how many of you guys owned miata before graduating to boxster?

[pcar-yvr]

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.

[rick3000]

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.

[sonny200]

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.

[E Kaplan]

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