Dilemma selling Mazda Miata

[Debbadoo12]

I currently own a 2012 Subaru Outback and a 1999 Mazda Miata (for my weekend fun). I have owned the Miata for 4 years and enjoy it very much but feel like it is time to consolidate back to one vehicle. If I do that, I want something that is atleast somewhat comparable to the fun I have in the Miata, and yet gives me some cargo capacity as well. My thought is to sell the Miata and trade the Subaru for the new 3. I will miss driving the stick shift, but the reason I enjoy it is because I don't have to drive it in my daily commuter traffic, which is very congested. So I would get the automatic in the 3 (hatchback) and hope that the manual shift mode would satify me when I choose to use it. Has anyone else given up a Miata for the 3 and what are your thoughts on the fun-factor? The Subaru is very nice but if I give up the Miata, I will need something sportier than the Outback. It really is bigger than I need.

 

[mazdadude]

I currently own a 2012 Subaru Outback and a 1999 Mazda Miata (for my weekend fun). I have owned the Miata for 4 years and enjoy it very much but feel like it is time to consolidate back to one vehicle. If I do that, I want something that is atleast somewhat comparable to the fun I have in the Miata, and yet gives me some cargo capacity as well. My thought is to sell the Miata and trade the Subaru for the new 3. I will miss driving the stick shift, but the reason I enjoy it is because I don't have to drive it in my daily commuter traffic, which is very congested. So I would get the automatic in the 3 (hatchback) and hope that the manual shift mode would satify me when I choose to use it. Has anyone else given up a Miata for the 3 and what are your thoughts on the fun-factor? The Subaru is very nice but if I give up the Miata, I will need something sportier than the Outback. It really is bigger than I need.

Nothing can compare with top down driving...that being said....

The skyactiv automatic transmission is a direct coupling type, which gives you the feel of the Manual trans without the slipping/mushy feeling you get on an old style auto trans.

The curbweight of the 2014 Mazda3 is only ~400lbs heavier than the curbweight of your Miata. The chassis of the 2014 Mazda3 is tighter than the 99 Miata,

The rev-matching ability of the skyactiv trans is also great when downshifting in the manual mode...

The Mazda3 could replace both cars for you if you didn't need a 4wd...

 

[philrab]

I've been in your shoes. My 1996 Miata was totalled while my wife was pregnant and we were house hunting. The plan had been to save some money over the next six months, put a down payment on a cheap four door and keep the Miata. When I got hit, we just weren't quite in the financial position I wanted to be in, so instead of using the insurance settlement to buy another Miata, I had to buy a four door I wouldn't hate driving. I ended up with a 2004 3 hatchback.

Nothing will match a Miata for light weight, handling, ect. but the 3 is as close as I found in a four door family car. Handling is very good compared to it's peers, the engine (2.3 at least) is plenty torquey for the size vehicle, and the hatch can swallow more cargo than a Miata ever dreamed. My one gripe is the transmission; coming from a Miata, with probably one of the best shifters I've ever driven, the 3 feels clunky. It feels better than most other FWD's, but it's a let down from the Miata. Gotta sacrifice something I suppose.

A 3 should suit you. If you're keeping the Outback, definitely opt for the larger engine and you may feel inclined to do some minor suspension upgrades to push the handling a little sportier (shocks, rear sway bar, lowering springs if you feel the need). You could also look at a Speed 3, but they are a little more high strung and you're stuck with a manual (not a downside for me, but you said auto.) IF you end up selling the Miata, wait till summer, as historically values of convertible cars bottom out this time of year.

 

[Debbadoo12]

Does anyone know if I sell my Miata BEFORE I purchase a new Mazda, would I still qualify for a Mazda Loyalty Cash program (assuming they are still offering it) or do you have to "currently" own a Mazda when you purchase? I don't want to lose out on a $500 cash back just because I opted to sell my Miata first. Hmm....

 

[Ki||ian]

They only needed a registration card for the vehicle so unless you have to turn it in just bring the card and say you kept it at home in the garage.

 

[LennyR]

I have a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata for summer fun (photo at left) and wouldn't give it up for any front-wheel drive vehicle. Not that there aren't some really good ones out there, like the Mazda 3. However, RWD is just a different animal to drive. For example, if you push the Miata hard through a corner, you can steer as much with the throttle as with the wheel. The technique is entirely different with a FWD car. Now, this may not be important to you, but it is to me -- I just love being able to make the car's rear end dance to my tune. So, the answer to your question about whether it's OK to sell the Miata when you buy an M3 depends on what you get out of driving the Miata.

 

[Debbadoo12]

I was finally able to test drive an S-touring sedan, although I would ultimately be looking for an S-GT hatchback, but that’s all the dealer had. The S models, hatchbacks in particular, are few and far between. My impression: car was fun, nimble, sporty, comfortable, and attractive, inside & out. The biggest con for me is the loss of storage space and cargo capacity, coming from a Subaru Outback. The center console is smaller, there are no storage pockets in the doors {only bottle holders) and the cargo capacity is obviously less. The sacrifice of storage would be to have a car that is more engaging and fun for my daily commute, as well as the benefit of better gas mileage. While I do load up the dogs (and the husband) for the occasional road trip, most of my driving is suburban/city traffic driving to & from work and to & from the stores to run errands. Must think about this, but I really did enjoy the drive and would not feel so bad if I sold my Miata.

 

[Chibana]

That is one complaint I have about the car: lack of good storage areas. I don't use the bottle holders in the doors much and I would rather have a "map pocket" type of slot for holding assorted stuff as most cars have. I also don't like that there's no decent change holder. Neither are huge to me, but somewhat annoying. I've been keeping my change in a zip-lock snack bag in the MP3-player tray in the armrest.

 

[sql-lover]

Keep the Miata.

I was in a similar situation few weeks ago. The Miata is my wife's, but I love that car. I was disappointed with my previous car, which I bought just few months ago. We talked about selling the Miata, which is not even MT, but we changed our mind. I sold mine instead.

Unless you are in a tight budget or have children and need a bigger car, keep the Miata. That small car is so much fun! It drives telepathically. I've never driven anything better in my life.