The warm weather is officially here-- and this might just be your year to finally buy that zippy convertible for weekend getaways. If fun, affordability and fuel economy are among your priorities in a used drop-top, you’ll likely gravitate towards the last-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Talk about a success story. For years, this little Japanese convertible has owned the market when it comes to reasonably priced fun-in-the-sun. A lightweight body and four-cylinder engine mean it’s great on fuel, though Mazda’s attention to exceptional handling and performance make it a popular choice for weekend motorsports enthusiasts, too.
Thousands of owners enjoy the Miata’s driving character, manoeuvrability, performance, economy and styling. Of course, trunk space is limited-- and there’s no rear seat. If these are issues for you, look for a bigger convertible like a Mustang or Eclipse.
The second-generation Miata hit the market as a 1999 model which carried on until the end of 2005. All models got a 1.8 litre four-cylinder engine which developed between 122 and 142 horsepower, depending on the year in question. Miata is a rear-drive model in any case, with transmission options consisting of a manual five or six-speed box, or a four-speed automatic, depending on the year and model in question.
In the used market, more basic MX-5s were given GX or GS trim designations, while the GT and Limited models top out the model range. Features included antilock brakes, a Bose audio system, cruise, remote, power accessories, leather trim and a CD changer.
Note that a 178 horsepower turbocharged Mazdaspeed MX-5 model was available towards the end of the second-generation. It featured various performance and cosmetic upgrades and came with a six-speed manual transmission. These models are fairly rare, and will cost more to fuel, maintain and insure-- though they’re a hoot to drive.
The hardest part of your used MX-5 shopping process might be tracking down a few models to test-drive. Cars like the used MX-5 sell quickly this time of year-- so be sure to act carefully but quickly. Determine the likely combination of mileage, year and trim level that you can afford, and search accordingly for used models. Book time for a test-drive and inspection as soon as possible, and have financing in order ahead of time to ensure your dream car doesn’t wind up in someone else’s garage.
2000 Mazda Miata (Photo: Mazda) |
Talk about a success story. For years, this little Japanese convertible has owned the market when it comes to reasonably priced fun-in-the-sun. A lightweight body and four-cylinder engine mean it’s great on fuel, though Mazda’s attention to exceptional handling and performance make it a popular choice for weekend motorsports enthusiasts, too.
Thousands of owners enjoy the Miata’s driving character, manoeuvrability, performance, economy and styling. Of course, trunk space is limited-- and there’s no rear seat. If these are issues for you, look for a bigger convertible like a Mustang or Eclipse.
The second-generation Miata hit the market as a 1999 model which carried on until the end of 2005. All models got a 1.8 litre four-cylinder engine which developed between 122 and 142 horsepower, depending on the year in question. Miata is a rear-drive model in any case, with transmission options consisting of a manual five or six-speed box, or a four-speed automatic, depending on the year and model in question.
In the used market, more basic MX-5s were given GX or GS trim designations, while the GT and Limited models top out the model range. Features included antilock brakes, a Bose audio system, cruise, remote, power accessories, leather trim and a CD changer.
Note that a 178 horsepower turbocharged Mazdaspeed MX-5 model was available towards the end of the second-generation. It featured various performance and cosmetic upgrades and came with a six-speed manual transmission. These models are fairly rare, and will cost more to fuel, maintain and insure-- though they’re a hoot to drive.
The hardest part of your used MX-5 shopping process might be tracking down a few models to test-drive. Cars like the used MX-5 sell quickly this time of year-- so be sure to act carefully but quickly. Determine the likely combination of mileage, year and trim level that you can afford, and search accordingly for used models. Book time for a test-drive and inspection as soon as possible, and have financing in order ahead of time to ensure your dream car doesn’t wind up in someone else’s garage.
Photo: Mazda |