*** Updated Pictures***My pride and joy!

[commie]

I am cleaning up my harddrive and came across some of the early pictures I took of my toy....I took these pictures last year when I just purchased the car...
It was in december, so I had the hardtop on, and steelies with winter tires..
I really need to take some pictures of the car with its top down, and 17" Racing Hart with toyos tires.


My 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata in Velocity Red.

250 of them imported into Canada...Probably one of few that has Hardtop and Air Conditioning......as they weren't available even as options...I had to get them after-market from Mazda.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i295/commie1997/783327000205_0_ALB.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i295/commie1997/773327000205_0_ALB.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i295/commie1997/583327000205_0_ALB.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i295/commie1997/383327000205_0_ALB.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i295/commie1997/373327000205_0_ALB.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i295/commie1997/183327000205_0_ALB.jpg

[xien0n]

Your link doesn't work.

Nice car choice, I really like versions of ordinary cars that don't sell in great numbers. Cars that only enthusiasts know about. My favorite has to be the Audi S4 Wagon - the vast majority of people won't recognize it but the enthusiasts will respect it. I've only ever seen one of those.

[commie]

Link fixed...used a different image hosting site..

[wing0]

oh man....
just the car i'm looking for.
lol...

Wish i can drive one just to see its "handling" capability.
How much was the hardtop? I wish they have hardtop option straight from factory.

[hhh]

i wanted to buy one...but i couldn't fit in the car...nice car btw!

[commie]

oh man....
just the car i'm looking for.
lol...

Wish i can drive one just to see its "handling" capability.
How much was the hardtop? I wish they have hardtop option straight from factory.


I bought this baby in December 2004.....When the dealer were dying to get this car off their lot....Had a great deal....I used the price quote from APA,...and then negotiate it even more off....Got them to throw in the winter tires and rim for free....plus the Air Conditioning....

I paid $800 for the hardtop from the dealer...Westowne Mazda..

They were great to deal with...The APA salesperson there is the owner's son.....it was great to deal with him....I knew he was desparate to get rid of the miata before the winter came...I was negotiating like December 20th, just before christmas....Didn't need to play those back and forth game with the salesman and sales manager.....He was the one with the decision making powers....

The hardtop option is available on the regular Miata.....But not the Madzaspeed in Canada....But thats just wierd...as its available in the US...and any hardtop that fits the Miata from 90-2005 will fit on the Mazdaspeed..
Most mazda dealers can get you the hardtop no problem...they just have to paint the right colour..

The car handles amazing......Corners like its on rails....Twisty country roads were made because of the miata....The regular miata is great...but just lacking the horsepower...The mazdaspeed just adds that extra zip...

I've drive alot of cars in my life time.....and some of them cost more than the miata....but I have never had more fun driving than the mazdaspeed!

[demha88]

was it new when you bought it? any recent/outdoor pics?

[commie]

was it new when you bought it? any recent/outdoor pics?

yep...it was new in 2004....Thoes pictues were taken the day I picked up the car in Dec 2004....it had 26 KM on the odometer....

I'll try to take some new pictures now that the weather is getting better...with the top down..

I should have some pictures I took last summer...just have to find them..


Sidenote: I know there is not too many of these Mazdaspeeds sold in Canada, let alone in toronto...But I am around the Yonge and Sheppard area in Toronto,...and I keep seeing this Chinese guy driving in another Mazdaspeed Miata around the Yonge & Steeles away...Seen him at least more than 10 times since I have my car.....Its like watching myself...hahaha
Didn't know chinese guys like driving the Miata...Thought they all drove Hondas.. ;)

[wing0]

I just wish they can make miata a little more safer in terms of side airbags and stuff like the C70 convertible. That's probably the only thing i want out of the whole car. I sat in the new MX-5 at autoshow...wish i have the key for the car and just drive off.
Waiting till I have enough money haha...
Been wondering what's a good used car that has the following characteristics:
RWD
Adequate power
Safe
Reliable
Not too hard on fuel
Some aftermarket parts to play with
Cost around 15-20k

Been thinking so hard about this...

