Used 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata Consumer Reviews
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Comfort
New or old this cars are for basically young people. You have to be I think in good shape because getting in and out requires twisting your back. Not fun on long trips, but great for every weekend to bring youth into your life. That said, I am 70 and this has been the most joyful car I have ever owned. Lots of fun driving it. Yes , this is one of my bucket list items. Enjoy life, you only get one each.
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My 5th Miata
I currently own a 2006 Miata Sport and it is my 5th one. I bought first year model they came out and they are unbeatable for the money.All the ones I've had average close to 30mpg and I have spent $0 dollars on any of them. They're the most reliable and dependable cars I've ever owned. I've had the Honda S2000 and it's expensive to upkeep..preminum gas,tires are staggered so you can't rotate and insurance is outrageous.. the shear fun factor alone this these Miata's is priceless.i've owned every convertible on the market ( or pretty close) and I always come back to the Miata.Only issue I've ever had with these cars is the rain drains clogging up and water standing in the passenger floorboard
- 3rd Generation Limited ConvertibleMSRP: $9,80040 mi away
- Grand Touring ConvertibleMSRP: $8,99547 mi away
- Grand Touring ConvertibleMSRP: $9,96973 mi away
Best Fun Factor on 4 wheels - 2006 Miata
These cars are so awesome. Fun, fun, fun, and reliable as can be. Cheap to fill up (small tank). Don't buy one of these if envious stares annoy you. Don't buy one of these if you'd much prefer to spend a lot of money on a true roadster. Don't buy one of these if you are on a first name basis with you auto mechanic and prefer to stay that way. I don't have the top of the line 'leather' version of the car, but slapped on some upgraded 17" alloy wheels, and great tires ( Michelin Pilot Super Sport), and handling actually improves dramatically - didn't think that was possible.
Harley Davidson Replacement
Traded an '04 Ultra Classic and haven't looked back. The MX5 is a 2-dr/4wh replacement. It has all of the thrill of driving with the wind without having to worry about the weather. Top up/top down takes a few seconds. I have the Gr Touring with 7-spkr Bose system. Sound is great all the time. Cloth brown top with 6-spd manual. This car is by far the most fun vehicle i have driven. Past vehicles include Audi A6 & A4 Cab. I do wish there was some better answer for spare than Fix a Flat and run flat tires. Mileage has been 28 MPG combined. All in all it is hard to imagine a replacement for the HD but this car is IT. Decide on the top up/down when you get in the car. Simple
Rained out in my 2006 MX5
I love my 2006 MX5. I use it for commute. I have problems when it rain. Every rain season the car floods from the drains inside the car. The dealership fixes it everytime for no charge. Concern problems continues. I am scared to drive or park the car outside in the rain. What should I do?
Best sunny day distraction ever!
Danger: this car will make you skip a day at the office! I used it as a daily commuter until I found myself calling in sick because I took some little side road to nowhere and found it so much fun I didn't want to come back. Its small, light, extremely maneuverable and fun to drive. It is not too fast off the line, but once you're rolling, if the road involves a curve, there's not much out there that you can't keep up with or outright surpass. The 6 speed gearbox has short throws and is pretty precise. This is a car for actively aware driving, not for passive marginally attentive drivers for whom transportation is simply a means to get from point A to point B while doing something else like applying makeup or holding a phone or coffee in your hands. Great for the autocross or just all day romps through back country roads to nowhere. You won't want a GPS in this car cause its built for getting lost in. Just take a cute girl and a picnic basket. Money for the motel is advised too. The top goes down on warm days with a flip of the wrist (manual soft top). It's replacement last year was my single biggest repair ever for this car. You might do better with a garage. The car has AC but I seldom use it. Heat works great on colder days. Power windows were standard on this year. The back window is glass, not plastic and has a defroster. Next biggest expense is tires simply because the car encourages you to drive like that. Mine came with Michelin Pilots and they work really really well. If the car must see snow, I highly recommend a second set of rims shod with good snow tires. Well worth the investment! Almost as much fun in the snow as on dry summer pavement, except you won't want the top down. The top does not interfere with trunk space. Things like golf clubs, skateboards, rifles, overhead compartment sized luggage or lots of groceries fit nicely, but the 55inch flat screen TV I bought for Christmas one year had to be strapped to the top of the trunk lid. Don't even consider that this car has room for a spare, not even a doughnut. I carry a tire plug repair kit and a small electric pump. I am 5'7" tall with a 32" inseam and fit very comfortably. Think of this car as something you wear. It communicates the road to your senses like few others. If you are much taller than, say 5'11", or have wide hips or shoulders, or like taking long boring interstate highway journeys in a cushy couch-mobile, you might want to shop for something else. 5-16-2018 Exhaust rusted through just behind the catalytic converter. Replacing the entire thing from motor to muffler with something more aggressive, probably from Good Win Racing or the like. Suspension and brake upgrades will follow shortly thereafter. Still a great solid little car.
