| Questions on Miata [message #777426] |
Sat, 15 July 2006 16:45 |
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I'm thinking of buying a Miata. I'd like a convertible, but...
-I have tinnitus (from years of motorcycling) and don't want to
aggravate it with loud noises. How loud is a Miata with the top down?
I presume it's mostly wind noise and therefore speed proportional. So,
at 30mph? At 55-60mph? At 70mph? I realize this is a somewhat
subjective question, so perhaps you can phrase the answer in terms of
having a conversation. Or perhaps in terms of radio volume.
-Is it true they need premium gas? :-(
-What kind of mpg can I expect?
-What sort of price can I expect, relative to stick?
-Any deals? A friend of a friend supposed found a sweet deal on the
'net and had it shipped from IL to MN.
I know this is too many questions. I've listed them in order of
importance.
Thanks!
Pete
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| Re: Questions on Miata [message #777430 ] |
Sat, 15 July 2006 19:31 |
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In article <28221-44B8FF8B-1477 [at] storefull-3135.bay.webtv.net>,
Petepenguin [at] webtv.net (P T) wrote:
> How loud is a Miata with the top down?
Pretty loud, mostly wind and other vehicles' tire noise.
Aerodynamically, the Miata was designed to create a certain amount of
turbulence in the cockpit, as part of the retro roadster experience.
Many of us wear foam earplugs.
> -Is it true they need premium gas? :-(
Only from 1999 on. Earlier cars use regular. But those that want premium
have knock sensors, so it's fairly safe to use regular, as long as
you're willing to accept power loss from retarded timing.
> -What kind of mpg can I expect?
I drive pretty hard, and average ~28 around town and on country drives,
33 on the highway at 75 mph. New Miatas get less, maybe 25/30. Subtract
3 mpg if you use the A/C.
> -What sort of price can I expect, relative to stick?
If you mean on a new one, you should pay around dealer invoice (see
www.edmunds.com). Used prices are more dependent on condition than on
mileage.
--
Lanny Chambers
'94C, St. Louis
http://www.hummingbirds.net/alignment.html
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| Re: Questions on Miata [message #777431 ] |
Sat, 15 July 2006 20:23 |
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> -I have tinnitus (from years of motorcycling) and don't want to
> aggravate it with loud noises. How loud is a Miata with the top down?
I have it from years of electric guitars, and I find the Miata very quiet
and nice with the top down. With the top up, it's a whole different
animal... boomy and resonant, loud enough to make talking difficult, and
generally unpleasant. Especially with the air on and the engine working
harder.
miker
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