Jerry Eichenberger wrote on 10/19/10 at 06:35:28:Mick -
As I think I've said before, I've always been in love with the Brit sports cars of the 1050s and 60s. I've owned an AH Sprite, Jag 150, TR-3, Sunbeam Alpine, and an MGA.
Recently I was thinking about getting either another TR-3, maybe an MGB, or maybe an Alfa Spider.
Then I came to my senses and realized that I don't have all week to work on a 50 year old car just to drive it on Sat. or Sun.
While I'm basically not a fan of many Japanese cars, since most of them are so commonly boring, the Miata looks interesting because it appears to have a lot of the flair of the old Brit cars, coupled with modern reliability and some creature comforts like a top that doesn't leak in droves, roll up windows that actually do roll up, and air conditioning.
Do they have cruise control?
What do you know about the various years, the differences, any things to avoid - those sorts of questions?
In a way Jerry they are very much like the old brit sports car except much more reliable, mine is a 93 I think in 98 they put a slightly bigger engine mine is 1.6 later ones have 1.8,they do have timing belts that must me taken care of at 50.000 miles, but unlike other cars if the timing belt snaps it's not the end of the world,Every time I go out for a drive I love that car more and more, and how many times do people just go out for a drive ?, I have to invent places I need to go.
And it handles like a dream,like sh1t to a blanket,I can honestly say it's the best car I have ever owned,I would get a new one if I had the money,meanwhile the one I have is perfect.If you can swing a new one that would be great, might be better off getting a late model used
even so if I had the money ,a new one it would be.
BTW there are all kinds of Miata clubs if you are into that kind of thing ,rally's and so forth,not my cup of tea but they are out there.
Hope that helps, Mick