Learn me two-seat, RWD convertibles!

In reply to mtn:

Indeed. The more research I do (much of it fueled by this thread), the more boxes are ticked by the Miata. I'm thinking NB or NC...

Now, I just need to find the money...

In reply to mtn:

That's why the only good years for the Miata were 1993, 2002, and 2009.

I think S2000's have made it down around the 10k range now.

(I only know this because I was literally just looking to see if there was a CYM RX-7 for sale right now.)

Hard to argue against a Miata unless

a.) you want the classic wrench on it experience b.) you want to spend more money on an upmarket name brand c.) really want something more unique not commonly seen

thedanimal wrote: Good deal on a AP1 S2K. These are a load of fun. S2K

I will second this motion. If you like the Miata formula, but want a bit more juice, the S2000 is a good place to be. Before I bought my AP2, I owned both an NA and NB MSM... the S2000 is essentially a Miata with the knobs turned up to 11.

OP should be able to find an early AP1 with higher mileage for somewhere around his price range. He also mentioned selling his bike to get a roadster; to which I might add that the S2000 has frequently been referred to as a motorcycle on 4 wheels. Having owned a couple of bikes in the past, and driven hundreds of cars over the years, I would endorse that statement. The S2k is raw, engaging, relatively unforgiving (most notably early AP1's) and they're a riot to drive, but you have to rev the piss out of them to really get them moving! Closest thing to a street legal 4-wheel motorcycle that I've driven thus far.

mtn wrote: You're ditching the motorcycle because it is unsafe. While I've never been on a motorcycle, other than a dirtbike here or there in a parking lot, I honestly didn't feel like I was all that visible in my Miata. I leaned on the horn enough for soccer moms that couldn't see me that the horn saved me from at least 3 accidents.

I was once in the same position as the OP: I rode motorcycles for years and eventually switched over to driving roadsters. My first roadster was an NA6 Miata, I moved onto a NB Mazdaspeed Miata and I'm now in an AP2 S2000.

With that said, transitioning from riding a bike to a Miata felt like night and day when it came to safety and traffic visibility. The Miata is small, but by comparison, a bike feels almost invisible in traffic. People almost hit me on a regular basis riding a bike, whereas it is a once in a blue moon occurrence in my roadsters.

I've actually laid my former bikes down on 2 separate occasions due to idiots that weren't paying attention. The last time was coming down Mt. Evans when some yahoo in an SUV wasn't paying attention (I assumed) and crossed the center line of a tight switchback as I was coming downhill. I swerved away from him, but ended up sliding the bike ~15 feet or so, using the left side of my body as a buffer for the ground. I always wore helmet, boots, jacket, gloves and pants, but wasn't wearing any sort of knee protection/pads that day... After picking up the bike and riding 1.5+ hours home bleeding and banged up, I rode considerably less after that.

I also subsequently sold my bike and bought a Miata. For the record, I actually had more fun in the Miata!

Based on my own experiences, the "fear of soccer moms on wheels" factor is an entirely different level on a bike vs a small roadster.

YMMV

In reply to roninsoldier83:

If I were single, I'd continue to ride, consequences be damned.

I'm married, though, and I've kids to worry about as well. Bike just isn't worth it anymore.

Another anecdote on the S2000 conversation:

The S2000 is realistically the only alternative to a Miata that I'd consider stock for stock. And the S2000 kicks the Miata's hind end. roninsoldier called it a Miata with the knobs to 11--that is a good way to put it. I described it as a weaponized Miata. Its just better in most ways.

That being said, they're more expensive. That is where they lose for me.

mtn wrote: Another anecdote on the S2000 conversation: The S2000 is realistically the only alternative to a Miata that I'd consider stock for stock. And the S2000 kicks the Miata's hind end. roninsoldier called it a Miata with the knobs to 11--that is a good way to put it. I described it as a weaponized Miata. Its just better in most ways. That being said, they're more expensive. That is where they lose for me.

For similar money you could build a NA into an S2K killer just by opening the FlyinMiata catalog, so he could get the best of both worlds. A quick and unique ride and the chance to do some wrenching himself (installing turbo kit, suspension parts, etc.).

Either way, you'd have a great handling convertible that is the best of their class.

If you are judicial with your mods, even the boring old NA Miatas can look pretty good IMO.

And I'm in the Answer now because I fell off my murdersicle a few years ago. Road rash sucks.

The0retical wrote: In reply to mtn: That's why the only good years for the Miata were 1992, 2002, and 2009. I think S2000's have made it down around the 10k range now. (I only know this because I was literally just looking to see if there was a CYM RX-7 for sale right now.)

