After a year of daily driving an MX-5, here's what actually lives up to the hype

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zshift@reddit

> And it doesn’t brake.

You should fix that.

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melanthius@reddit

Your shit is fine, bro. And I'm American, not English.

(Since you say your English is not good, I'm gonna tell you that this is a joke)

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Puzzled_Elephant_190@reddit

this is something my non-autistic ass would just say “oh” to in casual conversation

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whossilly@reddit

this is something my autistic ass would just say “oh” to in casual conversation

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BraveCauliflower3349@reddit

I’m serious, and don’t call me Shirley

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Huge_Fig_5940@reddit

Thanks for explaining that. I’m a native speaker but for a second there you had me

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It's a joke. "it doesn't brake" in English sounds like you're saying "the car doesn't stop", which is why I said "You should fix that." I understood the intention of "break", but I'm just making a joke from the spelling. It was all in good nature. I didn't mean to offend or criticize you.

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fearlessalphabet@reddit

5/10. I thought you were joking that they should break the car lol

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jsamuraij@reddit

Must've broke.

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shaneroneill@reddit

Nerd

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antquinn002@reddit

Deja Vu! I've just been in this place before.

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projektako@reddit

Big brake kit 🤔

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Onionsteak@reddit

With sticky enough tires you can go quite long without touching the brakes

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zshift@reddit

Walls and other cars usually get in the way of that.

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When_hop@reddit

That's their fault

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thyshralpness@reddit

Well if it hasn’t broken, then it doesn’t break.

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sid4913@reddit

Too late. On my way to Pluto.

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EDCxTINMAN@reddit

Anyone giving you a thumbs up probly thought it was a lotus lol

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theDartVader@reddit (OP)

The Lotus is a super-rare car around here

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EDCxTINMAN@reddit

Right, which would be all the more reason to thumbs up? Who thumbs up a Miata lol

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TheNamesSnek@reddit

I got two thumbs ups from two blokes in a c8 corvette on my way home from work yesterday 🤷

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EDCxTINMAN@reddit

It was just a joke. I have no qualms with Miatas other than I'm too big to fit in them lol

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When_hop@reddit

I do.

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Gullible_Sport_5320@reddit

People giving you a thumbs up while you drive an MX-5 is true. I owned an NC for 11 years, and it happened lots of times. No other cars generated such a reaction.

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EDCxTINMAN@reddit

Right, but what was into question was whether they actually know what it is

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Gullible_Sport_5320@reddit

Most of them definitely didn't think it was a Lotus ...

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AGENT-71@reddit

People are familiar with miatas more than lotuses

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EDCxTINMAN@reddit

I get that, but how often do you see a special edition 30th anniversary paint job on a Miata lol

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Akjahfidns1@reddit

I would think someone who knows Lotus would know a Miata first lol

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EDCxTINMAN@reddit

I mean, it has the basic shape of the Elise

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orangepastahsauce@reddit

Sucks that this car has a reputation for being gay

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TheNamesSnek@reddit

you're one of the only folks perpetuating it mate

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LimeSuitable3518@reddit

Been driving mine since 2021 (manual) and can vouch for the steering, and I’ll include the cornering. No car I have ever driven moves like this one.

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November87@reddit

Drive a lotus Elise/exige. Corners even better

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Maleficent_Pen9383@reddit

You can buy a new Miata for a cost of 20 year old Exige dude.
Also if you want to race, there's a lot more events for Miatas.

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too_soon13@reddit

Lotus entered the chat

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Chineseunicorn@reddit

I love the mx-5 and I test drove 5 of them last year. Eventually went to a cayman for like double the cost and I really can’t say it’s twice as fun but it’s so much better in every way, it’s not even close.

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theDartVader@reddit (OP)

You mean the cayman is better and Miata is not even close?

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ThePurplePenetator@reddit

I’m going to chime in and say yes. And if people disagree, they haven’t driven the cayman properly.

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theDartVader@reddit (OP)

It would be more accurate to ask which Cayman

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According-Still-3000@reddit

I love how yall gotta tell everyone its a manual lol

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AnnoyingScreeches@reddit

2021? Haven’t run out of fuel yet? Nuclear drive?

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Benana@reddit

I always recommend the nuclear trim for the MX-5. Adds 10lbs and 8000 horsepower.

