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I've Gone To The Dark Side

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You haven't reached the dark side until you put a V8 into your Healey espresso. You're more or less in the cafe au lait department right now. But there aren't a lot of basic 2 seaters out there anymore, so a Miata is an excellent choice. As a former Fiat 124 Spider owner, I still give the Abarth versions a glance, although I'm not prepared to make that jump. Pictures are always appreciated.
 
I bet you like driving a sports car in bad weather and feeling confident about reaching your destination.
 
HealeyRick said:
.... But there aren't a lot of basic 2 seaters out there anymore, so a Miata is an excellent choice. As a former Fiat 124 Spider owner, I still give the Abarth versions a glance,
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Oh NO, NO, NO Rick. That Fiat is far from a basic 2 seater. But I do like the Miata, almost bought one of them once. But my "up dated" basic 2 seater that I bought just for little jumps around the country now and then looks like this. Here's a shot from the Orange Blossom Tour when we were at the FIRM in FL.
 

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vette said:
Oh NO, NO, NO Rick. That Fiat is far from a basic 2 seater. But I do like the Miata, almost bought one of them once. But my "up dated" basic 2 seater that I bought just for little jumps around the country now and then looks like this. Here's a shot from the Orange Blossom Tour when we were at the FIRM in FL.
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Is that a Grand Sport?
 
HealeyRick said:
Is that a Grand Sport?
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Naw, that's what I mean by "Basic". It's just a base engined 2003, C5. LS1 Motor. A mere 350hp. But it'll cruise 100mph all day long and more. With AC. Sterio, lumber adjustment. That's all you need for a long trip. At 75 mph it's turning 1650 rpms. Getting 29 to 30 mpg. When I want to ruff it I take the C-3. When I want to get raw and rackish I take the Healey. Hey, here's a 64 thousand dollar question for ya. How can you make a C-3 Vette ride like a Cadillac.
Answer: ride in a Healey for a month. :smile::smile:
 
Barefoot said:
My BJ-8 now has a 2019 Miata keeping it company in the garage.
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Good selection. I've owned a Honda S2000 since 2002. I love that thing and will never sell it. The latest Miata is certainly tempting, though. I love the body styling and the engine is now producing respectable power. Good luck with it. If you are like me, the Miata will help your Healey last a long time.
 
As long as you don't trade the Healey for a Triumph, we'll still have you. ;)

In 2000, I very seriously considered getting a '97 Miata (fresh off lease, very low__summer only__miles) but every time we talked about the price, between lessee and sales agent, the price went up. Walked away and got a CPO '99 M Roadster instead, and I think we all know how that turned out (that story is still being written)!

IMG_1528-me.jpg


Getting back to the Miata though, an xlnt handling and a great, fun car, belying how practical and reliable it is. But do try to enjoy it anyway... :cheers:
 
nevets said:
I bet you like driving a sports car in bad weather and feeling confident about reaching your destination.
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That is a bit harsh ! If you do them up right they will not let you down - did a 350mile trip in the rain got to my destination and had a wash as I drove along - value for money :wink-new: but those days are gone - the leaks have been sorted and were my own fault as I did not address the windscreen rubber after taking the front wings off :wall:

Off to test the Audi A3 now having just replaced the drivers seat buckle.

:cheers:

Bob

:cheers:
 
no not quite yet....as rick says!
 

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As the comment went back when Miatas first appeared (and were being advertised with some yokel observing that they were available in his favourite colour: British Racing Green), if you wanted a reliable British sports car - buy a Miata. From the visuals to the characteristics of the Miata, I figure that there was a lot of truth in that observation. Says a guy who's never owned one. Doug
 
I have owned a '96 Miata M Edition since 1998. According to Mazda records, it is #50 of 2,314 M Edition cars built in model year 1996. It was leased to its first keeper for two years and has every option offered on the M-Edition in 1996 except the hardtop. The Miata cut down a bit on the mileage I was putting on the BJ8 on business trips, which is the main reason I bought it. Since retirement 12 years ago, I drive it rarely now. I like the car just fine, but it does have one annoying feature: after about two hours on the road, my right leg begins to cramp and there seems to be nothing I can do to relieve that. The seat is back against the bulkhead. IMHO, the Healey is much more comfortable (and fun) to drive on longer trips.
 
BJ8Healeys said:
I have owned a '96 Miata M Edition since 1998. According to Mazda records, it is #50 of 2,314 M Edition cars built in model year 1996. It was leased to its first keeper for two years and has every option offered on the M-Edition in 1996 except the hardtop. The Miata cut down a bit on the mileage I was putting on the BJ8 on business trips, which is the main reason I bought it. Since retirement 12 years ago, I drive it rarely now. I like the car just fine, but it does have one annoying feature: after about two hours on the road, my right leg begins to cramp and there seems to be nothing I can do to relieve that. The seat is back against the bulkhead. IMHO, the Healey is much more comfortable (and fun) to drive on longer trips.
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You should start the Miata "M" Registry now for when they become highly collectible 20 years in the future.
 
HealeyRick said:
You should start the Miata "M" Registry now for when they become highly collectible 20 years in the future.
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The BJ8 is my first love, and the BJ8 Registry is a full-time job. To me, the Miata is just a car. Somebody needs to do a registry who is passionate about the car.
 
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