2006 Mazda Miata MX-5

Excellent roadster

By Alex S. (CA) on Tuesday, July 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

Pros: "great price, corners great, hard top convertible"

Cons: "A few small issues (see review)"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

Waiting to be driven...

"This car is quick and handles well right out of the box. I have the Touring trim with a Power Hard Top and use it as a daily driver. Due to California weather, I am able to drive top down nearly year round, which is a huge benefit for convertible owners. In addition, it's our preferred road trip car of choice (at least until we have kids) because you can put the top down without compromising trunk space. The only issues I have had so far are as follows: 1. Rattling behind radio due to unsecured satellite radio wire, which would resonate as RPMs increased - fixed under warranty 2. A couple of other minor rattles - found by my Mazda dealer and fixed under warranty 3. Significant brake dust and squealing from OEM brake pads - I replaced the brakes early at 20k miles with ceramic pads and haven't had this issue again since 4. Rear struts are currently seeping - this is a disappointing issue because they shouldn't be showing signs of failure this early and the car is just a couple of months outside of warranty. I am going to contact the dealer soon to see if a goodwill fix can be made even though the car is out of warranty. 5. It's really hard to avoid swirl marks on black paint. 6. The interior door panels above the armrests show scuffs easily, but a quick rub with a damp towel removes them. When I think about the British roadsters the Miata was modeled after and all the problems they have, these issues seem pretty minor. For the price and the amount of fun that can be had with this car, you can tell why it's a well respected car by enthusiasts."

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love it, love it

By jojo (AR) on Tuesday, May 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 31,000

Pros: "My 10 ratings in all categories says it all"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We bought a Miata the first year they came out. Now on my fourth one, a 2008. As long as I have a license (I'm 72) I will drive a Miata."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Nothing to say except GREAT CAR.

By Art (NE) on Wednesday, March 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

Pros: "Price, Fun to drive."

Cons: "None, if you accept the car for what it is."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Everything that you could want in a true roadster without spending over $30,000. Response to asking for power and speed, exact steering, brakes that respond, this roadster has it all. Fun is what this car is all about. Wind in your hair type of fun."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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The Driver's Car.

By DjFlank (CA) on Monday, March 18, 2013

I don't own this car

Pros: "handling, charisma, blast to drive"

Cons: "interior and audio"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Imagine this; Beautiful Southern California weather, minimual afternoon traffic, and a brand new rear wheel drive sports car for under $30,000. Today I got to live that dream in the 2013 Mazda MX-5 club sport. I was greeted by a very nice sales rep who had no problem handing over the keys and coming along for the ride. The club sport puts down its 167 horses thanks to a 4.10 gear ratio and its 6 speed short shift gear box, and boy does it. I was flying through gears with traction control very off, and it just put the power down where you want it. Throttle respnse is amazing and so is the steering. I found myself smiling the whole time until the inevitable stop sign brought me to a stop on the club sports amazing brake system. The car's chassis is very rigid for a convertible, yet feels very light on its feet. I found myself smiling everytime I was presented with a corner, attacking it with ease. The club sport definatly brings out driver confidence, and definatly makes you want to go out and drive. For a car that has low profile tires you would expect a harsh ride, but mazda has found a very nice medium between sporty and comfort. With the top up there isn't too much road noise, and sitting that low to the ground you do feel like you are driving around in a massive go-kart. Overall I was very satisfied with the MX-5 Club sport. The interior was on the lacking side as the seats only sort of held you in place, and the radio felt like an aftermarket from the 90's. I also didn't care too much for the lack of quality in the plastics but for under 30k I know not to demand Grass-fed-pampered cows hand stiched to perfection, but it would be nice if you are going to slap a club sport badge and give it sporty persona you should make the driver feel more like they are a part of the expierience and image that you market. Interior aside It felt like this car would be a great weekend warrior on the track, or on your favorite mountain roads. This is the perfect car for anybody, and I mean anybody. You don't need to be a professional to control this car, though it makes the driver feel as such. The overall feel of the car makes it have that charisma... the cheap and cheerful car that makes you smile. The car seduces you into a trance that makes you just smile, and as onlookers take a second glance, you feel like you are the big shot who knows what a car should be. Withen the short time i had with this car I felt as if there was hope in this world of electronics, and dual clutch automatics that make you feel more like you are playing a game rather than driving. I would recomend this car to anyone who still belives in the driver car, a person who likes there cars light on the feet, tight proper manual gear box, and drive wheels at the back. The club spec MX-5 really puts the driver back in the car."

6 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Inexpensive to run for long term fun

By Triode (CA) on Saturday, January 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

Pros: "Fun to drive, reliable, inexpensive, Classic look"

Cons: "Noisy, body roll."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"If you believe "Less is more", you should test drive one of this! Miatas are light, nimble, fun, easy to run in the long run,and surprisingly inexpensive to insure (due to majority of the owners are in their 35+). Simple old school design (no turbo, supercharger, direct port injections.....) Nothing different than a 20+ years old super reliable Japanese car from Honda and Toyota in term of maintenance costs. Timeless and classic look make this roadster ---one of the bargain in auto industry. BRZ / FRS maybe more technology advances in these days. But I think it's not going to be as inexpensive to insure and maintain in the long run than the Miata. Not to mention, PRHT makes it even more special in its class. Of course, it's even close to perfect, it noisy at highway speed with the top up. NC needs at least an upgrade RX8 sway bars to kill the unacceptable body roll for daily driving. (Just a $200 fix normally including labor)"

13 people out of 15 found this review helpful

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More fun than any other car I've ever driven.

By Broomhilda (HI) on Monday, December 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 180,000

Pros: "Zoom zoom."

Cons: "Big vehicles tend to back into you."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Marvin is a '97 sport model I bought in July, 2000, with 10,000 miles on the odometer and in near-perfect shape. He's taken me on a 15,000 mile trip around the continental US with a side trip to Baja and gets me home up the mountain nightly. He's been towed exactly twice in 10 years with the only major repair being head gasket replacement a few years ago. I'm 62 and plan to drive him till I die since it doesn't look like he is ever going to. He gets a new roof and paint job next week - bumble bee yellow with black stripes for visibility. The only down side is my bad knees; getting out sometimes feels like climbing out of a well."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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