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Hydrotrex@reddit

wouldn't you like to know huh

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Independent-Exit7434@reddit

Nope, now the word is out and dudes gonna get disappeared. I don’t wanna know shit, I like being alive.

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57501015203025375030@reddit

In this case he means he’s owned the car since 2021 not that he’s been continuously driving it since 2021. English is weird if it’s not your first language lol

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AnnoyingScreeches@reddit

r/woooosh

OH NO, I actually thought that a car can be driven for years without stopping or refuelling. I’m SO DUMB.

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57501015203025375030@reddit

I’m glad I could set your straight. It’s easy to see where the confusion came from

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AnnoyingScreeches@reddit

Thanks carrot top.

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Scareboosioniq@reddit

What's the gas mileage like?

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Uziman2137@reddit

Fuck all of you lucky bastards that can fit inside miata

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InfluenceEfficient77@reddit

They come in manual?

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theDartVader@reddit (OP)

Yes, in 2026 you can still get a manual straight from the factory. Not everyone can do that nowdays

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UncleBensRacistRice@reddit

I hope you get to try an NC miata someday. If you think the steering feel is good in the ND, wait until you feel the hydraulic steering in the NC. The feel is near telepathic

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theDartVader@reddit (OP)

I'll definitely ask someone at the meetup for a ride
Thanks for the advice

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checkenginelampu@reddit

May I ask, how often do you get blinded by vehicles at night? My best option to own a vehicle is in a foreign country and I know damn well they don't enforce the law on vehicular lights.

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theDartVader@reddit (OP)

I rarely have these problems. It’s the oncoming drivers who have more trouble, for some reason, I’m always blinding them with my headlights

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Accomplished_Crab903@reddit

Love it

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BrightLuchr@reddit

You've nicely summed up a collection of qualities that are underdiscussed and undermarketed. An enjoyable sports car isn't about ridiculous horsepower. A high redline, tight suspension, and grippy tires offer a lot of joy. My older sister has 2000-edition MX-5 but I've only drove it briefly. I opted for the Gen-5 Prelude which had truly insane cornering traction and no redline cutout. These cars last a very long time and have a fun factor you won't get from something heavy. I'm in a BRZ now, a small car with much more torque, but the 6-speed hasn't quite gelled with me the way my 'Lude did. 6-speeds transmissions are just more work.

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SINdicate@reddit

The BRZ is a much better daily than the miata IMO, it just doesnt have the topdown option (and the miata transmission is better)

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Dashasalt@reddit

It’s always bizarre to me the BRZ didn’t have a convertible version. Same with the new Nissan Z. And the Prelude.

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BrightLuchr@reddit

You'd have to stiffen the frame a lot to do that. And these cars aren't money makers. They are made for prestige reasons. Other models are running down adjacent assembly lines in the BRZ factory.

When I had a Prelude, I got complements on it everywhere. It is a really beautiful car and it still has zero rust. I got an offer to buy it in a traffic jam. Now my son enjoys this attention. The BRZ gets some of the same attention, if not so rare.

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SINdicate@reddit

The Z used to have a convertible option, the BRZ chassis is optimized for lightness and rigidity, i guess it wouldve been much harder to develop it with a convertible to account for

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Dashasalt@reddit

Yeah i know, just wish they all would try it. There hasn’t been a convertible Z in 17 years.

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BrightLuchr@reddit

I do like the beefy torque the boxer provides. But I think I am too old and lazy for the 6-speed. I wonder if they just did it so, on paper, the fuel economy was better.

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SINdicate@reddit

Its a short ratio so you have to do the work

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Poil336@reddit

All 184 lb-ft

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revmike@reddit

Back when the Fiat 500 came to the US and was getting lots of attention, I got one as a rental. I thought it was nothing exceptional. I have a 2008 Mustang GT, so that is my framework for performance car. Then I was in the wrong lane near the airport and took an exit ramp MUCH TOO FAST. I remember thinking "Oh! That is why everyone is talking about this car!"

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When_hop@reddit

No redline?

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BrightLuchr@reddit

I pushed up around 9k or 10k one day by accident. On a Honda of that era, the fuel pump is wired to cut out. It didn't. This Prelude was dealer owned, low kms, and might have had some mods.

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Nicknackpatywak@reddit

Want to try one but worried about the size since I’m 6’ 3”. Is there any other cars that are close (even if more expensive)?

