Oppo Confession: I don't like Miatas.

"Team6.1" (Tagsrover) 03/24/2014 at 10:38 • Filed to: None

17

100

I'm not saying they are bad cars. I'm just saying I don't like them, and they are way overhyped. Can we stop pretending like it's the greatest thing with 4 wheels?

And no I'm not trolling. Yes I have driven several. I just can't think of any situation where Miata would be my answer. There are way better cars out there.

Surely I'm not alone? Or is everyone drinking the kool-aid?

spanfucker retire bitch > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:39

5

Preach! I don't hate the vehicles, but I would never, ever, ever own one.

Frosted > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:39

5

You just aren't living the Miata life.

TBH, I only like the older ones. Cause you can have pop up headlights. And nothing is better than popup headlights.

Cherry_man1 > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:40

1

I am right there with you I agree 150%

RacecaR > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:40

4

Tim, don't look at the camera! You aren't supposed to break the 4th wall!!

Travis Okulski > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:42

30

It's ok, we just have to ban you from Jalopnik forever, that's all.

Brian Silvestro > Frosted 03/24/2014 at 10:42

1

Crocket Bernet > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:43

0

You are forever alone.

crowmolly > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:44

1

For people looking for a specific type of driving and ownership experience they are a great fit. I look for something different in a "fun" car but I can at least see the appeal.

Frosted > Brian Silvestro 03/24/2014 at 10:44

0

I should save that GIF for future use.

ncasolowork2 > Travis Okulski 03/24/2014 at 10:44

0

I wasn't sure a person such as this could exist. Clearly they have some sort of birth defect.

On a related note one of my good friends owns a Miata and just purchased a second one. Now he's going to throw all kinds of performance parts on the older one.

Brian Silvestro > Frosted 03/24/2014 at 10:45

1

Trust me when I say it's the most useful gif ever.

burglar can't heart click anything > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:47

1

Oh sure, next you'll try and tell us diesel manual wagons are stupid.

I personally love the light, inexpensive rwd roadster but I'm slightly above the max size for a comfortable fit in the first two gens. I feel like I have to look over the windshield, not through it.

dinobot666 > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:50

1

I don't like supercars either. Not one tiny bit.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:51

2

I'm mostly with you. I don't dislike them, but I really hate that they have become the be-all-end-all around here. Yes they are cheap RWD fun, but the chassis are about as rigid as overcooked pasta, impossible to heel-toe with the pedal placement, the models with power steering have zero feel, and the hydraulic valve lifters are just garbage.

dogisbadob > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:51

0

ooooo racing tires with white letters!!!!!!!!!! Too bad they don't offer them on tires available to the public :(

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:51

4

Way better cars for what? Please define, because obviously you have different criteria for choosing an automobile.

There is no pretending. The Miata IS one of the greatest cars ever. If you want a car that handles very well without major modification, is cheap to own, run, repair, and modify, and is seriously fun to drive, while being quite reliable, and quite fuel efficient, you can't really do much better.

Are there cars more capable at specific tasks? Yes.

Are there cars that are cheaper? Yes?

Are there cars that are more fun? Yes, but "fun" is entirely subjective, so that's not an argument in favor for or against anything.

No one has decreed that you must like them. Well, maybe Travis, but he's weird. But, they are a truly great car, and worthy of the hype.

drdude > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:51

1

Could you name another tiny RWD sports car that I could buy for under $3000, find parts for easily, be reliable, and beat the crap out of without killing myself?

dogisbadob > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:53

4

Well, you're half right: as awesome as the Miata is, it isn't quite the best car ever made :p

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:55

2

I guess it all depends on where you live and stuff like that, for me the MX-5 is pretty much the ultimate driving machine/toy, Light, nimble, fun even at low speed and cheap :) But if you live somewhere with long straight roads I guess it's a pretty bland car.

