Would you, a fellow DUer, if you had the opportunity

[Pierre.Suave]

Buy a nice new silver 2006 mazda miata? I really want one but am hesitant to part with that much money as this is the first and only car I will have purchased.

Currently, I drive a motorcycle and it is getting too dangerous. I also just graduated from UofM here in Michigan and am on my way to Law School, if any of that info helps.

[wildhorses]

1. not enough information....

will it be paid in full? can you afford the insurance?

[Pierre.Suave]

4. ok

yes and yes.

I did ok in the stock market, and will be selling my bike.

[wildhorses]

6. sounds like you should become the proud new owner

of a silver mazda miata


when ya gonna take me for a spin?

[Pierre.Suave]

7. Well,

when are you coming by?

[Rabrrrrrr]

2. If I could afford it and it's a convertible, I'd buy one a heartbeat.

Sweet, sweet cars!

[LeftyMom]

3. Nope, but I need a mom-mobile, not a flashy car

That said, I don't think buying new is that great an idea. Unless there's some terrific incentive or really great discount buying a few years old is generally a much better deal.

[Pierre.Suave]

5. normally

I would agree with you, used is a better deal.

But, this is the first year of the new miata.

Sale price is about $22,000

[Nicole]

8. Sure

If it was something I wanted & could afford.

[Floogeldy]

9. Never, never, ever buy a new car, unless you have a million in the bank.

And, in that case, pay cash. You may as well take fifteen grand and flush it down the toilet. I don't care why you want that car. It is a total waste of money, work and time.

Find a good used car a couple of years old. You will still have reliable transportation and some "status" (which is apparently important to you).

Honest.

[RedCappedBandit]

10. Did you say miata?

Do it! Miatas are awesome! No, really, they're the best machines ever invented for the price.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I am thoroughly obsessed with Miatas..
So much so that i've owned two!

[Pierre.Suave]

11. Sweet

nice cars. I think I may actually go get it today. It is way too tempting.

[Crazy Dave]

12. If you like it, buy it.

You only live once and if you did good you need to reward yourself. Never mind that I'm giving you this type of advice having a nine year old Toyota Camry with 200k plus miles on it.

[1gobluedem]

13. I wouldn't buy an import in Michigan right now...

With the economy the way it is, the fact that it's an election year, and Dick DeVos yammering about how globalization has helped our fair state. It's hasn't.

While my dream car is a Subarau Outback or Volvo Cross Country, I drive a Chevy Malibu; 100% manufactured here in the State of Michigan.

[Pierre.Suave]

20. I will not let

Dick Devos choose which car I buy.

[1gobluedem]

22. Okay....

...but don't let him use your import purchase as a way to trumpet how Jennifer Granholm hasn't diversified our economy either.

[Pierre.Suave]

42. you may not want to hear this

but whether we like it or not, we live in a global economy. I am buying this car because as far as small convertibles go, this is the best one there is. It gets good mileage, is very reliable, and is fun to drive to boot, for those few times I will actually get to drive it that is.

protecting business is not the way to create jobs, it is a good way to lose ground and market share to your competitors. If GM made competitive products ( management problems notwithstanding) they would be doing a lot better than they are right now.

[1gobluedem]

46. If the US didn't have a trade imbalance with Asia I wouldn't care

But...there is a HUGE trade imbalance; our markets are flooded with Asian imports but US imports to their markets are severely restricted. Plus we are in hock up to our eyeballs with China which is NOT good. This administration, as did Reagan's, have sold out to the Asian markets without getting anything in return. US workers are being laid off in droves because these huge markets are closed to our products and we eagerly buy up their products made with slave labor.

I have no problem with a global economy if it's BALANCED. It isn't.

[Ikonoklast]

53. Ford Motor owns a 25% stake in Mazda

and has been a world-wide partner in both production and distribution with Mazda for the last 23 years. Mazda has supplied over 10 million transmissions to Ford Motor, and have co-engineered other ventures as well.

Profits from Mazda are good for Ford Motor.

The lines are being blurred. These are world-wide companies, not just domestic ones anymore.

