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.

 

[nitsuj]

I didn't give up a Miata for the 3, but I did give up driving a stick (2012 sGT 3) for the 2014 3. I can say that sport mode + manual shifting with either the stick or the paddle shifters is almost as good as driving a stick. It is nice to have something that does well in stop and go traffic that I can have fun in when the opportunity presents itself.

 

[grumpy]

I miss my manual miata(2006).I limited myself to the s for a p/w ratio closer to the miata, so I had only the automatic to choose from, and I was unwilling to wait for the manual. I've played around a little with the manual mode, but not a lot. I don't have a congested commute, if I did, then I am sure the auto would be more satisfying. What bothers me more though is the cornering. I need stiffer sways and then I'm sure I'll miss the miata less.

 

[caf2461]

I have owned several miatas and currently own an 06. Just bought a 14 Mazda3 stick. I have to say this is the easiest stick I have ever drove. Even driving bumper to bumper every day it is no issue. The clutch is light and the shifting is fun. The brake stop hold feature is nice and unlike the Miata you do not have to slip the clutch to take off just put in gear and go. Drive one around for a while and you will see. Don't give up faith on the stick.