I Want One!

[SeanSean]

Hi, i just registered. Im 18, been driving for about a year, and starting college in the fall. Right now I own an automatic focus sedan. And not that I dont love it, but I really want something with a couple less doors, and a stick. And if im gonna do that I might as well get something cool like a miata. Ive been pretty obsessed over this for like a month now. Most my freinds are like, "no dont, it only has 2 seats" but you know, i was thinking i really dont even need more then one, so that second one is really bonus. Plus ive never met a Miata owner thats not in love with it. Anyway my plan is to trade in the focus, it still only has like 17,000 miles on it, and is in decent condition(i think i will get around 4,000$), and buy a 2000 or later miata with under 35,000 miles. Hopefully with payments of about 200$ a month for 5 years.

does this seem possible? is there anything I should know? What should i look out for? I welcome any and all advice, because miata info online, though not non-existant, is pretty scarce compared to what im used to.

thanks

 

[vodapas77]

The Miata is a great little car and for the most part it is pretty practical. Sure, it can't carry a lot of stuff, but it makes up for it in the fun factor.

My recomendation is chck dealers for a used 99-2001. Those are great years of production. Not that the 1st gens. aren't great too. Just harder to find in great condition. I think we pay $258 a month for our 99 and that's with Auto and the fact that we're in Hawaii where prices are higher.

Just makes sure that if you get a 99 that it has over 20K and no mechanical problems. Some of the 99's had problems with (I believe) the rear main bearing deteriorating. But, usually if the car made it past 20K with no major engine problems you are good to go.

 

[changedman]

my dad has his 10th anniv 6 SPEED for sale. PERFECT CONDITION only 5100 miles. its a 1999. it was a collectors car for him. never seen ANY RAIN at ALL. you can seriously tell. stored winters.

 

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

Hello! And welcome to the realm of miata LUV! I['ve had 3, two 99s and an 01 and I have to say the 10AE is the best looking/performing of the early 2nd gen miatas. (see sig pic below)

I know they cost a bit more than a regular '99, but they're worth it when you see one. Mine has the Hard Suspension (Bilsteins and other goodies), they also have a blue/black interior scheme that was only used for the '99 10AE.

But anyhoo, good luck with your quest and nice choice of car!

 

[Natey]

Beware of the dreaded #4 bearing on the '99s and '00s.

 

[shaolin]

I read in Sports Car Magazine that the Miata was the most reliable car in North America. I found a 91 near me on auto trader for 2000. I'm thinking about getting one as a second car this summer.

 

[O3DigitalBath]

I also want to find me one

 

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

Beware of the dreaded #4 bearing on the '99s and '00s.

Both my 99s were just fine.

On the up & up, my good friend just got an '01 with 30K for 12K. I have a miata cruising buddy again!!!

da Mazda Mafia...

 

[vodapas77]

Both my 99s were just fine.

On the up & up, my good friend just got an '01 with 30K for 12K. I have a miata cruising buddy again!!!

da Mazda Mafia...

Same here. No probs with my 99. I think the whole bearing problem got blow outta porportion. Like I said, if it has over 20K on the tick and still running, it's probably a safe bet the bearing is just fine.

BTW Diane I forgot to tell you there's a 20AE sitting at a dealer that I have to pass everytime I go to town. It's torture I tell you. It's so pretty and just keeps saying "Buy me! Buy me!" lol. Why do we have to have so many damn cars already? lol.

 

[kcbhiw]

Go for the Miata! Even though I own TWO '90's (I like my first one so much, that I bought another, heh), I'd say the NB's are better in many ways (maybe not the styling ). The cars are very capable, very reliable, desirable, etc. If you don't need the practicality of the Focus, I'd say jump on any deal that you find for a Miata. They are a blast to to drive. I will promise you that you won't be dissappointed with the Miata.

 

[Natey]

We never had a problem with our old '99 either, but it is a known issue with '99s and '00s. Run a search on Miata.net for more info.

 

[protegeV]

ooh, I feel the same way. I want one too

cant take out a lona on another car though, so Im gonna use the money from selling my beater to buy a 91-94...

 

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

BTW Diane I forgot to tell you there's a 20AE sitting at a dealer that I have to pass everytime I go to town.

WOW! A 20AE?! must be in from the FUTURE!!! j/k

IMO, everyone should at least own one miata in their lifetime. (friday)

 

[vodapas77]

WOW! A 20AE?! must be in from the FUTURE!!! j/k

(hmm) Errr, yeah you know a 2009 that time traveled back just to taunt me. lol. Yeah, big typo there. Anyhow, yes, a 10th Aniversary Edition that would look so sweet in my drive.

 

[cojiote]

hello from greece to every body

 

[maitai92]

Miatas are awsome. I've got 2. I have a 93 Miata w/ 107k miles and it still purrs like it only have 10k miles. Get one. You will definetly enjoy it. Great handler and commuter.

 

[SeanSean]

sooner then i thought

so it seems like ill be gettin that miata sooner then i thought, last saturday someone ran into me and totaled my focus, everyone is safe which is the most important thing. But it sucks because a crash like that is something no one should have to go through.


anyway it was the other parties fault and their insurence should be paying for my next car which if all goes well will be a 2002 miata.

silver linings are cool.

 

[protegeV]

thats awesome man, about the new car that is...glad everyone's safe.

oh, I see you updated your profile and you're from MD also...
check out this forum:
http://www2.msprotege.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=184