[ericssonboi]

yep...it was new in 2004....Thoes pictues were taken the day I picked up the car in Dec 2004....it had 26 KM on the odometer....

I'll try to take some new pictures now that the weather is getting better...with the top down..

I should have some pictures I took last summer...just have to find them..


Sidenote: I know there is not too many of these Mazdaspeeds sold in Canada, let alone in toronto...But I am around the Yonge and Sheppard area in Toronto,...and I keep seeing this Chinese guy driving in another Mazdaspeed Miata around the Yonge & Steeles away...Seen him at least more than 10 times since I have my car.....Its like watching myself...hahaha
Didn't know chinese guys like driving the Miata...Thought they all drove Hondas.. ;)

I know someone who had the MazdaSpeed Miata also.. so that takes another one off the 250 count.. They were also trying to get rid of it so he got a pretty good deal on it... He went from a 97 Prelude to the Miata and couldn't be happier.

[ericssonboi]

I just wish they can make miata a little more safer in terms of side airbags and stuff like the C70 convertible. That's probably the only thing i want out of the whole car. I sat in the new MX-5 at autoshow...wish i have the key for the car and just drive off.
Waiting till I have enough money haha...
Been wondering what's a good used car that has the following characteristics:
RWD
Adequate power
Safe
Reliable
Not too hard on fuel
Some aftermarket parts to play with
Cost around 15-20k

Been thinking so hard about this...

Wait a few more years.. Used S2k will be within the 20k range soon... they're going for around 25-30k now..

[Andro]

this car is really small i couldnt fit in it and im not too tall 6'1, you have to be like 5'5 or something to fit in there :lol:

[commie]

this car is really small i couldnt fit in it and im not too tall 6'1, you have to be like 5'5 or something to fit in there :lol:


Its actually not too bad...as long as you're not over 6' tall...fitting in is no problem....The big problem is not the height actually...its the girth of the person....Its like any 2 seater sports car....S2000, Ferarri, Porchse, etc....the cabin is very small.

If you're 250 Pounds...then we have a problem..

I am 5'8 and its a good fit.....

Although, sometimes in a 2 seater you really so cramped......and pretty nerve wacking when trying to merge into a highway and there is a 18 wheeler beside me....hahahaha

And sometimes it feels weird getting into the Miata after awhile of driving in my other car(Jeep Grand Cherokee)....My jeep is so big inside compared to the Miata....

[afong56]

I just wish they can make miata a little more safer in terms of side airbags and stuff like the C70 convertible. That's probably the only thing i want out of the whole car. I sat in the new MX-5 at autoshow...wish i have the key for the car and just drive off.
Waiting till I have enough money haha...
Been wondering what's a good used car that has the following characteristics:
RWD
Adequate power
Safe
Reliable
Not too hard on fuel
Some aftermarket parts to play with
Cost around 15-20k

Been thinking so hard about this...

why not pick up an older miata, say '95 or so, and strap a turbo kit into it. done. the side airbags on a car like the miata would provide minimal additional safety, imho. there's plenty of aftermarket stuff available for miatae--they're the most modded cars on the planet, apparently. the people who own and drive miatae generally take really good care of them, and since most do not winter drive them, a ten year old miata will usually have half the mileage (or less), so an older miata with less than 100k on the clock is not uncommon.

[Sajjad]

Is this your primary car? If not, what is.
I like small cars, just looks easier to drive.

[commie]

why not pick up an older miata, say '95 or so, and strap a turbo kit into it. done. the side airbags on a car like the miata would provide minimal additional safety, imho. there's plenty of aftermarket stuff available for miatae--they're the most modded cars on the planet, apparently. the people who own and drive miatae generally take really good care of them, and since most do not winter drive them, a ten year old miata will usually have half the mileage (or less), so an older miata with less than 100k on the clock is not uncommon.