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Second Mazda Miata 1999 to a 2006 Grand Touring
A great car that one can absolutely enjoy owning. Got mine used with 2,019 miles on it, now at 26,500 fun miles on the odometer. Gave the 1999 Miata to the daughter, picked this one up and never looked back. I like the more aggressive look, more refinements, still handles with agility, reasonable mpg and super fun to drive on all road types I have experienced. Reliable, comfortable and safe too! The leather seat back is way too sweaty in the summers in Iowa and the driver's side left side bolster on the bottom cushion looks bad even with frequent leather conditioning. No spare with an OEM tire blow out late at night was not a pleasant experience. If you set the cruise control it will jump the highway mpg to 32. Update January 2018 - still a car I will have a hard time giving up one day. I had to put on new tires which helped greatly reduce the noise level of the Michelin OEM tires. I did not go back to Michelins for that very reason they were noisy from day one of ownership and also the same tire and same issue on my 1989 Miata. The only issue I have had is a rattle that happens when the engine is cold and I place the car in reverse. It goes away once the car is taken out of reverse or the engine is warm. I have not been able to track down the source yet, another Spring project. The Miata gets put away for several months here in Iowa due to the cold weather and the road conditions. I get the most enjoyment driving this car when I can have the top down and enjoy the open fresh air experience. Still no regrets except having to put it into storage....
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owner
Love my car. Continuous problems with the roof leaking and flooding inside the car behind the seats. The vents keep clogging where water runs off. Problem every rain season. Any suggestions?
I love my Miata
I purchased the Miata to use only when on special days. But since then, I have needed to use it as a commuter car. I commute 82 miles round trip each day. I have approximately 94,000 miles on the car and have never had a service call. I average 31.5 mpg in rush hour traffic. I can't wait for good weather to put the top down. The car is noisy and I wish the stereo were better. The seats could be upgraded, I have worn a hole in the driver side seat. But other then those issues, I love the car, and plan on buying another one when this one dies. I live in a snowy climate, and was told that the car would not work in the winter. I put 4 snow tires on it and it goes like a champ. No prob
Love this car. Fun to drive.
Used mine Summers only. Drove to Golf course with clubs riding shotgun. Battery drains when stored due to anti theft etc. recommend battery buddy for winter storage. Not a good winter car in NE USA.
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Why I love my Mazda Miata
If you have never owned a Mazda Miata you might wonder why Miata owners are so loyal to Mazda, and so passionate about their cars. However, if you are lucky enough to own one, you already know: the Miata is happiness on wheels. In 28 years of driving, I've never owned a car that makes such an impression on people. Even strangers come up to ask me about the car. I've lost count of how many times I've heard, "Nice car!" but I can remember three occasions when people actually wanted to take a picture of the car. I can assure you that none of those things ever happened to me when I drove a Toyota Corolla. There is no better example of trouble free fun than a Mazda Miata.
