What do you think is better? 2004/5 Mazdaspeed MX-5 or S2000?

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Crassus

Member
Oct 21, 2001
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So my 2000 VW Passat Wagon's engine died :brokenheart: (and it's not economical to get it fixed), and I think it's time to have some fun - and get a roadster.

So I narrowed down my choice to the MS MX-5 or the S2000 (no particular car in mind, want to spend around $17k).

So what do you think is the better choice?

P.S. The Passat is the first car really dying on me - any suggestions on how to get the most $$$ out of it?

Thanks!
 
Arkaign

Arkaign

Lifer
Oct 27, 2006
20,736
1,379
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Yep, two winners there. S2000 is probably the choice for the long-term, they've shown to be highly reliable, lots of them out there with 200k+ miles already. Simpler design as well. The stock turbo setup on the MS probably means easier/cheaper power mods, but also a bit more maintenance-intensive.

Have lots of fun :)
 
iamwiz82

iamwiz82

Lifer
Jan 10, 2001
30,772
13
81
Originally posted by: Crassus
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Get the MSM and then the Flyin' Miata Big Enchilada package.
Click to expand...

I actually came across their website before. Are they reputable?
Click to expand...

Yes, a bit overpriced but they have awesome customer service and their products are top-notch.
 
MiataNC

MiataNC

Platinum Member
Dec 5, 2007
2,215
1
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Both cars are excellent choices.

If you like playing with Turbos the MS MX-5 will be a lot of fun.

The S2000 will have more street cred.

Only people with small winkies believe in "chick cars". The rests of us drive what we enjoy and ignore them. :)
 
A

ayabe

Diamond Member
Aug 10, 2005
7,449
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s2000 no content.

You get a knight rider dash and a 9,000 rpm redline, what more could a man ask for?
 
T

thedarkwolf

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
9,032
125
106
Originally posted by: Arkaign
Yep, two winners there. S2000 is probably the choice for the long-term, they've shown to be highly reliable, lots of them out there with 200k+ miles already. Simpler design as well. The stock turbo setup on the MS probably means easier/cheaper power mods, but also a bit more maintenance-intensive.

Have lots of fun :)
Click to expand...

Um Miatas have been around a lot longer and there are a lot more out there with over 200k miles on them.

If I was spending $17k then no question the s2000 out of those 2 but I'd add a 3rd and really look hard at c5 vettes. I own a miata and really thought hard about getting an s2000 but s2000s start at around $12k while I got a damn nice turbo charged 94 miata with a hardtop for $4k. Miatas have a huge aftermarket.
 
Arkaign

Arkaign

Lifer
Oct 27, 2006
20,736
1,379
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Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Originally posted by: Arkaign
Yep, two winners there. S2000 is probably the choice for the long-term, they've shown to be highly reliable, lots of them out there with 200k+ miles already. Simpler design as well. The stock turbo setup on the MS probably means easier/cheaper power mods, but also a bit more maintenance-intensive.

Have lots of fun :)
Click to expand...

Um Miatas have been around a lot longer and there are a lot more out there with over 200k miles on them.

If I was spending $17k then no question the s2000 out of those 2 but I'd add a 3rd and really look hard at c5 vettes. I own a miata and really thought hard about getting an s2000 but s2000s start at around $12k while I got a damn nice turbo charged 94 miata with a hardtop for $4k. Miatas have a huge aftermarket.
Click to expand...

Yes, NA Miatas are all over the place with 200k+, but the turbo model is a bit of a different story. Everything is put under considerably more stress with the added boost and power. Not to mention the turbos will need servicing/replacing at some point, probably well shy of 200k.

Good point on the Vette. Should be able to find a nice C5 'vert with moderate mileage if one looks hard enough.
 
C

Crassus

Member
Oct 21, 2001
171
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Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
...really look hard at c5 vettes...
Click to expand...

