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Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

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

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#3509 of 4340 4 seat convertibles by lngtonge18 Apr 08, 2004 (4:48 am)
It's really sad how the market is so slim for a reasonably roomy yet sporty convertible below $25k. It's like they think if you want room in a convertible, you either have $40k or more to spend or want a flaccid behemoth cruiser like the Sebring. I'd love to buy a $25k roomy convertible that doesn't exceed 184" in length. The Mustang is too archaic to even consider. The Eclipse has a back seat that is flat out painful to sit in and the dinky rear window leads to huge blind spots. The Solara is too big and the new styling is a bit odd on the outside (the interior looks great though). The Sebring is too big and too rental car in its image and performance, not to mention Chrysler's soso quality.   It seems the only recent 4 seat convertible that got it mostly right was the VW Cabrio. It was short yet extremely roomy and comfortable for 4 average sized adults. The chunky styling was sorta cute and offered a nice sized boxy trunk, as well as a fold down rear seat. The structure was pretty solid and the handling was above average. All it needed was a better engine, the 1.8t. VW messed it all up with the Beetle convertible. It's less roomy then the Cabrio thanks to its cutesy feminine styling, and it lost the fold down seat. Why can't anyone else design a convertible along the lines of the Cabrio? The PT comes very close, but I just don't know if I like its style and I have a hard time trusting a Chrysler.   A Mazda RX8 convertible might not be such a bad idea if they can keep the back seat almost as big. I think there's a big enough market for a roomy, practical, and sporty 4 seat convertible. Someone just needs to take the initiative and design one!
#3510 of 4340 by ateixeira Apr 08, 2004 (5:25 am)
The VW concept from the Geneva show looked good. But still, the similar 2 seat roadster was a lot hotter.   That VeeDub was supposed to replace the Cabrio, and it does look more masculine.   All that for $25k is a lot to ask, though. I think the Solara comes closest, but it would be more like $28-30k equipped.   -juice
#3511 of 4340 Concept C by ateixeira Apr 08, 2004 (5:27 am)
Found the link:   http://autoshow.edmunds.com/news/autoshow/articles/101372/page022- .html?tid=edmunds.e.autoshow..leftnav.23.*   That looks pretty good. I doubt the folding hard top would make it, and if it did so would a $35k price tag.   But a cloth top and a $25k price tag would make it interesting.   Still, the Concept R they mention was the really cool one, and it only seats 2.   -juice
#3512 of 4340 by stickguy Apr 08, 2004 (6:10 am)
the VW 4 seat concept could be a winner.   I am actually going to wander down to the dealer today to drive a Solara. Not sure if it will really fit what I am looking for (ie driving fun of some sort), but it does look roomy enough, and much nicer than a Sebring.   Actually, Volvo might have the perfect size car coming out (although the price may be too high) with the upcoming C40 convertible, assuming they keep enough room in the back seat.   The VW Cabriolet actually was conceptually the best choice, since it had the room at a decent price. Just couldn't see myself driving one.
#3513 of 4340 by ateixeira Apr 08, 2004 (6:12 am)
S40 is already tight for me, no way will a convertible be roomy enough for my standards.   -juice
#3514 of 4340 I'll repeat... by thel Apr 08, 2004 (8:15 am)
Jeep Wrangler. Not exactly a Miata, but still fun...just a different kind of fun!
#3515 of 4340 by ateixeira Apr 08, 2004 (8:22 am)
There's also the Amigo, Sidekick/Vitara, and even a Toyota RAV4, but those only open half way, sorta.   -juice
#3516 of 4340 by stickguy Apr 08, 2004 (11:08 am)
Well, the new issue of Automobile came today, and coincidentally, had a preview of the Volvo C50 and VW Concept C. Both sharp looking, but rear seat room might be a bit on the tight side.   Wouldn't be a problem for a "toy" that only carried passengers on a limited basis (ie, occassional run for ice cream), but one of these would have to be my only car.   How about a convert on the mazda6 platform? Ford is making everything else on it short of the next F150. Should have plenty of room.
#3517 of 4340 about the seating position by locke2c Apr 08, 2004 (1:26 pm)
I didn't mean any offense! I was just very curious. I find really low seats to be a lot less comfortable, like a Miata or 3000GT, but I never experience any pain.   ~c
#3518 of 4340 ateixeira by lngtonge18 Apr 08, 2004 (7:48 pm)
Great link! I'd buy that car in a heartbeat, with a softtop or folding hardtop. The looks are just right and a softtop with cloth should ring in around 23k; 25k with leather; and 30k with folding hardtop. This is what VW should have introduced to replace the Cabrio and I hope they are serious about bringing it to life. Beautiful styling and I'm sure it will have the typical stylish VW interior. I got excited just looking at the car, something I can't say about any recent 4 seat under $40k convertible.   Stickguy: Let me know what you think of the Solara. I'm thinking about looking into this car in a year or so.

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