Great little car
I bought my 2006 grand touring in 2012. It had only 14k miles and was in like new condition. It now has 102k and I've loved the experience. Put mid grade gas in it and change the oil is all I've done other than replace the electric thermostat 2 years ago. I love dropping the top (in about 4 seconds) and cruising around. I still get compliments on it today and it still looks and drives great. Struts are getting worn and it rides ruff on a ruff road but still is fun to drive. I'm 63 now so when we go on long trips we take the wife's Lincoln, but I miss the drive of my "interstate go cart". I have averaged 30 mpg since I got mine and it's still not had a tune up! If you want an untra reliable roadster that sips gas and performs like a sports car (all be it with not the huge horsepower) I couldn't reccomend the Miata MX5 any higher. ZOOM ZOOM!
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Super Fun!
2006: This car is super fun to drive, but not for a beginner driver. It is a warm weather car - and rides less terrifically in the rain. The car has been really great overall (I have 123Kmi) and in super shape - the paint is fine, the interior still spiffy & mechanically ok. However, the convertible top has issues - it rattles quite badly & whirrs (to the point where I have trouble talking on the phone!) - I'm going to get it tightened, which may be regular maintenance for a convertible (it's my first one). I had one drain tubing that was clogged, which I didn't realize, and it flooded my car (trunk & seeped to the front) - it had to have then entire carpeting throughout replaced due to mold. Be sure to check the drain tubes for the top now & then. The stereo is horrible in this car - in fact, it's horrific. The digital display goes out regularly, especially in the summer - the sound is there, but no digital display. As well, the sound fades whilst going under the underpasses - do you know how many are in the Bay Area? I do. I've missed a lot of traffic reports or other news because it fades out on the freeway. It's also static-y - that comes & goes. The sound system was replaced in 2008 so it's not that old! Mechanically, it's ok. I've replaced the starter last month, timing belt, idle tensioner rod & belt, fan belt & other basics, but it's standard stuff for cars. It's a super fun car to drive - especially on the highway to the beach, but flips around the highway if it's in poor shape (i.e. CA hwy 880, 680, 5 etc) - so hold on to the wheel w/ both hands! Not good for anything round - the trunk is rectangle, the front is rectangle - don't take anything round along! The car is very low so it can be challenging to get in/out w/ heels...it's rather like a cockpit. At this point, the seatbelt doesn't retract so great (on driver side only). But, it's overall a super car which I have enjoyed thoroughly.
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Better than a Sky or Solstice!
I just bought my used 2006 GT a few weeks ago with only 22K miles on it. I've driven a number of two-seater convertibles, mostly Honda del Sols and one Toyota MR2 Spyder. The Miata definitely feels like more car -- the leather seats seem solid and luxurious, and I love the dashboard layout, redundant layout controls, remote entry, carpeting and cloth top. The trunk is practical, although not as large as the del Sol's. The only real drawback so far has been the gas mileage. My del Sol averaged 32-33 mpg in mostly city driving; first two fill-ups with the Miata have shown 24.9 and 25.9 (the second with about 50% freeway driving). That's in line with published figures, but is still not great.
Great second car
I've loved this car for almost 10 years, but hated also at times when I couldn't even fit my carry on bag in the trunk. Overall very reliable and good miles per gallon.
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An excellent weekend car
Had been wanting one for quite a while. Got a GT model with all the bells and whistles and 6 sp. manual. Wasn't sure if I'd enjoy a stick again but glad I bought it. Solid build quality and corners as if it's on rails. Nice exhaust note. Small size makes it easy to keep clean. Chassis and engine combination is very balanced: Not so much power to get you into "trouble"; brakes are excellent.
Most fun EVER!