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HattoriHanzo51@reddit

Wondering the same thing! Maybe C5 vette is best we can do for us long boys lol. Really Hoping to pick one of these up soon tho given I can fit

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newyerker@reddit

Gay

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mr---jones@reddit

Best part of these is you can drive them hard without worry because they aren’t expensive either. 25k used vs 45k+ anything somewhat similar

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winzarten@reddit

Light weight changes everything. You are literally the lightest car on the road. At 60 km/h on a twisty road, feels faster than most sedans at 120. But let's be honest, this car can go 80+ in those corners where on sedans you will crash at 60

This imho has to be experienced... how much the lightness (and thus much less momentum) play into how much fun you can have while toss this balanced car around.

There is no need to hide the weight with the help of modern technologies, like active suspension, and adaptive ARBs to achieve agility. This gives you so much confidence, becasue you always feel what the car is doing.. Which is helped a lot by the deliberate (relative) soft suspension and the body roll that comes from that.

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chengstark@reddit

So what you are saying is

I cannot fulfill my dream of being a boat captain in this car

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FescueMerkin@reddit

Get a 70s LTD and you could put a miata in the truck. Happy sailing

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superusergoose@reddit

Need an NC for that 🛥️

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johnnc2@reddit

Get a LeSabre captain 🫡

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menee-tekeel@reddit

Same for my Fiat 124

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Glittering-Case4764@reddit

Just test drove one yesterday, how would you say does the small space limit you in your day to day life and do you ever feel like it’s too small?

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menee-tekeel@reddit

Yes and no. First, I am in the EU where cars are smaller. And we have a regular car. So for me the 124 is mainly for commute with me alone. Then it’s fine. And you have to be about max 180cm tall.

Our winters are no issue. That was my worry.

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Glittering-Case4764@reddit

Oh that’s good to know, I am also based in the eu so my current car is not that much bigger. But with 182cm and top down it sure is a very tight fit. On top of that it would be my only car so maybe I have to reconsider. But Thx fda

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sreesid@reddit

The fiata.

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David_Summerset@reddit

I've had mine for 8, best thing ever...

A little uncomfortable on longer trips

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TFViper@reddit

i had a 93 NA that i slapped a 45mm garret turbo on.
beat that mfer into the dirt and it just kept going and going.
so in love with that engine that when i had to give the car up i bought another with almost the same i4 DOHC.
the only thing i will say is, atleast on older models, you WILL get HLA tick, and there is *nothing* you can do to fix it.

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KindInsurance333@reddit

gay jokes in comments

I mean, you guys aren't beating the allegations anytime soon

You feel road texture through your palms and ass.

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tyoung89@reddit

I feel the same way about my Fiesta ST. I love zipping around the curves.

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MendonAcres@reddit

I've always wanted to try one but at 190cm, it's not happening.

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smokyschmeats@reddit

I'm 6'3" and got a toyota gr86. It has a lot of the same features of the miata but is more accommodating for us larger humans. I am in love with this car.

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Redissan9@reddit

Try the NC. At 192cm I barely fit in a stock car, but seat lowering brackets completely solve the problem for me.

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rezin111@reddit

That's about what I am and I've tried several and it genuinely kills me that I just don't fit. I want to so badly.

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MendonAcres@reddit

Exactly, I have a buddy with one and I've tried, it just won't work.

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retroboyuk@reddit

at 188, I can fit - depending on what shoes I wear…!

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Ecstatic_6329@reddit

What other modern car can offer you all that? The NE MX-F!

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herringpoint@reddit

If you like a Miata. You’d probably like a motorcycle too!

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vwdane@reddit

Meh

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borth1782@reddit

Try it first, then you will regret that “meh”

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jpack2010@reddit

For those who often has to drive long distance, they may need to consider its comfort.

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telecoaster@reddit

This is awesome, might have to try this myself. For the winter, how well does it handle the cold? And how's the clearance for snow?

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t3a-nano@reddit

And how's the clearance for snow?

The irony is anywhere it snows a lot will be ready, so the only time it's deep enough, it's still soft/fluffy enough to not matter.

At least that's my experience as a Canadian who's driven a Lexus IS350 then a Tesla Model 3 in a snowier city in the interior.

It's only in cities where it almost never snows where it's left to become a deeply rutted icey mess (like Vancouver), where you'd need SUV/pickup clearance.

