[mineobile]

Hello guys, I've come to yall for some help. Here's the problem: the current car I am driving (03 cavalier) is starting to have some issues. Tranny is shifting hard, clear coat pealing, o2 sensor went out, accelerator sticking etc. So I've decided I need a new car, obviously, lol.

That's the problem now the dilemma: I'm going to be transferring to my next leg in my educational journey. It's about three hours away and I will be driving back and forth once a month or so just depends on school/work etc. I've owned a 90 NA before and loved it to death. I would love to own another Miata but some concerns come to mind, the biggest one is space. I know the cars are small but I've never really tried to pack one so I was wondering how tight can you pack them? Also, reliability for long drives.

I would also appreciate if yall think the Miata would be a good car for a college kid. I would be looking at a later NA(94-97) or an NB(99-03). Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

If yall don't think the Miata is a good college car then please say so. I am open to ALL opinions.

 

[JesseShoots]

I had a friend move his whole room in two trips in an NA with the top down. Good mileage, check. Reliable, check. College car that all the ladies will love, CHECK!

Go with the miata for sure

 

[reversecaoboy]

I do not advise having a miata as a college student. I just recently graduated and had a miata since in high school. You are going to want to go out with your friends, and not everyone will have a car, so people are going to be bumming you for rides. I say stick with the Cavalier, and save up for your miata.

But that's just me. On the other hand, having my miata kept me from having to give people rides everywhere.

 

[mineobile]

Would anyone recommend another car if I did end up needing to get another?

 

[horribleR]

Get something that won't get stolen.

 

[JO]

I do not advise having a miata as a college student. I just recently graduated and had a miata since in high school. You are going to want to go out with your friends, and not everyone will have a car, so people are going to be bumming you for rides. I say stick with the Cavalier, and save up for your miata.

But that's just me. On the other hand, having my miata kept me from having to give people rides everywhere.

this!!!

whats ur budget if u were to get something besides a miata?

 

[Beef Supreme]

miata

 

[mineobile]

this!!!

whats ur budget if u were to get something besides a miata?

Around $6,000 or so. Give or take a couple grand.

 

[cornrow]

think about your living situation...sketchy area or not, if you won't have a garage to park in, don't get a miata.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

Student but not a kid. Don't have a garage but live in super safe area and 5 minutes from school. Only thing I can't do is pick people up from the airport. Their luggage and themselves is usually too much for the car... unless I strap it to the rollbar... lol

When traveling by myself I have no problem packing the car up. Think of all the people that drive their Miatas to the track and all the stuff they carry... chairs, E-Z-UP, Food/Beverage Cooler, Tires, etc.

Once you get all the maintenance up to date you shouldn't expect any trouble for a while.

 

[mineobile]

Yea I won't have a garage, most likely living in an apartment complex.

 

[baloyr]

i suggest a civic 99 or 98 keep it stock so it wont attract as much attn and you should be fine...miatas are great cars but they suck on gas (compared to a civic) and waaay more spacious. you can do more things owning a civic and save way more money. u can always buy your miata after you graduate and the sky is the limit. choosing the right car can help you out. get the car that you need not want

 

[fahrenmiata]

To answer you question about packing down...Ive loaded up my 1990 for a trip to nashville (5 hour drive) Me and a passenger. I had all of our clothes, 204 piece tool kit, Macbook bag, Camera bag, Tripod, and some cleaning stuff. This was all in my trunk, along with the battery, and spare tire. I could of used the shelve area behind the seats if needed too.

 

[Justinb928]

Im a college student and daily my NA. Ive had no problems with reliability or space. I mean, all you need is a backpack and your books for class, yeah? And as stated above, getting out of having to drive 3 other people somewhere is a major perk. If your lugging more than just the basics, take out your passenger seat for extra room. That's what I usually do.

 

[SayNoToPistons]

Something with a backseat because roommates are always around...

 

[piano]

When I was in college, the cars that got the most use were the ones that could seat the most...

 

[03NB]

Yea I won't have a garage, most likely living in an apartment complex.

You'll definitely need the garage when you get older. It'll be a good place to store all those great memories of the miata you had while in college.

 

[MachFive]

I bought my 97 NA just before going off to school and it was a great car to roll with my roommate. He loved it and it was really cheap to fill up. unfortunately i was accepted and decided to go to a ghetto school after buying my NA. Long story short second semester some jagaloon decided to slash my top and steal my radio and Blaupunkt out of the back. Now i go to school back at home and have a hard top. The soft top is still slashed
Anyways I would recommend one with a hard top just to hinder the town drunk from breaking into your car. i still have a burn mark in my passenger seat from the assholes cig........
GO MIATA!

 

[ClassyMSM]

As previously stated, you can fit alot into a miata.
I'd get one with a hardtop though, to hinder assholes from jackin your **** like Mach five had happen to him.
And again, previously stated, driving people around blows.

So get the miata!

 

[scradley]

I actually took mine camping with my gf once, tent, stove, food,chairs ect. All the usual camping equipment. Having no softop makes for lots of spare room i would do it again in a heart beat