TEST DRIVE any NA in UTAH.

[BritishRoadster]

I'm planning a project 1.8L '94-'95 NA. Wanted one since 2001, but only recently have the means ($) to accomplish. My wife (smarter than me) pointed out that I may not even comfortably fit inside the NA to drive. At this time there are no local dealers in the greater Salt Lake City area that have one in stock for me to test drive.

Does anyone have a few minutes to spare and let me conservatively drive their '90-'97 NA car for a few minutes? I promise there will be no shenanigans. This is NOT a joy ride. Just a mature inquiry to determine if I should proceed with investing in a Miata project car. Please ride along and show me what you love about your car.

Thank you.

[— Phatmiata —]

How tall are you??

[BritishRoadster]

Why do you ask? Did I mention that I am married? J/K

I'm a touch over 6', but I have long legs and short arms and tend to struggle in cars without a telescoping steering wheel.

[theothersawyer]

I am 6'2" and daily drive my NA about 600 miles a week.

[—Martin—]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

I use a 75mm spacer to bring my steering closer to me. That also gives me more leg room. Before the spacer the wheel was almost rubbing on my thighs, but now I can touch my knees together under the steering wheel.

[— Phatmiata —]

I am 6'2" and daily drive my NA about 600 miles a week.

^^ this is why I asked your height. There are plenty of 6ft tall drivers in the NA and NB Miatas. Just cut some foam out of the stock seat, or get bucket seats if you think you need more headroom.

[theothersawyer]

I've been dying to get new seats for my car. I should at least do a foamectomy!

[JLBMX5]

I did foamectomy then when I installed a rollbar the fear of cracking my noggin on the top of the bar set in. I went with kirkey pro drags and now I sit way below my rollbar. Im also 6'2"

[BritishRoadster]

Great info! Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.

I am optimistic about the options out there that would allow me to comfortable in the car, but I do want to keep the additional safety of a driver's airbag. I still would like to take a car for a test drive before I commit to the project. Anyone out here in Utah with a few minutes to spare to show me your car and let me sit in it? I would buy you a beer or chocolate milk.

[—Martin—]

Oh, and I removed foam from the seat bottom, too

[BritishRoadster]

Good News! A dealer just listed a very tidy '91 NA about 45 minutes away close to Provo, and I went down and took a spin. Here is the run down: I FIT INSIDE!!! Not only that, but what a blast to drive! I accidentally turned into an industrial complex full of left & right turns trying to get back to the dealer and continued to run into dead ends. Great place to get a feel for the car. I am joining the club and still shopping for a '94 - '95 (wife wants passenger airbag & ABS). Can hardly wait to be able to participate with this forum with the new (old?) car.

[— Grip Driver —]

Great news and good luck shopping!