liam

A used Boxster? Have you ever changed oil on a Boxster, let alone worked on the motor? Moreover, you know about the RMS and other potential catastrophic engine failures on the early 986s? Unless you have a lot of money, your best bet is an engine replacement. A friend learned a costly lesson of buying a "used" Boxster. There's even an article in the Sept. 07, Excellence mag. about this very issue.


Yes, Miata is "slow," however "slow" is a relative term when you're dealing with a2300lb car. An ave. level wrencher can do most of the engine work on the early Miatas. Except for the engine transplant, I do all the work on my Miata. Hate to be redundant, but parts are plentiful and cheap. I'm on my second motor for $1,000. A few grand can offer you several choices of turbos and superchargers. A mere boost of 240hp, you're dealing with low 4 sec. 0 -60, high 12sec 1/4 mile car. The cost of my total setup; $3,000 (car) + $5,000 (turbo) + $3,000 (suspension/tires) = $11,000. The best thing about it, I get 300 miles before next fill up. Unless you have an exotic, don't waste my time. Lastly, there's a reason why Spec Miata Series is the largest and most popular in the country.

liam

I would recommend that you go to the Miata forum and ask questions there. You'll get much better info., expertise, also a lot of "older" and "wiser" enthusiasts. There's seems to be a lot of mis-information here. Many of us there went the other way; Miata >>>RX8. Also, a lot of us have both. Some have two/three/four Miatas. I use RX8 primarily as a daily commuter. Miata as a weekender and track.

NA: 1990 - 1997
NB: 1999 - 2005
NC: 2006 - 2008

http://forum.miata.net/vb/

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

ever thought about the z3s or z4s?

both are very sexy. and z3s can be had for cheap. or look at the z3 M editions. i personally LOVE the z3 m coupe. if i could trade my 8 for any car, that'd be the one.

Design1stCode2nd

No but I’d guess it be a bit of a PITA to do, or just take it to a indy Porsche mechanic.

Most of the failures are in early Boxster’s. I’m not talking about buying an 01/02 but an 05/06. Just like the 13b the bugs have been ironed out. I also believe that Porsche extended the warranty just for that but yeah if it goes up outside of warranty your up ***** creak. Same as lot of cars, what do you think a CVT in many of Nissan’s cars cost to replace, check about $5,000. Do your research and you’ll be fine. The normal wear and tear items on luxury cars are no more than a Honda or Mazda. Just don’t take it to a dealer to have any of it done. If you blow a big part it will cost you more but not that much more. You don’t have to get a Porsche certified flywheel or clutch, many in the aftermarket to be had for less same for brakes, tires, cables, belts, etc. Its like buying a name brand drug when a generic does the same for a 3rd of the cost.


If you want a cheap track car a spec miata is a great choice. For DD its nice too I'd just opt for something else.

faboo

I have a miata(99) and my freind has a s2k(05)..the interior is alittle bigger than the miata...more space inside the cockpit, and a bit more frills than a miata..but other than that i seriously would say its a toss up..

..around town they both are fun and easy to drive, with a TAD bit more everyday use going to the miata simply because of the engine characteristics...putting around town in the miata and u need to pass or juss go faster...use the pedal...putting around in the s2k...put the pedal down, and wait for revs or down shift..not a HUGE diff. but both he and i could tell the diff when swapping cars

TrochoidMagic

very wise words he has. but thats in the most instance for a "hobby" car.
i've however owned a early model miata too late in my life, and found out of all its cool perks of owning one. after owning and selling my miata... i hated myself for not spending $ on buying an S2k rather than having a different honda throughout highschool-college,etc. other hondas are sucha pain in cali ( exhaust tickets, vandals, thiefs, ricers, etc.)

that said, i'm at the age where i have to move forward, which does not allow me to look at ANY 2 seaters anymore
so here's what i think of the two: miata's are more for mature owner seeking a nice sporty roadster. older miata's have many potentials as well... so don't rule that out, unless maintainance and mods is something you don't have time for... another reason i sold the older miata...
S2000s are more of a purest sports roadster. fast car out of the box. but as we previous honda owners know... honda's can be a dual-personality machine. civilized and gas saving under light throttle, and the monster comes out when you floor it and when VTEC hits... WHOA!

at any rate, it seems like a 2seater suits real well into ur life right now. don't miss out! get into a 2seater, whatever it may be. it pays off in every way i see fit for ur current lifestyle... miata is more easy to live with on a everyday basis, and the S2k is just like the new miata, but for those for breath motorsports.
there are pros and cons for the two different roadsters though... with more speed, comes a higher insurance rate. but does teh s2k get that much better?
but it sure is more fun though.

i'd opt for the S2k in a heartbeat if i could live my college days again. but then, i'd still be back in a rotary today due to my RX7 in college.
good luck, hope this advice helps. you do only live once you know? don't bore yourself in a sportscar disguised as a 4door (RX8:wolf in sheeps clothing). be the wolf.

TrochoidMagic

p.s. the current miata is veery refined compared to the older chassis miata. which is th emiata ur looking for, correct?
that bitch would be FAST with a turbo in it.

try checking out clubroadster.net . its got many enthusiasts in there who may help you on the questions you have concerning the NC body(new model miata chassis)

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

Not to worry, when you hit 'empty nest' age, as have I , two-seaters are again an option, hence my Miata 'retro' interest.

liam

Do I know you from the other forum?