I love to drive my 8 at night when there is less traffic...except for the deers There is just something fun about cruising up into the Watchung Mountains when the sun goes down.

Anyone else like driving into the night with the HID blazing?

 

There's nothing like a long summer drive along the coast at night with the top down.

-Eric

 

Amen to that. I'm really going to miss driving a convertible when spring rolls around. Maybe I can put a brick on the gas pedal and stick my head out the sunroof or something

 

Gonna be tough to do on the RX-8.

 

I know, which is why my goal is to find a car that ignites my interest enough for me to be willing to part with a drop top...and I think the RX8 might be that car.

Other possibility is keeping the TTR and buying a beater with a backseat...but I can't stand the idea of driving a beater on a daily basis and I definitely don't like the idea of putting a baby in the back of a tinny beater.

-Eric

 

Not true at all. I had the top down a few times this week when the temps hit 50. With the windows and windscreen up, the heated seats on, and the heat pumping out...it's great.

-Eric

 

Then get an older Miata to complement the '8. I know, it may not "ignite your interest" but have you ever driven an old 1.6 Miata? They may not be fast but they are very honest, pure sports cars that can really get under your skin on a deserted back road with the top down. And they are cheap.

 

I've got two motorcycles for that. Still, I love driving that 8 in any season for any reason.

 

I've always loved the Miata and it DOES 'ignite my interest'!! As an enthusiast, how could it not? It's perfectly balanced, has an awesome tranny, and fits like a glove. I'm probably in the minority of people who never found it to be underpowered. It worked perfectly as it was engineered. I'm glad to hear that the new MazdaSpeed version doesn't destroy the Miata's basic balance and poise.

I've actually thought about an older Miata...who knows? :D

-Eric

 

Ditto that. It was 50-something here this morning, and it felt awesome with the top down. My 93 Miata turns into a project car when i finally acquire my 8.

 

I'm sure thinking about it today - it's 76 and sunny here. Not bad for early March in DC, and here I am with nothing but a sunroof. *sigh*

 

Good to hear there are some other Miata enthusiats here! I've been driving my '94 as a daily driver since I bought it new in, well, '94. It's nice to garage it and give it some TLC for a change.

 

Of course, my SIG says it all...

 

Ah yes. Do you have an FM II?

 

Nope. I built my own system.
I have a T3/T4 with a Bell intercooler, some pipes from an old Aerodyne kit and a SDS EIC for additional fuel.
I'm going to put an E-Manage in soon as I get the time.

I'm not the type to fork over money for things I can do just as well or better myself for half the price.

Not to knock Bill and Keith at FM - their stuff is top-notch...

 

I almost bought a Miata back in '95 but wound up moving into NYC and realized the last thing I needed was a new car. My test drive was amazing...the feel of the transmission, the handling. I'm telling you, Mazda did the right thing by keeping the engine small and keeping the car well balanced. The dealer had an awesome deal on a loaded car that was on the lot. It was black, tan leather (with speakers in the headrests)...beautiful car. I always kind of wished I'd bought it and hung onto it for weekends.

-Eric

 

This is so true! I've got a base model '91 Miata that I've owned since she was new. No power nuthin - just a pure unadorned kick in the *** to drive. I made the mistake of selling her to my ex a few years ago to get a "new and improved" 2000 Miata LS (the loaded one). I missed my '91 immediately, in spite of her wind noise and rattles; the new Miata was almost too refined and quiet for me.

Fortunately, I got my '91 back a few months ago. The little 1.6 motor still revs strong and happy, and guess which car of my three gets driven the most? Yep. The '91. The magic still works.

 

Though a stock Miata feels quite nice, you haven't lived until you have driven a turbo Miata.
Especially one with good boost response and 200 or so HP at the wheels.

 

Yes, a F/I Miata may be in my future. But then, I'm not sure I could resist doing the same to the '8. I mean, the '8 *has* to be faster, right?