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I always wanted a Miata before the S was produced. Now I know why. Don't get me wrong, I prefer my S for many reasons, but I am incredibly impressed with this litte Mazda. Fun as all get-out to drive, and you look down at the speedo, you're 20 mph less than you would be with similar engine sound in the S. Doesn't demand nearly the concentration level.
No performance mods planned - heck, this car has every optional trim piece you can buy I think, and it adds to the "cute" - had I bought it new, I'd have gone for a 6-speed instead of the bolt-on spoilers, air dams, ground effects, etc. Even the wife has noticed it is not as stiff and precise in the corners as the S, so the first mod might be some stiffer shocks. The car has plenty of power as it is, for anything other than a hardcore enthusiast. I was quite surprised by how peppy it is.
And the stereo beats the S by a good country mile. Good tunes, top down, easy crusing equals happy +1. I'm really relieved that she likes it, and can drive it in spite of her physical problems in her right arm.
^Actually, most autocrossers find the Miata handles as well or better than the S. You will often see the times of the Miatas equal to or better than the times of the S2000s. Especially in the tight courses.
I'm not too familiar with Miata colors. I'm trying to picture what Black Cherry looks like. Is it a deep black, or is is a reddish black? It sounds interesting.
It's great your +1 is a quick learner and you both enjoy the Miata. I work with a guy that has a Miata that color, really looks sharp when all shined up.
The Miata handles great, it's just got too much body roll in tight corners for me. Nothing major - I'm sure the optional suspension package would have helped but the prior owner spent all his upgrade $$ in bolt-on nose, spoilers, headlight trim, ground effects side trim, etc. I looked it up on the Mazda accssories site and there is over $2k of optional plastic on the car. Does add to the "cute" factor for sure. I think with stiffer shocks, I could be just as happy with the handling.
Ralper, Black Cherry Mica is a metallic paint, black with red flakes. Depending on how the light catches it, it can look black, brown, or an almost plum-like color - sort of like Dr. Pepper. Looks like hell when dirty OTOH, I know what I'm doing this coming weekend - it's gonna get washed and clayed (the paint FEELS like it needs clay so definitely time), and at least one coat of Zaino. Then I can evaluate the swirls and make a decision on how to deal with them. Interior doesn't ned much - a little cleaning here and there and some protectant. The ragtop needs work for sure - gonnat go at it with RaggTOp Cleaner first.
This is not our car, but here's a shiny Black Cherry, optionied similar to ours, and the look I will be aiming for when my Zaino arrives.
Good tunes, top down, easy crusing equals happy +1. I'm really relieved that she likes it, and can drive it in spite of her physical problems in her right arm.
