!!! MX-5 Miata Of the Month !!!

I have always referred to it as ROADSTER.

The idea to buy a Miata was conceived in 2000 while I was looking for new issues of Hyper-Rev for my next project - another CIVIC.  At the time, it was going to be my fourth Civic as the last one had been wrecked due to bad understeering problems while on the twisty roads of Valley Golf. However, the thought of having another Civic that would be just another JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) Civic on Manila roads that are likewise filled with multitudes of Civics, I opted to widen my horizons by buying a Road and Ster magazine instead of the Civic Hyper-Rev just to check what I was missing.  The Miata was perfect.  I had driven one once before and it was ok.  I heard from a friend that the Miata's ability and agility to dive into corners was uncanny but really hadn't experienced it first hand.  I checked the price range for used examples and the price was ok too.  I didn't have any idea of its specs since my reference is a magazine filled with pictures and Japanese text.

I liked its looks.  That was all the info I needed to make a decision that my next car was going to be a Miata.  The fact that it was a convertible never really got me excited nor that it's a rear wheel driven car.  At first, I just wanted that look.  I also liked the idea that many accessories can be bought to make it very JDM.  To many it's an alternative to old British sportscars.  To me it's never been like that.  To me it's a future Datsun 240z and a worthy Hachiroku street battle nemesis. For me, it has never been an MX5 nor a Miata but a ROADSTER, the term that its referred to in the Japanese market.

I got my ROADSTER early 2001. Since I know nothing about the car, everything that's good about it came as a big bonus for me.  The great shifter, the agility, the feeling of an FR layout, the 50/50 weight distribution, the convertible top and the MIATA CLUB.

I love the car but what I love better about it is the experience it gives me. In line with this is how I set up the car. I make sure that everything I put in this car enhances the driving experience.