You are here: Forums Coupes & Convertibles Mazda Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

4340 messages,  Last post on Aug 25, 2009 at 9:51 AM

You are in the Mazda Miata Forum. Your Host is claires

What is this discussion about? Mazda, Toyota MR2 Spyder, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Convertible

Messages Page 351 of 435 1 ... 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 ... 435 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#3497 of 4340 Gee whiz guys! by thel Apr 06, 2004 (6:03 pm)
First off, I got my Matrix in 04 and except for the nagging pain in my left leg (which appears to be due to the odd seating position) it's not too bad. Frankly, I never should have sold my first Miata, but I was a bit depressed and was literally not thinking properly. I would do the smart thing, and keep my Matrix, the only problem is that it literally causes pain to drive it...not good.   As for the color...it's not a done deal by any stretch (if I can't get into the 15's for my Matrix I simply can't afford to do it) but Evo orange is definitly a love it or hate it color for most people. Many of my students love it. It has grown on me as well though I still refer to it as metallic rust half the time LOL.   I guess my point is, I'm a big boy and I know what I'm doing. It may not be the most fiscally wise thing to do, but...
#3498 of 4340 by locke2c Apr 06, 2004 (6:18 pm)
how can a matrix cause pain in your leg but a miata won't? the matrix has a ton more leg and headroom. I can't fathom a seating arrangement in the miata the couldn't be duplicated--or exceeded-- in the matrix.   except sitting like 3" off the floorboard. I can't see that being good.   don't get me wrong, if you want a miata again just do it. no leg excuses.   ~c
#3499 of 4340 Excuses by thel Apr 07, 2004 (4:54 am)
***sigh*** Trust me on this one. It's all over the Matrix boards and not just from me. This car simply appears to be ill-suited to taller drivers. I'm about 6'1" or so and I never had any comfort issues in my Miata. I drove over 13 hours straight on a trip to Perdido Beach, AL in my Miata last Fall and showed no signs of fatigue.   I can't drive in my Matrix for over an hour before my left leg begins to get sore right up by my hip in my lap. I think it has to do with the very upright seating position the Matrix has. Brochures and media refer to it as a "commanding" seating position...to me it's just plain uncomfortable.   Upon reflection, I realize that I've always been uncomfortable in upright seats. My 1998 F150 was fine for shorter trips, but over time the back of my thighs would be aching for more support. My wife's 01 CR-V was another one that left me wanting to stretch my legs on longer trips.   In all of the "low-riding" cars I've had, this was not an issue. I had a 90 CRX that had seats very close to the floor. While my back didn't appreciate the lack of lumbar support, my legs were just fine. Ditto for my Miata (except for the back support, it was perfect).   I read a review of the Xterra here at Edmunds and one fo the editors complained of the low seating position vs. other SUVs that were more upright...that acutally sounds right up my alley. I need to able splay my legs out straight in front of me if necessary. I can't do that in my Matrix and still reach the steering wheel that is about 3 inches from the dash with no telescoping feature....argh.   Now...have I covered this issue throughly enough?
#3500 of 4340 thel by lngtonge18 Apr 07, 2004 (5:53 am)
It was just my curiousity. I wasn't trying to badger your thought process. But I totally understand about the comfort issue in the Matrix. When I was considering tall wagons over a year ago, the main reason I chose the Suzuki Aerio SX over the Matrix was because of the horribly uncomfortable driving position in the Matrix. I'm only 5'6" and I couldn't get comfortable. The seats themselves felt comfortable but the driving position either cramped your legs or arms. Push the seat back to get your legs comfortable and you couldn't reach the steering wheel or shifter. Push it forward, and my legs were all bunched up against the dash and it was hard to operate the clutch. I really wanted the Matrix, but that issue alone sent me down to the Suzuki store. Now the Aerio had an extremely comfortable seat and a good driving position but the long stroke and stiff clutch pedal was giving me a sore ankle in heavy traffic. I got rid of the car after only 8 months and took a royal loss. Buying that car was my biggest mistake ever, although I kind of doubt I would have been able to stomach the Matrix's seating position for that long either. In short, it isn't the upright high seating position in the Matrix that causes the problem, its how they designed the shallow footwell and the relationship between the seat, pedals, and steering wheel. This is one car that is in desperate need of a telescopic steering wheel!
#3501 of 4340 by ateixeira Apr 07, 2004 (7:34 am)
thel: it *is* hard to get used to sitting up high. I find is just plain awkward in some SUVs. It just feels tippy and unsupportive to me.   My Forester's seat is low; the CR-V I test drove was sky high, I could not get used to it.   Any chance it would help if you raised the front of the seat, for more thigh support? I actually did that in my Miata, using spacers. Got it about 3/8" higher that way.   Another option - go to an upholstery shop and have them modify the seats. Or buy aftermarket seats for it. Maybe even consider pedal extenders?   To me, I'm a car enthusiast, this is my hobby, that's how I can justify spending a little extra on cars. If you aren't happy, and want to trade it in, look at it that way. Cars just lose value anyway. What about a used Miata with low miles?   -juice
#3502 of 4340 Good posts by thel Apr 07, 2004 (8:14 am)
Johnathan: I noticed pretty much what you have about the Matrix. Unfortunately, I was driving my F150 at the time of purchase, so it didn't feel that high at the time. The leg fatigue issue only manifested itself after a few long trips.   Juice: As Johnathan alluded to, I think the only good fix is a telescoping wheel. If I could extedn the seat back all the way and then bring the wheel back with me, I might be able to get my legs out straight enough to make it tolerable, but that isn't going to happen.   I've looked for cheaper ones, but here in the middle of nowhere (relatively speaking) I've found one NA for sale. It's a 92 with 83,000 miles, red, B-package and the owner wants, get this, $6300! LOL You see what I'm up against here....
#3503 of 4340 by ateixeira Apr 07, 2004 (8:25 am)
Sheesh, fly out to DC and buy one for half that.   Then drive it home!   -juice
#3504 of 4340 Juice by thel Apr 07, 2004 (10:52 am)
LOL! I asked the seller if the newspaper had made a typo and switched the 3 and the 6 or something. He said it was what he ws really asking, so I wished him luck. As for going to DC, I don't even want to drive to St Louis to get an NA, not that I've found any up there either. Maybe if is was a Sunburst Yellow or something...   I'd go to Arkansas to get an evo ornage though. I've got family in Rogers, AR so I could get the car and stop by for a visit.
#3505 of 4340 by ateixeira Apr 07, 2004 (10:56 am)
The Miata is my 2nd car, I tell ya, it's great. Complements my Subaru perfectly, think about it - rain/snow it's Subie all the way, sun shine means the top is down.   -juice
#3506 of 4340 by stickguy Apr 07, 2004 (12:07 pm)
hit 60 today in NJ, so actually had some warmth with the top down (does get a little chilly when it's 45 and cloudy though).   I should get a nice tan this year at least.   Biggest problem with the car is finding a road where I can use it the way it was intended. Need to move out into the country or something.   Actually, someone needs to make an affordable Miata alternative with a back seat. I have to keep it in the garage whenever more than one kid is in tow (or the wife also), which is quite a drag.   mazda, take that as a hint to make a 3 convertible. S/B easy enough, since Volvo is coming out with one on this platform.

Messages Page 351 of 435 1 ... 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 ... 435 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Coupes & Convertibles Mazda Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)