We recently added an old Mazda Miata to our long-term test fleet. Yes, fun as it may be to buzz around in, a 1994 Miata may not seem like a dream car initially, but we've got big plans for ours. Namely, to make it go, stop and handle not as good as new, but even better. We bought our Miata for under $2,000 and are in the process of modifying it (suspension, engine, brakes, seats, etc) to kick up the fun factor and make it suitable for the occasional track days. I took it through the canyons after the suspension and tire upgrades took place and that was enough to get me perusing AutoTrader.com for a nice used Miata, say a 2000 Special Edition in that lovely Mahogany Mica paint...
If you'd like to follow our Miata's metamorphosis, check out the 1994 Miata long-term blog (you'll see the most recent entries there, but you can use the drop-down menu to see preceding months' entries).
By levyrob
on June 10, 2010
11:13 AM
I had a 1992 Miata to which I added a strut tower brace and 2 underbody braces from a local shop in San Diego. It made the handling much crisper.
Between smog checks, I advanced the timing slightly for better responsiveness.
I also added a Miata Club shift knob to replace the OEM knob, removed the front license plate and the "tow hooks", and added a resistor to allow "flash to pass" pop-up on the headlights.
Have fun!
By estreka
on June 23, 2010
11:37 AM
I really like Miatas. They may not be über cool, but they are über fun.
You can have a serious track Miata for well under $10K.