Thats a very good suggestion....Most miata ethusiasts prefer the 90-97 miata(NA) versus the 99-2005(NB) miatas.....NA's are very light, perfect 50-50 weight distribution....Lots of mods available to give the engine a bit more power...they are very cheap to purchase and maintain..

Just make sure if you buy a used one...to ensure that the previous owner did not auto-cross with it...as the Miatas are popular with the auto-cross crowd.

There's not many cheap reliable RWD sports cars anymore..

The S2000 is a nice car, more refined than the miata...better straight-away power....But in a twisty roads, the miata will shine...it handles much better with the lighter body weight.
and the S2000's insurance will kill ya.

[commie]

Is this your primary car? If not, what is.
I like small cars, just looks easier to drive.


This car was suppose to be my 'fun' car...I also have a Jeep Grand Cherokee...
I sold my other 'fun' car 2000 Celica and replaced it with the Mazdaspeed.....

however, I found driving the Miata so much fun that I no longer drive the jeep as often......I only take the Jeep when I need the extra trunk space, ie. going skiing, fishing, camping, golfing, etc....

Even in the winter time....I wasn't expecting to drive the miata too much...But with the hardtop with winter tires....its so much fun to drive it around...and
the traction on snow is great....almost as good as the Jeep..except for the ground clearance..

This winter, very rarely did I had to park the miata and drive the Jeep...Only when there was a big snowfall...

[FastFokker]

Biggest problem with driving your baby in the winter is the harsh effects of salt on the roads.

[afong56]

Thats a very good suggestion....Most miata ethusiasts prefer the 90-97 miata(NA) versus the 99-2005(NB) miatas.....NA's are very light, perfect 50-50 weight distribution....Lots of mods available to give the engine a bit more power...they are very cheap to purchase and maintain..

Just make sure if you buy a used one...to ensure that the previous owner did not auto-cross with it...as the Miatas are popular with the auto-cross crowd.

There's not many cheap reliable RWD sports cars anymore..


i agree.

to the op, here's an example of an older miata, 1997, that could be had for $11k or less (source (http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details.asp?mknm=739&Region=-1&subcategory=&CAT=1) ) and then you could go to this guy (http://www.houseofklown.com/) and have a turbo kit dropped in, custom. you'd have a rwd turbo roadster that would be around $20k or less.

[commie]

Biggest problem with driving your baby in the winter is the harsh effects of salt on the roads.

Unfortunately for me, I have a very bad habit of getting bored with my car..So I don't plan on keeping the miata for a long time....At most 3-4 years....I already have my eyes/heart on my next 'fun' car......The only automobile that i have kept for any length of time is my Jeep(5 years now)..because of its utility factor in carrying my outdoor equipments.

So i'll let the rust be the next owner's problem..hehehe
Although, I do take very good care of the car....I'll hand wash the car after a major snowstorm to get the salt and slush off the underbody......and have a complete detail & wax twice a year...once in spring time..and once just before winter hits.

Also, my believe is that cars are meant to be driven...Not stored 50% of the time....what good is having a car when you can't drive it....And its not like the car is some exotic automobile like a ferrari or porsche or anything...

So I'll drive the most out of the time that I have the car..and enjoy it...

[FastFokker]

Not stored 50% of the time....what good is having a car when you can't drive it....Unfortunately for me, I have a very bad habit of getting bored with my car.. :D Maybe you answered your own question.

I know when I had a sport bike, having it parked for a good 5months really made me anxious to get it out and I loved it all season. Couldn't wait until the start of the next season.

Keeping them parked for the winter is just to keep them in pristine condition, but if you sell your vehicles after a couple years, that's not a huge concern.

I prefer to do months of research, choose the right machine and find it for the best price, keeping for as long as possible. Maintenance is critical on my ship.

