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Mazda MX-5 Miata 2008

529 messages,  Last post on Oct 05, 2009 at 6:39 AM

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


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#499 of 529
Re: To Erics 6 [ateixeira] by tishpit1
Apr 18, 2009 (6:17 am)
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Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 15, 2009 10:15 am)

I just bought a leftover '08 Touring for about $8,000 off sticker... VERY happy! I've seen used ones costing more. If I were you, I'd GRAB it! Personally, I prefer the front appearance of the '08's as the '09's have that big "smiley" front that I think detracts from the look of the car. Seems like all the Mazda models are heading towards that look... why... I haven't a clue.
#500 of 529
Re: To Erics 6 [tishpit1] by destry
Apr 18, 2009 (6:38 am)
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Replying to: tishpit1 (Apr 18, 2009 6:17 am)

I bought my MX-5 in 2007 and I prefer my front end over the 2009's. I don't like the red tail lights either.
#501 of 529
Color choice by bpraxis
Apr 19, 2009 (6:52 am)
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Hello everyone and I am deciding between Copper Red Mica and Galaxy Grey.
 
  Does anyone have any pros and cons that would help me make a decision?
 
  Thankyou
#502 of 529
Re: Color choice [bpraxis] by milkey
Apr 19, 2009 (9:20 pm)
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Replying to: bpraxis (Apr 19, 2009 6:52 am)

I've had my Copper Red Mica for exactly one year now and absolutely LOVE it. I've never regretted the choice. The color was unique to the NC (third generation) MX-5 when it debuted as an '06 model. It's a definite head-turner on this car and actually changes color slightly depending on the ambient light... very classy. It stands out just enough to be noticed, but without screaming, "look at me!" -like the "too orangey" True Red. My second choice was the Galaxy Grey, but at the end of the day, wanted something a bit brighter and more unique. The Grey, IMO, blends into the highway and the daily commuters a little too much for me. On the other hand, the Copper Red color may date itself before the GG does. Galaxy Grey will hide dirt & dust better than the CRM, so that's a consideration. You really can't go wrong with either choice, but for my money the CRM had more "wow" factor.
#503 of 529
Great Feedback Milkey by bpraxis
Apr 20, 2009 (8:43 pm)
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Thank so much for your great insights and very thoughtful observations.
 
  Those are the two colors that I will decide on over the next week for a left over 2008.
 
  The other question is weather to purchase a sport with the convienence package or a touring model.
 
  The sport would save me about $1200.00
 
  Would the base sport model provide a smoother ride?
 
  Are there any other pros or cons you can think of?
 
  I actually like the looks of the base wheels better and they should be easier to clean.
 
  Thank you very much for your feedback.
#504 of 529
Re: Great Feedback Milkey [bpraxis] by tishpit1
Apr 21, 2009 (5:33 am)
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Replying to: bpraxis (Apr 20, 2009 8:43 pm)

I too prefer the CRM, though I got the light silver because that was what the dealer had left along with black and the dark green, both of which I did not like. I'm pleased with the silver; hides dirt well and looks very classy with the black top and interior. As for touring vs. sport; I got the touring, but drove both. I liked the Sport, but oddly enough, the dealer with the Sport wanted more $ than the one with the Touring, so went for the latter. Personally, I prefer the smaller wheel/tire combo since the huge 17" wheels are very rough riding, especially over road imperfections. The Touring also has the strut mount support, but not really sure that makes a big difference. Drive both, especially over some rough roads and see which you like better.
#505 of 529
Re: To Erics 6 [tishpit1] by ateixeira
Apr 21, 2009 (6:29 am)
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Replying to: tishpit1 (Apr 18, 2009 6:17 am)

You lucky dog! Congrats.
 
I think my deal was more like $6000 off sticker, so you beat me by a couple of grand at least. Lucky duck! Great timing.
#506 of 529
Re: Great Feedback Milkey [bpraxis] by ateixeira
Apr 21, 2009 (6:34 am)
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Replying to: bpraxis (Apr 20, 2009 8:43 pm)

I also had to choose between the Sport and Touring. I ended up with the Touring plus the Suspension Package - it's a sports car after all, so it seemed to make sense to get the sportiest model. Bigger wheels, lower profile tires, and Bilstein shocks all add to the experience.
 
I think the 16" rims and taller profile tires might be more practical, but c'mon, it's a Miata.
 
Same for the color.
 
Gray is the more practical choice. If you want it, stop reading here.
 
Still reading? OK, the dark red is simply drop-dead gorgeous. I've heard people call it "wine color", and it looks great from all angles. Not flashy, but classy.
 
To be honest that dark red with a tan interior is the best color combo you can get, bar none. Absolutely gorgeous.
 
Mine's blue, and it's a bit dark for my tastes, but for me it was that or dark green, and it wasn't British Racing Green so I went with Stormy Blue Mica.
#507 of 529
Re: Great Feedback Milkey [ateixeira] by bpraxis
Apr 21, 2009 (7:54 am)
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Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 21, 2009 6:34 am)

Hello tishbit and ateixeira and thank you so much for the very insightful feedback.
 
  Here is my take on Sport vs. Touring:
 
  1. The 16 inch wheels have more style in my opinion and should be easier to clean with only five spokes. The 17 inch wheels look somewhat generic to me but attractive.
 
  2. My preference would be for a softer ride with the base model.
 
  3. I would guess that the 16 inch tires would provide more tread life. Performance tires are usually only good for around 20,000 miles unless you drive like grandma which is me.
 
  Are there really any other advantages for me to purchase the touring over the sport?
 
  Why do I want to shift six gears instead of five?
 
  I guess that I must be an old fart now, LOL.
 
  Does the stereo sound much different with two extra speakers?
#508 of 529
Re: Great Feedback Milkey [bpraxis] by ateixeira
Apr 21, 2009 (10:36 am)
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Replying to: bpraxis (Apr 21, 2009 7:54 am)

I washed my Touring this weekend and there sure are lots of spokes. At least the surfaces are flat, but it takes some time to clean them thoroughly.
 
Still, I like them, they look modern. The Sport's 5 spokes are also nice but seem very 1990s. Also the surfaces are concave, so double-check about them being easy to clean.
 
I'm sure the ride would be softer, though.
 
Mine has summer tires and the tread life is only rated 140. I'm not sure about the all-seaons 17"s (is that available if you don't get the Suspension Package?) or the 16"s for that matter but I'm sure both will last longer than my summer-only gumballs.
 
I debated long and hard over the 5 speed vs. 6 speed manual. The 5 speed's overdrive gear is actually taller, so it revs lower on the highway. I'm not sure why the EPA highway numbers are better for the 6 speed, that's a bit counter-intuitive.
 
Any how, the 6 speed has very close ratios. The shifter is wonderful, and the stick is the best in the market, so I don't mind. A very short 1st ratio (even 2nd is short) allow me to creep forward in traffic easily. That plus the soft clutch make it no problem.
 
You do need to shift more, though. And 4th->5th only drops the revs by 500 rpm, same for 5th->6th. Mazda made them all so close, you'll forget what gear you're in unless you look.
 
In that regard the 5 speed may be better, they are spaced out further.
 
On a track you'll probably appreciate the close ratios, but in everyday driving, likely not. Except if you crawl in bumper to bumper traffic and can appreciate the very short 1st gear, like I do.
 
In the end I took the risk, went with the 6 speed, and the crawl ratio actually paid off. Now I'm glad I got it.
 
The 17" tires with the Suspension package are a little bit stiff, but definitely tolerable.

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