Overview:
This 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is available in a single trim so it simplifies your decision making. And if you simply must have a sports car that’s basic, with simple everything, you can find it here. It is truly a fun car to drive and has adequate power.
The top is easy to put down when the mood moves you, but you’ll have to wait until you stop and get out to put it back up since there’s no way for the average \”non-jock\” to do it while sitting in the car.
History: The Miata was introduced in the summer of 1989 and it captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts longing for the days of the classic British roadster. Remember the MGB, Austin Healey etc.? They were so popular dealers routinely charged, and people willingly paid, thousands over the suggested retail price for this little roadster. The 1998 model year was skipped completely, with the new 1999 model went on sale in March.
Many years ago I owned an MG and loved the way you can zip around and I thoroughly enjoy the handling capabilities of sports cars. Some of the shortcomings of the older roadsters have been eliminated in cars like this Miata, but there are some complaints that can’t go unmentioned. I want to know why they put the power outlet/ lighter right smack in front of the gear shifter? Doesn’t anyone test-drive these things for such obvious irritations? If they do it is certain they haven’t plugged in a cell phone. Is that possible? Another bitch is the placement of the latch on the center console storage compartment. It is poorly placed at the rear, which makes it hard to open. There is also a lot of road noise that I feel should have improved with the increase in cost.
When you review what is considered competition for the Miata I think you’ll find too great a difference in all except perhaps the Cavalier and the VW. I believe the Eclipse is a step up even though the price doesn’t reflect that fact. The Porsche Boxster and the Mercedes SLK are light years ahead and if the extra money isn’t too painful to part a test drive will help you open your wallet a little wider. The BMW Z3 is over priced, as is the Miata.
I’ve driven them all and suggest you do the same before you make your decision.
The Competition:
BMW Z3 $29,425 – $35,900, Chevrolet Cavalier $11,871 – $19,571, Mercedes-Benz SLK $40,000, Mitsubishi Eclipse $15,740 – $26,660, Porsche Boxster $41,000, Volkswagen Cabrio $17,975 – $22,290.
Good News:
Top is easy to put down. Fun to drive.
Bad News:
Tinny sounding doors. Trunk is also a clanging cymbal. Poor placement of power outlet & console access release. A lot of road noise. Pricey.
Standard Equipment:
1.8 liter 4 cylinder, 140 HP engine, 5-speed manual trans with overdrive, rack & pinion steering, cloth bucket seats, AM/Fm CD stereo, independent suspension, dual air bags, glass rear window in convertible top, remote fuel & trunk releases, 4- wheel power disc brakes & dual mirrors. Note: A 4-speed automatic transmission is available.
Gas Stats:
25 City 29 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP is $19,770 but if you want Air, leather, alloy wheels, cruise control, upgraded premium Bose stereo system with cassette, power – steering, mirrors, windows, antenna & door locks – you’ll have to up the ante to $25K.
