Convertibles?

Looking for a convertible for a second vehicle. I’m considering the 2014 Miata with the retractable hard top. I’m test driving tomorrow. Any information on this model? It’s a new car that has some discount on price. Thanks

It’s a brand new 2014? It had better have a VERY significant discount in price. Googling shows that new 2014s are all over the place. Don’t you wonder why? The 2016s will be out four months, so 2015s will get cheaper soon too. Check out the Consumer Reports auto issue at your local library.

My problem with the Miata is getting in and out of one, especially out. Just too small for my 6’ 1" (grand)dad bod. My MGA is easier.

Miata is a great car, if you fit. I don’t.

Great cars. My sister has owned hers for over 20 years. I’m one of those that can’t fit in one either…height…not weight.

The last generation Miata, the NC model, was bigger inside than the first, NA and the NB that followed. I didn’t fit either of those 2. A buddy just recently bought an NC model. It was very spacious inside. I’m 5’11’’ and north of 200 lbs and I fit inside. The hardtop convertible eats up a bit of trunk space when the top is down but top-up is very quiet (coupe-like) inside. The car drives very nice and they are very durable. It is hard to go wrong with a Miata.

Research the prices carefully, if this really is a new, never titled car, you should get a strong discount. The 2015 models are actually the NC model, not the new ND.

The new car (ND) didn’t go into production until March 2015 as a 2016 model.

I test drove the Miata not too long after they first came out, and I loved it. I had a smile on my face for a week. I test drove one a few years later, and the smile was just as big. But, alas, I can no longer get in and out of Miatas. But I still think they’re one of the funnest cars on the market.

If you like it, and you fit, by all means go for it. Someday you’ll be old and no longer able, and you just might regret having not enjoyed it while you can.

So, how many years do you think it will take for people to start calling them the “5”?

A late friend of mine bought one when they first came out. He loved it but had a bad back and was gaining weight. So he reluctantly sold it and got a Mazda 3 Sport Speed, which has the bigger engine, sport suspension and lots of Zoom Zoom.

That was his last real fun car.

Here is an estimate of the cost of ownership over the first 5 years. If any of the categories, like financing, don’t apply, ignore them. You do get an accurate estimate of fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs. Repairs is not a direct estimate, but determined from warranty and the cost of extended warranty. You can believe it or not as you chooses. But the cars I usually expect to have low repair costs do have low repair costs with this method. Anyway, it’s new, it has a full warranty, and that will cover the repairs you probably won’t need because it is a reliable car.

Edit: At last, the link! Input the MX-5 and see the results. As with most cars, maintenance costs far more than repairs, especially at the beginning of life.

What is the difference in price between a hardtop and a ragtop? Also, check the shipping weight of the 2 models…

Miatas used to come with an available snap-on hardtop as a supplement to the ragtop. I always thought that was a great idea.

The prices are on Mazda web site and why does the shipping weight matter?