It only has 47,000 'original' miles so the dealer claims. I'm trying to decide between that and a 2014 Mazda 3. The dealer was closed today but I got to take a look at it. I used to own a Nissan 350Z so I think I will fit in a Miata. I read the 2002 Miata does 0-60 in 7.8 seconds. Does that sound right? Also is 24 mpg about right for mileage? Premium gas in San Diego is $3.80/gallon at generic stations now. Thanks for any info.

 

A few comments:

• The two cars you're looking at are very-very different; we've had two Mazda3s and two Miatas (both NA versions), and comparing the two is virtually impossible.
• The NB Miata you're thinking about is more or less a face lifted NA with a little more refinement in the interior.
• Yes, 7.8 seconds sounds about right for either a 5-Speed or a 6-Speed NB Miata, automatics are a bit slower.
• Why are you considering using Premium fuel in a Miata; they were designed for Regular and that is the fuel which should be used.

 

Both the Miata and Mazda 3 are great cars and you could be happy with either (or extremely frustrated with either depending on how it meets your needs.) When I purchased my last new car, I had to decide between a 2016 Miata and a 2015 Mazda 3. I considered no other vehicles as my daily driver. I wanted the Miata for the obvious reasons but chose the Mazda 3 since, as my daily driver, it was just too small for me for everyday. It also did not give me the flexibility to carry the kids on the rare weekend when my wife's car was not available. In the north east, I was not comfortable depending on rear wheel drive in the snow.

I may buy a Miata as my next car but keep the Mazda 3 to be used about 1/3 of the time.

The zero to 60 seems right for that generation. They are not fast off the line. You can take turns faster than some other cars so it is a lot of fun to drive. You will want to avoid stop light drag races.


Why the choice is between a 2002 Miata and a 2014 Mazda 3 and not cars that are closer in age. Are they the same price? If so, it may be a clear indication of how well Miata's hold their value.

 

I bought the Mazda 3. I was interested in the Miata because I wanted something fun. I've actually had 2 Mazda 3's before. I have a 2003 Jag with 370 HP but I'm going broke paying for gas (16.5 mpg).

 

It's certainly worth looking at. This story about the NC generation Miata says although it's forgotten, but it's certainly worth looking. And here is why.
The NC is the Forgotten Miata, but They're Worth Looking Into

 

If it's only 47K miles you may want to wait for the new Miata. The fuel economy is changing because of the engine upgrade of the 2019 Miata, which is coming soon.


Torque News thinks that the new Miata is the fastest convertible at its price point. With a 0-60 MPH time under 6 seconds, it will only be faster given these new changes. A 14% power bump is nothing to sneeze at.