Think I might have to sell the Miata

"Viggen" (viggen37)
05/30/2016 at 15:29 • Filed to: None

Yes, the Miata that I’ve only owned for about a month and a half is probably going to have to go. Why? It’s not the car. It’s brilliant and an absolute blast to drive. The problem is me. Through my time in the Army I’ve developed a bad back and it’s only getting worse. Bumps in the road have been murderous. And if they’re bad here, back home in Massachusetts with frost heaves will only be worse. Sure, I could get a softer suspension, but that’ll just defeat the purpose of the car.

DISCUSSION (16)

smobgirl > Viggen
05/30/2016 at 15:36

Absolutely no chance that different seats might help? They seem to make or break vehicles for me more than suspension.

yitznewton > Viggen
05/30/2016 at 16:06

So I see from your earlier post that it’s an NA... wonder if there’s anything on miata.net about good comfortable seats... there’s not exactly a premium of space there to work with though :\

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > Viggen
05/30/2016 at 16:24

You could look into tires: if the pressure’s too high, it can feel like you’re driving on rocks. Alternatively, you can swap them out for a set with bigger sidewalls (by going down a wheel size, or by increasing total diameter), or with softer sidewalls (check user reviews). You’ll lose some initial turn-in bite, but that’s probably not a priority when driving on the street.

Steve in Manhattan > Viggen
05/30/2016 at 16:33

Does a Honda S2000 ride appreciably better? I’ve only driven the NA.

flyingmetalbird > Viggen
05/30/2016 at 16:35

I also have an NA, and my dad who gave it to me had some comfort issues with it. His pain wasn’t back pain it was upper leg pain, not sure if it’s at all similar, but he fitted comfort touring tires in place of the hard summer tired he had. Said it made all the difference

yitznewton > Steve in Manhattan
05/30/2016 at 19:17

If anything I would expect the S to be stiffer, but I haven’t driven a Miata in a while. It’s pretty brutal over bad pavement.

Steve in Manhattan > yitznewton
05/30/2016 at 19:43

If you want a convertible that’s sporty, with decent handling, that doesn’t break your back (or the bank), where do you go?

yitznewton > Steve in Manhattan
05/30/2016 at 20:21

MR2 Spyder sounds like a good fit, as long as you don’t need storage space. #Tradeoffs

Depending on how big the bank is, maybe base C4 or C5 Vette? Not sure about the ride per se, but I would guess the seats are more upmarket. Same with a first-gen Boxster.

Steve in Manhattan > yitznewton
05/30/2016 at 20:24

Drove 2nd gen one ... the one that looked like a tiny Ferrari. Wound up buying a CRX Si. That was in 1991.

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > Viggen
05/30/2016 at 23:38

That’s no good, and Kansas roads (you’re Big Red 1 right?) are reasonably smooth too. But hey, big GT cars are awesome too, and you can find big high horsepower cruisers pretty easily.

BayAreaMiataBoi > Viggen
05/31/2016 at 19:41

OK, try this first: Raise the seatback until you can rest both wrists easily on the wheel. See if the back pain lessens. It surprisingly did for me, soon after I got away from my “more relaxed” seating position. YMMV. . .
Also, get top hats for the rear shox along with bump stops from FatCat Motors to get a less-jarring ride without sacrificing the desired firmness. (I’m not sure, but you may also have to install extended-reach shocks for best results. Sheik at FCM can tell you. . .)

Viggen > yitznewton
05/31/2016 at 20:44

I’d be willing to try a 986 Boxster. It’s in my budget. Maintenance maybe not but I’d give it a shot.

Viggen > flyingmetalbird
05/31/2016 at 20:46

My back pain originates from an out of line pelvis, so I feel it my right upper leg too. I’ve got all seasons on it right now.

Viggen > Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch
05/31/2016 at 20:48

There’s enough rough spots on back roads. 77 isn’t that bad. A GT car would be cool but I’m not sure what’d be available in my budget. XK8? lol

Viggen > smobgirl
05/31/2016 at 20:49

Already had to do seat surgury so I’d fit better.

flyingmetalbird > Viggen
05/31/2016 at 22:26

Oh, I’m sorry man. Seats then maybe?

Best of luck!

Everybody should be able to experience some Miata.