again, this one is old (14 years!). i could only imagine the roof wearing out on the one i had if i left it outside in snow. mine stayed in the garage and of course being in florida, snow isn't an issue anyway!

 

I would do the trade, i love the miata, i had one briefly a little while back, and test drove at least 10 more over the summer . I agree with what everyone has said, but while its not a practical or comfortable car, i'm sure its way better then a bike would be. They are also super cheap to run and maintain and are fun to drive. As for it being a chicks car, people who dwell on stuff like that probably don't know cars as well as they think they do. These were made to replicate the days of the old british convertibles, and did it pretty spot on. You should buy a car based on what it is on a car, not on the type of people buy it. If everyone did this only drug dealers and old people would be the only ones who drove lexus.

 

Wow...i surely thought i would get flamed. lol.. I think I might do this. I wouldn't be using it on any long trips, we generally take my girls honda civic for that. Priced parts and you are all right, its super cheap and the engine looks easy to work on. I am trying to get something my girl would be ok driving too. Since i dont let her touch the sc unless its the passenger seat and the truck she says is too big. I have had a couple close calls on my bike and when its cold i don't ride. While I DO LOVE bikes, i think ill trade and then finance a brand new bike for sunday fun rides. I think i just keep comparing all my bikes to my 08 cbr 1000rr i had that was stolen.

Thanks for the info all, keep em coming. Oh btw the steering wheel was already swapped out for aftermarket. I just don't want to dump money into it and detract from the sc. Maybe ill have to limit myself to wheels, coils, lip and maybe a used hardtop. If i do get it...

 

A hardtop is definitely worth it, believe me

 

gen1 miata is amazing for its performance
one of the best bang for the buck car if you are looking for lightweight performance

i have to ask my friend to chime in on this thread, hes owned plenty of miatas
he occasionally tracks his current miata

but if budget allows, would you consider S2000?

 

This is simply a straight trade for an old gsxr. Used for a commuter!

 

It's always been hailed as one of the best driving cars. It's always had an image of being very non-masculine. You can decide what is more important.

 

the engine was great to work on, interior was simple and you have everything you need, feels light but of course lacks power but it was good on gas. i did feel like i lost my mancard and this town is known for homosexuals (not trying to be mean or funny). i also worked at mazda for two years selling mazda3 and miatas and clients were 80% gays. i remember a certain couple that came in and bought it soley for that reason because they said it's an underground way to know if someone was gay and made it easier to meet other gays. so it just had that bad stigma that came with it. it's a VERY small car. you wouldn't know from the inside out though. hard to explain.

 

I have a '95M Miata. Fantastic vehicle; I would totally recommend it. It's a total blast to drive, but I'm sure you know that. And has others have mentioned, the manual transmission in the Miata is top notch. The only transmission I've driven that even compares to the Miata would be the S2000.
If you don't want a bike anymore, I couldn't come up with a budget car more fitting to replace a gsx-r than a Miata.

 

Haha.... wow.

IMO, the open air feeling you get from a convertible is not worth the MAJOR structural loss of integrity that comes with removing the roof (and it can't be restored no matter how much cross bracing you add to the chassis). This may not matter to you if it's just a secondary car, as it is in your case.

 

Go for the trade. Your bike is salvaged, selling it won't get u much monies

 

The Miata was designed to be a convertible and I didn't find any compromises in handling, body flex, or squeaks & rattles. Before I bought one of my Vettes, I considered a supercharged '99 nb. It was really a fun ride but just too small for my late wife & her wheelchair.

As for a hardtop, I'd advise against it in SOCAL. We had one in Michigan for winter use - warmer cabin & rear defroster. However, it rattled & creaked so much in the cold that it didn't really lower the sound levels on the freeway.

 

I had one before and it was a great, fun little car, amazing on gas as well! In fact i regret getting rid of it! Its one of the best handling cars i owned. And i would consider getting another!

 

They are a blast on smooth winding roads, but generally not on a long trip at Interstate speeds.

As far as the so-called "Chick-Car" image of the Miata goes, I'd say that the (mostly) male staff of the auto-enthusiast mags have certainly decided it's good enough for them. They have put it on their annual most-favored (or Ten Best) car-lists for years. Paul also had one.....and loved it.

 

Do it!! I love the miata to death, especially that generation! Easy to mod, fix, and maintain.