you're just being hard-headed.
:nee:

101lifts2

04-02-2009, 08:32 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_Miata

They have pictures by generation.
If you can't see the difference there, you're just being hard-headed.
:nee:

I can see them, but most people can't. Verus take a 2004 Malibu vs a 2005 then vs. a 2008. Very different looking cars.

Chris S

04-02-2009, 11:14 PM

You could have built a much faster Miata for less than you spent on this new one.

For example: http://home.comcast.net/~npartist/

For those who think V8 swaps are a detriment to handling, be sure to check out his videos section.

You think I didn't know that? I have a '99, and have thoroughly investigated S/C and turbo kits for it. Problem is that I wasn't getting low enough, and I was at a crossroads of deciding between racing buckets or a new car. The NC has a much lower seating position, and my wife enjoys driving convertibles, so it wouldn't have been nice to make it too hardcore.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9071692@N02/3299849470/sizes/o/

When I want to go much faster, I break out the more serious iron:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3434/3380591639_a749cea679_b.jpg

Cutty72

04-02-2009, 11:50 PM

You think I didn't know that? I have a '99, and have thoroughly investigated S/C and turbo kits for it. Problem is that I wasn't getting low enough, and I was at a crossroads of deciding between racing buckets or a new car. The NC has a much lower seating position, and my wife enjoys driving convertibles, so it wouldn't have been nice to make it too hardcore.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9071692@N02/3299849470/sizes/o/

:x:

OneSickPsycho

04-03-2009, 09:54 AM

www.monstermiata.com. Don't be a vagina.

OneSickPsycho

04-03-2009, 10:15 AM

Nah. There are at least three companies offering kits and even selling turn-key Miatas with GM V-8's and T-56 six speeds. Lighter, more powerful, and more fuel efficient.

Half the fun is doing it yourself.

goof2

04-03-2009, 10:32 AM

Nah. There are at least three companies offering kits and even selling turn-key Miatas with GM V-8's and T-56 six speeds. Lighter, more powerful, and more fuel efficient.

You don't need to have a bulge put in the hood to clear the intake system with the LS versions either.

z06boy

04-03-2009, 10:37 AM

goof2

04-03-2009, 11:26 AM

The monster Miata or another version of it would be a beast and a blast to drive. Similar to the Cobra kit cars I would imagine. I've driven two of the Cobra replicas...one from Superformance and one from FactoryFive Racing :drool: but never a V8 Miata. Well come to think of it I've never driven a Miata period.

I think the biggest difference would be the inability to put serious tires on the Miata without significant body work. Putting 400+ horsepower through 225s is guaranteed to induce some pucker.

z06boy

04-03-2009, 11:37 AM

I think the biggest difference would be the inability to put serious tires on the Miata without significant body work. Putting 400+ horsepower through 225s is guaranteed to induce some pucker.

Very true. I had 225's on a 92 5.0 Mustang with 440 rwhp so I switched to 245's and it was better but still not enough meat.

My Vette has 295's but still no match for the power without putting drag radials on it.

From a roll they both were/are fun. :lol:

Chris S

04-03-2009, 07:55 PM

V8 Miatas are fun, but I don't have time for a project car, and I shuffling 5 vehicles around the garage/driveway is already a royal PITA. Can't wait to sell the old Miata, and we're thinking about selling the Jetta. The M3, new Miata, and Ridgeline would make a great combo and cover all our needs.

Homeslice

04-03-2009, 09:13 PM

Fairly certain a properly set up LS1/2/etc Miata will slaughter the Beemer in every aspect of performance. Style and comfort, no, but definitely speed and handling.

In speed? Doubtful unless it had a V8. I don't think you could boost the stock 4-cyl enough to beat the M3.

Cutty72

04-03-2009, 11:42 PM

In speed? Doubtful unless it had a V8. I don't think you could boost the stock 4-cyl enough to beat the M3.

Do they make a 4cyl LS1? :lol:

Homeslice

04-04-2009, 12:05 AM

101lifts2

04-04-2009, 03:57 AM

Adeptus_Minor

04-04-2009, 09:22 AM

But is it more fun to drive a fast car, fast? :idk:

I would have to say yes, but where are you going to drive what amounts to "fast" in a fast car? You can feel fast in a sufficiently agile 'slow' car in real world (ie. less potential for flaming death) driving situations.

Do they make a 4cyl LS1? :lol:

Sure, just pull four spark plugs out of the regular LS1. :lol:

Chris S

04-04-2009, 12:38 PM

But is is more fun to drive a fast car, fast? :idk:

Yes, at least until you see the flashing blue lights in your rearview mirror or end up w/ a crunched up car &/or body!

goof2

04-04-2009, 01:31 PM

Yeah well I wouldn't want to put a V8 in that car. People can claim it has no effect on handling, but that's BS. Just because it might acheive the same lateral G's or slalom doesn't mean it handles exactly the same. There is a certain lightness in the steering and tossability that would be lost. Also, personally it's more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow. In a V8 Miata your throttle foot would be itching all the time, with almost nowhere to use it.