[Pierre.Suave]

56. Good answer

I wish I had thought of it.

[1gobluedem]

77. Yes, I know that and if you're going to buy an Asian import

then buying a Mazda is a little better for the state's economy. But these Mazda transmissions supplied to Ford; where were they made? Where did the money Ford paid for them go, into the US or Japanese economy? Blurred lines or not, the benefits of a global economy need to be equal.

I do believe in a global economy but not at the expense of US jobs especially here in Michigan. Do the Big Three have their problems? Absolutely, nobody is denying that. But thanks to a GOP snake who was the Michigan governor for 12 years and who sold Michigan down the river with nothing to show for it except for his fatcat friends (and who hightailed it out of the state as soon as his term limits expired and is now the (HA!) president of a manufacturing lobby) our economy is in tatters and people are blaming our Democratic governor who inherited his mess and is blocked by the GOP legislature at every turn. Her GOP opponent shipped thousands of jobs to China to make himself more money and is running on this globalization is good theory while thousands of autoworkers and other manufacturing workers who used to be able live a solid middle class lifestyle are out of work and hurting. So, despite personal preferences, I am trying to support our state's economy in a gubernatorial election year.

[Jed Dilligan]

14. How's the mileage?

[Pierre.Suave]

16. Good question

That was one of the factors I considered.

24 city/30 highway.


On a totally unrelated note, where or who is that quote from in your post?

[Jed Dilligan]

19. That's pretty good

I say go for it, as long as you're a good enough driver to dodge all those SUV's, the thoroughbred handling of the car will make you safer than any number of crumple zones. When I used to drive I had a couple of Mazdas and they were the most dependable cars I ever owned--and the RX-7 was a lot of fun, too!

[BlueIris]

15. A Miata isn't going to give you the image you want for "Law School."

If that's a factor in your decision making debate with yourself--just get a Mercedes, already.

[Pierre.Suave]

17. HAHAHA

I did not think of that when considering a new car. I only considered what "I" wanted. I was not trying to present an image.

[BlueIris]

23. Oh, dear. And you survived at UMich...how, again?

Please don't tell me you're going to Michigan Law with that attitude. They'll eat you alive there.

[Pierre.Suave]

41. I dont understand your reply

Why should I consider any one else but me in the purchase of this car. I am single, have the money, have no kids, and am on my way to Boston in August to attend Harvard.

[REP]

18. I'd Get a Solstice

But that's me. We got an FX instead. The Solstice is just not practical.

Go for it. Mazdas are excellent cars, and the Miata is a very nice little convertible. I've never known anyone who had one who was sorry they bought it.

[RedCappedBandit]

26. I dislike the solstice

The sky is a better looking alternative, but they're not exactly available.
The miata is the better sports car! :D

[REP]

70. I Will Never Diss the Miata

It's just too cool a car. But you are SO wrong about the Solstice! Drive one.

The Sky - great name, so-so looks, meh ride.

[RedCappedBandit]

73. :)

I have driven all three. I can honestly say I do not like the Solstice's styling. I like the exterior of the sky, but am not too fond of the interior. I think the MX-5 looks true to its name, while I still think it could have been styled better. I love the interior though.

[merh]

21. No, I'd have to get the

Saturn Sky


Sticker price is awesome for this fine looking vehicle.

:hi:

[progmom]

24. yes yes yes yes yes yes YES

:bounce:

Though I am waiting for the new VW hardtop convertible myself. :D

[RedCappedBandit]

28. That does look promising!

[LSK]

25. no, i would buy a 2 year old silver miata

Let someone else take the initial (and biggest) depreciation hit.

[RedCappedBandit]

27. This is the first year for the NC miata

that jasonc is interested in

[LSK]

29. what is NC?

[RedCappedBandit]

33. Its in the VIN

First generation Miatas are known as NA, second NB, and the newest, NC. You can find it in the VIN number.

[radwriter0555]

30. A convertible in winter SUCKS. It's not a car to be enjoyed in foul

weather.. it is however a HOT car.

