Faults:

The Miata is running great.

The original soft top needs to be replaced due to normal wear and tear (canvas separated from support/roof bar, which makes a flapping noise, and the rear window is hazy/scratched up with swirls).

Mechanically, no problems to report, but this was a low mileage buy.

General Comments:

This is the first Miata that I have owned. The transmission is smooth with no hiccups so far. Clutch engagement point is very predictable, and getting into and out of gears has a very 'mechanical' feel - a solid click, and you know you're in gear.

I have the soft top option, and at highway speeds, I noticed flapping noises initially, but over time I got accustomed to them, and now have tuned them out. - Update - After applying weatherproof 3M adhesive to the top (remember, using less is more) the top is secured to the frame top. The rear plastic window becomes brittle in cold conditions (~40 deg F) and will crack easily if one does not undo the zipper prior to opening the top.

Can't comment on the stock audio system since mine is aftermarket (who needs a radio when you have the glorious inline-four revving to 6k rpm?).

The previous owner removed the power steering so handling is very 'tight'. At any given moment, I can feel the camber of the road - every nook and cranny - but it also becomes a herculean task to park, since there is no power assist and I normally park at slow speed.

Haven't had a chance to take this to an autocross/track day, but believe you me, I will have come summer.

Faults:

The car must have been stored outside before I purchased it so most of the door and window rubber had to be replaced. Put in new battery and alternator.

The car body and interior are flawless. It is hard to believe this vehicle has been driven 19700 kms.

General Comments:

I love this car. It handles like my MG midget I had in 1977. I will never get rid of it. My plan is to slowly rebuild it when I retire.

Faults:

I've had it for less than a year and had the O2 sensor replaced to pass smog when I registered it.

I had ~$3k worth of work done to it before I picked it up so that it would be 100% when I picked it up including new brakes, radiator, AC changeover, added cruise, etc. The car had ~$8k of upgrades including body kit, silver metallic paint, hardtop, exhaust, JR intake, strut tower brace, 5zigen wheels, 205/40-16 tires, new leather seats, indiglo gauges, carbon fiber trim, adj shocks, lowered, etc.

General Comments:

I flew to TX and drove it back to CA. It's more fun than the 240SX and the Mustang SVT that I had. It corners extremely well and the small wheelbase, stiffer suspension and lowered riding position makes it feel like a slot car.

I'm 6'0" 200# and I fit in it very nicely... not cramped at all unless you're used to an "arm's reach" laid back seating position (I'm not). My exhaust is louder than stock which makes it even more exciting to drive.

I considered buying an early Boxster or Z3 but after driving them vs. the Miata, it was a no brainer (if you like fun more than image). The body kit makes the car more unique than the other brands, too.

I'll never sell it...never. Next year I'll add the chassis braces and a turbo kit and you'll never get the smile off my face!

It's a great car stock, even better with a few mods and with a lot of mods like mine, it's a better choice than a new Elise... and a lot better looking. And...maintaining/fixing an English-made Elise out of warranty (oh my!). Same for Porsche and BMW.

It's the best value in a sports car ever made, whether kept stock or modified. Forget buying a newer one; get an older one, fix it up and you won't regret it.