I've wanted one since 1990, but lived in Brooklyn. Got a copper red 5 speed Touring with 6-cd changer after I moved to SC. This is the most fun I've ever had in a car. Corners great, accelerates well, I never get tired of driving it. With the top down, it is so good I'd rate it an 11 if that was an option. With the top up, your view out the back is limited, and difficult to see behind and blind spot. That is not a problem with the top down. After 3 months I still love it as much as the first time. Looks great, feels great, drives great, sounds great. BUY THIS CAR!
believe the hype! this car delivers!
had this car for 6 yrs and drove almost 40K numerous road trips. the car is a blast, yes. the hype is totally deserved. and it has nothing to do with its acceleration or comfort. and everything to do with its sublime drivetrain, steering, and shifting - all of which are incredibly tight and responsive. and its no-fuss demeanor and its super fun factor when taking the top down. very few cars turn as willingly and as precisely as the Miata when one engages the steering. it's as if the car anticipated the driver's commands. same thing for the gas pedal and the engine - everything is so responsive, so immediate. it creates a general feel of being in control, and tis in turns, makes the car more precise, faster, and more fun to drive. don't expect a comfortable daily commuter or a drag racer or highway statesman. this car is designed for the week-ender and the backroad explorer. and no one does these best than the Miata (and it can still be used as a daily commuter, though that is not its primary purpose).
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Great car. fun and fuel efficient
I bought this car last Thanksgiving from Florida (Im in Houston, TX). Honesty, I was quite disappointed the moment I saw it (I owned 99 miata 5-spd before) because some dings and paint on steering wheel (I dont know what that is for). idle rpm was too high (~1200). Dealer on ebay said it was a well maintained car. Some small plastic body parts missing (it's not expensive from dealer). After I changed all fluids, oil and filters the second day. The idle rpm back to 750. The driving of this machine is still incredible in handling and smooth acceleration. It gets more power than NB. 60 mph is about 2800 rpm. 70 mph is about 3300 rpm. The little one is extremely reliable. I have put 17000 miles on the clock. Not a single problem. Top down noise reduces a lot in this generation. Super easy and fast to operate the soft top. Im so happy to have this car.
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Just Plain Fun!
If you want a car that's just plain fun, you can't beat the MX-5. Wife and I chose the copper red Touring model with black cloth interior. The car is gorgeous, fit is perfect. As for performance, the 5 speed manual is quick and smooth, flawless. While not exactly fast, the car is very quick. The steering is extremely responsive. Brakes stop the vehicle on a dime. The interior, while snug, imparts the sensation of a cockpit. All controls are at your fingertips just inches away. The top is very well designed and easy to use. I would not recommend the vehicle for primary transportation, but if you're looking for a sensational, affordable second, this is it. This car is a blast.
Great Fun Factor
I recently sold a 2013 Camaro SS with a 6 speed stick. Even though I loved the car I found it spent most of the time in the garage. Wife wanted a convertible and talked me into buying this 2006 Mazda MX-6 Miata automatic with 23000 miles. Huge difference between the Camaro and the Mazda. I have to admit the Mazda is a blast to drive and handles superbly. The car is hard to drive without having a smile on your face. The 160hp engine is peppy and I keep wishing I had gotten the 5 or 6 speed manual as I think I’d enjoy it much more. My wife is happy with the automatic. I also keep thinking how much more I would enjoy it if it had about 50 more hp. As far as fun factor the car is hard to beat. The cabin seems very noisy and I do not believe the car would be good for very long road trips. For a weekend fun car it is fantastic.
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2nd Year of Use Review
My 06 Mazda MX5 is a wonderful little car - "fun to drive" was a phrase I never understood until getting this car. It's great ... but: 1) having the cup holders on the doors is a dumb idea. They rub your thigh and if you ever put a drink there and forget when you open/close the door you'll have the drink flying all over (unless it's a NASA designed sealed cup). 2) The electronic keys are a disaster: I've had to change batteries four times in 2 years. One of my keys gave out entirely and it was replaced (warranty, thankfully). They tell me the keys "communicate" with my BlackBerry, so they constantly run the battery down. Really? In any case, this flaw is a real bummer!