Think about it like this; unless you're paying cash, you'll be paying $40,000 for a vehicle that will be worth about $8000 by the time you're done paying for it.

It's not a wise way to spend your money.

If you love the Miata -- as you rightfully should -- I strongly suggest you buy a used one that's MUCH more affordable.

Now, if you have money to burn, go for it!

But not so many of us have that.

I had one... bought it used for $8K.. My license plate said "WWWWEEE".

I loved that car.

[Pierre.Suave]

43. Are you sure?

I can send you an excel spreaddsheet outlining interest paid etc... so you can see exactly what it would cost if I financed it.

[radwriter0555]

71. Absolutely sure. I'm guessing on the cost but in the END when you're

finished paying for it, you have paid at least 3 times what it's worth while it's constantly depreciating.

A car isn't like a house which accumulates equity, it's not an investment. It's just something fun to drive around in....

If you're in good finances and can afford it, by all means have a great time. But I wouldn't consider accumulating new debt with school bills pending. That's my concern.

It's a fantastic car, scope it out on Edmunds.com ...

And never lock the doors. That way crooks won't slash the top.

And replace the plastic rear window with glass asap.

And don't put in a nice stereo or it will just get stolen.

[Pierre.Suave]

76. Are you sure?

DO you want the excel spreadsheet?

If I financed every pennny of the sticker price, at 6.5% for 5 years (60 months) I would pay $4174.38 in interest, bringing the total to $28,169.38.

A much more likely scenario is to "put down" a down payment of 10K, and reduce loan period to 4 years, which leaves me at:

$1935.76 in interest for a toal of $25,930.76.

if I reduce loan period to 3 years: $1446.58 in interest.

You may want to recheck your math.
--------------------------------------------------------


I know it is a fantastic car, I drove it home yesterday.

The back window is already glass

I dont have any plans to install any stereo, I am not into that.
------------------------------------------------------------------

edit: Sticker price was 23,995 but I paid less.

[radwriter0555]

78. I understand your math, but the reality is that by the time you're done

paying for that gorgeous car (I am honestly REALLY JEALOUS!!!!!) it will be worth about $8000 in perfect condition.

The only new car I ever bought was a Scion. I bought it for $12,000 and paid cash, and sold it 1 year later for $11,500.

I get retentive about the new car scam.

I bought my Miata for $8K and had it for 2 years and sold it for $7K... I thought I did pretty good. I truly loved that car and really, REALLY regret not bringing it with me to europe.

I'm now eyeballing the new mini cooper since I'm not into the sun so much. I'm seeing top condition 2 year olds for 12K right now... so that's what I'll buy when I get my next car!

Dude, honestly ENJOY that beast. Run it in the red, it LOVES high RPMs and thrives in the 6K range. Take the corners like you mean it, don't ever hold back. Let it run flat out as often as you can because it is a car that is like a race horse. It LOVES speed and corners.

Be careful of course. But dang baby, enjoy that ride!

[Deep13]

31. No

Had one. Hated it. I needed a shoe-horn to get in. It had very little trunk space. The tires were expensive. Considering its tiny size, it was not especially good on gas.

A Honda Civic is a much better choice.

[RedCappedBandit]

34. A Honda Civic..

can not be compared to a miata.. They have nothing alike, except that they move and sit on four wheels.

[Deep13]

36. and therefore have the exact same purpose.

Don't buy into this car-owner identity crap. Auto vanity is way overrated.

[Pierre.Suave]

44. I enjoy the drive

I am not buying it as a vanity item.

[RedCappedBandit]

48. *shrug*

You have a different hobby than I do. Of course you don't understand the purpose of a sports car.

[Pierre.Suave]

50. enlighten me

I am curious.

[RedCappedBandit]

51. To put it in three words

Pure automotive bliss? :)
Driving is something I enjoy. Driving a Honda Civic does not compare to driving a sports car in my mind. I can't convince somebody with different values that a sports car is a worthy investment, but I enjoy it to the fullest extent possible.

