yeah that's the one thing I don't miss about the Miata, it was not a car I could sit in for more than one hour. I could feel every seam in the highway asphalt, one after the other, after the other. And with the top up the drone of the exhaust got old fast. And that clickity clacking lifter tap that the guy next to you at red light could hear drove me bonkers. The newer Miatas have addressed allot of these things but you will pay for it.
For short drives and track/autocross its as much fun as you can have short of shifter kart. But the Boxster is a much better convergence of a fun car for track/autocross and one you can actually take for a long drive.

I had a 90 from 94-00, and then I had a 99 from 03-06. I liked the feel of the 90 better than the 99, although the 99 was more refined. Bought my 04 S about 5 months ago, and I am having a great time.

I've owned a Miata since 1991. My current Miata is a Mega-Monster V8 with a KB supercharger. It is for sale if anyone wants 430HP and 461TQ. I'm getting too old to handle it, 67 in August.

Tom

Yep, I had one just before the box. It was a 2001 LS....nice car. The new one is way better than the previous car. Still of course no match for a boxster, but very competitive with everything else, including, I think, the S2000.


Just one man's opinion.


bob
2004 S

I never bought a Miata and never had the inclination to do so. I did park cars like 12 yearsa ago and I will admit that the original miatas were very well designed and balanced cars that shifted perfectly and drove really nice. The only thing was that it never had the wow factor for me to go out of my way to buy one. Plus people can say what they want about percieved chick cars. The Miata had been labeled a chick car from the beginning and the stereotype seems to be true in south florida.

In the past 12 years I leased a Jetta, a Passat and then got a Saturn Ion when hard times hit as I was laid off in 2001. Thankfully I got back on my feet and the Boxster's market value dropped substantially and I decided it was time to go after the car that I wanted from the first day I saw it in the car mags.

People can say what they want about the Box. I bought the Boxster for several reasons. I always preferred the shape of the Porsche 550 Spyder over the 356, 911,944,968,928 and 914. That to me was the coolest Porshe and the Boxster was a modern day version of the 550 Spyder.

I think the only thing that I will do is upgrade the engine to a 3.4 liter engine when my warranty expires so I can turn her into a 911 killer.

This is my first post and this is a good thread to start in!
I've had a supercharged '92 Miata for 7 years and loved it. The only time anyone said anything about the chick car thing was a teenager in a clapped out '85 Tempo. I didn't listen (obviously). I figured the car was for me and not others so it doesn't matter. Besides, out in the twisties my lowered 155hp (stock was about 95 in that year) could outrun almost anyone. I did everything from the S/C (8 lbs.)to the clutch, full suspension big brakes etc. myself, and the whole club thing up through president (never again).
Forward to now and after years of the kidney crushing ride I sold my baby and bought a pristine 01 986S. It is Biarritz White on Blue.
All I can say at this time is WOW I should have done this years ago, although the prices are sure different in the Porsche world. All I have done so far is totally de-amber it, and ordered the matching bumperettes, but give me a break - I've only had it 4 days!
I am sure I will miss the Miata for a while, but after driving the Box I am pretty sure I will miss it less than I thought.
Gotta love this car.
Kevin
:cheers:

That whole "feeling the road" thing is exactly the reason I'm going to go back to Mazda. I just don't feel like I'm connected when I drive the box. The power is a nice perk, and I do like the looks of the box, probably not better than the 1st gen Miatas, but Boxsters are pretty. At the end of the day, it feels like driving a luxury sedan, which is not the experience I'm looking for out of my convertible.

I like to be able to tell where the paint is on the road by feel.

We had a 94 R for years...it was a fun ride. Now that we have the 02 S we never drive it. I need to get it sold. It is night and day different.

Dude you had nice car that was hardly just a miata. A guy who owned the gym I worked out at years ago had a yellow Miata that he turned into a monster with engine and performance upgrades. That miata definately turned heads and could outrun just about anything simlar to your miata. The way that car looked and performed was totally superior to a plain miata. Both your miata and his miata were definately not chick cars. At the end of the day we buy cars that we like and like to drive regardless of how people percieve it or us. My statement was just an observation for the most part for south florida. No harm was meant.

