With its Munchkin size, Miata is like playing with a Go-Kart. Late in the evening we have taken the car out for a drive. The top latches are poorly designed, wear out quickly, and are expensive to replace. I am alarmaphobic - this makes me nervous. It is fast although being such a small car I never take it over about 85.
Downs was very kind and helpful. It runs very well and has more zip than my recently totaled 99. It overtakes really well and the sound of the engine reminds you that it really is a sports car and loves to go fast. It is as good as advertised--modestly priced, attractive inside and out, superb handling, reliable, economical to maintain and operate, and just plain fun to drive. My final pick was a 2001 green with tan top beauty. We put the top down and just drove out in the country in the middle of nowhere.
We enjoy driving it, but we only drive locally because it is not a smooth drive on the freeway. I'm in Afghanistan and I called the owner, I think his name was Mike or Mark sorry I can't remember the name and he was very friendly, accommodating, and more important straight forward with me. The roof does not leak - like the Alfa. They are often clean and well cared for. Also, there is a tear where the back window is attached to the top. It does have a car cover, but it is rather annoying to have to put it on and take it off after each drive - which is why we usually don't have it covered.
Miata owners love their cars. Although a small, car the trunk is generous and can easily handle my golf clubs when required. The Miata is a fun car to drive. The Miata's manually operated convertible top which received a glass window in '99 is certainly the easiest to use in the industry: Just release the dual latches, push the top up and away, and it effortlessly dips down into the well. Other than that it's a great sportscar.
It is fast although being such a small car I never take it over about 85. The air conditioner is very good after initial 3-mile cool down. The car is very low to the ground and sometimes it is hard to get in and out of, especially if my husband's knee is acting up. The later it got the prettier our view was and we ended up just stopping and staring at the stars. It even handles surprisingly well on ice. I found this out with my car. They were the subject of a dealer alert but not a recall.
It also needs to be kept covered, in a garage or carport, to help protect the top. Inside, burly gents will find the living quarters a bit cramped, but the seats are supportive and controls easy to reach. I've owned an Alfa spyder and an older Porsche. The car is very low to the ground and sometimes it is hard to get in and out of, especially if my husband's knee is acting up. The car is very sleek and stylish and although not a very expensive car it gets many compliments.
It has been worth every cent. Definitely one of the most fun per dollar cars out there on the market today, especially because it will hopefully maintain quite a bit of its value over the next few years. I can run a consistent 7-second 0-60 time, which shows that it has plenty of power for any practical application. Overall, though, I love this car and would buy another one without hesitation. It overtakes really well and the sound of the engine reminds you that it really is a sports car and loves to go fast. I hope for a long term relationship.
The dealership worked with me and I had the truck the same day I called. It is cheaper to maintain. That's where the Miata reigns supreme, thanks in part to its double-wishbone suspension and low center of gravity. Routine maintenance items such as tires, brakes, sensors, and filters are very cheap for miatas. Its flaws are few, but noteworthy.
It does have a car cover, but it is rather annoying to have to put it on and take it off after each drive - which is why we usually don't hav. . The gas consumption is good whether you are driving long distance or just around town. This is my favorite of the 3 sports cars. Seating is a little tight - I am 6' tall - but limber. Really fun to drive - 6 speed manual transmission shifts very smoothly.