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New addition to the fleet to replace my motorcycle

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drooartz

drooartz

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For most of this year I've been in the most dangerous position for a car guy -- unbudgeted money in the bank and space in the garage. Earlier this year I sold my motorcycle (Triumph Bonneville) and my Bugeye Sprite project. I wanted to do something fun with the money, and I've had a good time this summer researching and thinking about interesting things I could do. I'm at a point in my life where I'm really thinking about what I want to do and not just what I want to have.

After thinking about a number of possibilities, I came to the realization that I really want to do some longer road trips and enjoy some of the great roads out here in the west. I also wanted to at least have the ability to bring my wife along (she's not much for fast canyon driving, but there are some pretty places to go out here). This is what I used to use my motorcycle for, but I've drifted away from them lately. My MGB would be great on these trips, but probably a little farther and little more remote than I want to go by myself in a car older than me.

So I decided to replace my motorcycle. With a Miata!

I've had trouble fitting in earlier versions (I'm 6'1" 240#) but this latest ND iteration was supposed to have more space. Dropped by a dealer last Thursday on the way home from a work meeting and what do you know, I fit. So did some soul searching overnight and decided to buy it.

October is a great time to buy a convertible. Got a really good deal on it, and now I have a lovely Miata in the garage. Currently researching winter tires so I can drive it on nice winter days. Yesterday I joined my British car club in a lovely canyon drive, and had to take the new car to give it a real test. Already have put 350 miles on it, and it's going to be a nice addition. Does the things I loved about my bikes, but won't fall over. :smile:

Even with this, I'm still down 1 vehicle from where I started at the beginning of the year. By Man Math(tm) that means I'm actually saving money.

miata1.jpeg


miata2.jpeg
 
Nice! Enjoy it.
 
Well done!
 
A few days later and I'm still really happy with the car. We spent a little time yesterday reorganizing the 3rd bay of our garage so that the Miata can live in the house garage and not back in the shop. Today on my lunch break I'll be sorting out insurance and seeing what the local tire shops can do in the way of winter tires.
 
I have a 2000 and I love it. You can not drive that car without smiling.
 
Manual indeed! Would love it if my wife would want to drive it, but she doesn't drive manual and has no interest in learning. A wise husband of 21 yrs doesn't fight that fight. 🤪
 
drooartz said:
Manual indeed! Would love it if my wife would want to drive it, but she doesn't drive manual and has no interest in learning. A wise husband of 21 yrs doesn't fight that fight. 🤪
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We had a Miata - it was in fact my wife's. Sold it for a BMW Z4, but may end up going back to another Miata (or a Fiat 124, which is essentially a Miata with a different body). They are fun little cars! Congrats.
 
I'm genuinely excited. Got winter tires ordered for it today.
 
Drew. Drew. Drew.
 
Steyn said:
I'm sure they're very reliable transportation.
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Reliable and as much fun as any little British car I've ever driven (well, except my Jag). We loved ours and may buy another new model one of these days.
 
JPSmit said:
Drew. Drew. Drew.
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Now JP, by Car Guy Math(tm) I'm ahead as I sold 2 this year (motorcycle and Bugeye) and only bought one. :D

The real truth is that I've eyed these for years as a way to do some longer-distance road trips (like to pop over into Colorado to drive those great roads). I used to use the motorcycle for this, but my bike days are at least on pause for a while.

And to get serious for a moment, I just attended my 3rd celebration of life this year, the second for a friend from my car club. A reminder that life is short and it's time to go do those things I want to do.
Steyn said:
I'm sure they're very reliable transportation.
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That they are, and also a hoot to drive. My first modern sports car. only weighs 150# more than my MGB (2350ish vs 2200 or so for the B) and twice the power. A nice recipe.
 
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Congratulations, it is a good looking little car, and I'm sure you'll get many enjoyabe years of motoring from it.

I'm about your height Drew (6'), and all the kids at school ask me how I fit in my NA. The answer is always snugly.
 
waltesefalcon said:
Congratulations, it is a good looking little car, and I'm sure you'll get many enjoyabe years of motoring from it.

I'm about your height Drew (6'), and all the kids at school ask me how I fit in my NA. The answer is always snugly.
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Thanks, Walter. I got asked that same question when I had my first Bugeye -- my answer was always "just." They didn't have full sized individuals in mind when they created these small, nimble sports cars. But I like them anyways.

It's also proving to be a good motivator to get me up in the morning to exercise. I can't make the car's seat wider, but I can work on making my seat a little narrower. ;)
 
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