Topic: 2010 Mazda MX-5 GS PRHT; Day 1

[Traum]

I noticed quite a bit of understeer at the limit which is safe but annoying

Miata of all generations are extremely sensitive to alignment settings, but unfortunately, factory specs for the NC has quite a wide range of what the dealership would consider to be acceptable.

Give the Miata a precision alignment it deserves, and she'll be wonderfully neutral. From there, you can ask her to plow, stay neutral, or kick its tail out. All you need is a little throttle modulation and she'll happily oblige.

-Lik

[D70]

I noticed quite a bit of understeer at the limit which is safe but annoying

Miata of all generations are extremely sensitive to alignment settings, but unfortunately, factory specs for the NC has quite a wide range of what the dealership would consider to be acceptable.

Give the Miata a precision alignment it deserves, and she'll be wonderfully neutral. From there, you can ask her to plow, stay neutral, or kick its tail out. All you need is a little throttle modulation and she'll happily oblige.

-Lik

Good point, the other is tire pressure NAs and NBs I`m not certain about NCs both require 26 psi which is considerably lower than the typical 28 - 32 range of most passenger cars

I run 44 psi when auto crossing

http://www.flickr.com/photos/d70w7/4677818927/in/set-72157624097806851/

[DKaz]

Has anyone over 5-10 seat inside with the top up

I have, in my sister in law's rag top but my 6-1 self fit in there just fine. What an awesome fun to drive car. It was dark and raining like pho but the car handled itself in a very composed manner.

[Winklovic]

I've never had the pleasure of driving a Miata/MX-5.  I need to change that.

[Norm]

   > Cruising for extended periods can be tiresome as the engine turns
   > between 3,000 and 3,500 rpm in sixth gear on the highway.

As much as I like the MX-5, it's this high RPM thing that I don't like. My commute is 40 km each way, mostly via Highway 417 to Ottawa. I drive to Quebec City from Ottawa (Embrun) about once a month. I'm wondering how tiresome this buzzing sound would be.

The other thing is, at work, I saw (more than once) a recent MX-5 parked alongside a Silverado 2500. I swear, the truck's side mirror is higher off the ground than the Miata's top. This bothers me a bit. I guess that my Mustang (just a base 2004 convertible) is not that much taller (?), but I never park alongside a full size pickup because I don't really want to know.

C.

[ovr50]

   > Cruising for extended periods can be tiresome as the engine turns
   > between 3,000 and 3,500 rpm in sixth gear on the highway.

That would ruin the enjoyment for me, I'm afraid. I view the Miata as a neat around town car, not a hiway cruiser.

I recall a neighbor of mine got one of the first ones in 1989, that is getting to be a while ago now.

[D70]

   > Cruising for extended periods can be tiresome as the engine turns
   > between 3,000 and 3,500 rpm in sixth gear on the highway.

As much as I like the MX-5, it's this high RPM thing that I don't like. My commute is 40 km each way, mostly via Highway 417 to Ottawa. I drive to Quebec City from Ottawa (Embrun) about once a month. I'm wondering how tiresome this buzzing sound would be.

The other thing is, at work, I saw (more than once) a recent MX-5 parked alongside a Silverado 2500. I swear, the truck's side mirror is higher off the ground than the Miata's top. This bothers me a bit. I guess that my Mustang (just a base 2004 convertible) is not that much taller (?), but I never park alongside a full size pickup because I don't really want to know.

C.

Norm,
     3000- 4000 rpm is just a fraction over half speed for the engine and well below maximum torque. The engine is designed to run at these  speeds so its a matter of mental adjustment. My V6 Intrigue at 2000 rpm is well over any speed limit here in BC while my Suzuki DL650 cruises at 5000 rpm on our fastest roads and easily at 7500 rpm in Idaho with lots of revs to spare.

 I recently drove to San Antonio Texas and back to Vancouver and several consecutive  9 hour days at 4000 plus rpms was no problem for this OAS beneficiary

http://www.flickr.com/photos/d70w7/4620476402/in/set-72157623914523541/

[TopGun]

   > Cruising for extended periods can be tiresome as the engine turns
   > between 3,000 and 3,500 rpm in sixth gear on the highway.

That would ruin the enjoyment for me, I'm afraid. I view the Miata as a neat around town car, not a hiway cruiser.

I recall a neighbor of mine got one of the first ones in 1989, that is getting to be a while ago now.

Took a trip to the East coast years ago in the Miata.

On the way out...we went through Vermont...I wouldn't have traded that car for many others I tell you.

On the way back...we took the highways...I WOULD have traded that car for almost anything!  I guess we'd just had enough of topless driving after a week and a bit.   

[safristi]

well belt me UP.........and call me chaffed...after a week...............

[Jaeger]

That would ruin the enjoyment for me, I'm afraid. I view the Miata as a neat around town car, not a hiway cruiser.

Which two seat convertible sports car even remotely within the Miata's price range is a great highway cruiser?  Kinda like criticizing a minivan for being a poor canyon carver.  It's simply not in the job description.  Just about any change to make the Miata a softer, more comfortable, quieter highway cruiser would also make it a) more costly and b) less of a grin-producing sports car.  If you are buying the Miata as your only vehicle and your daily drive sees lots of highway miles, you are making the wrong purchase choice.

Jaeger

[D70]

That would ruin the enjoyment for me, I'm afraid. I view the Miata as a neat around town car, not a hiway cruiser.