Followup
This is an update from "Be careful what you wish for" below. Mainly I write this Followup to praise the Continental Extreme Contact tires and the positive change they have wrought. I went from the OE Michelin run-flats to a slight wider (215 vs. 205) tire but kept the 45 series aspect ratio. In effect I made the tires a few millimeters taller and a bit wider. But the switch from run- flats has been amazing. The car has a much more comfy ride, with little in absolute performance loss. Light snow traction is great now, important here in CT. I did about 19k last year (33k total) and no mechanical problems. So thumbs up there. Everyone loves the car still, especially my wife.
Replaced My '95
After 11 years of constant fun it was time to upgrade. I've been waiting anxiously for the 2006 and I'm not disappointed. Much faster, much better ride, quieter, and just as solid. I love the new roof design, although I worry that the front panel will fade differently than the rest of the roof. But, since the roof is only up when it is raining, I doubt that it will ever show. We love the car so much, my wife is trading her Mercedes SLK 320 for another Miata (I can't bring myself to call it an MX5) as soon as she can find the color (Copper Red) that she wants.
Bad computer
I love the car, but, my wife will not ride with me any more, the damn car (computer) takes a crap if you park next to or close to overhead power lines. do not trust the car any more, last week we went for a ride to view fall leaves and stopped at a road side tavern for a brew, went to car , it would not allow the "key" to start, after much frustration and calling a tow truck operator, my wife looked at the manual and found that overhead power lines could cause a problem, enlisted some cowboys from tavern and pushed the car about 6' away from the overhead powerline, walah, it started. now will not venture any further than to town 2 miles do not trust the SOB
Car is now 20 yrs old
Yes it's a toy. Yes I drive my Hyundai more. I don't see me ever selling this car. Much more likely I will be get killed in it. Yes it takes a couple of hart beats to get past 100mph but only takes 2 to bring her down to 30 and turn. THE Car is like riding a roller coaster the way it sticks to the ground. (I have good tires and a A AA CARD). Yes it's hard to get in and out, noisy as a construction site and the A.C. sucks, but my baby is like a old pare of snickers. Till death do us part!
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Perfect Roadster
I love driving this car! This is my first week with it and I'm having so much fun. I once owned one of the earlier models (a '93 model) and this car is obviously much better. It's quick and fun to shift. Best handling car I've ever owned. I now look forward to clover leaf exit ramps. I think the new styling is beautiful outside and I like the interior as well. It is tight in there though. Even though I like it I think that the interior is probably where I would wish Mazda had spent a few more $$. For example, the shift boot and hand brake boot are cheap, no way to put it nicely. On the other hand, I think the leather seats look and feel expensive.
MX-5 experience
I like the Miata for its sporty feeling and it is fun to drive. It is the roughest riding car I've ever owned and definitely wouldn't want to drive it on a long trip. This car is like it's glued to the road which is good for handling but not for ride comfort. It rides like it doesn't have springs much like a Go-Kart. The road noise inside car is quite loud also. Power wise it has no problem for get up and go. Miata is probably the best bang for the buck as far as little sports cars go. When driving in heavy rain you better slow way down as this car will get scary as it will hydroplane easily.
Better Than I Expected
After 3 years of driving the MX5 I'm impressed with nearly everything about the car. Although I only give it a 7 for comfort, it is very good for this size sports car. I thought a 2 hour drive would be all I could take when we first purchased the car. This fall my wife and I completed a 4 day trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway and my back and seat were no worse for the wear. However, I had just put on new Bridgestones, which out performed the stock Michelins in every way. This car is all about fun. It is a car for those who love to drive. Driving the MX5 is like operating a point and shoot camera. The car just goes wherever you point without any fuss and looks great while doing it.
miata might
it is fun to drive lots of power good gas MPG
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4 months of ownership
I've had the car for about 4 months now. It is a solid built car. When I hit a bump I may feel it but the car doesn't rattle or make any unpleasant sounds you might hear in a cheaply built car. The top is a snap to put down and back up again without getting out of the driver's seat. It handles like a dream, very responsive. What I don't like is a couple of things. One, the cup holders in the door are in the way. When I raise my left leg up my knee rests against the cup holder and it's uncomfortable. Second, I can't find a comfortable position with the seat. I have to have the seat back as far as it will go to keep my right leg from being uncomfortable. Then I am sittin straight up.
