My impression of the S as a daily driver
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Joined: Feb 2008
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My impression of the S as a daily driver
I'm moving overseas for 2 yrs and have transferred the lease of my 2008 to a relative. But want to give my feedback as how to this car perfoms as a daily driver--a question I get a lot from friends/family:
Specs:
car: 2008 all stock
me: 135lbs, 5'6"
previous cars: '80 prelude, '91 Integra '95 miata
Summary: For me, this is an excellent daily driver!
Details:
-The car feels as roomy as my previous miata (and good for a roadster)
-The driving position and ergonomics are excellent. Seats feel like they were designed by an orthopedic surgeon--very comfortable for me and I've had back surgery for ruptured disks.
-The clutch is very light (nice when in bumper to bumper traffic) and shifter among the best of any car. Clutch is incredibly forgiving. Have taught people to drive a manual in it and they never stalled it. You can't believe how slick & precise the shifter is, and I thought the miata was incredible.
-It's easy to climb in and out many times a day, even with the top down without pulling a muscle. you may rub the left side bolster quite a bit so you have to think about it when getting in to prevent premature wear. But it's not difficult.
-The chassis/suspension is fairly stiff but I did not find it obtrusive on average roads. Very nice on the highway--tracks straight, no dead spot on steering.
-Engine noise level is fairly high with the top up but manageable and you get used to it (even enjoy it?). Top down it's much quieter. I drive top down as much as possible. Very little wind buffeting at highway speeds which is nice.
-You don't really have to rev above VTEC all the time--just when you want to have some fun. I don't notice lack of low end torque running errands around town.
-The car is a hybrid of a docile roadster below 6k but quite fast and fun above 6k.
-The engine does rev a bit high when cruising on the highway, but you get used to it. I could see how it might annoy someone that commutes 1+hrs every day. Didn't bother me a bit on occasional highway jaunts.
-Interior storage space is very adequate. If you must have a drink with you all the time, you won't find the cupholder pleasant to use--gets in the way of your shifting arm. Probably aftermarket ones available that relocate to right side of console.
-The top raises/lowers very quickly which is nice when running around town and you want to lower it when making stops at stores, malls etc...or if it starts to rain. you can drive in the rain if you keep the speed above about 40-45. You don't get wet. I've done this many times.
-Gas mileage isn't amazing for a 4-cyl, but I usually get 18 city, 26 hwy unless I'm really wailing on it.
-Trunk is surprisingly roomy for a car of this class and even has a spare (unlike others e.g. Sky/Solstice).
-If stereo sound quality is important for you on a daily basis, you'll probably want to invest in aftermarket--stock system not too amazing. Doesn't bother me though.
-You do have to pay attention when pulling into parking places with a curb in front to prevent rubbing front lip. You get used to it--just stop a lot sooner than most cars.
-I find the digital speedometer very convenient when driving around town. Allows you to precisely gauge how far above the speed limit you're going to prevent tickets.
-If you drive in a place that rains a lot, you might consider different set of tires--stock RE-050s on mine slip too much for my tastes when cornering.
-Stability Control on newer models makes up for a lot of mistakes when pushing the limits. But you can still lose it if you're pushing the limits and don't know what you're doing.
About all I can think of right now. Hope you find this useful when contemplating using this car as a daily driver. Your experiences may vary depending on your size. I would probably not enjoy this quite as much as a DD were I 6'8" and 275lbs. but I'm sure others with larger dimensions will chime in as to their experiences. I will miss this car. I have a deal with my relative to get first dibs on buying it at lease end! It's a great machine....
rcman
Specs:
car: 2008 all stock
me: 135lbs, 5'6"
previous cars: '80 prelude, '91 Integra '95 miata
Summary: For me, this is an excellent daily driver!
Details:
-The car feels as roomy as my previous miata (and good for a roadster)
-The driving position and ergonomics are excellent. Seats feel like they were designed by an orthopedic surgeon--very comfortable for me and I've had back surgery for ruptured disks.
