Looking for a Miata or a good alternative

Hey guys, im a lurker here, but i traded my fox mustang for a 02 silverado about 9 months ago. I wanted something more practical and dependable. But now im bored with the truck and need to get something fun again. Im a college student making 11 bucks an hour, so the budget is tight. Kelly Blue book says the truck is worth $4890 and i have a little extra saved up for a car. So with the budget of 5k max, im trying to figure out what to get.

Im sure everyone will jump to the miata conclusion here, and im definitely considering it. However ive also looked at newer mustangs and even F-bodys. however, i need something that is dependable as my truck. Most mustangs and camaros have been beat on (my old one needed a clutch right away, and it wasnt my fault) so im considering a miata or other alternative.

Any suggestions? this car would be driven every day except for the winter. Im sure this question has been asked a million times here so please dont flame me.

Thanks

Basically i need you guys to fully convince me a miata is the way to go and not another muscle car....

Also, im 6'5''...... do i fit?

Thanks

Woodward_Dreams wrote: Basically i need you guys to fully convince me a miata is the way to go and not another muscle car.... Also, im 6'5''...... do i fit? Thanks

Granted, Miata IS the correct answer to most questions asked here, with good reason.

However, the height thing could be a factor for you. I've met guys a little taller than you who drive Miata's as a daily-driver and are quite happy...

I've also been around people who are like 5'9" tall, and felt cramped.

Also, besides comfort issues, the main thing you need to decide is whether you'd rather drive a muscle-car, or a sportscar...

Neither choice is wrong overall.

Try it out. If you don't fit, then it doesn't work. No matter the car you will need to do a test fit. I recommend trying out a ton of cars just to see what will work. It is different for every person. I fit better in S2000's than Miata's, and I know of Miata drivers who can't squeeze into S2000's at all. FWIW, I drive a Miata.

What is your price range?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=292049632&dealer_id=100021318&car_year=1994&doors=&systime=&model=MIATA&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=50&min_price=&drive=&rdm=1293957440868&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2002&showZipError=n&make2=&certified=&engine=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&transmission=&default_sort=newsortbyprice_DESC&max_mileage=&address=48034&color=&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=&awsp=false&make=MAZDA&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=40&standard=false
This one looks like a good choice in your area. The removable hardtop typically sells used for $750 - $1000 so at $3700 asking price this could be a good deal with 49k miles on this '94. Offer $3k on a cold winter day and see what happens.

mtn wrote: What is your price range?

$5000 max

Woodward_Dreams wrote:

mtn wrote: What is your price range?

$5000 max

D'oh! I just re-read that. I fail.

I think that I would be looking at a Miata with a race seat for size issues. I have doubts that you'd be at all comfortable in one with a stock seat.

Fit in it maybe at 6'5". Fit in it with a helmet or pass the broomstick test with a rollbar, not so sure.

Im 6'4 and I drove a early miata once, it was way too small for me.

I am 6'3 230lbs and daily drive one. I will say my leg room is a little cramped and I have a 34in inseam but i have adjusted to it. Some things that are possible for leg room is to remove the dead pedal for the left leg and there is also a gas pedal mod some do for the right. Other than that the popular thing seems to be putting in lotus seats on custom mounts to get you lower in the car.

Thanks for the advice guys. im going to look at one tomorrow and going for a drive in it.

http://annarbor.craigslist.org/cto/2136563279.html
First gen MR2's are fun as well. In general, my MR2 had more room but I also switched to a smaller 13.5" steering wheel to gain some leg room

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/2120028794.html
BMW e30's are fun too. This one looks nice but a little expensive.

Ok well i finally drove my first miata! And im pretty happy with it overall. I fit really well, which is surprising and it was a blast to change gears in this car. Not the fastest car by any stretch of the imagination, but overall a fun car to drive.

This particular car was a little beat up. The hood was scratched and the rear window was ripped. the dealer said that would be fixed if i bought it. i would also ask for him to throw in an alignment. But for a 94 it was a good first one to test out. thanks for the advice guys, keep it coming. ill check out some more later this week.

the one i looked at today: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=285458211&dealer_id=1328641&car_year=1994&doors=&systime=&model=MIATA&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=25&min_price=2500&drive=&rdm=1294005949787&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=y&make2=&certified=&engine=&page_location=findacar::ispsearchform&body_code=0&transmission=&default_sort=newsortbyprice_DESC&max_mileage=&address=48331&color=&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=5000&awsp=false&make=MAZDA&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=12&standard=false

Learn it, know it, live it...
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/mazda-miata/

In reply to jrw1621:

Already read it twice this week lol