I'll get another miata soon :D

I've owned six miatas! Originally an unmolested 99 followed by a 2001 BRG Special Edition (which my dad now owns) followed by a 90 SSB race car followed by a s/c 99 time trial beast that could turn 1:40s at Road Atlanta (247whp, 2078lbs, trick everything). Then I bought the 90 SSB back from the guy I sold it to (counting that car twice) and finally a 90 Spec Miata.

I hade a 1996 triple black Miata, bought used. Nice fun car but I kinda felt like I was a "bobblehead" driving it. Really small car and all the more noticeable on the freeway with the top down and being passed by transports. Boxster feels waay more substantial.

Old Post stumbled across...
 

Funny. Just came across this post. I owned 4 Miata prior to the Boxster including a 2004 Mazdaspeed Turbo. Great cars. I like the boxster better even if it isn't as quick as my modified MSM. Interesting to see how many others made the same upgrade to the Porsche.

Miatas and MGs
 

I've owned 3 miatas (94,2001,2004 Mazdaspeed). Of the 3, I liked the 94 the best. I grew up a fan of British roadsters and Alfa Romeos (I still have an MGB, a Spitfire and a Jensen-Healey). I think my 2006 Boxster S is more like the British and Italian cars, and that is one reason I like it a lot more than any of the Miatas. Even though Mazda tried to emulate an MG or something like that, I don't think they really got it - just my opinion. To me, the Boxster is a like a car that was designed by someone from 60's but with all the new technology used in just the right way.

My user name is actually Miata spelled backwards. ;) I currently have three Miatas and one 2000 Boxster S. One Miata is track only, but is still street legal, one is tubro'd and one is a parts car for the track car.

I've auto'xed both and its night and day between them. Boxster is like riding in a well behaved sports car where as the Miata is like a gocart on steriods or HGH. Race, well thats easy, the Miata. I'm too cheap to race the Boxster as often as I race the Miata.

If I had to choose which one to drive, if was longer than 2 hours, the Boxster, less than two hours and wanted to "hang it out" the turbo Miata.

Missed My M Edition
 

I had a 96 M Edition Miata for 11 years, before I sold it to my sister. Then of course she moved from San Jose, CA to Maryland and took it with her. The M Edition was Starlight Mica (a dark blue that changed hues slightly under different lighting) with a tan top and interior. I got my 08' Box S in Midnight Blue Metallic with a beige interior and a black top. With the top down it does resemble the Miata (as my relatives notice).

As much as I loved the Miata, the power, handling and solidity of the Box is just amazing. :)

Still someday I might get another Miata (though IMHO the 2nd and 3rd generation Miatas have lost some of the personality of the 1st gen).

I had a 1990 Miata when I was in college. I kept it a couple of years and got sick of it and sold it.

I test drove a new '07 MX5 when I tried a number of cars, including the '01 Boxster I eventually bought.

The Miata just felt like a little tin can compared to the Boxster. I said to myself, for what they're charging for this I can get that good used Boxster.

End of thought process, bought the Box...

Our forum RKwei has an amazing little Miata. I will see if I can get him to post pix.

He swapped engines, put on a Turbo charger and the like.

It is quite the Rocket ship.

I owned one...for my wife...yeah that's it, for my wife.
My opinion of the car:
Resale value: absolutely awesome
Mechanical reliability: one of the best cars ever built
Fun to drive...until I sat my ass in a Porsche
Now, I really have to stay away from those Lambos

In my quest for the perfect roadster - I had originally intended to go with the current gen Miata (MX-5?). Had an absolute blast test driving a couple around the auto-malls in town and not only enjoyed the way it drove, but it had a great exhaust note too (sub 3,500 RPM - better than my box). However - when taking it on the highway, the size freaked me out - especially when pulling beside Hummers & F-150s. Also as a daily driver (which mine is) - the lack of trunk space was a real put off.

An '02 base boxter showed up on an Acura's used lot next door and on a whim - took my first drive behind the wheel. The highway stability and speed was in a totally different class and the car seemed to predict my thoughts on where I wanted it to move. That was it.....love! The obsession began and I'm glad for it.