"WOW" Did I mention "WOW?"
I purchased this car 04 Sep 2007. I bought it in Michigan and drove it home to Dallas. What can I say about the car other than wow? It handles like a motorcycle in the turns. Although I will admit it is not the greatest car for a 15 hour drive. But, it was not as bad as a motorcycle and yet just as fun. It has the easiest to operate top that I have ever seen. Has a very responsive and pretty powerful engine. Will stop on a dime and give you a nickel change. I have put over 25,000 miles on it and still love to drive it as much now as I did the day I bought it. It is not my daily driver, but I truly look forward to driving it every chance I get.
ZOOM MX5 - 2006
Absolutely the most fun car that I have ever driven! Loaded with Bose sound system and Sirius satellite radio, really blasts out the tunes. Seems like every stop light I get praises about the car - Copper Red really flashes. Big guy - 6'1" and 240 but more than adequate room in the interior. Much easier entry/exit for my wife but I do not have any problems with the space. ZOOM, ZOOM - BTW, personal license now reads "Smilin"... and I am!
Disappointment
Very questionable plastics in interior. Have experienced annoying rattling clicking noise on console. Absolutely no help from Mazda with problem. While very fun to drive, the annoying rattle takes enjoyment out.
Oh ya, I'm hooked!
It has rained ever since I picked up the car. So far (227 miles), regardless of the condition of the road, the car has been responsive, sure-footed and extremely predictable. No leaks. FUN! It is comfortable. My back doesn't hurt after 70 miles of bumps and dips and I don't feel cramped with the top up. Top is extremely easy to put up and down while sitting in the drivers seat. There is a large blind spot with the top up however. The quality of the interior appears very good. No flaws in the finish. Shifter is short and precise. I have a grin permanently plastered on my face. :-).
Love it
Traded 2002 for this true red Club Spec and with a little over a 1,000 miles I'm glad I did. No a/c, no cruise, no fog lights, all the things that went to waste in my '02 became a real selling point. The 5 speed shifts like a knife in butter and with the lights in low beam I can actually see! The '02 was quick but the Club Spec is quick and you don't even realize it. The cup holder doesn't bother me, after a week I don't even notice it.
Love this car!
I bought this vehicle on impulse - had to test drive one after seeing it and had to buy it after driving it! Not sorry at all. Love virtually everything about it, but the trunk opening could be a little larger to make it more accessible, the disable switch for the remote trunk opener is in a poor location as items in the trunk can press it and inadvertently cause the remote to be disabled (happened to me...). And the radio reception in AM is poor. I know: "who uses AM?" However, I do travel where AM is about it sometimes and a longer optional antenna would be nice (I am assuming the problem is antenna length). Note that these are very small things. Overall, I love the car!
10 years and counting
I am the original owner of a 2006 Miata. Have had very little problems with this car which is why I have had it for over 10 years. For being 10 years old, my car is in mint condition and looks as good as the day I bought it. I am ready to sell it and am looking for the perfect person to take ownership. Someone I know that will take as good care of it that I have for all these years. If they take care of it, it should run for another 10 years.
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Well worth it
I purchased the last brand new 3rd Generation Limited roadster in Georgia. I didn't know how to drive stick, but I learned very quickly. The stick is as smooth as butter. It may have just a four cylinder but don't underestimate it. You feel like you're driving a race car. BEST CAR EVER.
Great Car
I traded in a Mazda Tribute for the new MX-5 ... and I'm glad I did. What a fantastic little car. I find myself choosing (I shouldn't admit this!) the MX-5 over my 2005 AMG E-55 with 500HP -- the little Miata is actually more "fun" to drive (though not as fast!). SUPER JOB, Mazda!