-The clutch is very light (nice when in bumper to bumper traffic) and shifter among the best of any car. Clutch is incredibly forgiving. Have taught people to drive a manual in it and they never stalled it. You can't believe how slick & precise the shifter is, and I thought the miata was incredible.
-It's easy to climb in and out many times a day, even with the top down without pulling a muscle. you may rub the left side bolster quite a bit so you have to think about it when getting in to prevent premature wear. But it's not difficult.
-The chassis/suspension is fairly stiff but I did not find it obtrusive on average roads. Very nice on the highway--tracks straight, no dead spot on steering.
-Engine noise level is fairly high with the top up but manageable and you get used to it (even enjoy it?). Top down it's much quieter. I drive top down as much as possible. Very little wind buffeting at highway speeds which is nice.
-You don't really have to rev above VTEC all the time--just when you want to have some fun. I don't notice lack of low end torque running errands around town.
-The car is a hybrid of a docile roadster below 6k but quite fast and fun above 6k.
-The engine does rev a bit high when cruising on the highway, but you get used to it. I could see how it might annoy someone that commutes 1+hrs every day. Didn't bother me a bit on occasional highway jaunts.
-Interior storage space is very adequate. If you must have a drink with you all the time, you won't find the cupholder pleasant to use--gets in the way of your shifting arm. Probably aftermarket ones available that relocate to right side of console.
-The top raises/lowers very quickly which is nice when running around town and you want to lower it when making stops at stores, malls etc...or if it starts to rain. you can drive in the rain if you keep the speed above about 40-45. You don't get wet. I've done this many times.
-Gas mileage isn't amazing for a 4-cyl, but I usually get 18 city, 26 hwy unless I'm really wailing on it.
-Trunk is surprisingly roomy for a car of this class and even has a spare (unlike others e.g. Sky/Solstice).
-If stereo sound quality is important for you on a daily basis, you'll probably want to invest in aftermarket--stock system not too amazing. Doesn't bother me though.
-You do have to pay attention when pulling into parking places with a curb in front to prevent rubbing front lip. You get used to it--just stop a lot sooner than most cars.
-I find the digital speedometer very convenient when driving around town. Allows you to precisely gauge how far above the speed limit you're going to prevent tickets.
-If you drive in a place that rains a lot, you might consider different set of tires--stock RE-050s on mine slip too much for my tastes when cornering.
-Stability Control on newer models makes up for a lot of mistakes when pushing the limits. But you can still lose it if you're pushing the limits and don't know what you're doing.
About all I can think of right now. Hope you find this useful when contemplating using this car as a daily driver. Your experiences may vary depending on your size. I would probably not enjoy this quite as much as a DD were I 6'8" and 275lbs. but I'm sure others with larger dimensions will chime in as to their experiences. I will miss this car. I have a deal with my relative to get first dibs on buying it at lease end! It's a great machine....
rcman
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
The S is my daily driver and I love it.
I'm married but have no kids, so a backseat isn't important to me.
My daily commuter vehicle for many years was a motorcycle, I had a car that I'd use occasionally when a bad snow storm hits or if temps hit below 25 F.
The S is very practical for me. I love being out of the wind when it's freezing temps or lower, and being able to carry things in the trunk instead of a backpack.
Honestly, the best part is that it's still fun. While not as fun as 2-wheels (IMO) it's more than satisfactory for the daily commute. If you don't have a need for the backseats or large luggage space, then it's hard to beat the S as a daily driver.
It's quiet, comfortable, roomy, just about perfect for commuting.
I'm married but have no kids, so a backseat isn't important to me.
My daily commuter vehicle for many years was a motorcycle, I had a car that I'd use occasionally when a bad snow storm hits or if temps hit below 25 F.
The S is very practical for me. I love being out of the wind when it's freezing temps or lower, and being able to carry things in the trunk instead of a backpack.
Honestly, the best part is that it's still fun. While not as fun as 2-wheels (IMO) it's more than satisfactory for the daily commute. If you don't have a need for the backseats or large luggage space, then it's hard to beat the S as a daily driver.
It's quiet, comfortable, roomy, just about perfect for commuting.