Team6.1 > crowmolly 03/24/2014 at 10:57

0

This. It doesn't fit my requirements for a "fun" car, and it doesn't have much practicality as a daily driver or a family car or a utility vehicle, so it just isn't for me.

KSEGGFTW > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:57

2

Kool-Aid gives me the trots.

Miata's. Crown Vic's. Wagons.

All overrated.

SolamenteDave > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:57

1

Flat Six > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 10:58

3

You don't like Miatas, because you LOVE them. You are just in denial.

Milky > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 11:02

4

Says the Mustang guy (team 5.0)

Iheartmy365kHonda - Car enthusiasts do like FWD > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 11:06

0

Give me the damn Miata before those sledgehammers come back on you and your family!

Team6.1 > Milky 03/24/2014 at 11:14

0

I'm not saying Mustang is the be all end all car either. I'm just saying I think a shit load of horsepower is a lot more fun

pfftballer > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 11:15

0

Go fuck yourself. That is all.

Team6.1 > Frosted 03/24/2014 at 11:16

2

Porsche 928, NSX, Mercury Cougar. There are better pop up headlights albeit not as cheap. And I'm not buying a car for the headlights.

Ry-bones, FiST pilot > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 11:17

0

You are allowed to not like something that is good. I know people who don't care for a good Bourbon, doesn't mean they are bad people, but they are wrong.

Team6.1 > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 03/24/2014 at 11:18

1

Las Vegas. We're not Kansas, but we can give long and straight a shot for it's money

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 11:21

0

In that case I fully understand :)

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 11:21

1

There's a stanced miata a few streets away from me that I see everyday, so now when i think miata I think de-beaded tires (yes his tires really have de-beaded numerous times you can tell which one went last since he spray paints NITTO on each one and the new one hasnt been done yet) and scraping over speed bumps slower than walking pace.

Milky > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 11:22

6

but really some people ( a lot here) rather go slower and feel more.

Miata drivers be like:

(I like gifs)

Team6.1 > KSEGGFTW 03/24/2014 at 11:23

1

Eh, wagons have p racticallity at least. But can we add stealers to this list haha. Maybe that can be a shit storm for another day

Team6.1 > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. 03/24/2014 at 11:27

0

I would drive a super stanced mega camber ground scraper Miata just to poss people off. That'd be pretty sweet haha

B_dol > Milky 03/24/2014 at 11:28

1

I applaud the cars agility and driving experience, however I could never get used to the looks. Hence why I own an FR-S

Team6.1 > Travis Okulski 03/24/2014 at 11:29

0

Awww :-( I just said I didn't like them, not that I'd rather walk barefoot over broken glass and hot coals than drive one.

RacecaR > dogisbadob 03/24/2014 at 11:30

1

I daily drive a '96 Camry. Every once in awhile, over about the past 10 years, I have stumbled upon this image. Every time I see it, I want to turn my daily driver into a touring car.

Frank Grimes > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 11:31

1

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 11:32

1

Depends how bad you wana go with it, I'd imagine you'd go through a lot of underwear when tires debead almost weekly. Luckily this guy only poses on low speed streets otherwise there'd be a miata shaped dent in a tree somewhere haha.

therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 11:40

0

I agree that there are better cars out there, But if you're going to say Muscle cars are the best, then go die in a hole. (I Only Like 1st Gen Miatas With Pop-Up Headlights)

Slave2anMG > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 11:41

0

therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) > KSEGGFTW 03/24/2014 at 11:42

0

Wagon's are not overrated in my opinion, they are practical, they can be sporty (Volvo V60 Polestar), and they are more Fuel Efficient than SUVs

Team6.1 > drdude 03/24/2014 at 11:46

1

Fox body mustangs and/or 240sx

Team6.1 > therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) 03/24/2014 at 11:48

0

I never said muscle cars were the best. I think they look and sound better, obviously handle worst. And I'd rather have one over a miata

dogisbadob > RacecaR 03/24/2014 at 11:49

0

Nice! I have an ES300 :)

Orange Exige > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 03/24/2014 at 11:56

1

Really?
I found my NA to be far easier to heel-toe than my AW11.
I don't think I even could with my 2 in fact. The Miata's pedals are much closer together - maybe I just prefer it because I have small feet...

t_s > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 11:57

4

I applaud your courage sir. I recently made my indifference to the E30 M3 public., 'twas not a popular opinion... With regards to the MX-5, I test drove one when shopping around for my latest DD and was massively underwhelmed. Ended up with an S2000.

tromoly > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 11:59

0

I agree. Let me explain.

