Over the years I have read GLOWING articles on the old Miata--Now MX5 and had never driven one. For some bizzare reason all the positive articles on the MX 5 got me to a dealership on Saturday. I wanted to see the RHT. None there--I guess they are hard to come by. Took a drive. YIKES!! I was so disappointed in the engine sound--and pick up-- and exhaust note. It handled great--but did nothing for me. I was almost shocked. The engine sounded like it was going to break--with moderate accelerator input. Cheap sounding. I guess I am one of the few that the MX5 didn't do anything for.

I love my '05MCS and find the SC, Alta CAI and Magnaflow make my MINI come alive. Makes me appreciate my MINI even more. Please don't hang me--I really wanted to like the experience. Maybe I was expecting too much. Nick

 

i think those new miata's look super ugly from the front.

 

I was behind a Caymann for a while the other day. The more I looked, the more it looked like a melted Cayenne.

 

I have always found Miatas to be very aesthetically displeasing from year 1 with those odd looking pop-up headlights to the present design so I have never even had the slightest desire to own or test drive one

 

The new ones are too big, too heavy and way too complex.

The orignal ones where a lod of fun, they handled nicely, had enough power to be able to get into trouble and they where inexpensive to buy.

For some strange reason the new one is almost the opposite - it is big, heavy and expensive. Sure the power hike is there, but really it is masked by the extra weight that it has to carry. Really does the MX5 really need a power folding roof ?

The original was a one-handed reach over your shoulder and drag it into place affair.

I guess that it is no longer an entry-level sports car, it is trying to compete with the Z4 et al.......

 

Yeah, well, Ford does own a chunk of Mazda. Remember what happened to the Mustang in the 70's?

 

My GF has a 99 and I really enjoy driving it.... the new one has lost its soul---especially the turbo

 

I really wanted to like this car, I found a 9k mile '06 that I was ready to buy. I borrowed it for the weekend, and took it back on Monday - sorely disappointed. The engine had really good power, but I also found the engine sound not just uninspiring but downright uncomfortable to listen to. No matter what rpm or load, it just droned. The ride was so harsh, and there was just so much noise, especially with the top up. The car handled really well, but it just beat me to death. (My MINI has the sports supension, and I don't find it harsh by comparison)

When I mentioned to other Miata owners that I found it harsh, they act surprised. They claim they don't like how the car feels too soft and mushy!

I'm much happier with my MINI, I think I made the right choice!

 

I guess that also explains the Mazdaspeed 3?

 

I took a 90 or 91 on an extended test drive (my Dad's golf buddy owned the dealership) and really enjoyed that one. I think with every change that Mazda had made is has diluted the original formula of the original-light,snappy,rev happy, pretty well dialed in suspention. One thing that really stood out with the first generation was the shifting/trans-very nice. The original didn't have the burble of my MCS but I remember the exhaust was pretty nice- I also remember a serious lack of storage.

I'm with you on the RHT Max- why in such a small car?

 

the 09 has been tightend up a bit, and of course, the car is getting rave reviews....

i love the look of it, and it is the price tag that has me reading up about it all the time.

i think it's that price tag that keeps it in the automotive press

(and bump, I was going to ask if anyone else debated between an MX-5 and Mini before buying, so I searched the forum and found this)

 

I know how you feel about the bloated NC now it only weighs 200 pounds less than a MINI.
I wanted to get another MINI but I really got tired of Powersteering pumps ,broken door locks ,leaky transmission seals , etc.
Seriously I muched preferred the MINI to the NC originally ,but after 11K miles in the NC I would buy another one in a minute. I expected the driving dynamics of the MINI and the NC to be much more similiar than they are. The MINI feels more direct in its inputs, but the NC feels lighter and more tossable. The MINI S sounds way better than the NC but stock they are nearly the same in performance. There must be some reason why the NC is in C stock in autox and a S is in G stock. ( they both won their class this year at the national championships).

 

I know there aren't many GM fans here, but I'd have to check out the Solstice GXP coupe or convertible or Sky Redline versions with the 260 hp turbo Ecotec if I were in the market for a Miata or other two seat convertible in the $30k range.

 

I don't have either, and I wish I could buy you a beer some place so you could help me decide, lol.

If it turns out to be "the money" I'll get the MX-5, but that probably won't be the kicker. Half of me says, "Get the damn JCW and be done with it." The other half says "Get the two-seater miata and you won't have to worry about it or drive 2 hours (we're moving this week) to get work done."

And yes, all the petrol-heads and even the half-interested car guys at work talk about the Solsitce (or Sky) with a turbo. I was a GM guy for years, nearly all of my adult life, as my father before me. And all I can say about that is "Never again." I'm sure they are fine cars, but I won't own one.

 

Everybody has their own opinions about cars. You are probably right on the money about "the money" My MX5 was a left over 06 when I bought it in 07 and it was less expensive than a base MINI. That being said the base S cabrio is not that expensive ,just stay away from the options. It seems a JCW is in a different price point altogether, at those prices I'd buy the favorite car I tested prior to buying the MX5 ( I drove a dozen or so different cars) a Boxter. For JCW money you could have a certified Boxter with a 100k warranty. There is no comparasion, it is in a different class . I guess that should be a different thread. Good luck with your move.

 

Yeah, the 25-35K range is the problem. It was also what caused me maximum confusion several years ago. I drove a GT-S and RSX and WRX all back to back after spending a few days setting it up with the dealers. (2002 MY, IIRC). I ended up with a loaded WRX and should have never sold it. What I'll have to do is line up something similar this time with the Mini, the MX-5 and a third sanity check car.

It was just good to read the MX-5 is a solid ride on a Mini forum. I try to find balance, but internet forums are all very slanted, and car mags seem to never favor the mini becuase it's nearly alone. It always comes to bang for buck (it seems) with the reviewers.

 

Well for me nothing is going to sound as sweet as a MCS with its supercharger screaming short of a Ferrari V12.

I have a 95 NA Miata & it is a wonderful car. It has a purity to it not unlike British roadsters of the 60's. Never seemed underpowered until I got my MCS. The new NC Miata just doesn't do it for me, just too big I guess.

If you want a sports car try an early Miata 90-97.

 

Sounds like the 09 is getting some nice updates (also heard it might be getting lighter). Short test drive blurb: http://njection.com/blogs/autoblog/a...azda-mx-5.aspx

 

My word they are going to give the transmission shorter throws! I did not think that was possible. The Miata already has one sweet gearbox with quite a short throw & a wonderful mechanical feel.

That new mouth on the MX5 reminds me of this.... The new Mazda 3 is even goofier...

 

I have an 05 turbo MX-5 (an 02 turbo is in my garage as well) and owned two MCS's so I guess you could say that I know both cars quite well. I also test drove a brand new NC before going with the last year of the NB and the NC just didn't do it for me. It is very squishy. Drove nice and had nice little features that reminded me a lot of the feel of my MCS's but it wasn't enough of a sports car and I cannot get over the look of the hood. Ugh. The Mazdaspeed bady add-ons for the NC make it look much, much nicer but they are really, really expensive.

I was always addicted to the supercharger scream on my MCS but my turbo that sounds like a jet along with a really loud BOV is pretty darn nice.

 

lol, yeah I was just going to say at least it is better then the upcoming 3

 

I owned a first year Miata. I loved it. It was a great car. I replaced it with a M-Roadster, which is a huge step up from a Miata.

 

Those cars are not even in the same league. I could be very happy with an M Roadster. I'm willing to trade you even up so you can relive your youth in a Miata.

 

i take it you guys dont like S2000's?

 

Mostly because it's a Honda...

Just kidding, I have no problems with them.