Problem with Gear shifter

[DaveNa]

Hello, this Is my first post and I hope this is the right place to ask! I have a 97 automatic and the gear shift is very loose, it moves more side to side than it does back and forth, it doesn't rattle while in driving but it's just annoying, so does anyone know an easy fix? Is this a common problem? It was like that when I bought it about a week ago so I don't know if the previous owner did something to knock it loose or if it happened over time.

[Rogue]

http://parts.arlingtonmazda.com/products/BUSHING-%28J001%252d46%252d684%29.html

[fwdtamiya]

I don't have any experience with automatic miatas, but, my suggestion is just going to be to remove the center console and visually see why it's moving around, by yourself, before you start buying parts. It may just be loose bolts.