Any modification will have an effect on handling. One kit for LS swaps adds less than 200 lbs and has the engine pushed back enough to put about 1/3 of the additional weight on the back wheels. It will effect handling, but with weight on the front wheels increasing by less than 10% it shouldn't completely change the dynamics of the car. Putting huge wheels and tires on one would probably have a more detrimental effect on handling. Concerning the power, that is a personal choice. For people who want more there is no replacement for displacement. I would be curious to see what a 260 horse Cosworth motor would do, but that costs 3 or 4 times what a brand new LS motor costs.

101lifts2

04-04-2009, 02:21 PM

.....Did the '90 Miata have any of the following?
- 166 hp - much more power and tq.
- 6 sp. tranny
- keyless entry/ignition w/ integrated alarm
- leather, heated seats w/ adj. height
- 200W Bose stereo (I generally hate Bose, but this one sounds pretty good)
- 5 link rear suspension
- greater mass centralization
- HID headlights + foglights
- side impact airbags
- enough space to be comfy on a long drive
- stability control
- one handed top raising/lowering w/ no need for a tonneau cover
- 17" wheels w/ sticky rubber
- tilt steering
- much, much stiffer chassis

These are moderate upgrades, not a change over of the design. I mean any car company can add these in the simple 3 year life cycle of a vehicle.

Homeslice

04-05-2009, 10:15 PM

Dude the entire chassis and platform is new.

As for a V8 transplant, that's better-suited for an RX7, not a Miata IMO.

101lifts2

04-06-2009, 12:27 AM

I would have to say yes, but where are you going to drive what amounts to "fast" in a fast car? You can feel fast in a sufficiently agile 'slow' car in real world (ie. less potential for flaming death) driving situations.

Sure, just pull four spark plugs out of the regular LS1. :lol:

Just warm up the engine and keep the throttle under 75%....4cyl. mode!

101lifts2

04-06-2009, 12:35 AM

The kits available today position the GM drivetrain far enough back to achieve a weight bias almost identical to that of the original 1.8L / 5-speed. Our local LS1 Miata guy claims his car weighs 2,500 pounds wet. The weight increase is more than offset by the additional power. I would say the biggest hinderance to handling would be what others here have already mentioned: traction. BUT, you can see from this guy's track videos that he can still hustle it around the course pretty fast. Watch the vid in my last post and you can see how many Vettes he smokes. There's a vid on Youtube of a guy's red LS1 (stock) Miata running mid-11's at the strip, too... on stock width rear tires.

I've always felt that Ford / Mazda should have used the Miata platform for a new age, V8 powered production Cobra.

Are u buds with the Miata owner with the LS1? Seems like the car has alot of power, but it also seems like alot of those people who he passed don't have alot of experience.

Chris S

06-22-2009, 01:20 AM

Just a quick update on my Miata, which is finally track-ready!

I've had a MS CAI + Goodwin Racing midpipe/catback for several months now.

I recently installed Tein Mono Flex coilovers, then had an alignment, corner balance, and fender roll to accommodate Enkei 17x9 wheels w/ 235/40 Dunlop Direzza Star Specs. I still haven't found the limits of the handling, since they're so high, normally aggressive cornering speeds don't even bother it....the car literally feels like it's vacummed to the road! Can't wait to get it on the track soon...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/3645891522_6b1960e729_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3645083475_dac4e507b1_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3658/3642136797_1ba82db78f_o.jpg

I'll have a header and an aftermarket rollbar on it by this fall, then it will be pretty much done.

Adeptus_Minor

06-22-2009, 08:16 AM

Wow... nice job, Chris! :dthumb:

Homeslice

06-22-2009, 09:48 AM

Looks good. 9" rims seem pretty wide for a car of that size, though. What did it come with stock?

Chris S

06-22-2009, 01:30 PM

Thanks, guys. It came w/ 17x7" wheels w/ 205/50 tires stock. One of the cool things about the new Miatas is that their flared fenders can hold a lot of rubber! (I've seen up to 285's on them)

Rider

06-22-2009, 02:58 PM

Wouldn't a slightly used Z3 be a batter buy? Probably not as reliable but more performance and a better ride.

TYEster

06-22-2009, 03:27 PM

Nice RPF1s... Considered those for my Z but it sees more daily driving than track time.

BTW I love how cars are sold here in Tx with "heated leather" seats. :lol Just what I want when I get in my car after work with 100+deg outside/inside.

