CD Article: 2006 Mazda MX-5 GT

[Giant Dwarf]

You guys are right on the comments here.

1)  The sport suspension isn't all that sporty.  A number of guys (as Redroadster mentioned) are replacing the tall and soft springs for Mazdaspeed or Eibach (one and the same I'm told) springs .  I intend to do this as soon as financially possible too for both aesthetic and performance reasons. 

2)  Discounts are available.  When I got mine in December I was told that because it was so new, the sales manager I talked to could only discount the car a few hundred bucks.  I made an offer based on a MUCH greater discount than that and he took it.  The Miata / MX-5 never was and never will be a large-volume seller for Mazda. 

3)  Mazda apparently worked hand-in-hand with Michelin to develop the 205/45/17s Pilot Precedas for the MX-5.  They're supposed to be an ideal compromise of comfort, performance and wear though they do take a bit of time to warm up I'm told.  I can't really report on them yet since I've only just put them back on my car last night after having little 195-width snowboots on since December. 

Benhaze, you mentioned you'd like to hear from people who own 'em.  I've got one and wonder every time I drive it, why I didn't get a Miata years ago instead of wasting time with the Audi and BMW.  This car makes me grin like an idiot every time I drive it.  I love to rev it just to hear it.  I love to imagine myself taking corners in Monaco everytime I hit an on-ramp.  I love how it nips through traffic like a jack-russel terrior after a rodent.  I love that it costs me less to lease, fuel and insure than my Audi did and provides me with more fun (and so far, reliability) than any of my previous cars.

For more lunatic fantatics who can't get enough of their cars, check out the NC forum on www.miata.net.   

[davidm]

You guys are right on the comments here.

1)  The sport suspension isn't all that sporty.  A number of guys (as Redroadster mentioned) are replacing the tall and soft springs for Mazdaspeed or Eibach (one and the same I'm told) springs .  I intend to do this as soon as financially possible too for both aesthetic and performance reasons. 

2)  Discounts are available.  When I got mine in December I was told that because it was so new, the sales manager I talked to could only discount the car a few hundred bucks.  I made an offer based on a MUCH greater discount than that and he took it.  The Miata / MX-5 never was and never will be a large-volume seller for Mazda. 

3)  Mazda apparently worked hand-in-hand with Michelin to develop the 205/45/17s Pilot Precedas for the MX-5.  They're supposed to be an ideal compromise of comfort, performance and wear though they do take a bit of time to warm up I'm told.  I can't really report on them yet since I've only just put them back on my car last night after having little 195-width snowboots on since December. 

Benhaze, you mentioned you'd like to hear from people who own 'em.  I've got one and wonder every time I drive it, why I didn't get a Miata years ago instead of wasting time with the Audi and BMW.  This car makes me grin like an idiot every time I drive it.  I love to rev it just to hear it.  I love to imagine myself taking corners in Monaco everytime I hit an on-ramp.  I love how it nips through traffic like a jack-russel terrior after a rodent.  I love that it costs me less to lease, fuel and insure than my Audi did and provides me with more fun (and so far, reliability) than any of my previous cars.

For more lunatic fantatics who can't get enough of their cars, check out the NC forum on www.miata.net.   

Ahhh, another victim ...

The only thing that will keep my from another Miata in the future (3rd car) would be an old 911.   

[Benhaze]

Benhaze, you mentioned you'd like to hear from people who own 'em.  I've got one and wonder every time I drive it, why I didn't get a Miata years ago instead of wasting time with the Audi and BMW.  This car makes me grin like an idiot every time I drive it.  I love to rev it just to hear it.  I love to imagine myself taking corners in Monaco everytime I hit an on-ramp.  I love how it nips through traffic like a jack-russel terrior after a rodent.  I love that it costs me less to lease, fuel and insure than my Audi did and provides me with more fun (and so far, reliability) than any of my previous cars.

Giant Dwarf, thanks for your comments. They are really appreciated. My wife and I LOL at your terrier analogy. We have a yorkie that spends her days in front of the patio door waiting for the squirrels to come back in our backyard so we can fully relate.

[Giant Dwarf]

DavidM, I agree... Right now the only thing I can think of wanting to replace the MX5 with is a Porsche... a new Z4 M-roadster or... (don't tell Wing and give him the satisfaction) an S2000.    But of course, they're all MUCH more moolah.  This is the first car I've had that even a few months in I look around and say, "Nope, there's nothing else out there for the money that I'd rather have right now."

Benhaze, if there's anything else I can answer about the car, ask away.  And if you decide you'd like to look into getting one, PM me and I can give you some insights to the discounts you might be able to expect and even recommend the sales manager I dealt with to get my deal.

[Benhaze]

Thanks! We need to go test drive one. I have a concern with the better half not being able to see well. I really wish the driver seat would be height adjustable. I know it would add weight but it might very well be a deal breaker. And the test drive may bring up questions only an experienced user can answer.

I may very well take you on your offer. Really appreciated. I'll keep you posted.