If You Were Buying New - What Options Would You Choose?

Ok,

I realize the answer to this might be "buy an NA and save the dough", but that's not the question.

If you were buying a new Miata today, a 2012, what model and option packages would you choose and why? This car is for a daily driver that will sometimes be used on the track. PRHT? LSD? Touring? Grand Touring? Base model?

I'm thinking about swapping out my truck and if I can get the payments about the same, I'd be happy with a switch to a two seater. Thanks for any advice or tips you may have.

Thanks,

Michael

LSD must have. PRHT not so much unless you're parking outside and have no intentions of an aftermarket roll bar. Springs will need changing.

Ahh, so with the PHRT, no roll bar huh? I was kind of hoping with the hard top, you wouldn't need a roll bar.

Btw, found a good discussion of the PHRT and roll bar issue here: http://forum.miata.net/vb/archive/in.../t-302643.html

Looks like you're right.

I'd absolutely buy the PRHT if I were buying another NC. Unless a roll bar is a MUST HAVE (it is not required by the vast majority of DE events and tracks, and you do have factory roll hoops, though they are minimal), the PRHT has a minimal weight penalty, works great, looks fine and will NEVER need replacing!! Come to an autocross and check out TXCOYOTE's STR-prepared 2012; it is fantastic.

I'd would buy the least-optioned PRHT model (Touring?) and either get the sport suspension/LSD package and install better springs, or plan to spend a little money on suspension right away. You don't have to do a ton to fix the soft factory feel; aftermarket/mazdaspeed springs and some RX-8 sway bars will do the trick. Again, talk to txcoyote. He did all of these upgrades over the course of only a couple months, so he can describe exactly what each one did to the car's handling and how much he spent.

I've driven/raced many versions of the NC, including the PRHT, and it would be my choice if I replace my current NC. If you plan to be a trophy winner at nationals or build a true race car with a roll bar, then its not the best choice.

Ahh, ok. Good feedback. Man I love the look of the PHRT. I was a bit concerned about the extra 70 lbs. But I'm happy to hear that it's not a big deal.

The 2012 SE model with PHRT I saw the other day at Town North Mazda was pretty sweet. The sticker on it was $32K.

http://images.thecarconnection.com/m...00380906_m.jpg

Yeah, I saw that one. It's very nice. To buy at that end of the price range, I'll have to save up a little more. And it might be gone by then. But ... that might be ok, because I think I prefer the Velocity Red. Check this out:

http://image.motortrend.com/f/364795...ed-profile.jpg

Oh mama, Daddy wants one of those. :)

I prefer the Velocity Red too (I hate WHITE cars).

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Originally Posted by Nails

LSD must have. PRHT not so much unless you're parking outside and have no intentions of an aftermarket roll bar. Springs will need changing.

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IIRC hard-dog now has a rollbar that would fit the PRHT. But yes LSD is required!!! easiest way to tell if its got a diff is if it has he suspension packge (yellow shocks).

The SE model has LSD, heavier springs and Bilstein shocks. If I can get my kids out of college, this one is on the wish list.

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Originally Posted by motorollow

The SE model has LSD, heavier springs and Bilstein shocks. If I can get my kids out of college, this one is on the wish list.

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I can feel your pain! Darn kids..... ;-)

A hard dog bar would not pass the broomstick test which makes changing the bar moot.

For a DD and regional/fun autocross needs, PRHT in a heartbeat. I'd get the cheapest model that came with an LSD,
and then put on my own shocks/springs/sways.

That Velocity Red is sweet looking BTW.

Why PRHT?? What wrong with the old school canvas convertible??

If you want a fixed roof car wouldn't a Scion FRS or Subaru BRZ be a better choice?? ::StirTheP

^ expect their tops dont disappear......

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Originally Posted by POS Racing

If you want a fixed roof car wouldn't a Scion FRS or Subaru BRZ be a better choice?? ::StirTheP

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It's a PRHT, not a PFHT!

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Originally Posted by sammm

It's a PRHT, not a PFHT!

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Most PRHT I see the tops are up and the ladies driving them look like they have never put the tops down. ;-)

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Originally Posted by POS Racing

Most PRHT I see the tops are up and the ladies driving them look like they have never put the tops down. ;-)

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Nothing a few drink can't fix.

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Originally Posted by slowchildmiata

Nothing a few drink can't fix.

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LOL!

Where did you read that?? ;)