MM Static-Review: 2016 Mazda Miata
08-22-15, 11:16 AM
#31
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
comments on some of the plusses/minuses:
> Simple, easy-to use web-site for reference.
the website?
> Loads of fun on a mild sunny day.
obvious with any convertible.
> Generally good underhood layout.
what would a 'generally bad' one be on a car this small?
> Excellent paint job.
how do you define 'excellent'? the paint on my '07 looked very nice but was rice paper thin and easily chipped.
> Cramped interior for larger adults.
it wouldn't be a miata if it were roomy for 'larger' adults
> No telescoping function for the steering wheel.
it's not possible to be that far away from the wheel so not an issue. ingeniously, the seat rises as it moves forward, to better accommodate shorter drivers.
> No interior glove box.
but there is a (lockable) storage compartment behind the seats.
> Manual hood prop-rod.
no one but you sees this as a con.
> Previous versions had poor wet/snow traction, even with electronic traction aids.
it's not a subaru outback.
> Manual-transmission models currently hard to find.
that's not a con of the car.
> Simple, easy-to use web-site for reference.
the website?
> Loads of fun on a mild sunny day.
obvious with any convertible.
> Generally good underhood layout.
what would a 'generally bad' one be on a car this small?
> Excellent paint job.
how do you define 'excellent'? the paint on my '07 looked very nice but was rice paper thin and easily chipped.
> Cramped interior for larger adults.
it wouldn't be a miata if it were roomy for 'larger' adults
> No telescoping function for the steering wheel.
it's not possible to be that far away from the wheel so not an issue. ingeniously, the seat rises as it moves forward, to better accommodate shorter drivers.
> No interior glove box.
but there is a (lockable) storage compartment behind the seats.
> Manual hood prop-rod.
no one but you sees this as a con.
> Previous versions had poor wet/snow traction, even with electronic traction aids.
it's not a subaru outback.
> Manual-transmission models currently hard to find.
that's not a con of the car.
08-22-15, 11:16 AM
#32
Lexus Fanatic
No offense, people, but I did not start (or intend) for this thread to be a war between the Miata and Z4 as to what is applicable and what isn't. Like most of my reviews, I tried to accurately describe this vehicle as it is, from stem to stern, and what one is getting.
08-22-15, 11:19 AM
#33
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
The BR-Z and FR-S share the Miata's low stance and low center of gravity, but generally have more body/chassis rigidity because of the closed-coupe design. They are currently not available in the U.S. as convertibles, though there have been many requests for a roadster version.
08-22-15, 11:55 AM
#34
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Thanks for the input, bit.....I figured you'd comment sooner or later. I'll answer them.
True that it's not the car's issue, but, with a couple of exceptions, since it is a generally clear and easy to use site, it does help make research on the car a little easier.
You may or may not not remember the Dodge 400 and Chrysler LeBaron convertibles....they shimmied, twisted, shook, rattled, and squeaked so bad that they completely spoiled the whole experience of fun in the sun. And the Mitsubishi Eclipse convertible I reviewed a few years ago, though better, wasn't all that much of an improvement. But, yes, MOST modern up-to-date convertibles give you the best of both worlds. The Mercedes SL convertible, for example, is arguably the most solidly-built droptop on the market, but look at what it costs.
One with a big plastic engine cover, tight engine fit, battery cover, and hidden components that make service and access a PITA.....and, yes, they exist, even in small vehicles. 
True...on a static review of a paint job, one can only judge what is actually seen with the eye and felt with one's finger. A paint job easily chipped usually doesn't make itself known in the showroom or on the lot....and I don't bang paint jobs with a hammer to see how easily they chip. But the paint job on the ones I saw were applied very smoothly, with almost no orange peel, and good gloss....almost to Lexus/Audi standards.
By "larger" I mean larger than average, which, for American males, would be around 5' 10" or so. You and I are both substantially taller than that...and I'm pretty sure I'm wider and heavier than you are. You've stated before, though, on occasion, that you didn't have a problem with yours, and I have to take you at your word for it. 
It's not necessarily a deal breaker for some people, but might help make entry/exit a little easier. I myself find that, even with the tilt-only, it's a little easier for me to get in and out of this one than past models....especially the first two generations.