Which two seat convertible sports car even remotely within the Miata's price range is a great highway cruiser?  Kinda like criticizing a minivan for being a poor canyon carver.  It's simply not in the job description.  Just about any change to make the Miata a softer, more comfortable, quieter highway cruiser would also make it a) more costly and b) less of a grin-producing sports car.  If you are buying the Miata as your only vehicle and your daily drive sees lots of highway miles, you are making the wrong purchase choice.

Jaeger

It depends on the qualities you need and want in the car. Many of todays cars are so insulated from the outside environment and equipped with so much gadgetry hat the driver can be lulled into an almost video game like experience.

 As for another sports car convertible in the Miatas price range, I can`t think of one.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/d70w7/4713378202/in/set-72157624097806851/

[Jaeger]

It depends on the qualities you need and want in the car. Many of todays cars are so insulated from the outside environment and equipped with so much gadgetry hat the driver can be lulled into an almost video game like experience.

Indeed.  And if that's what you're after, the Miata's not your ride.

As for another sports car convertible in the Miatas price range, I can`t think of one.

Me either.  But comfortable highway cruisers abound.  Those who desire such vehicles are spoiled for choice.  Those who want a reliable, affordable, fun to drive roadster... well.... they must be awfully glad the Miata is still around.

On an unrelated point - could there be better evidence of Mazda missing the marketing boat than the fact that pretty much EVERYONE still calls this car a Miata even though Mazda dropped the name in favor of meaningless alphanumeric nomenclature long ago?

Jaeger

[Julie]

It depends on the qualities you need and want in the car. Many of todays cars are so insulated from the outside environment and equipped with so much gadgetry hat the driver can be lulled into an almost video game like experience.

Indeed.  And if that's what you're after, the Miata's not your ride.

As for another sports car convertible in the Miatas price range, I can`t think of one.

Me either.  But comfortable highway cruisers abound.  Those who desire such vehicles are spoiled for choice.  Those who want a reliable, affordable, fun to drive roadster... well.... they must be awfully glad the Miata is still around.

On an unrelated point - could there be better evidence of Mazda missing the marketing boat than the fact that pretty much EVERYONE still calls this car a Miata even though Mazda dropped the name in favor of meaningless alphanumeric nomenclature long ago?

Jaeger

They should call it a Miata again.    (VW did that with Golf-Rabbit, although they went back to Golf)

[TerryB]

Has anyone over 5-10 seat inside with the top up

I'm 6'1" and I'm very comfortable.  I have an '07 GT soft top.  The newer years have a driver seat up/down adjust.  Mine doesn't.

[Ontariodriver]

This allows you to run through the gears and make lots of noise but never break the speed limit while doing so, making the MX-5 an absolute blast to drive legally!

Thats sounds great to me.

[Winterpeg]

It depends on the qualities you need and want in the car. Many of todays cars are so insulated from the outside environment and equipped with so much gadgetry hat the driver can be lulled into an almost video game like experience.

Indeed.  And if that's what you're after, the Miata's not your ride.

As for another sports car convertible in the Miatas price range, I can`t think of one.

Me either.  But comfortable highway cruisers abound.  Those who desire such vehicles are spoiled for choice.  Those who want a reliable, affordable, fun to drive roadster... well.... they must be awfully glad the Miata is still around.

On an unrelated point - could there be better evidence of Mazda missing the marketing boat than the fact that pretty much EVERYONE still calls this car a Miata even though Mazda dropped the name in favor of meaningless alphanumeric nomenclature long ago?

Jaeger

They should call it a Miata again.    (VW did that with Golf-Rabbit, although they went back to Golf)

Miata then and now....MX what?     

[D70]

``As predicted this week was fun and I have a burn on my forehead to prove it.``

 A Canadian made Tilly hat stays on at 110 km, the alternative is a ball cap, less likely to flap.

  As I visit a dermatologist on a yearly basis. Sunscreen, long sleeved shirts and driving gloves on anything more than short drives prevent further skin damage.

  http://www.flickr.com/photos/d70w7/4406497766/in/set-72157623590358089/

[aknutson]

Not sure about the rest of you but observed 8.5L/100 Kms is excellent economy, not to mention 7.7 on the highway! Again, one has to realign the preconceptions of this being 'just an economy car' and think in terms of the capable sports car that it is - it may be light on power but it will take the twisties with cars costing twice as much, and most other vehicles that deliver this much fun for the price will use A LOT more fuel!

[D70]

Not sure about the rest of you but observed 8.5L/100 Kms is excellent economy, not to mention 7.7 on the highway! Again, one has to realign the preconceptions of this being 'just an economy car' and think in terms of the capable sports car that it is - it may be light on power but it will take the twisties with cars costing twice as much, and most other vehicles that deliver this much fun for the price will use A LOT more fuel!

I could not have said it better myself

http://www.flickr.com/photos/d70w7/4713378202/

[Giant Dwarf]

Not sure about the rest of you but observed 8.5L/100 Kms is excellent economy, not to mention 7.7 on the highway! Again, one has to realign the preconceptions of this being 'just an economy car' and think in terms of the capable sports car that it is - it may be light on power but it will take the twisties with cars costing twice as much, and most other vehicles that deliver this much fun for the price will use A LOT more fuel!

I suppose... but it's not outstanding.  I was more shocked to discover that when I swapped out my NC MX5 for my 330i, my fuel consumption stayed the same.  I drive as aggressively as I always have -- same route (mix of city and hwy) and average just over 8L/100kms.  My BMW is more powerful and certainly heavier, yet achieves the same economy, likely due to the high revs the Miata spins at highway speeds (vs. the relaxed nature of the Bimmer's I6).  Still, the Miata's gearing enabled really decent pick-up even in top gear at moderate highway speeds.