[DJ_Peanuts22]

nice car commie, i'd bet it would make anyone's christmas if they bought themselves a Miata, dont really see too many Mazdaspeed versions around... in fact have yet to see one like that in the GTA, but thats a nice colour choice red really makes it stand way out. i wouldn't really mind owning one, but I am probably too tall to fit comfortably.

the styling is nice, a lot better than the oddball dimensions the new car has. its also good to see that you drive it regularly... shine her up real nice and post more pics once its nicer outside.

[commie]

Well its nice and sunny out..and the car had a wash...so its all nice and
shiny...I really like the Velocity red colour....when the Sun shines on it,
it has a metallicly sparkle to it....much nicer than a regular red.

Miata with the soft top up...
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i295/commie1997/miata1.jpg

top down
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i295/commie1997/miata2.jpg

the front view
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i295/commie1997/miata3.jpg

View of the 17" Racing Harts with Toyo Proxies
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i295/commie1997/miata4.jpg

Rear quarter view
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i295/commie1997/miata5.jpg

another rear view
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i295/commie1997/miata6.jpg

a side view
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i295/commie1997/miata7.jpg


The car definately looks better with the top down.

[wing0]

ah....god damn it...stop teasing me!!

Miata has always been on the top of my list of cars that I want to get for as my first car, but it's the safety part that I need to convince my parents about. I still prefer old styling compared to the new MX-5. Seeing the gas price is so high right now, I really can't afford any good RWD except for small roadster like this.

[lumlum1013]

So i guess u drive this durin' the winter too....
Does it fish tail alot? or get stuck in snow? since it's a very light FR car...

i still see some of these bein' offered in the dealership @ $29 900 new...
it's temptin'...but i j/ wanna know how bad is it if you drive
this in the winter...

[konfusion666]

nice car.

[urameatball]

did it suddenly turn into a soft top?

[sonick]

did it suddenly turn into a soft top?
... Hard tops are removeable.

[jason9945]

Although, sometimes in a 2 seater you really so cramped......and pretty nerve wacking when trying to merge into a highway and there is a 18 wheeler beside me....hahahaha

And sometimes it feels weird getting into the Miata after awhile of driving in my other car(Jeep Grand Cherokee)....My jeep is so big inside compared to the Miata....

I was following one of these the other day on the road, its sooo tiny. I dont know how you drive that on the road! The roof of it is at the hood level of my car!

I'd be scared driving that on the streets here!

The bigger the better for cars!

Anyway, enjoy your car and safe driving!

[Anessa]

It's just a social construction that bigger = safer really. Unless you're driving around in a Lotus Elan then okay you'd probably be crumpled into a metal ball and killed instantly.

[jason9945]

It's just a social construction that bigger = safer really. Unless you're driving around in a Lotus Elan then okay you'd probably be crumpled into a metal ball and killed instantly.

As for star ratings i'm sure they are safe.
Its the respect you get from other drivers that important!
No suv driving ******* is going to think twice about cutting infront of that little red car. Although you could just drive under the suv.

Anyway, crash tests are usually walls, I can see a truck driving right over that thing.

[commie]

As for star ratings i'm sure they are safe.
Its the respect you get from other drivers that important!
No suv driving ******* is going to think twice about cutting infront of that little red car. Although you could just drive under the suv.

Anyway, crash tests are usually walls, I can see a truck driving right over that thing.


On the other hand, I can argue that I could drive through tight traffic spots, while the big SUV's can't....

Really driving a small car like that is no different safety wise than a big car...Its more responsive.....More control...
And above all, it really depends on the driver itself....You can have the biggest SUV, and if you are a bad driver,, you can get kill driving it..

I have been driving the miata for 1.5 years now...and I am totally comfortable in all situations with it......And if I need to show my macho/society driven size matters side..I'll take my other car out....Its a SUV..hehehe
a Jeep grand cherokee...

[commie]

ah....god damn it...stop teasing me!!