Okay, originally I also had the Mustang, Audi TT and Mitsubishi Eclipse on my list, and they are not anymore. One reason is price, another one is build quality. So far I have only heard praise for the Honda, a little less Mazda, not so great everything else. And I've seen loose door handles on a Mustang myself, so ... no. I'm wondering in how far that is also an issue with the Vette (I suppose it's also US build) ...?

I've driven a VW, and for a change would like to not have to worry about car issues.
 
X

Xyclone

Lifer
Aug 24, 2004
10,312
0
76
Originally posted by: Crassus
Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
...really look hard at c5 vettes...
Click to expand...

Okay, originally I also had the Mustang, Audi TT and Mitsubishi Eclipse on my list, and they are not anymore. One reason is price, another one is build quality. So far I have only heard praise for the Honda, a little less Mazda, not so great everything else. And I've seen loose door handles on a Mustang myself, so ... no. I'm wondering in how far that is also an issue with the Vette (I suppose it's also US build) ...?

I've driven a VW, and for a change would like to not have to worry about car issues.
Click to expand...

Then don't get the 'Vette. CR quotes its reliability at below average. But if you don't believe CR, then get what you want.

OP, S2000 all the way, no question.
 
A

alimoalem

Diamond Member
Sep 22, 2005
4,025
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0
For $17k, I'd go for the S2000. If I'm biased, I may be slightly biased towards a Miata but for $17k, no way. You can get pretty nice Miatas for waaaay less than that. At this price range, I'd take the S2000.
 
theeedude

theeedude

Lifer
Feb 5, 2006
35,787
6,197
126
$17K, go for S2000 or NC (2006+) MX-5.
I just don't see myself spending $17K on a NB Miata, turbo or not. With NA and NB, I'd go for value. You don't really need a lot of power to enjoy a RWD roadster anyways.
 
overst33r

overst33r

Diamond Member
Oct 3, 2004
5,761
12
81
S2000, it's the better handling car out of the box. The driving experience is more pure, the turbo really changes the Miatas character. Drive them back to back, you will know. I agree on the C5 suggestion, you get twice the torque and nearly the same gas mileage. It's also a lot more capable on a road course, but the s2000 and Miata are killers on the Autox course. I can't emphasize enough, drive all three, back to back preferably.
 
T

thedarkwolf

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
9,032
125
106
Actually the vette gets 3mpg better then the s2000 on the highway and only 1 less in the city with the manual. I think the only change the turbo in my miata made to its character is its a hell of a lot more fun :).
 
Pliablemoose

Pliablemoose

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
25,195
0
56
You've narrowed it down to 2 excellent choices.

I chose a Miata because of the massive aftermarket support.
 
DivideBYZero

DivideBYZero

Lifer
May 18, 2001
24,117
2
0
Originally posted by: Arkaign
Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Originally posted by: Arkaign
Yep, two winners there. S2000 is probably the choice for the long-term, they've shown to be highly reliable, lots of them out there with 200k+ miles already. Simpler design as well. The stock turbo setup on the MS probably means easier/cheaper power mods, but also a bit more maintenance-intensive.

Have lots of fun :)
Click to expand...

Um Miatas have been around a lot longer and there are a lot more out there with over 200k miles on them.

If I was spending $17k then no question the s2000 out of those 2 but I'd add a 3rd and really look hard at c5 vettes. I own a miata and really thought hard about getting an s2000 but s2000s start at around $12k while I got a damn nice turbo charged 94 miata with a hardtop for $4k. Miatas have a huge aftermarket.
Click to expand...

Yes, NA Miatas are all over the place with 200k+, but the turbo model is a bit of a different story. Everything is put under considerably more stress with the added boost and power. Not to mention the turbos will need servicing/replacing at some point, probably well shy of 200k.

Good point on the Vette. Should be able to find a nice C5 'vert with moderate mileage if one looks hard enough.
Click to expand...

The Stock N/A MX5 motor is a turbo motor without the turbo. It even has oil-spray in N/A form. It is essentially a much improved Mazda 323 Turbo motor sans snail.

Edit: to clarify between NA and Normally Aspirated.
 
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