3rd edition owned over a 10 yr period

When my partner decided to replace her 17 yr old Civic hatch owned since new she orded a new Honda Fit but cancelled 3 days later. 2 months later she decided to look at Miatas! Within 48 hrs she had checked out 4, the last one a private sale featuring a 2001 model with only 30,000 kms.

When asked why a Miata she said she wanted a fun car. I had owned a used 90 model steel wheels, no power steering, but with the hardtop, for 6 yrs. During the 6 yrs I owned it we took it on trips, replaced all oils with synthetic, put on a set of factory mags with Yokahama high performance summer tires It was auto crossed, toured in and a good time was had by all.

After a hip replacement it was sold, then 3 yrs later I imported a 97 model fully loaded from the USA. The bigger 1800 cc motor was a joy to drive with. I sold it for a good profit a few wks later.

Now we have a 2001 model with nice easy to clean 15 in. wheels, no retractable headlights, glass back window, cup holders, larger trunk, retractable antena, 2 extra radio speakers, CD player, higher more comfortable seats,2 airbags, electric windows and mirrors,leather wrapped steering wheel with power steering, one piece sun visors easier to wash body, and best of all the variable valve timing engine.

Over 2000 kms since purchasing it we notice the quiet engine, smooth power, good economy ave 7.6 litres per 100km.
There is clutch shudder when the car is cold and although it could be lived with I think it best if dealt with. The previous owner had the clutch checked out and was told it was normal. Mazda has a service bulletin re this and the Road & Track Aug 2005 survey had 19 % of their owner survey responders mention this as the main problem this model! The car rides smoother than previous editions.

Other reviewers mention the small trunk as a problem. This is a sports car. Compared to my Suzuki DL650 motorcycle it has plenty of space. The cover for the folded hood fits well, it had never been used, and remains on the car during the summer as the top has seldom been up.

Performance is certainly better but it does like at least 89 octane fuel, pinging on 87 regular grade. Fortunatly in Vancouver Husky/Mohawk stations sell a 90 octane grade as their regular gas.

Handling and performance are 2nd to the Lotus Elise for a fraction of the price. This highly rated used car buy , see Consumer Reports, and rated well by most N.American and other publications is still a joy to drive.

It should be noted AC is not standed in Canada so until recently it is hard to find Miatas so equiped.