Last night was my first time behind the wheel of our project Mazda Miata. I owned a white 1992 Miata, but it's been years since I've driven the little convertible. I sold my car in 1997, and can't remember the last time I had the opportunity to drive a more recent version.
Our '94, beat to hell with its ripped top and shredded seats, filled me with immense joy. I was happy to use a real key to lock its fobless doors, to watch its pop-up headlights illuminate the night sky.
I love this car. I can't believe I forgot how much I love this car.
Kelly Toepke, News Editor
liquoredonlife says:
05:12 PM, 08/10/10
What did you replace your '92 Miata with back in '97? For some reason, the owners I met at MiataFest last month typically recalled pretty polarizing comments from former owners- either it was the best decision they ever made or the worst. Seldomly in the middle or along the lines of an afterthought.
ktoepke says:
05:23 PM, 08/10/10
I bought a 1978 Alfa Romeo Spider. It was a beautiful car and ran well, but was less convenient to drive than the Miata, so it sat in the garage too much. Sold it a few years later.--Kelly
alex4515 says:
06:04 PM, 08/10/10
I would probably feel the same way if I had the chance to drive a well preserved CRX.
ms3fun says:
07:47 PM, 08/10/10
@ ales4515
My trusty 88 CRX Si is my daily driver and I LOVE it. It has 319'000 miles but still rides great and is in great shape. Everything works on it, including the A/C.
It's hard to beat the driving dynamic of a light little car like that. It literally handles like a go-kart, especially since it doesn't have power steering.
The only thing I would really like to change, is making it a RWD car
ktinsd says:
10:02 PM, 08/10/10
Ripped top & shredded seats, why bother to lock it?
srlracing says:
10:23 PM, 08/10/10
Welcome back to the cult Kelly!
lostboyz says:
03:56 AM, 08/11/10
if you love it so much, then buy it some damn seats and do that engine swap
breadwagon says:
06:58 AM, 08/11/10
Kelly, It's funny you bought Alfa Romeo Spider to replace it, because when I was looking for a car, it was between an NA and a Spider. There aren't too many old school roadsters available in the US, and I figured those where the two best. I chose the NA because I found one in great condition, and I know I made the right choice!
You should buy project miata when IL is done with it! I'm sure you'd get a super discount.
ed124c says:
07:40 AM, 08/11/10
@breadwagon: Not getting what "NA" stands for. All I have come up with is "naturally aspirated" and "Nash Ambassador".
I can rule out the Nash, and the NA engine doesn't make sense without a brand name.
General comment: This project is moving too slowly. The poor car is twisting in the wind, waiting for some progress. And, please, no V8.
ikagan says:
07:55 AM, 08/11/10
NA = First generation Miata, 1990-1997 in the US
NB = 2nd gen, 1999-2005
NC = 3rd gen, 2006-2011
desmolicious says:
03:26 PM, 08/11/10
Funny you mention the Alfa Spider. I was all set to get one, had the images of driving through the back hills of Santa Barbara county in one. Then I test drove one. Hmm, must be something wrong with that car.. The I test drove two more. Then I test drove a Miata.
The Miata is everything I wished the Alfa was, including driving position . The only thing the Alfa has on it is (arguably) style and the coolest badge on the key chain, ever.
There's a very good reason the Alfa disappeared, while the Miata became the best selling sports car in the world.
slyons89 says:
06:02 PM, 11/ 5/10
This car was so nasty, I loved reading about it and I miss it dearly. I hope someone at Edmunds has the heart to get another NA MX-5... The story of taking on a beater and making it as awesome or as hardcore as you wish is too rich to deprive your readers of. It's a story that drives so many enthusiasts. And the Miata is just the perfect example of how much fun and performance you can have with so little money. All it takes is a little love and a perfect connection to the road, which is exactly what the Miata offers.
I've only had my 92 for a year. Bought her as a beater with 175,000 miles and she's a champ. The journey has just begun! Here's a pic: http://imgur.com/HWtQh.jpg