my Miata has helped fill the loss. We talked about the PT Cruiser so I guess that i can talk a little about my "attitude adjuster" Anything's better than discussing politics which is what happens on this board when the riding slows down and ends.
I bought this '99 three years ago . It had 50k miles, well maintained, no Indiana winter weather driving. I drove it to Johnson City and had a blast driving behind Mark and 98T through the Snake. It was stock then.
Now I've added a few things to it. (no bling tho). A four into 1 header and a low restriction cat helped in scavenging the exhaust and added a nice sound to the mix. A cold air intake system added a little to the intake. The 1.8 liter was always a willing revver but this really helped.
New General Exclaim UHP summer tires, Koni shocks, a performance alignment, and aftermarket bigger sway bars helped the cornering. I also had all scheduled maintenance and replacement done.
This thing is a blast to drive. The responsiveness and shifting of the 5 speed manual always has been great. I also now have a walnut shift knob with the imprint of my avatar, the Korean dragon, lazer inscribed in yellow( I guess that would be bling).
The top speed is now a stable and smooth 122 mph but don't ask me how I know. The Miata, at 140 hp at the rear wheels will never be a hp demon but it makes up for it in plain fun.
Unfortunately, the bad points are there too. The leather seats are comfortable once you're in but getting in and out, now there's the rub. I have to keep up with my exercises and walking to fold my soon to be 82 year old bod into this but once in, it gives me a reminder, in a way, of the Valk, smooth, responsive, and a blast to drive,
Sorry for the blatant commercial for Mazda------------Zoom, zoom.