Miata has always been on the top of my list of cars that I want to get for as my first car, but it's the safety part that I need to convince my parents about. I still prefer old styling compared to the new MX-5. Seeing the gas price is so high right now, I really can't afford any good RWD except for small roadster like this.


Just do it!! hahaha...the car is really pretty safe to drive....There plenty of used 95-99 models that are a great drive....



So i guess u drive this durin' the winter too....
Does it fish tail alot? or get stuck in snow? since it's a very light FR car...

i still see some of these bein' offered in the dealership @ $29 900 new...
it's temptin'...but i j/ wanna know how bad is it if you drive
this in the winter...

I drive this all year round, including winter.....Not sure what FR stands for? front wheel drive? the miata is a rear wheel drive..
You will need to get a set of good winter tires.....Those Toyo's are pure summer slicks......After I got the winter tires...the driving is great....I have great traction on the snow/ice......If I push the gas pedal too fast off a stop, then there is some fish tailing...but its not too bad...Just have to make sure when starting not to push too hard in the snow...but after picking up...its fine....
I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee as my other car, but over the last 2 winters, I don't think I have ever needed to take the Jeep instead of the miata out...There were plenty of times that I was able to drive off in the snow, where some SUV's were having trouble getting traction....
The only problem is the low clearance of the miata...

Just go for it...its a blast to drive.....after the miata....I'll never be without a convertible......its just so much fun to drive.

and for $29,990 that is a great price....The 2004's were in Velocity Red, and the 2005's were in this greyish metal colour....
You can probably get that price even lower....if you plan on driving in winter as well...get the hardtop...

[wing0]

I believe FR stands for Front Engine, Rear Wheel Drive.

95-99, is that with the 2.0L along with 140hp? I'd also want to look into hardtop plus ABS. Snow tire is a must on these RWD cars.

I'd get the new MX-5 if I have the money...but buying a new car is kinda heavy on the money with depreciation and insurance....

Btw, how much insurance u pay on a 2 door, red roadster! lol...

[commie]

I believe FR stands for Front Engine, Rear Wheel Drive.

95-99, is that with the 2.0L along with 140hp? I'd also want to look into hardtop plus ABS. Snow tire is a must on these RWD cars.

I'd get the new MX-5 if I have the money...but buying a new car is kinda heavy on the money with depreciation and insurance....

Btw, how much insurance u pay on a 2 door, red roadster! lol...


Most miata fanatics will tell you that the older models even the first generations, are much better car to drive for the fun factor.

Here is a reference point for you for insurance.

I am 31, male, living in North York....licensed and insuranced since I was 16..no at-fault insurance claims.....3 minor speeding tickets.

I am paying $2300 for the mazdaspeed miata and $1900 for the Jeep Grand Cherokee..Those are my rates for next year.....This year it was about 10% cheaper...I got dinged next year with the surcharge of having 3 speeding tickets...:(......yes the miata did not help with my leadfoot...hahaha

When I was shopping for a convertible 'fun' car in 2004,....I got quotes on the following cars, all for new 2004 models.

Regular Miata: $1600
Mazdaspeed Miata: $2000
MB SLK: $1700
Honda S2000: $2700

I was surprised that the SLK was so cheap in regards to insurance....But with the older version of the SLK, I just didn't like the driving experience of the car. If the new model was available then, I would probably have chosen that instead. Never considered the Z4, don't like it.......so it was down to the S2000 or the mazdaspeed.....it was very tough choice....but the S2000 didn't have the pure 'sports car' feeling....sure it was faster...but didn't have that open air 'MG' type feeling.

[wong8egg]

Most miata fanatics will tell you that the older models even the first generations, are much better car to drive for the fun factor.

Here is a reference point for you for insurance.

I am 31, male, living in North York....licensed and insuranced since I was 16..no at-fault insurance claims.....3 minor speeding tickets.

