MX-5 as a winter daily?

I recently interviewed for another position in my company that will be based out of NJ. A few months earlier, I purchased a '15 MX-5.

This will be my only car. The cab heats up really quickly; the heated seats are great, but otherwise, how well do soft top convertibles operate as winter dailies? In this area, are snow tires needed? I have always lived in the sunbelt, so I am unsure where the snow tire demarcation line begins.

If it gets below freezing on a routine basis, snow tires are needed, preferably on all 4 corners. The only people who will tell you otherwise have either never run snow tires or haven't since the 80s. I like General Alimax Artic.

I'd probably run winter tires from November-ish to April-ish in your area, and probably some sort of performance winter tire over the Generals.

I had no problems driving a mustang year round in Alaska, nor a Miata in northern Michigan. You'll have fun.

I did it for two years and as others have said tires make all the difference. Snow tires are a must. The only problem is the depth of the snow. Too much and you are just a snow plough. Good luck.

The soft top will be fine. You just have to be careful getting snow and ice off of it. Snow is fairly easy, ice isn't. I had an '06 Miata as a daily during winter in PA, though I will say that I didn't even try to drive it on a snow covered road, I just took the minivan. Snow tires will help tremendously, but you will still need to be more careful than a FWD car that's on snow tires.

The good thing is that as much as people like to gripe and b!tch about bad the roads are, the truth is that most towns/cities do a pretty decent job of clearing major roadways pretty quickly. So even if it does snow a lot, it won't be long before the roads are clear enough for even a Miata to go on them. Just be sure to wash all the salt of the car...and your shoes.

I've used my Miata as a year round driver for years. It works just fine in the snow and ice. Tires tires tires. All season tires work here and in southern Jersey, but you'll have a few days out of the year where you might want to just stay home anyways.

Another +1. Between a 95 and a 99 Miata, I used one in 17 consecutive SE MI winters. Great snow car with good snow tires.

I wouldn't worry about the snow, but it is my understanding that traffic is beyond terrible in NJ. Rock chips and motorists not paying enough attention to notice small cars could be a concern.

Put snow tires on it and go. In NJ, you still get the random snow storms, and people get a little crazy or aren't quite prepared. A miata with snow tires, will do just fine compared to most of your neighbors. I think the bigger risk down there is the unprepared folks.

I lived in New Jersey for 12 years. Compared to Minnesota, Jersey winters are mild and very little snow. I drove muscle cars and sports cars year round. However, drive defensively when weather is bad. Icy conditions are not fun. I was driving my MGBGT on an icy road and a Cadillac passed me going backwards. After using winter tires for over 20 years here, I would do the same there. Winters are short..

Winters are changing quite a bit up here and are much more variable with a lot more snow at times. I would get snow tires for sure. The only issue would be if we get a monster snowfall you're going to be fairly low to the ground, but most cars will have problems in that regard.

I daily my 95 miata (base with open diff) which is set up for STS autocross (550lb-in front springs, exhaust, big sway, but I havent done engine management yet) and the only worries I have are beaching it and rust. Winter tires are General Altimax Arctic

I drove a 99 Miata for 5 Cleveland winters. No traction control or ABS. Last winter was harsh with lots of snow and I was driving my 2013 Mustang GT convertible with snows and zero issues.

This year I plan to drive my wife's 2010 Miata. Just bought some good used snow tires off of craigslist (looking for 5 x 114.3 rims).

Last year I lucked out and got a set of used snow tires, aftermarket rims and TPS sensors for the Mustang for $300 off of craigslist.

I am currently a fan of my Michelin Xi3 tires. On cold but dry roads they really do drive like a somewhat sporty all-season. And let me tell you, a Miata on winter tires with a fresh snow fall is more fun than should be allowed by law

You do want snow tires.

I drove NA Miatas through 4 winters and it was fun enough that I am doing it again this year for the heck of it. Subaru is boring. My commute is only 10 miles though.

But, uh, to me the bigger thing is other idiots on all-seasons trying to run into your nice new car. I've always had winter beaters, so naturally they have never been hit but still a concern. Also note I have been in a few situations where some other jackass fails at life and comes to a stop sideways on an uphill off camber curve - in the Subaru you go around him or help him. In the Miata you give up, turn around and find another route. I'm out in the boonies and we'll have roads unplowed with 5" on them in the middle of the day here. Suburban NJ shouldn't have that problem.

What part of Jersey?

Having snow tires for the winter is nice, but partly because it allows you to run a real dedicated summer tire.

I actually have snow tires for my Spitfire. Granted, whether or not I actually drive it in the snow is still up for debate.

In reply to RedGT:

I'd carry a tow strap. How demoralizing would it be for some guy in his big manly SUV to get unstuck by a Miata.

I drive mine through winter. We got 10' of snow last year in 2 months. Never had any problems and I have an open diff.

I'm installing an LSD this year, which should further enhance the hoonery.

Job would be in Avenel. Central?

central is weird. North of Asbury Park, you start getting some really cold winters with a lot of snow.. it's like a dividing line. South of that, the winters are more mild and what snow there is never sticks around long.

I personally would look into snows. A Light RWD will need all the traction it can get from Late-December till mid-March. Storms do come earlier and later than those times, but generally that is when you can expect them. The worst time is late feb and early march.

Well, looks like the move is becoming a reality! Any experience with Pirelli Sottozeros? The reviews sound favorable. I'll downsize to 16" to get a bit extra sidewall.

Nope! It's snowing 6-10 inches in Iowa right now. I gave a woman a ride after she got stuck on the unplowed country twisties. 700/400 springs and General tires. YEE HAW!

After much waffling, I decided on Michelin Xice3's mounted on Enkei YS5 wheels. After adding in shipping and the TPMS sensors, the bill took the wind out of my sails. I'll have them shipped out here to CA and mount them just prior to shipping the car out east.

On the upside, snow tires, an LSD, heated seats, and a strong heater mean that I expect to enjoy winter driving as much as possible.

It also means your non-snow tires will wear half as fast

The first of four snow tires has arrived! Just in time for an unseasonably warm northeastern winter. My area of southern California is presently colder than Newark, NJ.