When I first considered the trade of my second Miata for the S2000 I shared my thoughts with another long time Miata owner. She scoffed at the idea of trading my beloved Mazda and dismissed the Honda that she considered "a soulless appliance". True Honda makes many popular vehicles and yard tools but the S2000 inspires more in me than any of my previous roadsters and sportscars.
Mazda has streamed over 500,000 Miatas off its' assembly line. Although I loved both of my Miatas and two 1st gen RX-7s they were hardly unique. Although our numbers will never come close to the 30,000 members of the Miata Club of America I have enjoyed the sense of community offered by our small unique group.
The Miata's Executive Designer, Tom Matano has said that he is most proud of the Miata's spiritual part-"It's great people and a great community".
How do you find your S2000 special? Do you feel part of a great community?

 

I don't even have my car yet, and even though I'm attaining the car in a method lots of people might look down on, I feel very much a part of it. It's gotten me even more devoted to the car, knowing that everyone else cares about it so much.

 

Jay,

I'm pulling for you to get your car before Thanksgiving. Mine came today so yours can't be far off now.

Souless? Not this Honda! This car has as much soul (acutally more) as the E-Type I used to own.

 

Jay:

From what I have seen of your actions as a moderator on this board, your parents are, and have every right to be, very proud of you. If they want to give you a car, that is their business and no one elses. I have give both my son and daughter several cars. I am proud of them and it gives me great pleasure. I would rather have them benefit from my good fortune than have the government take most of it. I am sure your parents feel the same. You have absolutely nothing to apologize for. The best reward you can give your parents is a big hug when it comes in and then remember all this for when you have kids and treat them accordingly.

From someone who knows.

LL

 

A Civic is souless, a Chevette is souless, a Vega is souless, but the S2000 is the embodiment of lust and desire. While I can appreciate your friend's judgement of the Miata (since I'm an owner also), I beleive that the S2000 is right up there with all of the lustmobiles of automotive history; Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porche and Corvette.

The Miata is the same, but the Miata is fun, the S2k is challenging.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SomethingWicked:
[B]A Civic is souless, a Chevette is souless, a Vega is souless, but the S2000 is the embodiment of lust and desire.

 

The only time you feel "soulless" about the S2000 is when you are waiting 6 months for delivery.

 

As a current Miata owner and Miata lover, I have to agree to some extent about svann's comments. I don't think its necessarily a 'soulless appliance', but I do feel that the S2000, for the time being, has become quite elitist. Of course, the majority of this stems from having that 'different' car out there on the road, as opposed to seeing another Miata at the next street corner.

Here in Austin, there are _alot_ of Miatas. In LA, there are more Miatas than Austin, but not per capita. So, living in a Miata haven, you see different kinds of drivers, just as I've seen in the postings of S2000 owners - some like the car, some want to use it for all its worth, some want to race it all the time, and others, well its like another collectable. While I'm not stating any of these views are wrong, and just because we can all fit in some category in one way or another - its just the same for Miata drivers, but I do feel that Miata's owners are more of a 'community'. We're getting that way, as owners and soon to be owners of these cars grace our presence.

All I can say with this posting is, it will only take a little more time. But until then, enjoy the car and have fun with it. That's the main reason I love the Miatas. Its a fun car, and the people who drive them are always great to talk to.

For instance, when I was staying with a project manager's sister and brother in law's place (who I did not know before I drove up to their house), in Indianapolis for the Formula 1 race - they took me, and my friend Chris over to Chuck's place (the brother in law's, ex-wife's new husband - if that makes any sense). We were introduced as Miata owners, saying Chris had a 99 Special Edition and I had a 94 R model - with those two cars on our belts (and after driving for two days in the 99 SE to get up there), he knew we loved the cars. His 97, sat in the garage, while he tweaked with every little bit of it. I don't think I remember being there for more than five minutes before he asked us if we wanted to take out his supercharged 97 Miata. That was a blast, and to know that Miata drivers trust other Miata drivers that easily, it just amazes me. Would I do the same to any other Miata driver? Definately so. But with the S? I'm not sure yet, since I don't pick up the car until November 30th. But I will tell you that for the ride back, my copilot (another S2000 owner) will be helping me out with the drive time.

/end of long rambling and pointless post.

 

I had a Miata (early one) and never felt as connected as I do with the S2000. I have described it as 'gutless' and sold it within a couple of years. The newer Miatas may be different.

I am totally unclear on what 'soul' is in a car. Maybe a personal shortcoming, but I don

 

I don't think S2000 owners are elitest, maybe a little fanatical, but on the whole, not elitest. I think our little online community has given the car even more soul - look at the group buys, new or improved products developed by owners or soon to be owners...

This is not based on gender, race, nationality or religious beliefs. We are into the car. Yes, it does require some discretionary income to have this toy, but it is not in the elitest price range...