Our long-term cars rotate through a fair number of people on the Inside Line and Edmunds.com staffs. While this rotation does give us a wide range of opinions, it also breeds unfamiliarity with our cars. A case in point would be the fuel-filler flap on our long-term 2006 Mazda Miata. On most Japanese cars, the flap release (if there is one) is located on the floor next to the driver seat or on the driver-side door...
For the Miata, however, the release is a hard-to-see pull ring located in the storage compartment between the seats. An unknown number of fill-ups ago, it would seem that somebody didn't know about the ring and perhaps tried to lift up or push on the filler flap without releasing it first. The flap is misaligned now and has been rubbing on the fender when opened and closed. Moral of the story for Miata owners? When handing the keys off to a buddy or family member, make sure they know how to work the flap.
Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor, Edmunds.com
blueguydotcom says:
09:11 AM, 07/ 6/06
The filler release has been the same on the miata since its introduction. 15+ years is a mighty long time...
A friend's father-in-law borrowed her Range Rover. He's one of those idiots who thinks you should fill cars with gas while they're running. Toolbox wrenched the filler door open using god-knows-what and then had the audacity to complain that Range Rover must be designed by idiots because he can't open the filler door at any time.
rsholland says:
09:24 AM, 07/ 6/06
I wish carmakers would offer 2 fuel fillers, one on each side of the car. It seems that whenever I pull into a gas station, the one pump that's free is always on the wrong side of the car. :(
BTW, the fuel fillers on our Subies are all on the passenger side.
johnnyturbo says:
09:33 AM, 07/ 6/06
I don't know why people don't just consult the owner's manual when they can't find or figure out how to operate something in a new car. It's like they see it as a strike against their manhood (if it's a guy) or intelligence. People, when all else fails, swallow your pride and check out the owner's manual.
ahightower says:
08:03 AM, 07/ 7/06
Remote fuel door releases annoy me. Is gas theft really that big of a problem? And if someone really wanted to steal your gas, don't you think they would just pop that thing open with a knife or key and do more damage in the process?
Plus I like to be able to open the fuel filler door when I'm washing the car so I can at least rinse it out in there. Annoying to have to reach inside the car to pop it open.
My favorite kind of fuel filler is actually the one hidden behind the rear license plate, like in my in-laws' Caprice (and lots of other old cars). You can pull up to either side of the pump, and there are no little doors to disturb the body lines or trap dust and dirt. Anything that makes a car easier to wax is good for me.
Accentuating gas caps with billett aluminum, a la Mitsubishi Eclipse and various aftermarket pieces, by the way, looks stupid to me. Why do you want to draw attention to that? Is it supposed to look like a race car or something? Puh-lease.
victoruf86 says:
12:42 PM, 08/14/06
In response to the comment from ahightower - Jul 7, 2006, I just think that having a locking fuel tank is great for security reasons other than gas theft. Yes, if someone really wanted to get into your gas tank they could find a way; however, you never know what teenagers will do. I’m a junior in college now and I know that there are those people who don't have to have a good reason to do something stupid. Some one can really screw up your car if they pour something into your gas tank. The locking door can prevent them from hitting your car, or you will be able to see the damage done if they do, which can help tip you off that something happened to your car. I will always look for that feature in a car. .