Is Mazda Miata a good choice for me ????? FIRST CAR !!!! HELP ME PLZ !!!!

Question

ok i go to university and im 19... not having a car is a real pain... so im going to buy my first car... i really like it Miata ! it seems like they are really good on gas and not really expensive ! what do you think of Miata 1991-3 ? is it reliabe for a student ? cheap parts ? give me some info and if you know any other cars similar to Miata ( sporty ) plz let me know !

thanks a lot ...

Answer 1

am 6' 1" tall and use the next to last seat setting in my Miata.

I own two, one for winter and one for the rest of the year. Right now I live in WV, and use a Miata except when there are travel advisories for packed snow and ice. When I lived in Nebraska, I got caught in a blizzard in one, which was not fun. But if you use common sense and slow down it does OK.

I have owned Miata's for over 10 years now, both 90 models. One of which did suffer the dreaded crankshaft failure (I bought it that way from a salvage yard.

As for parts, they are not the cheapest, but they don't need replacement parts that often. I just replaced my water pump/s, fan relays and a thermal sensors due to a overheating problem. One has over 100K on the clutch.

As for storage space, using a deck rack - my wife and I can pack up enough gear to go tent camping for a week end, it has enough space to get a weeks worth of groceries into it. But both require thinking ahead and conservation.

Having been 19 once, I think it would be a great car for you.

Answer 2

It snows in Ohio where I live...and I am pretty sure it snows in Canada! Haha...I don't think those cute little cars would go so well in the snow. I bought my first car in December, I got the Mazda3 and I LOVE it...its sporty/luxury and very reliable! I would recomend one of those. I love the miata as well, and I plan on getting one for a summer car here in a few years when I pay off my 08 in 4 years... So we'll see. But Mazda's are very reliable good cars! Good luck!

Answer 3

If you're fine with a 2 seater for your only car then it is a great choice.

They are great fun to drive in the summer with the top down.

I'd recommend getting the removable hardtop if you're going to drive if in the winter.   And yes, they can be driven in the winter. RWD is fine in the winter. Only 25 years ago most cars were RWD and we drove them in the winter with no problems.   Do get winter tires, though.

Answer 4

yeah its a nice car in all, but if its your fist car not to bad also, but its only a 2 seater, don't you want to be able to cruise with friends?  unless your a lone some then it'll work too

Answer 5

Instead of a Miata for the same money the better purchase at this stage of your life a hatchback; a used Mazda Protege, Volkswagen Rabbit, Mini Cooper; these cars are both sporty and functional.  You can throw stuff in the back at the end of the semester and head home. They are good with gas mileage, maintenance is reasonable, parts are available and transportation will be reliable. Hatchbacks are in style, so everyone will think its cool. Throw in some tunes.....you're good.  

Answer 6

They are very reliable cars lasting as long as Toyota's and even some Honda's.

Mazda parts are more expensive than other Japanese cars.

It is RWD so you cannot drive it in snow. It is impossible.

And it is slippery in rain. I know it snows a lot in Canada because I visit Toronto, Montreal, and Mississauga every other year.

It is a very light car with awesome handling. Very fun to drive. I am 19 too.

Answer 7

ok, for college a 2 seater will be just fine.  In fact it will be better than fine cause you won't have to be the designated driver all the time.  I started with a 4 door in college and ended with a truck...drove way less with the truck, unless it was a date, which is also the bonus for a Miata as ladies do like Miatas.  

Next, yes they are great on gas.  Parts are not expensive as there are plenty of great used and new Miata parts online, such as Planet Miata...MM Miata...and Raven Wing.  The 91-93 Miata, especially the non-all-power models, is easy to fix, you just need a repair manual.  They have plenty of room under the hood to do repairs as well.  They are a joy and dream to drive.

As far as the area you live in, you will need snow tires and chains for the winter.  Also, you need to get a 91-93 Miata with a hardtop for teh winters so the car is warmer and better sealed against the elements. You will need to keep the car clean during the winter so the salt used doesn't eat the body.

Lastly, go for it and find yourself a Miata off either Autotrader.com, Craigslist, or Cars.com, just get yourself a CarFax membership so you can check the vins and avoid a salvage title or misrepresented ad.

Answer 8

again this boils down to personal preference. The miata is a 2 seater car and cargo space is a premium. If you plan to be using this vehicle often without a passenger then that would be ok, remember there isn't much space back in the trunk so if you are looking for space then this might not be the best car for you. Also remember if you are tall (6 foot and over) then maybe you should consider some other car that won't have your head hitting the roof all the time.

Now this being a used car and you do plan to purcahse a 91 to 93 model. Take note of the milage and do make sure the the previous owner has replaced the timing belt on these. One common problem with the Miata (91 model) would be the crankshaft. I suggested reading over this http://www.miata.net/faq before you purchse your Miata.

Answer 9

They make great second cars for Canandians or Ohioians like me.  I love my 03 shinsen but I park it on snowy days.  They are so lightweight that winter driving is nearly impossible.  Like others have said if you are over 6'1" you better try before you drive.  They can be a bit cramped.  I'm 6'1" and fit snuggly in and have seat clear back.  For a first car maybe look at Mazda 3's or Celicas that are front wheel drive.

Answer 10

The miata is a fantastic little sports car that is reliable, cheap to operate and maintain.

To drive one through the canadian winter I would recommend to buy one with a removable hard top, it may make it a little easier to live with.

Although it is possible to drive on snow, it is not great for snow (rear wheel drive + light weight). Still, you will not be the only canadian driving a miata in winter.

The best place to inquire about a miata purchase is on the forums of the miata community at miata.net. You will find all the info that you need to make a wise decision there.

Answer 11

its all to do with personal prefrance. If a mazda miata is what you like then go with it. As long as you get a good quality used one then you shouldnt have any problems with it.

My first car which i will be getting in the next year is going to be a peugeot 206cc (sport convertible) its really a great car. i would reccommend it