That's not what i was referring to. As with any small roadster, the drop-top compartment behind the seats means that the seat cannot go all (or most of) the way back with rake-adjustment as well. In many cases, you either give up headroom or legroom.
Yes... I mentioned that in the review. But, like with my friend's old MR-2, I found it small and somewhat awkward to reach.....but then again, that's partly a function of my big, wide shoulders and long arms, which don't have much room to turn and adjust in an interior this small.
Not many in CL do, but many others I know off this forum do, although few today actually do their own underhood work.. With this new Miata, though, the thin aluminum hood itself is so light that it still takes little physical effort...the main trick is that the rod-end itself is a tight fit inside the hole on the underside of the hood.
Tell me about it...I owned an Outback.
You and I (and some others here) may know that, but I've seen more than one person buy a front/engine/RWD sports-car or roadster and then get nowhere, even with some traction aids, when the road really gets slick.
True. I did not intend to infer otherwise. I listed it as MINUS, not concerning the car itself, but because where I live, it currently makes them harder to find in stock and could (?) affect dealer willingness to discount.
One thing that may help a little is when the Fiat Spyder models start getting released. They will provide an alternative for prospective buyers if or when when they face price-gouging at Mazda shops (for a car in high demand, I consider any markup more than factory-list plus taxes, tags, etc... to be "gouging"). What's interesting is that, at the Nissan/Mazda shop where I checked out these Miatas, a Fiat/Alfa shop was literally right across the street.....talk about potential competition.
> Simple, easy-to use web-site for reference.
the website?
the website?
> Loads of fun on a mild sunny day.
obvious with any convertible.
obvious with any convertible.
> Generally good underhood layout.
what would a 'generally bad' one be on a car this small?
what would a 'generally bad' one be on a car this small?
Excellent paint job.
how do you define 'excellent'? the paint on my '07 looked very nice but was rice paper thin and easily chipped.
how do you define 'excellent'? the paint on my '07 looked very nice but was rice paper thin and easily chipped.
Cramped interior for larger adults.
it wouldn't be a Miata if it were roomy for 'larger' adults
it wouldn't be a Miata if it were roomy for 'larger' adults
No telescoping function for the steering wheel.
it's not possible to be that far away from the wheel so not an issue. ingeniously, the seat rises as it moves forward, to better accommodate shorter drivers.
No interior glove box.
but there is a (lockable) storage compartment behind the seats.
but there is a (lockable) storage compartment behind the seats.
Manual hood prop-rod.
no one but you sees this as a con.
no one but you sees this as a con.
Previous versions had poor wet/snow traction, even with electronic traction aids.
it's not a subaru outback.
it's not a subaru outback.
You and I (and some others here) may know that, but I've seen more than one person buy a front/engine/RWD sports-car or roadster and then get nowhere, even with some traction aids, when the road really gets slick.
Manual-transmission models currently hard to find.
that's not a con of the car.
that's not a con of the car.
One thing that may help a little is when the Fiat Spyder models start getting released. They will provide an alternative for prospective buyers if or when when they face price-gouging at Mazda shops (for a car in high demand, I consider any markup more than factory-list plus taxes, tags, etc... to be "gouging"). What's interesting is that, at the Nissan/Mazda shop where I checked out these Miatas, a Fiat/Alfa shop was literally right across the street.....talk about potential competition.
Last edited by mmarshall; 08-22-15 at 12:12 PM.
08-22-15, 12:09 PM
#35
Lexus Fanatic
I have seen you compare your FWD Buick Verano I4 torsion rear with a Lexus RWD/awd IS V6 that has an IRS. So accordingly to your past competitor recommendations, how could you argue that the Mini FWD Roadster and the Mazda Miata RWD are not competitors?
08-22-15, 12:15 PM
#36
FWD/RWD/AWD, price, hp/torque are all but a means of eliminating competition by creating classes/categories similar to the Indian Caste/Class system. The real comparison should be merit based, and as fasr as roadsters are concerned, The real question is how does the given roadster fare as a roadster. Period. It is after that, how much is the customer willing to pay for it determines the price.
08-22-15, 12:21 PM
#37
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
So accordingly to your past competitor recommendations, how could you argue that the Mini FWD Roadster and the Mazda Miata RWD are not competitors?
