try autotrader and just look around, eventually you'll find a good deal. I bought my car in chicago because it only had 6700 miles and was cheaper than what people were selling it for here. I guess it has to do with the weather also, so if you really want a good deal, you should maybe think about buying this car from another state. good luck!

 

I assume that I know a minimal amount in regards to miatas since I have never heard of an R-package Miata. Is it just an options packages that you could get with your purchase? That being said I have had the chance to ride along in a Miata that was owned by a buddy of mine. It wasn't as old as yours nor did it have a R-package to my knowledge; nonetheless, it was a much more 'civilized' ride then my S2000.

You should be able to find one in the price range you are looking for, but you might want to include '00 in your search since you already have '01.

I am also interested in some more details on the R-package Miata, if you could provide some. I assume the package is meant to provide better handling over the Miata's already impressive prowess.

I was watching a Mazdaspeed miata the other day and it was being driven by someone who seemed to think they owned the road. I doubt that this is how every miata driver is, but it sure gave me a bad impression.

 

"cheesefries",
Here's what you do...
You develop a criteria...requirements, if you will... for your next car.
For this discussion, leave out the S2000 and all other cars for that matter.
What do you want?... how do you plan to use the car?
Luxury?
Convertible?
Speed?
Bragging rights at the track?
Style?
Babe magnet?
Ability to carry two golf bags to the course?

For me, I created a criteria that included a convertible roadster that could carry two golf bags and be fun to drive.
Then, I had the price range.
My criteria lead me to the S2000.

What was suprising to me after I took delivery of my S2000, was that I never fully understood what the car could do until I took it to the track and started taking driving lessons in the HPDE class.

So, develop your criteria and stick to it. Your criteria will lead you to the right car for you. Develop your criteria first. Most of the people here are S2000 enthusiasts, and rightfully so. The Honda people really built a fantastic car that can be a daily driver and weekend fun machine.

Stick to your requirements and look around.
Happy hunting,
CB

 

Let's discuss your criteria for a "REAL" sports car.
In all motorcar magazines you will note that the S2000 is recognized as a true sports car; and I have to agree. As you can tell, I am on the defense of my chosen car.
However, it is a LEVEL of criteria that defines your acceptance of the sports car for you.
The BMW M3 sedan, the Lotus Elise, the Corvette Z06, and the Porsche 966, are all recognized "REAL" sports cars. All four models listed pull away from the S2000 on the track. But can you afford them? Me, I can not.
Keep to your criteria within the sports car category and you will find your car.
Me, I'd LOVE to win the lottery and get myself a McLaren F1.
So, the range is wide, but the S2000 is definitely a sports car that has earned its right into the category through engineering from the ground-up and proven track performance.
What is a bonus is that the S2000 is a fun, and fairly comfortable daily driver.

Keep your eyes on the prize... Stay with your criteria and don't accept any substitutes. Go for the car that suites your criteria.

CB

 

AZDelt, yes

Veneficus, The R-package miata was a sort of "underground" package when the miata switched to a 1.8l in 1994, all the way to 1997 when the NB was designed. As a matter of fact, even some dealers sold them as base models because they werent familiar with it! They were never advertised and were made to compete, and win, in stock level auto-x. Less than a few thousand were ever made and a very lucky few were able to get them. As for what it is, they were basically base miatas with a torsen limited slip, bilstien shocks, stiffer springs, thicker sway bars, harder bushings, no power steering, windows, cruise,abs , nothing. It also came with very light hollow wheels. The only option that came on the car was a/c. It also was more aerodynamic because of its front and rear lips plus a wing on the back. It was a bare bones drivers car and is considered a classic is MANY peoples eyes. Theres no electronics, no computers, and no baby sitting in this car, it will do anything you make it do and go anywhere u turn the wheel. I have also driven alot of other miatas stock and modded and i can honestly say that this is the best balance of street and race i have ever felt in any car. I have driven evo's, s2000's, camaro's,350z's, crx's, integra's, and other "driver" cars and my Miata is simply more fun to drive and makes you feel like you are in total control, something alot of present cars lack. You should really conceder one if you are looking for a pure sports car. Lemme tell you one last thing, if the s2000 was as slow as a miata, honda wouldent of sold a single car.

SPLNDID, i did that a long time ago and came up with the miata, i still love it to death but i need a more refreshing car so im "upgrading" to a s2000, thanx for your concern though.

 

Cool! My bro-in-law just bought a Miata like you described. I drove it and it was a lot of fun.
Oh man, the need-for-speed can hit pretty hard. I got my car for generic fun, but when I found out what it could do on the track... I have to admit that I want more. Dodge Viper? Corvette? ... Oh, I have to calm down.
I'm settled into the category of the driver that is satisfied with a daily driver that one can have fun with at the track on the weekend.
Am totally satisfied with my S. However... hmmm... if I win PowerBall...

CB

 

Thanks! I have this problem too and I miss that thread. Thanks for the repost here.

 

First of all let me say that I amire/respect the S2000. I would LOVE to own one but I hate car payments They are fantastic cars and I have seen stock ones whoop on very expensive cars at the track (road course).

That being said, I may/may not classify the S as a TRUE sports car. In MY opinion it has too many "extras" that push it into the Sport Touring class. A real sports car has manual everything and no electronic driving aids (does the S have TCS?). With this criteria there may not be any TRUE sports cars being sold in America. We (Americans) are too lazy and spoiled to live with true sports cars. We need a place for our double foam cuppacino and cuise control and A/C etc. I believe more car manufacturers should follow Mitsu and offer base model stripped down versions with all the power and performance (EVO VIII RS). I would definately choose the manual top over a power one. It takes me all of 7.4 seconds to raise or lower the top on my Miata. I don't even need to leave the drivers seat. The S (or any other power top convertible) could probably save ~85 lbs if it were equipped with a manaul top. But it wouldn't look as cool when you pulled up to a stop light and the top retracts and stows at the touch of a button.

I really would not classify the BMW M3 sedan or the Porsche 966 as a sports car for one simple reason. They have more than two seats which is an automatic disqualification.

The European Elise is a sports car but damn Lotus for slapping on power steering and A/C! It's a friggin 1 ton mid-engined car with 205 section front tires. There is NO need for power steering!

The McClaren F1 is a Supercar.


Today the term "sports car" is thrown around so loosely it's almost lost it's meaning. Today any car that accelerates quickly is labeled a sports car. Just because a car has a supercharged V-8 (AMG whatever) doesn't make it a sports car. It has to stop and turn as well as be fun in a straight line. They used to call cars like that.............................................. .muscle cars.

I understand that many of you use your car for double duty and it's not just a weekend toy. However if there was an "RS" model you could use the extra $$$ for a
daily driver. No more cuppacino stains in the nice car.

Sorry for the rant (I have been looking for an outlet) but remember it is only my opinion.

 

I can agree with the definition. Sport Touring. Well put.

 

We can debate definitions all we want. I still think somebody wanting help with something would have better luck not taking a dig at the owners' cars he's looking for.... there was no contemplating of the true definition of 'sports car' when the remark was made...

My $.02.

PS - I still wouldn't recommend putting 'touring' tires on our 'touring / sport touring / 'not-a-true-sports-car'....