FTFY

Related to the OP - I actually feel more visible on my motorcycle than in the Miata, despite it's yellow-ness. I sit up a lot higher on the bike (Honda CB500X)

I vote Miata, plenty of budget left for customization, even for a decent NA.

In reply to Stefan:

I suppose it depends on what you want to do with your Miata. Street car only, and just wanting more power, a turbo Miata is a riot to drive! I had basic bolt-ons on my factory turbo'd Mazdaspeed Miata and it was a little ball of fury! Very fun to pitch around a boosted NA/NB, and I know that FM's turbo setups are superior to the OEM MSM setup to boot.

However, keeping a boosted Miata cool on a track requires a good bit more cash and forethought; to the point where an S2000 might start to make more sense. At the same levels of acceleration (turbo Miata vs S2000), you can push the S2000 harder, for longer without things breaking/melting.

There's also something to be said about the glorious engine note you get by revving the F20/F22 out to 8000/9000rpm! Plus, if you're my size (6'2" 210 lbs) the S2000 fits my frame better, has a stiffer chassis to start with (NA/NB have considerably more cowl shake) and the world's best shifter. Not a bad place to start if you can get past the admittedly high initial cost of entry.

I like how mtn put it: weaponized Miata. I've always felt like Honda took the things people loved about the Miata (good balance, great shifter, direct steering, engaging to drive, reliable, simplistic design, double wishbones at all 4 corners, etc) and added in the extra performance that some people still lusted after. As a former Miata owner (NA & NB MSM) that loves the recipe, I still saw good value in the S2000. YMMV.

mtn wrote:

Recon1342 wrote: You. Guys. Are. Hilarious. The convertible will be replacing my motorcycle as a summertime vehicle. Too many little old ladies trying to run me off the road, and I value my skin right where it's at... I would like something with reasonable performance, at a decent price. However, I've been driving pickup trucks and Suburbans my whole life, and I really haven't a clue as to what to look for in a small car. All I know is that I like quirky, out of the ordinary stuff, and I am not afraid to wrench on things. The convertible part is a requirement, because I know I'm gonna miss the bike. Other than that, I'm just trying to learn.

You're ditching the motorcycle because it is unsafe. While I've never been on a motorcycle, other than a dirtbike here or there in a parking lot, I honestly didn't feel like I was all that visible in my Miata. I leaned on the horn enough for soccer moms that couldn't see me that the horn saved me from at least 3 accidents. That leads me to why I'm not looking for an LBC (Little British Car) right now: If I got hit in an MGB, I'd likely be dead. Miata's--even old Miata's--are quite safe. Same can be said for Z3/Z4's, Boxsters, 350's, etc. A 914? Nope. Just something to consider.

Boy are you taking the fun out of things!

NC with Flyin Miata Fox suspension.

/thread

I find the NC to be a much more livable car than the NA/NB. Yes it is fatter and larger but it is also more comfortable. It can be had with a hardtop if you want a "real" car and maybe don't live in the most secure area.

I loved my 94. I find the NA to be the best looking of the ones in your price range. It is also more visceral than the NC (about 20 miles of seat time).

But the NC is more visceral, in my opinion as anything, else on the list other than the NA/NB.

It has Miata support which is YUGE!!!! The S2K is a great car (about 200 miles of seat time), but to me, it is on its way to NSX collector status very soon. Which also makes it almost undrivable without guilt when something happens.

Test drive the NA, NB and NC you like and throw in an S2k to feel good about yourself.

Then post pics of which car you are now the proud owner of.

^ Agreed. After ripping around in my buddies NC I really think it gets undeserved hate by the miata community. It's really wonderful.

The0retical wrote: In reply to mtn: That's why the only good years for the Miata were 1993, 2002, and 2009.

1992 miata you mean. I drive a sunburst. And if you think the yellow color helps, I have a gigantic quarter panel dent (hit and run), front bumper spiderwebbing (backed into me), and other various signs of abuse.

People don't look. Get used to it. Still 1000x safer than being on a bike though - and I do a LOT of riding.

I also recommend the NC Miata. For the record, I also have a V8 TR4A and two Spitfires, but as a daily driver and all around fun car, an NC Miata with shocks/springs/sway bars upgraded is a tremendous amount of fun without any worries for very little money. Modern car, with all the fun of my classics but without the worry....

FlightService wrote: The S2K is a great car (about 200 miles of seat time), but to me, it is on its way to NSX collector status very soon. Which also makes it almost undrivable without guilt when something happens.

I will say, there's some validity to that argument. I'm frequently hesitant to modify my low mileage AP2, or do something stupid with it, for that exact reason. They have been slowly appreciating over the past few years.

By comparison, the NC feels more disposable; which can be seen as a good thing.