08-22-15, 12:28 PM
#38
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
FWD/RWD/AWD, price, hp/torque are all but a means of eliminating competition by creating classes/categories similar to the Indian Caste/Class system. The real comparison should be merit based, and as fasr as roadsters are concerned, The real question is how does the given roadster fare as a roadster. Period. It is after that, how much is the customer willing to pay for it determines the price.
Nissan, for example, did a convertible version of its (IMO) ungainly Murano SUV, and Suzuki did the X-90, which was a two-seat, semi open-top version of its Sidekick SUV. But one could hardly call them roadsters. By the standards of the Miata and upcoming Fiat Spyder, I'd also be hard-pressed to call the Mini ragtop a true roadster....IMO, it's more of a small convertible like the VW Cabrios.
08-22-15, 12:30 PM
#39
Lexus Fanatic
08-22-15, 12:40 PM
#40
Lexus Fanatic
comments on some of the plusses/minuses:
> Simple, easy-to use web-site for reference.
the website?
> Loads of fun on a mild sunny day.
obvious with any convertible.
> Generally good underhood layout.
what would a 'generally bad' one be on a car this small?
> Excellent paint job.
how do you define 'excellent'? the paint on my '07 looked very nice but was rice paper thin and easily chipped.
> Cramped interior for larger adults.
it wouldn't be a miata if it were roomy for 'larger' adults
> No telescoping function for the steering wheel.
it's not possible to be that far away from the wheel so not an issue. ingeniously, the seat rises as it moves forward, to better accommodate shorter drivers.
> No interior glove box.
but there is a (lockable) storage compartment behind the seats.
> Manual hood prop-rod.
no one but you sees this as a con.
> Previous versions had poor wet/snow traction, even with electronic traction aids.
it's not a subaru outback.
> Manual-transmission models currently hard to find.
that's not a con of the car.
> Simple, easy-to use web-site for reference.
the website?
> Loads of fun on a mild sunny day.
obvious with any convertible.
> Generally good underhood layout.
what would a 'generally bad' one be on a car this small?
> Excellent paint job.
how do you define 'excellent'? the paint on my '07 looked very nice but was rice paper thin and easily chipped.
> Cramped interior for larger adults.
it wouldn't be a miata if it were roomy for 'larger' adults
> No telescoping function for the steering wheel.
it's not possible to be that far away from the wheel so not an issue. ingeniously, the seat rises as it moves forward, to better accommodate shorter drivers.
> No interior glove box.
but there is a (lockable) storage compartment behind the seats.
> Manual hood prop-rod.
no one but you sees this as a con.
> Previous versions had poor wet/snow traction, even with electronic traction aids.
it's not a subaru outback.
> Manual-transmission models currently hard to find.
that's not a con of the car.
08-22-15, 12:47 PM
#41
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Last edited by mmarshall; 08-22-15 at 12:51 PM.
08-22-15, 01:07 PM
#42
Lexus Fanatic
For its size, considering it is not meant to be a Chevy Suburban, yes, it is basically a good design.....especially in the control layout and hardware/trim quality. But good is not necessarily infallible or perfect. I've been reviewing cars for more than 40 years, and have yet to see a perfect vehicle inside or out. When I do, I promise you....I'll stop reviewing.
08-22-15, 01:11 PM
#43
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Good in some areas, great in others, lacking in others. I'm not going to repeat everything here in detail. If you want to know the specifics, go back and re-read the original INTERIOR section I wrote.
08-22-15, 01:40 PM
#45
I'll agree with some of that, but where do you draw the line between a 2-seat "convertible" and a "roadster"....or even between two roadsters?
Nissan, for example, did a convertible version of its (IMO) ungainly Murano SUV, and Suzuki did the X-90, which was a two-seat, semi open-top version of its Sidekick SUV. But one could hardly call them roadsters. By the standards of the Miata and upcoming Fiat Spyder, I'd also be hard-pressed to call the Mini ragtop a true roadster....IMO, it's more of a small convertible like the VW Cabrios.
Nissan, for example, did a convertible version of its (IMO) ungainly Murano SUV, and Suzuki did the X-90, which was a two-seat, semi open-top version of its Sidekick SUV. But one could hardly call them roadsters. By the standards of the Miata and upcoming Fiat Spyder, I'd also be hard-pressed to call the Mini ragtop a true roadster....IMO, it's more of a small convertible like the VW Cabrios.