Yahooooooooooooo
This car is a riot to drive. Quick, agile, fun! Shifts in the manual 6 speed are short and neat.
06 MX-5 Grand Touring
Had my '06 MX-5 for about 2 weeks now. I have enjoyed the car thus far. Seems solid and is fun to drive.
Wish I would've bought one sooner!
Much cheaper than a therapist...Excellent value in an automobile. Surprisingly comfortable; went for 3 hour ride and didn't feel "beat up" as expected. 6 speed manual gearbox easy to shift but ratios could be spaced a little farther apart. Build quality superb: No squeaks and rattles; much quieter than the Corvette I used to own. I prefer the Miata to the Corvette hands down; much better value for the dollar. Biggest complaint: Had to purchase a used donut spare tire as car originally fitted with run-flat tires that have subsequently been replaced with "regular" tires. Overall an excellent value and the top raises and lowers in seconds.
I'm Hooked!
Only had it about 10 days, but I can't get out of it. Hardly had the top up. Great little machine! Superb handling and driveabaility. Body style is eye-catching and gets lots of stares and compliments. Engine performance is excellent for a 2 liter 4 and is more entertaining than any car I have ever owned. Very responsive.
Catch me in the corners
A great car. No other car communicates to the driver like my mx-5, I have a 240sx, had a CRX and a MZ3s; whether its through the steering wheel, the seat, or the burble of the exhaust, this car rocks! The top is easy to operate, the exterior is beautiful and classic, and the interior is attractive. Great fun, won't kill your pocketbook and over 30mpg on the freeway, what more could you ask for? Initially looked at an RX-8.
MX5 Great Value
The MX5 is a feature packed well engineered roadster. Probably one of the best values on the market. The engine and suspension of the new Miata are more sophisticated, but leave you wanting a more sports car like feel. The engine while strong feels and sounds like a boring sedan. Suspension is incredibly supple, but is too soft and leads to ridiculous levels of body roll in corners. The MX5 has great options and features for a car that sells under $25K. My car with dynamic stability control, LSD, traction control, Bilstein suspension, Bose stereo, side airbags, leather interior, 17" wheels -- was $24K. The MX5 also has one of the easiest to use convertible tops ever!
1999 vs. 2006
I test drove the 2006 MX-5 while my 1999 Miata was in for a regular service ... my mistake, I know, but I was so surprised about the improved handling (especially for windy roads!) and the new engine, that I decided to get the 2006 model. Nice handling, the manual transmission is very smooth, driving with top down is pure fun. It's like vacation for your soul!
First Roadster
Have driven the sport model for 2 months now. Opted for the 6 speed automatic since I commute in traffic and I didn't want to go back to shifting. The automatic is great with the clutchless shifter and the steering wheel paddles. This car handles like a go kart and has very quick acceleration even with the automatic. Down shifts are easy either with the pedal or the shifter. Top works easily and stows neatly. Fit and finish are excellent. This car is really fun to drive on day trips but long hauls would not be for me. It really makes my commute fun instead of drudgery.
The best Miata yet!
So much fun to drive and one of the best cars with the top down. Great looks inside and out. Comfy seats and bigger than the previous Miatas. Race car steering, race car transmission and race car suspension. Suspension turns in sharp while the wheels stick like super glue. Flick the steering wheel and you dive into the apex with barely any turns on the wheel and the whole car talks to you. Great exhaust note. Great gas mileage. I owned a Evo 8 and currently own a 350Z and a Lotus Elise an this is probably the best deal when it comes to handling. And has become my new weekend car and ever daily driver.
Best Sports Car for the buck on planet
My Miata is incredibly fun to drive, quick, and gets about 29 mpg average. What more can you ask. There may be cars out there that handle better at 100 mph, but at normal driving speeds, I've never driven anything that handles better & rides better than a Miata. With excellent mileage, great reliability, and great performance, it's the guilt-free sports car. I had a Porsche years ago, and this is way better, overall. It's my second Miata, and I'll probably get another one after this. Just don't try it in the snow.