My daily driving habits would make more sense to have a Mazda 3 / Ford Focus for carrying some things like bicycles, and for bigger loads (and bicycles) possibly a Ford Ranger. The Miata is just too small for my needs.

And for "spirited" driving, well, I do not believe "spirited" driving should be performed on public roads. For this reason, I do not see the purpose of having a car that double-dips in both street and racing setups, by doing that there is a compromise in both and neither is fully optimized. For a dedicated track car I would not build a Miata, personally I am a huge Trans-Am fan and have always wanted to take a mid-size sedan from the late-60's and road race-ify it.

TL;DR, the Miata does not fit anywhere in my requirements for street or track driving.

chromecarz00 > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 11:59

0

Long and straight you say? I feel like there's a joke there waiting to happen...

Orange Exige > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 12:02

0

In my situation honestly, there's very few cars that can even come close to Miata.

Super cheap and small, RWD, super fun to drive.

I can totally understand it not being for everyone though. If it were a fastback coupe, it'd be up there with the Exige as one of my favorite cars ever. But I mean, who am I kidding? It still is - it could just be made a little more perfect.

avens > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 12:23

0

Subjectively Miatas just aren't for me, nor for Chris Harris.

Now objectively, a standard Miata isn't a really nice car in any aspect. That's why in the end Miata owners (all of them) are always justifying themselves for their purchase -or plainly using excuses- and are stuck into the modification loop.

avens > avens 03/24/2014 at 12:24

0

Remember that if you dislike that opinion that means disliking Harris, jalop's baby jesus.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 12:27

1

There are some of us as well who simply:

Do.

Not.

Fit.

In a Miata.

For the rest of us, we can have Boxster Ss. Remember kids, bonus points for being mid-engined.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Orange Exige 03/24/2014 at 12:38

1

I've always found the MR2 to be easier to heel toe, though it's not great either. Both cars really need some kind of throttle pedal extension to make it easier.

J "oppo" Zeke > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 12:41

1

Chris Harris agrees with you, so it's not a unique position.

Having owned a few Miatas, I disagree but that's also because I don't have money for Ferraris, or roads to enjoy muscle cars.

Cherry_man1 > Milky 03/24/2014 at 12:57

0

I got your Feels right here. BOSS 302 Laguna Seca

Team6.1 > t_s 03/24/2014 at 13:06

2

Discussing this post with a buddy not on Oppo earlier, he had the opinion of "Miata, wish you had an S2000"

Team6.1 > tromoly 03/24/2014 at 13:09

1

Very well put. The Miata isn't enough for me on tracks, and it isn't enough for me on the street. I'm lucky enough to own more than 1 vehicle. But even if I was forced to compromise i wouldn't get a miata. I feel 240sx or a fox body would be equally cheap with just as many parts. And if light weight nimble was the end all be all I'd lean towards a Datsun 510 or 240/260/280

drdude > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 13:11

1

except the fox body mustang weighs too much and handles like shit... and the same could be said for the 240, except it has even less power.

Seriously, a 3rdgen camaro could work... but even then its HUGE compared to the miata. Im looking for something like:

a Triumph Spitfire, but reliable.
Lotus Elise, but cheap.
Boxster, but cheaper to maintain

Etc...

t_s > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 13:13

1

The Miata is probably more accessible entertainment (early versions of the S2K could be a bit snappy), but after having tested the S2000, even the top 2.0 Miata felt a bit limp.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 13:16

0

I've never been impressed with them.

