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2002 Mazda Miata w/ Sport Package

N8Magic

N8Magic

Lifer
I took one of these babies for a test drive today, as I was pretty bored. The car is friggin' AMAZING! It was such a blast to drive! It wasn't all that big, but it has a 4/5 crash rating, and it handles like a mofo. The 6 speed manual has to be the best shifter i've ever laid my hands on.

All you hataz that think this is a girlie car, go drive one and you'll see you couldn't be further from the truth.

I'm seriously considering getting this as my daily driver, with a hardtop and snows for the winter.
 
i was in one and i still think they are damn girly (not the 2002 with sport - but a miata). They are girly cars - but I also would LovE to have one. As you noticed fun is the name of the game in them. Get the convertible and drive around some twisties on a hot summer day - it doesn't get any better 🙂

EDIT: Don't you already have a decent car? I seem to recall that you did...
 
I don't think that Miata would handle too well in the winter. My sister's RX-7 can
be a little wild in the snow, even with good winter tires.
 


<< I don't think that Miata would handle too well in the winter. My sister's RX-7 can
be a little wild in the snow, even with good winter tires. >>



Yes, but it has a MUCH more powerful engine. (1.3L TT Rotary w/255hp vs. 1.8L w/140hp) As soon as the turbo(s) kick in on that rotary engine, you could have tank tracks on that RX-7 and do a burnout. 😀
 
i love miatas.... they are soo schweet....

i'd love to have one... to bad i kinda need a little more room than what they provide
 


<< I don't think that Miata would handle too well in the winter. My sister's RX-7 can
be a little wild in the snow, even with good winter tires. >>


Thank God I'll never live anywhere but California and North Carolina 🙂
 


<< Yes, but it has a MUCH more powerful engine. (1.3L TT Rotary w/255hp vs. 1.8L w/140hp)
As soon as the turbo(s) kick in on that rotary engine, you could have tank tracks on that RX-7
and do a burnout. 😀 >>



Actually, my sister has an '89 that is naturally aspirated... so were talking 150hp or so.

(Ah yeah, Golden for me 😀)
 
I was looking at buying some special edition one a couple of years ago, only came in blue with the gold accents. gorgeous car. the test drive went like this
open door
move seat back
put right foot in
right foot wont reach the pedals because my knees hit the dash and the seat wont go futher back
test drive over

couldnt fit in the damn thing :|

looked to be a killer car
 


<< I was looking at buying some special edition one a couple of years ago, only came in blue with the gold accents. gorgeous car. the test drive went like this
open door
move seat back
put right foot in
right foot wont reach the pedals because my knees hit the dash and the seat wont go futher back
test drive over

couldnt fit in the damn thing :|

looked to be a killer car >>



How tall are you? I'm 6'0 and fit nicely.

I read a review today about how the review had to TAKE HIS SHOE OFF so that he could drive the car without it getting stuck between the clutch and the dead pedal. He had the car for a week, and kept taking his shoe off so he could drive it, he liked it that much. LOL! 😛
 
Trust me N8Magic, even with snow tires and weight in the trunk, the Miata will be a handful in the winter. As soon as it hits snow/ice the rear end will get squirelly. I have a 240SX that weights 2700lbs with near 50/50 weight distribution and 155hp and its a handful in the snow with snow tires (Nokian Hak1) and weight in the trunk. If you do any emergency manuevers in the snow you can kiss your Miata's rear-end goodbye.

You'd be safer buying the Miata and buying a $1500 car for the winter (such as an '88 Camry).
 
I want a Miata really bad. 2002 or 1990...no difference - they all are superb. It's a good thing some people consider them girlie cars because it keeps them off the already short-supply used market.

The shifter is sublime because it is directly attached to the tranny.
 


<< I want a Miata really bad. 2002 or 1990...no difference - they all are superb. It's a good thing some people consider them girlie cars because it keeps them off the already short-supply used market.

The shifter is sublime because it is directly attached to the tranny. >>



aren't all shifters attached to the tranny?
 


<<

<< I want a Miata really bad. 2002 or 1990...no difference - they all are superb. It's a good thing some people consider them girlie cars because it keeps them off the already short-supply used market.

The shifter is sublime because it is directly attached to the tranny. >>



aren't all shifters attached to the tranny? >>

He's talking about the difference between a rod linkage and a cable linkage. Cable linkages tend to be less precise and have a more vague and disconnected feel. Of course, there are some really poor rod linkages out there too *cough*VW-Porsche 914*cough*. In general though, a rod linkage will have a better feel.

ZV
 
They are fun to drive. I don't know how well the new ones handle in the rain but I drove my sister's 96 Miata a lot and in the rain it sucked ass.
 
Actually, I doubt there is a linkage at all. With this being a front engine, rear wheel drive car, it is possible for the shifter to litterally stick directly out of the top of the transmission, since the transmission is located just under the center console of the car. I think more front engine, rear wheel drive cars are like this than not.
 
I want the automatic. Shifting is for the birds. I was looking at a 93 but $7800 seemed real high. The new ones are a bit pricy for a toy. There kinda pointless to drive in traffic too.
 
I'm ~6'1" or so, and I have a hard time fitting in one. I can squeeze in, but my knees are extremely cramped. I can't help but think what hell I'd have to pay if I hit something head on, it would destroy my legs.

 
I got to take out a 2001 6 spd last fall. A shame the damned saleswoman insisted on coming with me. I couldn't have as much "fun" as I wanted.

Oh well, I got to drive a used 2000 5 spd about a month later by myself, and let me tell you. Its surprisingly easy to whip the tail around on a turn. 😀
 
I drive a used 1992 Mazda Miata (got it for $7K with 15K miles/garaged). I've driven many BMWs, and I still prefer the feel of the 5-speed on the Miata. It's a blast to drive at around 45-55mph on a twisty road on a beautiful day with the top down. Many call it a "poor man's BMW," but it sure can put a smile on my face. Very reliable hardware too.
 
I'm a little over 6. 6'1" or so. I don't remember the exact year, or if the car had anything added to make the cabin smaller. i just couldnt get my legs to the pedals, id hit the dash with my legs. even if i could have reached the smallest fender bender would have given me a bit o trouble.
 
Pics
another These are the 2002 SE miatas.

I have a 90 miata, power is adequate but still could use a little more =). The car fits like a glove and rides on rails. The reliability is superb. I wouldn't recommend it as a winter/rain car so some people are just SOL. It's always fun driving though....my only complaint your mouth becomes tired from smiling too much and the bugs in the teeth.😉
 
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