Frs or nd miata Options

[Jmk91]

I'm looking for a non bias opinion on what car I should choose... I'll be buying one within the next year. Fixing a few hick ups on my credit currently I'm not paying 12% Apr... so if you had to choose what one would it be? The frs isn't really even a Toyota it's a subie so junk paint and the fa20 had a bunch of issues with first year models 2013s. Mazda on the other hand always failed the first time with the new model miata.. na the 1.6 sucked and no torsen. First 2 years of the nb had engine issues. The first 3 years of the nc had junk suspension (soft) and weak internals that where later replaced with forged. I think the miata will hold its value much better and probably better quality... but the frs has much more sex appeal. Both are in same price range. .. the miata is faster but has a 13:1 compression... the frs engines bend rods(often reported kinda a ticking time bomb once you add boost but that's almost any car) after 250whp. My goal is roughly 250whp maybe 275 tops. So if you had to choose what one and explain why.

[njccmd2002]

the frs was fun to drive, and underpowered. Unfortunately, i did not see any benefit in spending thousands of dollars to keep it underpowered, unless going turbo, ,which meant voiding warranty, and tuning....

A used frs may be a different story. Depends how far you want to go. that car needed at least 250 if not 300 to feel a hmmmp...

Not sure about a miata, dont like the car, the name or the stigma, lol. But with the mods available, at better prices it can take you farther than owning a frs..

[Box]

If it were me and it had to be a brand new car due to financing and interest rates etc... I'd take a look at the EcoBoost Mustang along with the comparable Camaro. You'd pretty much have your desired power out of the box so you don't void any warranties, they're very capable handlers these days, and they're actually useful as a car. If a few years used is an option you could look into cars like the Genesis Coupe, 370Z, and G37 Coupe. If you're dead set on the FR-S or Miata I'd go with the Miata.

[1994Celica]

Honestly don't see why you'd buy a brand new car just to modify it....

[Jmk91]

Well I wish I didn't have to buy a new one haha. Frs well a decent frs is 2014 or newer. The nd miata just came out. The nc miata is very ugly... the na/nb miata everyone wants way to much for a high mileage car. The bmw z3 handles awful. So I don't really have any other options for handling machines. The mr2s have snap steer well the mk2 anyway I had one lol. The last gen mr2 is definitely not a car I'd ever get into. (Even know people make jokes about the miata it is the most raced car in the world). I'd love to get a g37/370 but I couldn't afford the payment currently. The Mustang isn't for me everyone has one. The camaro interior is awful... I used to detail cars on the side. They scratch very easy and the body panels do not line up well. If I could find a good nb worth actually buying I'd take that over the new car purchase. K miata makes a kit to drop in a k series honda right into na or nb. If anyone who reads this doesn't know what a k series can do YouTube k20 mr2.

[Box]

The new Camaro is leaps and bounds ahead of the 5th gen in many ways, interior being one aspect. I've seen plenty of low 100K NA/NB Miatas for $3,000 or less here lately, kind of piseses me off as I'd get one if the damn Firebird would ever sell. The NB thrust bearing was really mostly an issue on the '99 model year but some '00 were effected, though I'd imagine they're all sorted by now. The 1.6 was/is a good motor and there was the option of a VLSD that some prefer over the later Torsen anyway. If you could find a G37 or what have you that's certified you'll get the low interest rate and etc... that goes with a new car.

This post has been edited by Box: Jan 17, 2016 - 11:40 PM

[1994Celica]

Considered an S2000? 240hp out of the box, brilliant gearbox, and Honda reliability. Early NA are good if you can find one at a decent price plus I believe they handle boost differently.

This post has been edited by 1994Celica: Jan 17, 2016 - 11:47 PM

[Jmk91]

The vlsd doesn't last, many people reported it fails at or around 60k miles than turns into an open dif. I had a 1990 I paid 1500 for it. The 1.6 is overly built so it does handle boost rather well. It can handle 210whp roughly. The 94-97 na has more bracing and better engine and stronger rear end. I can't find any decent ones around here what so ever. Best time to buy a miata is winter time but no luck. Also the s2000 is another beast I'd love to own it. But have you ever priced a hardtop for a s2000? 2-3k! That's crazy

[Box]

There are many with twice that mileage and more with no issues, it just depends on how the car was treated and maintained. The '94-97 is a better car though with the improved chassis bracing and bigger rear end and brakes along with the 1.8 motor. Whenever I get around to buying another I'd like a '94 model for all the improvements while keeping the real oil pressure gauge, but I'd have no qualms with a high options package 1.6 car. Well when you consider the hardtop for a NA/NB Miata is $1,000 give or take on condition and colour and most of them are $3,000-5,000 cars the cost of the S2000 top is about right, plus I imagine there are far fewer S2000 hardtops.

[Jmk91]

I was going off of what I read on the forums. I'm sure there is some out there that never have been ran hard or tracked and it'll last a lifetime but from what I've read by the owners it doesn't last long at all on the track or on hard driving. Only reason to buy a lightweight rwd car is for tracking or driving it as hard as it can be driven lol. Whenever I sold my first celixa I was going to buy an NA 94-97 swap out heads with the better flowing 99/00 head and do the coolant reroute. But if you look at prices for 1k more you can get the nb(01-05) that's overall a better car. More bracing and better flowing head. They didn't fix the coolant issue but you can do that your self. If I could find an na/nb in 9/10 condition no rust under and garage kept I'd gladly pay what it's worth but I'm not giving 5k for a rusty miata.

[Box]

I've over time realized I apparently must be the only person that buys performance cars only to drive them like an old man. If you're not averted to a road trip there quite a few Miatas around here and I'm sure throughout most of the south for sale. Not too long ago there was a 1.8 with some 100K miles in nice shape that the asking price was $2,800 or so, needless to say it didn't stay on there long though.

[Jmk91]

I can drive just about anywhere. My first celica was in Tennessee (10 hour one way if I remember correctly) my 2nd I drove up past chiago 16 hour round trip maybe 17. Problem is I work sometimes 13-14 days in a row without days off 10+ hour days. So finding one and getting someone who isn't a teenager who will hold it until you show up isn't very easy. Last miata I seen was mint was in new York guy said first come first serve. I said whenever I'm on my way will you hold it until I get there he said no. First person with the money gets it. I said well never mind I can't magically snap my fingers and be there. I got to go rent a car and plan out with my work. So that's the hard part.

[richee3]

Between the two, I personally prefer the FRS/BRZ. One thing to keep in mind is the boxer engine in the FRS and any associated maintenance, such as dropping the motor for the spark plug change. Both are fun platforms though!