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kierangodzella@reddit

Not applicable to the Midwest US, mpls/st Paul gets some serious ruts and ice buildup on side streets in the city. I used to drive a e36 year round and did ok with snow tires but there were some places I couldn’t go

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III-_Havok_-III@reddit

As a fellow Minnasotan, I 100% agree with this. Winters in this state can be something else.

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UncleBensRacistRice@reddit

I daily mine in winter in canada. Snow tires + the LSD, drifting this car is beyond easy and when I want to drive sensibly, ive never even come close to getting stuck

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TooMuchPapaya64@reddit

I can also talk on this- 2024 Club RF I have dailied since I bought it through cleveland winters - definitely getting dedicated (16in if you can!) Winter rims is a no brainer, but beyond that, the LSD and light weight make me more confident in this thing in the winter than my 4x4 95 ranger for about 95% of days, and even those I went out to spin in parking lots and enjoy the car!

M.I.A.T.A

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Ownfir@reddit

Mine did great in the snow even with all season tires. Not taking it up any steep hills or anything like that though and not like deep snow. It did well though bc it was so predictable. I wouldn’t take it on the freeway though. But backroads is just a controlled drift the whole way back home lmao.

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graytotoro@reddit

I’ve had mine for 9 years. It’s been the right car minus 1-2 occasions.

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fullyuki@reddit

I owned a ND2 and hated the steering feel, it was overly assisted and felt way more disconnected than my NC I've had, stock suspension is soft, the only thing I liked was the communicative chassis, I have taken it through twisty roads and autocross but it genuinely failed to impress me the way my NC did, honestly the 350Z I have provided more feedback and that's a car 1000 pounds heavier. Maybe I just have rose tinted glasses for older cars, but me personally I can't really get the hype for the ND. Maybe the Club trim fixes the issues but for my sport trim it was honestly a disappointment.

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too_soon13@reddit

Not sure how a shit box like the z is a comparison. But hey they say feelings are subjective. The masses though say otherwise

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fullyuki@reddit

Said shitbox is one of the most sought after drift cars in the world and was also known for being a good affordable rwd sports car just like the Miatas. I could also call all the rusted out NA and NB Miatas from the same era out there shitboxes. Why should I parrot what the masses think anyway? I'm the one who has actually owned and driven two Miatas from two different generations, I have had multiple cars from NC/ND to C5 to even S197 and S550 Mustang GT and Challenger and now a 350Z, I can make up my own mind about what I like and dislike in cars thanks.

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strangway@reddit

2017 here. I was surprised to read people on Reddit complain about the transmission. I’ve driven mine to redline daily on commutes for years. I’ve taken it into the snow with zero traction, added chains, and still zero traction. Crashed it into a snow bank with zero scratches or damage. The only service needed has been yearly oil changes, a set of Michelin Pilot Sports, and a new set of wiper blades. I also got the factory CarPlay upgrade. Original brakes, clutch, all engine parts original.

It’s bulletproof.

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weathergraph@reddit

Also it smiles instead of looking angry like any other today’s car

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Quaiche@reddit

About your last question: the A110 is my answer.

It’s a more expensive car and very slightly bigger while being mid engine and weighting as much as the mx5 with the bigger engine and providing better indoor comfort space for taller people.

Feedback is very very good as well.

Exhaust and engine noises are way better on the A110, not sure why the mx5 sounds so meh.

I think the mx5 has some superior points like the price and being able to take the top down but it’s all and honestly you know it’s very fair especially at this price point so it’s an amazing fun and affordable car.

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When_hop@reddit

That's like 10x the price of a miata.

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Quaiche@reddit

Nah, 2x.

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When_hop@reddit

Aren't they typically over 100k? I could get 10 miata for 100k.

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Quaiche@reddit

No, lol.

The first generation was typically sold under 60k.

The production is now over but essentially a base a110 was still around the 60k.

My GT version was roughly 70k which is half of the current mx5 as it’s priced at 35k here.

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Saliiim@reddit

I really wish they had released a manual. Seems silly to market a car as a stripped back lightweight enthusiast sportscar and then only give it an auto, same with the Alfa 4C.

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Quaiche@reddit

It's not silly when you know the DCT is lighter than the manual transmission.

