I know this has been talked about in the past, but with the total re-do on the 2016 Miata, I'm compelled to consider swapping my near-flawless, low-miles 2010 Fit Sport for one. I have a new and old Odyssey for family duties, and the Fit is just for my 1-2 hour traffic-laden daily commute.

Most important things I'm looking for are:
1) Fun
2) More power (I know the miata "feels" quicker)
3) Economy
4) Cost, depreciation (why I love Honda- Bought my fit for 15738 new 6 years ago and it's still worth 10000+). I prefer to buy new and $25k is about my limit.

Opinions or other options???????????

 

I've owned both a 1999 base Miata and a 2004 factory turbocharged Miata (Mazdaspeed). Both were a blast to drive and totally trouble free. I drive a 2013 Fit because it is tiny, large carrying capacity and cheap. We take it to Central Mexico in the winter where small is important.

My current 'fun' car is a Honda S2000. Sort of a Miata on steroids.

 

I am a big miata fan. I had a 1996 and a 2004 Mazdaspeed miata (with a full flyin miata little enchilada kit), and it was a lot of fun. I only got rid of my miata to get a wrx.

The miatas are great cars, reliable (at least the older BPs are).

If you can deal with the size, I'd recommend one. However, I'd probably buy a slightly used older one. They have be had for a very reasonable price with low miles like your fit. The savings may be beneficial for other activities with your family. I got my mazdaspeed miata with only 30k on the odo and it was still like new for less than 10k. A STEAL! for a turbo miata.

 

I've been thinking about this, too. It looks like a safe bet and a lot of fun for a low dollar outlay. The Fit is an awesome blast, but it's not a sports car. The Miata may not be a sports car, but it's close.

 

Still looking at them, mostly trying to decide between a new 3rd gen with retractable hard top (around $18k from dealers and don't see private party ones nearby) or the new 4th gen $23-28k after discounts but before tax.

If I get a used one I can keep the fit, so will try that first.

I test drove a new club and it felt like a go-kart! I couldn't help but laugh when driving it. It feels fast even though it's not because it's so low and small.

 

The Fit has a backseat and can carry tons of stuff- but you've already got a minivan. If you don't need the utility and think you'll be getting a bump in fun (oh, and convertible), go for it.

 

When buying a miata make sure you choose the one with lsd, it's worth it. Way more fun. Way more stable at high speed. (Car is light, unless you weight 300+ lbs)

I was thinking of getting a miata club edition just as a summer car.

 

Does the lsd make that much of a difference? I was thinking of going for the GT to get leather seats and other creature comforts.

 

you consider frs/brz?
...

 

Thx, yeah I did look at it, but it just doesn't have the same appeal to me. Actually what I'm really interested in isn't quite out yet (mx-5 RF):

 

That is really nice...

 

If you watch the miata vs brz videos the miata the guy is testing is the club edition. Lsd help with hard cornering, so if your just normal cruising then you wont notice a difference.

 

New 3rd gen. for $18k? Take my money now.

Always go for LSD. Never go for frou-frou "packages" that sell you "show" and not "go."

Disclosure: I like the RT on the Miatas, even though it adds weight and kills the sports car party. Well, kills it to the tune of 100 lbs.

Dude, the Fit is an unprecedented blast to drive and own. But it is not a sin to do you some Miata on the side.

 

If you can afford it, go for it. Drove my friend's "track edition" 2016 Miata with the optional BBS's and Bilstein shock absorbers and was sold on how awesome the car is.

 

Chatted up a guy at a red light in a '16 Miata. He said he loved it. Then, today, I wound up behind a white '15 Miata on city streets around here. The '15 looked great, too. I just wish I had a seriously good parking situation and a few more dollars.

NOTE: Yesterday, I heard some radio car show guys talking about the new Fiat 124. Don't think I want to get involved with turbos for street driving, but the Abarth 124 might be worth making an exception for.

 

Well, still driving the Fit . So many cars out there but just can't decide.

 

The MAZDA MX-5 RF looks pretty nice. I like the targa look.

Good quick review video here too:


Test drive the Fiesta ST and it will handily tick off the first 3 on your list. Not sure about depreciation but I've had a blast driving mine for 2+ years.

 

I really like the Mazda clutch and transmissions. I test drove a 3 hatch yesterday and it drove smooth as silk. I can't get over the lack of cargo room for a vehicle that size though.

 

great choice! I have a 2010 fit with about 90k mi on it. And helped my brother buy his 2016 mx-5 months ago. I drive that miata every chance I get. great fuel economy too! My wife and I talk about getting a miata all the time now.

 

L.A. Times reports that the new Fiat 124 has a little more trunk space (but not enough for a golf bag).