After much coorporate criticism about my excessive fuel consumption, I was forced to find alternate means of transportation for my daily work-related activities. I searched high and low for a economical commuter car that would allow me to get from place to place, without feeling like I was driving just another plane-Jane econobox.
I looked at AWD Subaru Outbacks, Justys and even the somewhat rare SVX. My thinking was simple: if I couldn't drive a pickup truck or SUV, at least the CAR I drive should have all wheel drive. However, I needed something that got upwards of 30 MPG. The pickings were slim to say the least. I didn't want a rust bucket, or something that would require regular wrenching to keep running either. My good friend George mentioned a car he had to sell because of his recent venture into familyhood. He told me he needed a minivan in the worst way and didn't know how else to afford it without selling his prized '00 Mazda Miata sports car.
I thought to myself, Mazda Miata, hmmm, yea that's a chick car for sure. No way could I be seen driving that thing around to all the various 4x4-related companies I deal with day in and day out.
I kept looking with little outcome.
Then I went up to visit my buddy George to take a look at his Miata.
George is meticulous about his things, his prized coup was always garaged and covered. I had no question about it's condition, if he owned it, it was nice.
It was dark green, which I happen to like. It had nice wheels and tires on it, and it was set up for road and track racing.
I sat down in it and started to second guess the assumptions I had made earlier about my friends and co-workers making fun of me for driving a little "rice rocket" car.
Then I thought, wait a minute, this thing will fit inside the back of my toy hauler. Hmmm, maybe I should take it for a spin.
George tossed me the keys.
I took the car out to the freeway and put it through its paces.
I'm no sports car expert, but I know good handling when I feel it. With a near perfect weight distribution front to rear, Mazda Miatas are one of the best low-cost sports cars money can buy.
With many upgrades already installed to further improve the Miata's performance, I was hooked.
I asked George about what he had done to fine tune the suspension system.
He told me he installed stiffer anti-sway bars, custom-valved Billstein shocks, a 2-inch coil drop, and a factory hardtop.
He said that the hardtop made the biggest difference to the stiffness of the chassis, and that together with the sport cage, it made the car feel much tighter around corners.
The stereo system also sounded great, and the interior was in nearly perfect condition.
The intake and exhaust system were altered with higher flowing parts, and the whole package felt plenty powerful for my needs.
Don't laugh, but after driving it for a few days I kinda think this car is exactly what I needed. It turns on a dime, gets 32 MPG on the highway, and has as much aftermarket support as a Jeep Wrangler.
I still haven't removed the hardtop, but I'm sure that will happen in the coming weeks.