Milky > Cherry_man1 03/24/2014 at 13:16

1

Lol, nothing like comparing a 50k car to a 25k car.

Team6.1 > drdude 03/24/2014 at 13:20

2

Ok sure. Miata can be the best "sports car" under $3000

Cherry_man1 > Milky 03/24/2014 at 13:30

0

Ok well here is something in the same range of price for your fancy

Milky > Cherry_man1 03/24/2014 at 13:42

1

Two can play that game sir.

Chatham Harrison dba SPANFELLER DELENDUS EST > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 13:54

0

Hey, I don't like Camaros. Everyone has their quirks.

ihbase > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 14:15

0

You rank Cougar above Miata?

DieHardDan > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 14:22

0

I'm 100% with you. I can see the merits of the car when it comes to auto-X, not actual track driving. Maybe if you wanted something easy to park and good fuel economy? The car never appealed to me in any way. I have always liked cars with more power. I do remember when I had under powered cars how much fun I had rowing through the gears, but I just wouldn't take that over a nice wide torque curve. "Its nimble and quick." Again I know it handles well but it just doesn't excite.

Cherry_man1 > Milky 03/24/2014 at 14:48

0

And I call. Your Move.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 15:11

0

I think they are awesome! They are cheap(and so are their parts!) like a 240sx but without the whole stupid teenager stigma deal around them!

smokinstack11 > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 15:17

0

For some reason, people have suddenly decided that fun cars have to be RWD, and that's just not the case. At Miata power levels, you can't even tell the difference.

I think that the 90s Civics are a better performance deal than Miatas. They are easier to find; a good condition Civic will run you much, much less than a similar condition Miata. You can make some pretty crazy Honda builds because so many of their blocks and heads are interchangeable.

I replaced my NB with a FWD car and I couldn't be happier. Nobody believes me when I say that it handles better because a Miata is obviously the pinnacle of performance.

Sunray09 > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 15:47

0

Put an LT-1 in or 5.0 and then drive it without a smile on your face...if you can

captainnobody223 > Frosted 03/24/2014 at 16:08

0

By "miata life" I assume you're referring to a floral shirt and a man-purse.

thegregorius > tromoly 03/24/2014 at 16:32

1

The thing is that with a small roadster, it is possible to drive in an enjoyable manner in relatively safe speeds. As many others here have said, it depends on the roads where you are living. I'm from northern Europe, and the typical countryside road here is as twisty as any racetrack. You can drive for hours, never exceeding 80 kph (something like 50 mph, I would think), and have more fun than you would with a muscle car at a racetrack simply from the cornering capabilities and the sense of speed that you're getting from the car.
This summer, I'm driving to northern Italy with my girlfriend. Seriously cannot wait, and can hardly imagine a car I would rather do so in than the Miata.

Slighty_Less_Cooler_190e > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 03/24/2014 at 16:32

0

Everything you listed can be fixed for under $1000 if money if you go for expensive parts.

blendermassacre86 > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 16:32

0

Being 6'5" and...not slim... the answer is very rarely Miata, unless the question is: "what car did I attempt and fail at getting into, today?"

thegregorius > Chatham Harrison dba SPANFELLER DELENDUS EST 03/24/2014 at 16:37

0

To be honest, though, not liking Camaros would simply qualify you as being mentally healthy.

SantaRita > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 16:51

0

now you're catching on. my brothers bought one, hooned it for a week, landed it in a ditch and sold it for a profit. the cars are big fun for little money.

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > Cherry_man1 03/24/2014 at 17:01

0

You. Kill. Game over.

dansell > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 17:19

0

I would have to agree. I've driven Miatas but the design just don't move me. Maybe if it had a ton of power it would have left a lasting impression.

russkunkel > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 17:30

1

A Fucking Men

All this Miata fan boy shit has got to stop.

tromoly > thegregorius 03/24/2014 at 18:37

0

But therein lies the reasoning for why I do not like the Miata, when I'm driving on the road I do not wish to drive in a way that "feels" like a racetrack, when on everyday roads I'm not looking for a thrill. I am all for enjoying the drive, and I can say that certain vehicles are more fun to drive than others, I just don't agree with testing the cornering capabilities of a car on an open road, even if that can happen at legal speeds.

