I test drove a 2016 Miata yesterday and I'm amazed. I thought my mini was fun but the Miata puts the mini to shame. The Miata is in budget but I can't justify it as a second car. It has to be my only car... I love small cars but the Miata is crazy small.
Anyone have Miata as an only car?

It's just me and my dog right now. Issues I'm seeing: Costco and Home Depot runs... Road trips to see my parents and brother (CT to NJ). Dog and luggage would be a super tight fit. Also dog is normally a back seat rider not sure how passenger seat would work out.
If all goes well I may get my 72 bug on the road next summer but that won't be a good road trip car. And would be a funny grocery getter.

A 3 hatch would be much more sensible. Is it crazier to get a car that only fills 95% of your auto needs or get a less fun car just to meet the extra 5%?

 

Really over 100 views and nobody can say something like "miatas aren't that bad as daily drivers" or "you really need a 2nd car with a Miata"

 

Just do it. OR, wait until you're to old and your walker won't fit.

 

I'm not gonna lie. If I didn't have a baby to put in the back seat, I would have gotten a Miata. But I went with a 4-door 3 iT. The Manual gear box is nice, and for a front wheel drive, it handles pretty good ( not like an Acura Integra good, but better than most ).

 

My wife and I are relatively new at being "Empty Nesters"; our son in the Navy is on his second Miata (currently driving a very nice 1997 M Edition Miata), our daughter is in college and doesn't need a car. So, I recently bought an old minivan to do our people hauler duties; my wife has a factory order in on a 2016 Mazda3 s Grand Touring (6-Speed Manual), and probably next spring I'll pick up a new 2017 Miata. My only conundrum is whether I want a conventional rag top or if I want the trick new power hardtop.

 

Power Retractable Hardtop shipo, so much easier for us, yeah I'll say it, mature drivers. Fun of a convertible, security of a hardtop.

As for your question Hank, it's got to be your choice. If it doesn't fit your lifestyle, trips, etc. then go with the 3. I have 2 customers that drive Miata's year round. One is a nurse and she puts on the miles. She traded the rag top in ( 145,000 ) for a power hard top. There is no question the Miata will be a good car, but if it doesn't fit what your going to use it for, you'll just be unhappy with it.

 

Here is an answer for your most important consideration.


It is not safe for a pet to be in the front seat unless it is in a seat belt secured cage, and even then, It can be seriously injured without padding.


Your choice but I would not risk it with my four legged friends. They trust us and unconditionally love us.


Are you looking out for its best interest?


As you can tell, I love animals and they really do depend on us to do the right thing.

 

Mazda Mk1 MX-5 I think is one of the best. I am searching to buy one. I read about this car here:

Mazda MX-5 Mk1 (Miata) ? 5 Things you didn?t know about the most popular roadster

ps: I hope isn't a problem if I posted this link

 

That link is almost 20 years old and totally out of date

 

Hello,

I just got a Miata (not a new one) for the first time in my 50+ years. Back seats are for children. Your dog can ride shotgun (the window down a smidge to let doggy smell the world outside). If you're really worried about Costco, 2 options: remove the spare for the trip (suddenly a LOT more cargo space) or get a trailer hitch and a hitch shelf if you buy that much.

The road trips alone will be worth it.