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Old 10-26-2017, 09:50 AM   #31
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Originally Posted by kognito View Post
Don't do that
Yes, do it!

I haven't been behind the wheel of a Miata outside of a single test drive back in... 2004. Even though they're similar vehicles, I sort of get the feeling that the Miata and S2000 have rather different personalities.

I loved my S2000. If not for some life-related factors that made it the least practical car to continue owning beyond a certain point, it's a vehicle that I would've enjoyed pulling out of my garage every morning for the rest of my life.

I wonder how easy it would be to find one in great condition these days. It's now been out of production for 8 years.
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Old 10-26-2017, 09:59 AM   #32
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Originally Posted by ff View Post
I wonder how easy it would be to find one in great condition these days. It's now been out of production for 8 years.
I'm sure they're out there - probably on BAT right now or soon. But you'll pay through the nose.
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Old 10-26-2017, 10:02 AM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ff View Post
Yes, do it!

I haven't been behind the wheel of a Miata outside of a single test drive back in... 2004. Even though they're similar vehicles, I sort of get the feeling that the Miata and S2000 have rather different personalities.

I loved my S2000. If not for some life-related factors that made it the least practical car to continue owning beyond a certain point, it's a vehicle that I would've enjoyed pulling out of my garage every morning for the rest of my life.

I wonder how easy it would be to find one in great condition these days. It's now been out of production for 8 years.
https://www.nalleyinfinitimarietta.c...6d0f73c4e2.htm


I guess you'd need to deal with the airbag asap.
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Old 10-26-2017, 10:03 AM   #34
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Wasn't the rap always that although neither of those cars had much power, the S2000 in particular really needed to be thrashed into high revs (kick in the VTEC, yo) in order to get out of its own way?

Aside from a brief encounter with a Miata in the early '00s I haven't driven either, so I don't have any relevant first-hand experience to relay, just remembering what I've read.
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Old 10-26-2017, 10:04 AM   #35
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We drove both when shopping the Z3 in 2001. I hated both of them.
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Old 10-26-2017, 10:27 AM   #36
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Originally Posted by Plaz View Post
the S2000 in particular really needed to be thrashed into high revs (kick in the VTEC, yo) in order to get out of its own way?
It depends upon your definition of "get out of its own way". If you're the type that drag races away from every stoplight, then you might feel this way. But I always felt that the car was very sprightly at any RPM.

It does take a bit to get used to the short gearing. Rowing gears in that gearbox is very rewarding, though. So never a chore.
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Old 10-26-2017, 10:27 AM   #37
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Don't think I've typed it out loud before, but the ND is a dark horse in the race in my head.

Like JV and Chris mentioned, 2016 transmissions are time bombs, but the only hassle is arranging the tow from wherever it strands you. Also sounds like the replacements are pretty speedy these days. If it's a concern, I'd limit 2016 contenders that have already the work done, but if I were buying today, I'd be looking for a new leftover 17.
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Old 10-26-2017, 12:08 PM   #38
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Definitely try an S2k. They have a very different personality than a miata. I really don't like them in the street as they are very frenetic and "serious" feeling but lots of people like the racy feel.
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Old 10-28-2017, 10:32 PM   #39
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Originally Posted by Biggins View Post
It seems to only be the manuals. It might be concentrated around the autocrossers and track people I know, but there have been at least a dozen blown transmissions of people I know and many others from "people on the internet." I think there was an update to 2017 models to supposedly fix the problem, but Mazda has been good about replacing each of the transmissions under warranty. I think all of the fast ND Miatas that I autocross against are on their 2nd or 3rd transmissions. I'm not sure about linking to other message boards, but you will see results if you google it.

I would still consider a ND Miata, but I would opt for the 2017 model and hope the transmission issues are ironed out. They are still outstanding cars.

I think anyone who has driven a Miata loves them, but I'm in the camp where I need something slightly more usable (and I like having a roof).
I probably won't auto cross the car, so I'm wondering if all those tranny failures are due to them being driven hard on the course.
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Old 10-28-2017, 10:35 PM   #40
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Definitely a great car to have if you also have other useful cars, which Lou does.

Mazda went to great lengths to remove weight from the ND Miata. It seems as though this led to some fragile transmissions. As Chris noted it's been fixed, but there are still some cars out there with the pre-update transmission.

If you're set on an NC (and they're great cars), I'd definitely try to get a later one like FC mentioned. You might consider searching miata.net... guessing you could find a better deal there than at a dealer.
I do try to have a variety of vehicles in my fleet. I could never understand how some households have two minivans. Gosh, one minivan is enough, LOL.

Thanks for that Miata.net tip.
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