RACER X

06-22-2009, 03:58 PM

Wouldn't a slightly used Z3 be a batter buy? Probably not as reliable but more performance and a better ride.

more performance. how so? straight line..........yes, cornereing no.

Rider

06-22-2009, 04:02 PM

more performance. how so? straight line..........yes, cornereing no.

I've never driven a Z3 or any BMW for that matter, but I have driven a Miata(2004) and I was less than impressed with the power. I drove it back to back with the RX8 and the RX8 had far better handling capabilities.

Edit: The Miata was bone stock on a dealer showroom floor, so my opinion was not based on any mods that could be done to improve power or handling.

Adeptus_Minor

06-22-2009, 05:55 PM

BTW I love how cars are sold here in Tx with "heated leather" seats. :lol Just what I want when I get in my car after work with 100+deg outside/inside.

Yeah.
You'd think ventilated seats would have caught on as a much more common and desirable option for those of us below the Mason-Dixon.
Now, I can attest that heated seats are a nice indulgence during our short cold season, but I'd rather have ventilation for the other 9 months. :rolleyes:

Chris S

06-22-2009, 06:14 PM

Wouldn't a slightly used Z3 be a batter buy? Probably not as reliable but more performance and a better ride.

Good thing I wasn't drinking at the time, I would have spit all over my monitor! The Z3 uses a very antiquated (i.e. crappy) rear suspension design, vs. the state of the art multi-link in the Miata. The ride/handling compromise is unreal - and for reference, I've recently had 2 S2000's, a Cayman S, and now also own an '08 M3.

At Harris Hill Road (closest track to Austin), the lap rankings/records were something like this last I checked:

1. Radical ~1:18
2. Ferrari 355 Challenge ~1:19-1:20
3. 911 GT3 RS ~1:23
4. '08 Miata (not mine) 1:26
5. Exige S ~1:26
Behind that are other Lotuses, Caymans, Corvettes, Porsches, etc.

The NC Miata can get a lot of rubber under those flared fenders, giving it a potential traction advantage over most other cars which can overcome the power deficit on tighter tracks.

Heated seats are great on cooler days/nights, it extends the comfort zone for topless motoring. Heck, we have 'em on all 4 of our cars & trucks, and once you have 'em, you'll problem appreciate them. I prob. won't use them again until Oct., but will be happy to hit the button when the temps drop again!

Homeslice

06-22-2009, 06:21 PM

So those fenders are stock? You say rolled, what does that mean.

Chris S

06-22-2009, 06:32 PM

The inside lip on the rear fenders (pretty much out of sight) was horizontal to the ground, but was bent upwards to create additional tire clearance. Front fenders are pre-rolled from the factory.

http://www.tom.actionfit.com/fenderolling.html

TYEster

06-22-2009, 07:19 PM

Yeah.
You'd think ventilated seats would have caught on as a much more common and desirable option for those of us below the Mason-Dixon.
Now, I can attest that heated seats are a nice indulgence during our short cold season, but I'd rather have ventilation for the other 9 months. :rolleyes:

Definetly! At the very least if I have to suffer the "loss of performance for luxury" at least make em chilled seats.

Chris S

06-22-2009, 11:40 PM

I would LOVE chilled seats, but that would involve quite a bit extra weight and complexity vs. heated seats, which add <1 lb. of switches and heating elements.

Adeptus_Minor

06-23-2009, 12:22 AM

By the way, for all you who choke on the thought of adding expensive performance equipment to a Miata...
I should have snapped a pic of the Impala or whatever plain-jane, humdrum GM sedan it was that I passed on the way to work tonight sitting at a gas pump...with pimp-ass vertical doors wide open. :lol:

RACER X

06-23-2009, 07:57 AM

chris, cars lookin great! i really like this gen vs the last one. this gen looks much more like the orig. versions.

z06boy

06-23-2009, 12:56 PM

I'm not a big fan of Miata's BUT I know they are a decent little car and can be made to handle supurbly for not much $$.

When I say I'm not a big fan...I mean for me to drive...I'm not saying it's not a good reliable car at all.

Less than $20k for that car is a bargain period...nice purchase.

*edit* Just realized how "old" this thread is :lol: and didn't read all of it. I still say what I just posted above BUT must also say...nice job with the upgrades...nicely done !!

pauldun170

06-23-2009, 01:02 PM

I remember when they first came out. I hated the lil jelly beans (this is back in my teens when the only car you need to know had 5.0 on the side and was refered to by many as "notchback' or "LX")

Then I drove one.
then I drove another one and another.

I've enjoyed bare bones models with the "anemic" 1.6 as much as the newer 1.8's.
I'd rock an old Miata sooner than a new Mustang or Camaro.