Four months later.

In the past four months, I have been using the Miata as a commuter car, and to travel around on weekends in mostly nice weather.

I have had quite a busy summer, and have not had time to properly chronicle my time in the Miata, so here's an attempt at such!

Since purchase, I have driven the car a little over 5000 miles, averaging about 1,250 miles per month.

Side by side, here is a photo comparison of my first Miata in 2006, versus my current one, August 2012.

Once I got this Miata tagged and insured, I set to get rid of the ugly aftermarket 14-inch wheels that really took away from the car's appearance.

This photo shows not only the ugly wheels, but the small spot of rust on the car as well. The tires were nearly brand new, and in great shape, so I decided to go with stock wheels, which were also 14". I was on a pretty tight budget, but managed to score a set of stock 94-97 wheels on Craigslist for only $100. The seller even offered to mount my tires for me!

The stock wheels did much to improve the overall appearance of the car, in my opinion, and it definitely fit into my budget. Within a day, I realized that the aftermarket lug nuts installed by the previous owner would not work with the Mazda alloys, so I would need to source replacements. At $6, new for OEM lug nuts, it seemed a bit silly to spend over $100 on lugs. However, Open Road Mazda hooked me up with a complete set of new take-offs for $60.

The Miata seems to encourage spirited driving, and the result was spent brakes after just a month of me owning the car. I sourced zinc-plated, slotted, vented rotors and replaced the pads and sliders. Here's a quick shot of the new lugs & brakes. Much better!

I replaced the valve cover gasket and PCV valve and eliminated a moderate oil leak from the top of the motor. I seem to have lost the photos of the oily mess, so here's one of the car after some cleanup!

The interior of my Miata has a few items which could stand to be addressed. Of course, the seats have some normal fading from being out in the sun over the past 20 years, but that has not bothered me too much. The carpet could use a replacement soon, as there are some noticeable tears on the passenger side. A careless passenger in heels, perhaps? I re-mounted the radio, cleaned up the dash, and replaced the shift boot. It looks significantly  better with these items addressed. I can turn my attention else where for now.

 This brings me to an important point: the convertible top. The top on the Miata has started to deteriorate significantly over the past several months, due to my frequent folding/unfolding of the roof, and the fabric which retains the zipper for the rear window has separated completely, in a difficult to access area. This wear has now limited my driving of the Miata significantly, as I cannot take the car out if there is the threat of poor weather. Also, without a rear window, the car is not secure to be parked in public places.

I have been shopping for a convertible top since this roof started giving me problems, and have found a suitable replacement.

I've decided to go with a Robbins Streamline top in canvas, with the rear defrost option. Yes, this will eliminate the zip-out rear window, but I think of that as a weak point for most tops anyway. My only concern with this new roof is the fitment compatibility of certain roll bars, which is something I am considering as soon as resources allow.

Before winter comes, I'd like to complete the following:
-Replace clutch and brake fluid.
-Replace Gear Oil with Redline
-Replace Convertible top
-Replace Spark Plugs

Most of this I should be able to accomplish, though timing is a challenge as my courses start Tuesday, adding to my already busy work schedule. There is the possibility that I will be taking the Miata to an autocross event next month, so more excitement for this car is on the horizon.