Q About Mazda MX-5 - Aftermarket Hardtops Available?

[Sarc]

Originally Posted by Doug&Julie

I think I'd have to rule it out as a regular driver, however. Barely...but yeah...still too small.
Cheers!

Any thoughts on other options?
S2000?
Clown Shoe?
(Probably not a popular choice in this neck of the woods but) Audi TT?

[Doug&Julie]

Originally Posted by Sarc

Any thoughts on other options?
S2000?
Clown Shoe?
(Probably not a popular choice in this neck of the woods but) Audi TT?

Sure, lots of ideas. But all with different thoughts behind them. The problem is my "wants" aren't working out with my "needs", so I have to find a balance to all of that.

Basically we're trying to reduce our automotive debt and risk, but somehow try to keep a Porsche in the garage. I just sold my '74 911 because I don't use it enough and we can't afford a toy car right now. So now we're down to Julie's Audi A4 Cab and my Subie Impreza. The Subie stays. The Audi is for sale. The success of that sale will help determine the next car. Ideally we'd like to keep it under $15k (ish). So I was hoping for one car to drive year 'round and do it reliably. I just don't think I could live with the MX-5 year 'round. Shame...sweet car.

I've driven an S2000 and it's pretty cool but just doesn't trip my trigger. Nor the clown shoe. Audi TT maybe, esp the AWD version.

I've thought about a 964 C4 but I'm a little leary of reliability and inconsistant annual bills.

I've actually thought about (and actively pursued) a nice 924S but I'm not sure I'd want to drive that in winter. Of course, the entry cost into a 924S would be cheap enough I could buy a cheap Subie for winter. Oh, and I want a 924S over a 944 because, the dreamer I am, I want to someday make it into a Carrera GT, if only in look-a-like. (..ok, big dream would be to stuff 944 Turbo gear under the skin to make it fast like a Carrera GT! )

But then I've seen some nice 944S2 convertibles that look pretty good. Wonder what they're like in winter...

All I know is for the first time in my life (ok, a long time) I have no idea what my next Porsche / car is going to be. It's weird.

Thanks for listening...

[71T Targa]

Originally Posted by Doug&Julie

I just don't think I could live with the MX-5 year 'round. Shame...sweet car.

My friend in Minnesota drove his NA Miata year round with just the soft top. No issues.

To add a little perspective, he now has an Elise as his DD.

[Doug&Julie]

Originally Posted by 71T Targa

My friend in Minnesota drove his NA Miata year round with just the soft top. No issues.

To add a little perspective, he now has an Elise as his DD.

Now that is just whack..

My issue wouldn't be with the convertible top or the rear wheel drive, but more how I feel in the car. I drove two of my Boxsters in winter and the cars themselves were great. But not much fun to drive in boots and bulky coats, etc. And Boxsters are "roomy" compared to the MX-5.

...maybe I just need to suck it up and get another Boxster, only with a Tip this time...

[Sarc]

Originally Posted by Doug&Julie

Thanks for listening...

You're welcome. I run similar scenarios in my hand at least 3-4 times every night.
How about a 968?

[Doug&Julie]

Originally Posted by Sarc

You're welcome. I run similar scenarios in my hand at least 3-4 times every night.

You have the same disease then? Is there a cure?

Originally Posted by Sarc

How about a 968?

Sure. The only challenge with a 968 is I'd want to pay for a good one (top of our "budget") but then not sure I'd want to drive it in winter? Meh...for the right car I'd make it work.

...after the Audi sells...

[Sarc]

Originally Posted by Doug&Julie

Is there a cure?

Not that I know of....but would why would you want one? It's too much fun!

[Doug&Julie]

Originally Posted by Sarc

Not that I know of....but would why would you want one? It's too much fun!

...'cept for that bank account thing...