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Even though I've owned a 2001 NB Miata previously, it wasn't until driving this 2013 PRHT for the following review that has cemented the Miata in my mind as a truly great driver's car. And to take it all in context, I offer my comparison with my other modern day bargain hero, the FT86 FRS and BRZ!
Between the two... if I could have only one car, it would still be an '86, no question. Stiffer, bigger, more spacious inside, more practical, better interior, newer, the list goes on. But considered purely as a driving experience, I think the MX-5 offers a REALLY compelling alternative to having fun. They are so different that I would actually consider having BOTH if I could.
So... who here drives an MX5? What gen? If not... would you rock one?
For the image conscious, the biggest downside seems to be that of driving a small girly car. Would that bother you in any way?
Otherwise, in my humble opinion, there are not many contemporary driving experiences as good as this one.
Pretty much sums up for what it is. It has it's limitations but who cares, it was just so fun to drive. I owned a 2006 NC Limited prior to having kids. To this day I still miss the car. Once I start driving, even I had a troubled day, I forget all about and and just smile. I can drive on and on with no destination in mind. When kids are older, I will get another roadster.
The FRS/BRZ back seats don't really hold people, so the major advantage is more storage in the trunk/folded down back seats, which is slightly negated by the fact that it doesn't employ a hatch.
The Miata is a purpose-built 2 seater. The ability to drop the top, especially with the power hard top option, makes this a hands down winner IMO. This adds so much to the enjoyment factor, even over the driftability/ease of chassis control in the 86. But you have to consider off the lot pricing, a base Miata is $29k MSRP with no A/C and basic 16" wheels, the GS with power hardtop is $36k. For comparison's sake, the BRZ Sport Tech fully equipped is $29k MSRP, so you're definitely paying a premium for the convertible factor.
Those who feel uneasy driving a 'girly car', well you know what they say about overcompensation...
The FRS/BRZ back seats don't really hold people, so the major advantage is more storage in the trunk/folded down back seats, which is slightly negated by the fact that it doesn't employ a hatch.
Yes, but even without the benefit of the hatch, the FRS/BRZ trunk holds a TON of stuff. I can fit all my camera gear in there, and I've seen people slide in an entire 40" + television and all kinds of other stuff.
The Miata is a purpose-built 2 seater. The ability to drop the top, especially with the power hard top option, makes this a hands down winner IMO. This adds so much to the enjoyment factor, even over the driftability/ease of chassis control in the 86. But you have to consider off the lot pricing, a base Miata is $29k MSRP with no A/C and basic 16" wheels, the GS with power hardtop is $36k. For comparison's sake, the BRZ Sport Tech fully equipped is $29k MSRP, so you're definitely paying a premium for the convertible factor.
Those who feel uneasy driving a 'girly car', well you know what they say about overcompensation...
Totally agreed. The super sparse equipment levels (29k with no A/C?!) leaves a lot to be desired, but the ability to drop the top with PRHT makes you forget everything.
Well for $7k extra, it'd better make you forget everything
FWIW cash price on the Miata GS with PRHT is $31k which is much more inline
I still maintain the FRS trunk is limited, it CAN be useful if you are purposeful and carrying specific things to make it useful. But for daily utility, it's just meh. I was able to carry myself and a passenger and both our hockey gear in my old MR2, but I would never consider that a practical utility car by any stretch of the imagination. Not a big beef with it, one doesn't buy an FRS because of its utility and trunk capacity.
I picked up an 08 Miata in March as a weekend car and when I've gone a while without driving it I think that I should get rid of it since it's highly impractical, noisy, not exactly comfortable etc but then I get in and by the time I shift into 2nd gear I'm all "NAAHHHHHHHH, not gonna sell it".
It's hard to have so much fun for so little money.
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