Miata is a obviously a great car with heaps of accolades to show for it ... just not everyone's cup of tea depending on their driving needs.

I looked at a Miata last year before going with my Boxster. It seemed like a fun little car, but the trunk space was a major drawback since the car is my daily driver.

Plus, for some reason whenever I think of a Miata I think of my old soccer coach, I don't know why.

I know this is an old thread but I just got around to reading it.

Before getting my '03 S, I've owned 3 Miata & still have my latest one. I had a '97 STO that I totaled at a track event; a '91 POS that was supposed to be converted into a racecar but never did; & a '95 M-Edition that I still own & is my dedicated track car.

I've modded the '95M extensively & has an FMII turbo system in it. Of course, it has modded suspension, etc. The car makes 220 rwhp & weighs less than 2600# with driver. It isn't very refined but it is faster than my Boxster & will run circles around any stock 986 on the track. There are many great things about the Miata including: 1) low maintenance costs & 2) less expensive car (I purchased this Miata 6 years ago for less than $7k). This way, if I ruin the Miata on the track, I won't be out that much $$$.

But I think I've got the best of both worlds -- Boxster S for daily driving & stupid-fast Miata for the track.

I had a used '99 miata as a second car for a few years. Fun to drive. Absolutely no maintanence except for an oil change. However, the car was loud, it was very difficult to hear the car stereo when the top was down, the AC did not run cold (expecially when stopped) and the car skidded when the road was wet.
I never felt really safe in the car, especially when driving on the highway next to a tractor trailer.

The Boxster is a completely different ride. The car is much more stable, never skids during a rain, my AC runs very cold (big issue in Tampa) and with my rear speakers, the sound is more than adequate with the top down. Also, I feel proud when driving my Boxster. Never felt that way in the Miata.

Eric

Own a Miata before getting a Box? Nope. I went from 1994 Honda Civic (no lie) to my '01 Box. I also have a 1960 MGA so I'm beginning to think I have some sort of aversion to having a roof over my head when I drive. ;)

96 M edition
 

I had a 96 M edition Miata. I loved that car, my sister talked me into selling it to her last year. Then she moved to Maryland (from California) and took it with her so I can't even visit the when I want to. I missed it so much that I ordered my 08 Box with the Midnight Blue Metallic exterior and beige interior, very similar to the Starlight Mica/beige combination on the Miata.

The Miata was a blast to drive. Though it had less power than the Box and so one needs to downshift more, the gearshift on the Miata was so nice to use. The Box shifter is not quite as precise or easy to shift as the Miata 5-speed. Did not care much for the 2nd gen Miata and even less the 3rd generation. Things like the chrome door handles on the 1 gen gave it a retro touch that set it apart from contemporary cars.

I currently own a 2008 987S and a 1995 Miata. The Miata is a great tossable sports car with a timeless design and is soooo affordable. The Boxster just does everything so well that it spoils you for almost anything else, but I can't part with the Miata as it is just too good a car to give away at its current value. Plus they are both in matching red with a tan leather interior.
vincesf

I just got my 2008 Boxster last week. Before that I had been driving my '92 Miata for 16 years.

I test drove a 2008 Miata and right after that I drove a 2008 Boxster (the dealers were less than a mile apart). For me there was no comparison. I really love the original Miatas (or I wouldn't have kept mine for 16) years, but I like the Boxster a whole lot more.

I owned a 1990 Miata. bought it with 50k miles - and crashed/totaled it with about 90k on it.

Now have a 2000 Base Boxster with M030 and 18s.

I had the miata quite a few years ago - but loved it. My miata was modded with intake/headers/exhaust/illuminas/springs/sway bars - it was a really fun car - but honestly, I think the boxster is a better car.

the miata was bulletproof. I had NO problems with it. NONE. I did basic maintenance - but NEVER had anything break.

bang for the buck the miata is a great car - but if I could have only one - it would be the boxser all the way.

no one calls my Boxster a chick car. all the guys at work are jealous. :)

I had a delSlo also. It was a great car. With the removable roof that did not compromise trunk space and the roll down rear window it was a true Targa. It got great fuel economy and was a hoot to drive. But the problem with it as a race car was the chassis. Without a roof the car was just too flexible to be a great handling car. You made the right decision. Putting stiff springs and bars on the car would have made it a cowl shake king.

