I test drove an '08 Miata Hard Top [along with several others] and a Solstice and Mustang, used Z4 and a Challeger.

The Miata is a great car but for a daily driver was not a good fit for me. i needed somethig that I could carry a third person in on occasion and additonal space. It was a tough decision but MINI sqeaked by as the winner

My buddy has a Power retractable hardtop Miata, and it is a very nice car. It's fun to drive, fairly economical, looks good.

But, in my humble opinion, the MINI is all those things, just slightly more in each category. The only thing it lacks is being a 2-seat roadster, which I admit is rather enticing.

Unless you are using the Miata for Autocross and have a roll bar on it, I always thought the small size of the Miata was more a car for the ladies IMHO. Guys just look a bit big in the small car. Now the S2000 did not seems such a ladies car to me. I would go with the Mini S anyday over the Miata.

I fell in love with BOTH of them, so I bought the Miata for my wife and the MINI for me....Hope I can afford to KEEP them both !

Papa Dude

When I first was looking at getting a Mini I saw it referred to as a Sport Utility Miata. I've always thought that was an apt description.

If you are considering a Miata, I would add a used S2000 to your list. Unless the lack of a retractable roof is a deal-breaker, you can get an S2000 for much less than a new Miata (or a Mini, for that matter) and I think you get a lot more car for your money.

You may find that the S2000 has too much power to enjoy it fully on a regular basis (that's my dad's predicament), but it's worth a look. You probably can get a good deal on one as used ones seem to be very hard to sell.

I drove one for about 6 weeks last year when my Mini was in the shop, and it was a great experience. It was perfectly sedate around town, got 27 mpg, and was more than willing to scream along when the opportunity presented itself. The driving position, seat, steering, pedals and shifting are miles ahead of what my Mini offers. The only downsides were that the mileage wasn't quite as good as my MCS, my dad put a noisy exhaust in it, and I'm just not a convertible guy.

It's on the boat, it's on the boat, it's on the boat, it's on the boat, it's on the boat, it's on the boat, it's on the boat, it's on the boat, it's on the boat, it's on the boat, It's on the boat, it's on the boat, it's on the boat.

If I keep repeating that maybe I won't go crazy.

It sure will feel nice once I have my hands on the car.

Pat

We have a '93 Miata that we've owned since it was new and we also test drove an '08 Miata before buying our MINI.

My view is that the Miata is more fun to drive. Quick reflexes, perfect balance, perfect shifter. The engine lacks a little torque but part of the fun of the Miata has always been that you have to wring it out to make it go. And it loves it.

Obviously the MINI is a lot of fun as well, it's just not a sports car.

The reason we went with the MINI was that it's more practical as a daily driver. It has enough space to have decent utility and it's a car that I can enjoy driving all year around in any weather. Miatas absolutely do not like snow or ice.

I'm very happy with my choice of the MINI. I get to drive a fun little car without worrying about the weather or if I might need to carry more than an overnight bag. Eventually a new Miata will join her for those sunny days and I'm sure they'll be very happy together.

Pretty funny, I hope you can afford to keep em' both too.

glad you can afford the wife as well...*giggle*

Wife and I had the same decision before she bought her car 7 months ago.
Guess which one we ended up with? lol.

Anyway, here are the reasons for our choice:
- Miata felt kinda cheaply made
- Mazda dealer was giving us this BS about a $3K markup... I told them that IT'S A MIATA!!! They told me that it's the cost of living in Hawaii. They would only negotiate down to MSRP.
- The dash was not aftermarket double DIN friendly (Mini wasn't either, but it had a LCD/Nav option)
- The keyless entry/start option seemed inferior without a start engine button. In the end, you still had to turn something to get the engine running... might as well be the key.
- Understand the Miata was a 2 seater... but we already had a 2 seater (M3 is usually 4 seater, but my rear was stripped and had a roll bar and harness straps)
- The Mini gives you the 3 year service contract where they oil change, etc... for free for 3 years.
- I know the guys at the BMW parts dept and they give me Mini stuff at discount price too.

So, in the end, the only thing the Miata really had going for it was:
- Lighter weight
- Hardtop convertible seemed fun
- $1K less than the MCS w/ options (if sold at MSRP)
- RWD

BTW, both seemed to handle exceptionally well during the test drives. With the MCS though... I kinda did a hard turn with it and the dealer lady freaked out. haha

Once in a while, the wife thinks about a convertible, but we don't regret our decision.

bet i can guess who the freaker-outer was. gave her ventricular tachycardia at prospect and ward a couple octobers ago.