And then when you get to drive it, you quickly understand that you don't really need the "engagement" from the manual transmission as the car as whole is giving you enough of engagement anyway.

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CastorX@reddit

I like the alpine but it’s a lot more expensive and there is no manual version of the A110! The MT in mx5 is an important part. The exhaust note can be improved with an aftermarket muffler, there are really good ones. I think the weakest part of the nd is actually the oem suspension, but that can be improved too for not much money.

Btw between a cayman and a110 i would probably chose the a110. I like the looks and the non gt cayman feels more like a luxury car than a raw sports car.
OR a lotus Emira, the v6 with manual. Or an exige.

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marsovec@reddit

OP how is build quality holding up? ie any creaking noises or anything else?

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theDartVader@reddit (OP)

It creaks and rattles like a shopping cart at the store. The sound insulation is really bad, but that’s to be expected from a convertible. I made a whole video about it, you can check it here if you want https://youtu.be/7pFqG__C1YQ

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marsovec@reddit

thanks and thank you for being completely transparent about it and your whole experience

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dhatereki@reddit

I just wish there was a family version with 4 doors

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Panteadropper@reddit

If I didn't have an FR-S, I'd be in a Miata.

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Saliiim@reddit

I still miss my NA 1.6 sometimes, brilliant little car.

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Alternative-Koala978@reddit

The cool, lightweight, reliable car with a proper chassis, three pedals and rear wheel drive. Just perfect.

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1343Starscream@reddit

Wish it was available in my country

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mostcallmerob@reddit

As a Geo Metro driver I understand the lightweight aspect. I swear I can feel pebbles in the road.

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curvesthisway@reddit

Great car! Reminds me of a gr86

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Weary-Pangolin6539@reddit

It does look pretty good. I want to get one instead of going for a used carrera s right off the bat.

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PurpleSausage77@reddit

I had a 1990, was flimsy without upgrading more parts than the car was worth.

But I feel the same way as you with my 2013 FRS albeit 200-300lbs heavier. A worthy trade off for fixed roof, looks, more spacious cabin (for bigger folks) etc.

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hodgestein@reddit

Neat little car...do they make a men's version?

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notsoentertained@reddit

No, but they make a bunch of gigantic trucks for insecure men who like to compensate for their insecurities. Perhaps you'd enjoy one of those?

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hodgestein@reddit

Foes my 1985 Toyota Pickup count as a gigantic truck?

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notsoentertained@reddit

Sorry for responding as I did. Sometimes sarcasm doesn't come across well in Reddit. Enjoy your truck or hopefully your CRX.

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hodgestein@reddit

No apology necessary. I love cars of all shapes and sizes. Wife has an X5 M and the kid drives a 328i. I also have a '66 Mustang GT convertible I got for my parents 50th wedding anniversary (my dad had one when he met my mom)...and I have an F250, lol! To my credit though, I didn't get that to compensate for my small manhood...we have a family farm with 2 tractors and a bulldozer so the truck gets used as intended.

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seanjohntx@reddit

Oh man, I want a 30th anniversary edition. Love that color.

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Bostonah@reddit

I miss my 30ae so much...

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retroboyuk@reddit

sell ya mine for 20k 😋

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Bostonah@reddit

Where are you located? Miles? Manual? rf or st?

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retroboyuk@reddit

i’m in the UK, i’m afraid. Sorry to hype ya up!!

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Bostonah@reddit

booooooooooooo! I would have snatched that right up.

I

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retroboyuk@reddit

go get yourself one. I’m 5 years in with mine, and I still love it😎

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Bostonah@reddit

I bought one brand new and regret selling it

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Bostonah@reddit

Sent you a PM

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B3asy@reddit

If you don't feel the steering in your ass, can you even call it steering?

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PsychoBobby95@reddit

I can’t, I’m way too large for that car. I used to transfer cars between locations for car max and one rainy night I had to put one of these on the back of the truck. I’m not fat by any means but I had to put the top down just so I could get in and out of the damn thing. The interesting part was getting it onto the truck with metal ramps while raining. I almost totaled that car because the back wheels kept free spinning and the tire kept getting closer and closer to the edge of the ramp. I had to get a running start, in the rain with the top down. I’ll never forget that night, and it comes back to me every time I see one of these lol.

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theDartVader@reddit (OP)

You might also want to consider the version with Recaro seats, they sit lower than standard seats

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