Cheap bastard's mod life crisis
 

How risky is a used, older Miata? I can't justify a new or a lease.

I sometimes record home tunes or slap together videos of my kid.

Cheap bastard's mod life crisis
 

I've never owned a Miata, but I've had a couple of friends who have. The problem part seems to be the rear window in the top, and secondarily the top itself. Otherwise, my friends seem to rarely have problems.

But I defer to the experts.

Cheap bastard's mod life crisis
 

Having owned a lot of convertibles (but never a Miata although my roommate in B-School had one), I can tell you that window/top problems are out there with most of them. In fact, my Saab was the only one that never (and I mean never) leaked.

That said, if you are looking for a second car to drive for fun, a Miata sure looks like it would fit the bill.

Cheap bastard's mod life crisis
 

Any plastic rear window (as on the Miata) is going to get cloudy and eventually crack. I think the Miata allows you to zip it in/out, so I would think replacement is relatively easy.

Any convertible top is eventually going to leak. They shouldn't right away, but after some number of years it will. The seals simply shift enough to cause problems. If you're getting the car as a fun runabout, that's probably not much of an issue, unless you don't have a garage.

Change in plans . . .
 

Bought a NEW 2005 4runner, hoping for long-term reliability.

Well Friday, the thing DIED. Just keeled over, luckily on a quiet street 2 miles from my house and I was able to coast to the curb. No crank, but accessory power worked. Had to be flatbedded to the dealer.

WTF is the point of a Toyota, 'cept for long-term reliability? I am getting rid of this thing and fast and will prolly trade it in and take the hit. What to get, though?

Here are my perceived options:

(1) Buy a CPO 2003 5 Series. Bunch w low miles around here. I like the idea of the CPO warranty, BMW roadside assistance (AAA sucks cock) and good dealer support.

(2) Buy a New Honda Civic. Cheap, fuel efficient, and hopefully more reliable than the Toyota.

(3) Buy a 00 Saab SE Convt. Local shop around here has one w about 60k I could get for no more than 12k. Might be cheap & fun, but worried about reliability.

(4) Lease a new A4. Good lease deals, safe and still a little fun.

Change in plans . . .
 

At least here the lease deal on the A4 makes it cheaper than a lease on a Jetta GLI (which I find nutty, by the way). I've had great luck with my 2001 A4, which I bought new in June 2000. Just had to buy new tires, but no mechanical problems in the 6 years I've been driving it. And they are very peppy, especially on the low end (fast off the start (0-40)) and great handling on turns. If you were looking for an endorsement, or whatever.

If you care that much about reliability, I'd get the new car. Get the Civic if you want to stay cheap, the A4 if you want a more fun, better handling car.

Change in plans . . .
 

Wait a few months and get the 4 door Si.

Change in plans . . .
 

OK after a fucking week, the thing is still dead,. Toyota dealer is jerking me off (though they offered a loaner) or fucking stupid. First they thought it was the fuse box (which is a retarded thought since I had full accessory power) now they say it's the computer which won't be in until Wednesday.

Yesterday, I sent them a lemon law notice letter. But I have been so fucking busy with stuff that will hopefully make me more than this car and driving a work rental so I really haven't focused.

Any suggestions?

Change in plans . . .
 

This may or may not be related, but I had a similar problem where I got stranded after my last truck (a non-Toyota) completely lost power and shut down -- in the middle of winter -- on a deserted stretch of roadway.

It was a crankcase sensor that caused the problem.

Change in plans . . .
 

I have come to the conclusion that there are very few reasons why most people should ever buy anything other than the Honda Accord. They're fuel efficient, available at a wide range of price points, especially if you go Certified Used, they handle well in most forms of weather, and they run forever. It's not going to get you laid, but it'll seldom let you down.

Change in plans . . .
 

True, it's only one reason, but it's a big reason.

OTOH, if one is being truthful, this is also the case for a M5, Corvette, 911, S600, Enzo, [insert car of your choice].

Change in plans . . .
 

Having a Honda Accord doesn't appear to stop one getting laid.

Change in plans . . .
 

Though those small-ish back seats do make it kind of a bitch.

Change in plans . . .
 

Not in the car. Ew. I'm an adult. But people who have been in the back seat of the car actually say it is very spacious.

Change in plans . . .
 

Prude.