I've enjoyed reading the responses regarding the Miatas. I've driven them, as many friends owned them, but I never had one personally. My brother-in-law is on his second and it's a really neat car. Having two kids, my weekend car has always been a 911 variant due to the two rear seats. Now that my kids are both in their teens, I finally got my Box S a few years back to go along with my 911.

I wanted an open air sports car for my 50th BD and it had to be a Porsche. If I would have had the opportunity earlier on, I may have bought a Miata just to hold me over. Now, many of my friends park their Porsches and have bought spec Miatas for the track. They handle great, though underpowered, but a blast to drive. And you don't have to worry about a $20k + engine rebuild!

BTW, my son started to AX the Box this year...what a blast to watch.

I have a 05 Boxster S for my street car and a modified 1991 Turbo Miata for DE track days. The Miata is street legal and I always have a smile on my face when I am driving it. Its not unusual for me to wonder while I am driving the Miata why I even own the Boxster. Then I drive the Boxster and I am immediately reminded. They are both fantastic in their own right!

Miata ownership
 

Count me as a prior Miata owner. I had a '97, the last year they had the retractable headlights (I don't like the new design).

Great car, low maintenance costs and fun to drive. I traded it for my second Porsche (a cherry 944).

Comparing the two cars (Miata v. Box) is an apples/oranges thing to me. Personally, while I love my Boxster, the one advantage of the Miata was that I didn't worry so much about it. If I didn't wash it one week or went an extra few miles between oil changes, no problem, the thing was bullet proof. With the Box, I worry too much ("is that burning I smell.....?).

I bought my '99 Miata a day after the test drive. The little bit of extra room created with the new model was just enough to make it comfy for me. I really loved that car. Sold it when I got my 2005 Boxster S last summer. If I'd had a 3 car garage, I would have kept it forever.

Mike

I have owned a number of Miatas and truly appreciate the car. It is a fantastic platform for serious suspension upgrades. My recent 01' was fitted with Tein coilovers and other bits to make it feel like it was on rails. The gearbox is so easy to shift that I have never found anything comparable. Even my S2000 didn't equal the gearbox of the Miata.

I just purchased my 01' Boxster S and it's in another class. I previously owned an 88' 911, which I truly loved and now I'm back to Porsche again. I am looking forward to many years of ear-to-ear grins with my new ride. :)

Quick, you should have some insight on my auto purchasing dilemma, having owned all 3 cars I'm considering. How was the S2000 to live with on a daily basis? I've driven it, the Boxster, and Miata. The lack of low end power is annoying w/ the S2, but the shifter is great, and it's at least $5,000 cheaper than a Porsche. I like the Boxster best, but am worried about maint. costs (and IMS failure!), and the fact that I can only afford a $25k purchase price right now, which means an older/higher milage car and more service issues. The Miata is OK, but didn't excite me like the other 2 options. Thoughts?
Thanks,
Steve

"How was the S2000 to live with on a daily basis?"

Steve:

The lack of torque at low RPMs was always a detractor. If you drove it like you just stole it, the car was great and alot of fun. It's not fun missing the 1-2 or 2-3 shift at redline which happened occasionally for me. I always thought that the differential ratio was not the best for a six-speed. Also the 4-5 synchro in the tranny started to get balky at around 12k miles...weird. I think the S2k engine is nearly bullet-proof.

The value of all three used cars is excellent provided they are well maintained.

Does the Honda have a rev. limiter? I thought it could use a lower first gear for "stoplight performance", of course that would make 1st unusable other than starts. Is it possible to find a good condition, reliable Boxter for under $25K?

If you are able to look hard and be patient you should be able to find a 987 Boxster for around $25k in this market.

Yeah, I guess It'll just take allot of legwork. Pricing is crazy, I've seen seemingly identicle '03 S models, one listed at $35K, the other at $25K!