The most fun I've had driving was in my '69 AMC Rambler, driving down a country road at night, no radio or A/C, windows down and arm hanging out the window with cool temperatures. It wasn't the road that made it fun, it wasn't driving fast (I actually drove 35mph in a 55 most the way....), it wasn't cornering performance, it was the joy of the cool night air, behind the wheel with zero distractions, having a bonding moment with a car, for lack of better words, while simply cruising along the road.

scourtaud > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 19:14

1

I'm soooo with you on this one, I even asked what the deal was with the miata a few months back.

It might be the car I'd recommend my mom if she wanted a small two seater convertible because its low on power but I'd rather walk than drive one.

For some reason there seems to be a following on jalopnok and other sites but I sometime wonder if its not a money thing, praising the best sparkling wine because its cheaper than champagne. I can't aprove of this and don't undestand it.

scourtaud > drdude 03/24/2014 at 19:16

0

The fact that its cheap and RWD doesn't make it a good car or an interesting car, just a cheap RWD car.... And I'm sorry but when did that become a "sports car".

scourtaud > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 03/24/2014 at 19:18

0

I live in geneva, Switzerland. This is the land of the alps and the curvy road. Miata has not market here and you barely see one a month, even in the summer.

miatavsmr2 > drdude 03/24/2014 at 19:24

0

Any gen mr2, and they're cheaper and easier to find in good condition for than an equivalent year Miata. At least in Los Angeles.

Team6.1 > scourtaud 03/24/2014 at 19:42

1

As one of my facebook friends said about this post "I named my first dog after a Miata (mini poodle), although I changed the T to a D. I was 15. I think this should only validate your argument. Dream car of a 15-year-old girl"

Cherry_man1 > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 03/24/2014 at 20:08

0

What was that?

Greg Gorn > Team6.1 03/24/2014 at 21:27

1

old corvette. They are under 5.

Scryed > spanfucker retire bitch 03/24/2014 at 21:53

0

I agree, only reason why I can't stand them is because I cannot fit in them comfortably, I am 6' 2" with long legs so its a no go with the Miata, my neighbor has one that is turbo and he had me drive it once because he had too much to drink one night and it was impossible for me to even heel toe with the seat all the way back, then I drove my other neighbors S2000, had no issues fitting in that car so my answer to everything now is Honda S2000 cause I can actually fit in it.

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > Cherry_man1 03/25/2014 at 00:06

0

Le Mans? Good luck driving through snow.

Cherry_man1 > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 03/25/2014 at 00:20

0

Ok I got that covered

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > Cherry_man1 03/25/2014 at 00:28

0

Remember Rally Portugal?

Boxer_4 > RacecaR 03/25/2014 at 00:39

0

Have some more encouragement.

drdude > miatavsmr2 03/25/2014 at 08:09

0

I wish. I love the MR2, but they're very rare on the east coast.... but good idea on the car. Parts are still around, its just finding a decent one thats a problem.

drdude > scourtaud 03/25/2014 at 08:11

0

Nothing is a sports car until you drive it as such. that said... uhh.. cheap, RWD and fun is what makes it a sports car.

scourtaud > drdude 03/25/2014 at 08:54

0

What has cheap to do with anything?

Its only an argument when you're looking for a cheap car, not for a sports car.

drdude > scourtaud 03/25/2014 at 09:01

0

obviously you dont race on a budget.

scourtaud > drdude 03/25/2014 at 09:20

0

I don't. But you can't use cheap as your best argument to justify this car for everyone and everything.

Its good or its not but that has nothing to do with cheapness.