I am paying $2300 for the mazdaspeed miata and $1900 for the Jeep Grand Cherokee..Those are my rates for next year.....This year it was about 10% cheaper...I got dinged next year with the surcharge of having 3 speeding tickets...:(......yes the miata did not help with my leadfoot...hahaha

When I was shopping for a convertible 'fun' car in 2004,....I got quotes on the following cars, all for new 2004 models.

Regular Miata: $1600
Mazdaspeed Miata: $2000
MB SLK: $1700
Honda S2000: $2700

I was surprised that the SLK was so cheap in regards to insurance....But with the older version of the SLK, I just didn't like the driving experience of the car. If the new model was available then, I would probably have chosen that instead. Never considered the Z4, don't like it.......so it was down to the S2000 or the mazdaspeed.....it was very tough choice....but the S2000 didn't have the pure 'sports car' feeling....sure it was faster...but didn't have that open air 'MG' type feeling.

Is that price for low milage insurance only? I am 24 male without any fault cliam, ticket or whatsoever and the cheapest quote I ever got was $3500 for the 06 mx-5. >:(

Yeah, I am seriously considering the new mx-5 GS.

[Anessa]

ahh SUVs and safety...what a concept.

[commie]

Is that price for low milage insurance only? I am 24 male without any fault cliam, ticket or whatsoever and the cheapest quote I ever got was $3500 for the 06 mx-5. >:(

Yeah, I am seriously considering the new mx-5 GS.

No a normal insurance...I drive over 30,000 km a year on the miata...and the Jeep has about 15,000-20,000...

Your rates should drop when you reach 25.......
do you or family belong to any associations or groups? sometimes they can get you better rates....like accounting, alumni, police union, etc....

[wing0]

lol
i think i'll just take a normal miata then...
but i do like the 99+ lights since i'm not really that fond of the flip ones.

Also, i'd have to look in the highest trim in order to get the ABS.

How much is a supercharger(dun want too much lag from a turbo) for the 1.8L engine and how much boost it creates with other mods like intake and exhaust?

[Anessa]

I'm not a fan of the newer two tone leather concept going on in the Eunos...especially like orangey leather on black...ughhh

[jason9945]

ahh SUVs and safety...what a concept.
It must be nice to own one, people who drive suvs dont even have to stop at stop signs OR use signals!

[st7860]

I am cleaning up my harddrive and came across some of the early pictures I took of my toy....I took these pictures last year when I just purchased the car...
It was in december, so I had the hardtop on, and steelies with winter tires..
I really need to take some pictures of the car with its top down, and 17" Racing Hart with toyos tires.


My 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata in Velocity Red.

250 of them imported into Canada...Probably one of few that has Hardtop and Air Conditioning......as they weren't available even as options...I had to get them after-market from Mazda.



good car. also www.cardomain.com is a place that specializes in providing free hosting to people who want to show their 'ride'

[Andro]

well actually im 6'1 around 180 pounds and i couldn't fit there at all, couldn't even sit in it........it's a good car if you're small or something, but if you are taller like me this is a "no go"........the first car that i had was 2001 civic and it had alot of space for me, plus imagine getting into an accident in this, ouch :( .....btw im not bashing your car, just stating personal experience with it.

Its actually not too bad...as long as you're not over 6' tall...fitting in is no problem....The big problem is not the height actually...its the girth of the person....Its like any 2 seater sports car....S2000, Ferarri, Porchse, etc....the cabin is very small.

If you're 250 Pounds...then we have a problem..

I am 5'8 and its a good fit.....

Although, sometimes in a 2 seater you really so cramped......and pretty nerve wacking when trying to merge into a highway and there is a 18 wheeler beside me....hahahaha

And sometimes it feels weird getting into the Miata after awhile of driving in my other car(Jeep Grand Cherokee)....My jeep is so big inside compared to the Miata....

[Slimfast]

Damnit I want this car so bad but I'm like six feet and over two hundred pounds. Damnit damnit damnit