[Pierre.Suave]

55. oh, ok

so you werent replying to me than, as I am the guy that wants to purchase the miata for just that reason.

[RedCappedBandit]

59. I was replying to Deep13's post

My apologies for the confusion

[Pierre.Suave]

65. No apologies needed

n/t

[RedCappedBandit]

60. Also..

Check out the forums at http://forum.miata.net/vb/
I'm sure any questions you have will be answered. It is a very mature forum filled with knowledgable car enthusiasts.

[Pierre.Suave]

64. Already there

actually, already getting some of my questions answered.

My username is silverflyer, and I now own a silver 2006 miata sport.

[RedCappedBandit]

66. Awesome!

Congrats! I am so jealous.

Post up some pictures :)

[Haole Girl]

32. Yes

I love the little cars! But, then again, I don't live in Michigan where it's freezing 5 months out of the year!

[RedCappedBandit]

35. I drive with the top down

all throughout the winter!
The heat works quite well :D

[radwriter0555]

72. My rule was that if I had to drive with the top up, I wouldn't drive it!!!

I had another car.

[KitchenWitch]

37. No, but I have two children and a roadster would not work for us.

[riona]

38. In your case

wouldn't it be better to get one that was good in the snow etc?

[Pierre.Suave]

45. Well

First of all, it doesnt snow as much as you might think in Ann Arbor.

Second, I am moving to Boston.

Third, In the winter months I will be fully involved in school and not be driving very often, if at all.

Fourth, I made it 5 years in Ann Arbor with a motorcycle, did a lot of walking and took the bus when the weather was not favorable, no reason I cant do this again in Boston.

[riona]

47. Then

go for it. I found the subway very convenient there.

[RedCappedBandit]

49. Slap on some snow tires

I enjoy the miata here on Long Island, despite snow.
Just make sure you can drive a RWD vehicle properly..

[CaliforniaPeggy]

39. Well, I would, if I were in the market for a sports car.....

But I wanted something a tad bigger and more comfortable, while still being a hybrid......

And since this is the first model year for it, I bought Toyota's newest hybrid, the hybrid Camry!

I LOVE it!

And yes, we paid cash......


:bounce: :bounce:

[JVS]

40. Why not?

[Book Lover]

52. Excellent choice

But I have to agree with the other folks here saying to wait 10-14 months and get a lease turn-in. Let someone else get hit with the depreciation loss and engine/body break-in period. You will love this car, my friend!

[Pierre.Suave]

58. You do make a good point

I have to agree that a slightly used car is a much better deal. I know all of the reasons, but that doesnt stop me from wanting one.

[Radical Activist]

54. No way

First of all, its foreign. I buy American union-made cars.

Second, buying a new car is a bad investment. It loses value as soon as you drive it off the lot. You're better off getting a car thats only one or two years old and had a good owner. You'll save a ton of money and get something just as good.

[Pierre.Suave]

57. You might want to check

where that car was actually made, it may not be the US for all teh components.

[Radical Activist]

61. No car

has ALL the components coming from the US. I drive a Saturn, which has more American made and assembled parts than any other car on the market.

[dysfunctional press]

75. we looked at saturns- but they were just too small inside.

they definitely aren't designed for the comfort of taller people.

[alarimer]

62. Go for it. You only live once

My dream car is a Miata but I won't be getting one anytime soon because I need a car I can put a kayak rack on top of. If someday I can afford a second car....

I have decided that I will be buying sometime in the near future a Mazda3 hatchback. I drove a Saturn Vue but based on the Consumer Reports vehicle report, they got very poor marks for future reliability.

But Mazdas as a whole are very reliable. And the Miata is great looking.

[libnnc]

63. My partner has a '99 miata and she loves it

dark blue with a tan top and interior. We call it "Little Bitty".

Do it.

[Ediacara]

67. Get a Mazda 3 five-door

[Redstone]

68. Stop talking Shut off your computer. Go buy the car.

Redstone

[Pierre.Suave]

69. Done

Done, and Done.

[dysfunctional press]

74. i would NEVER buy a new car.

sucker's bet.