Total Fun for Summer - Miatas are a Blast
Pros:
FUN, reliable, good handling, maintains re-sale value well.
Cons:
Small, expensive initial price, very expensive to repair.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
As a Miata owner for over a year, and one who had never owned anything except a practical 4-door car, I can honestly say they are a blast to drive. There is virtually nothing practical about this car, but who cares? If you are buying for practicality, this is definitely not the car for you.
The Miata rides extremely low to the ground and, as a sports car, you feel the road (even the bumps and jolts you might not want to feel). As such, the car corners very well and offers excellent handling. One word of caution: while a Miata can stop on a dime, don't. The weight is largely distributed in the front of the car, thus making it prone to spinning if even the slightest oil or wetness is on the road.
In addition, a Miata's seat belt has often been jokingly referred to as a "body identification device" (illustrating how vulnerable this small car is to an accident of any seriousness). Living in Atlanta, the accident capital of the world, I have learned to be a very cautious, yet offensive driver in my Miata. It can be so easily crunched...but it is nice to have the power to speed my way out of a sticky situation.
One real pain about Mazda - their replacement/repair parts cost is outrageous. If you are unfortunate enough to get into an accident, Mazda will grab you by the hair and drag you to the bank. Be prepared and don't believe the dealer when he tells you it's not all that bad. This is the voice of experience talking!
Miatas tend to be fairly expensive, but hold their re-sale value extremely well. Again, if you are hunting for practicality for your money, this may be small comfort.
Overall, I love my car. The ability to pop the top when the weather is nice is fantastic. Even though you can't fit much more than a briefcase in the trunk...even though it is tiny and only seats 2 people...even though some people smirk at my little car...I love it and would buy another Miata tomorrow of given the chance.
