Re: Just Drove a '99 Miata (Ajlepisto)
I recently rented a 2003 Miata (my car was in the body shop, don't ask).
My girlfriend has a 1990 so it was cool to compare the two. The new one had the following noticeable features that the 90 doesn't: power windows, power locks, a remote trunk release, leather, non-flipup headlights, more room in the trunk, and a good stereo.
Other than that, the driving experience is the same as the 90. I think the new ones are a bit wider (the doors seem thicker). The differences are subtle, with the most noticeable one being the windblocker (which you can add to the old ones), rigidity with the top down due to a rear stress bar (which you can add to the old ones) stereo (which could also be cured on the older ones). The driving experience, however, is pretty much the same, as long as you don't have the top down. The new ones are no faster (they have a bigger engine but are heavier) nor do they handle any better.
The point of my rant is that dollar for dollar, I would rather buy an old Miata. Crank windows and non-power locks rule, because they don't break. The less electronics there are, the easier it is for a shadetree mechanic to work on. My girlfriend has put 12k miles on her car (it now has 118k miles), and it has needed nothing but oil changes. It does not leak a drop of oil or use any coolant. The car runs like a top and it amazes me.
Modified by val98m3sc at 11:02 AM 5-11-2004
