my 16th b-day is coming up, and I really want a mazda miata. my parents said they'd consider it, but since we live in a semi-snowy area, they are concerned about that. do they go well in the snow if you have snow tires?
2006-12-22 05:52:07 · 9 answers · asked by Kasey 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Mazda
Mazda Miata is a fun car, but it's pretty close to the worst choice you could make for snow driving, especially for a new 16-year old driver. Snow tires or not, it's going to be a real pain in the snow.
A front-wheel drive car with traction control would be a much wiser choice for you. Lucky for you there are lots and lots of choices and you should be able to find one you like. Nearly every compact car on the market have FWD.
If you're looking for something "cute" like the Miata, you might look at the Volkswagen New Beetle. It's got front-wheel drive and traction control and will do well in snow. Also check out the Scion xA and xB, Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris.
2006-12-22 18:36:55 · answer #1 · answered by Ryan 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
We had a '96 miata and in the snow it wasn't too bad w/ good tires because it's front wheel drive and pretty well balanced.
HOWEVER, and it's a big however, it was scary as hell driving in that little thing in bad weather. if an SUV passes you you'll might be blinded by it's snow/ water wake untill your wipers clear it off because it's so small/ low to the ground. And if you're looking at the older ones w/ flip up headlights like we had you will find the snow/rain glare is really bad because you and the lights are almost at the same level.
Also, and trust me no offence here, i'd go with a non-convertable for a 1st car. Convertables just aren't as safe in accidents and while safety is important for everyone, it should be of even more consideration for a new driver. I'd go for front wheel or all wheel drive for handling. I am a big fan of honda/acura. My first car was an acura and I had it for almost 10yrs. It was sporty, safe and handled great in all weather.
2006-12-22 06:26:16 · answer #2 · answered by naula 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Miata is a sports car and even with chains you're not bound to get far in the snow. The ground clearance is very small so if the snow is deep you're stuck. If you don't want an SUV 'cause it's too big than you're better off getting an AWD sedan like a Subaru. It'll do well in the snow and give you decent pavement performance.
2006-12-22 06:15:36 · answer #3 · answered by Car freak 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Miata's are NOT FWD they are longitudinal front-engine/RWD, small sports car and low clearance. I would not really recommend this car if you live in a winter climate where you see snow. You probably could get away with it, if you added on Studded Winter tires on winter rims and add some sandbags, but with the small trunk you would have no room to store anything but the sandbags.
I would suggest a FWD vehicle for your first car as the maintenance & upkeep on a AWD or 4 x 4 is more expensive versus a FWD vehicle. Regardless you should get 4 winter tires on rims for your vehicle during the winter season rather than running All-season.
2006-12-22 06:24:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Young lady, all close to the ground sporty cars look good to you.
Go ahead and get one, the next time you get stuck in the snow, they will find your frozen carcass come next spring.
If you live in a part of the country that has snow during winter. You need to get a vehicle with sensible attributes, like ground clearance and Front wheel drive or all wheel drive.
If you absolutely have to have a sports car. Then consider getting a Subaru, they make the Only All Wheel Drive two seater in the automobile industry.
But as a sensible first car, that is reasonably good in snow, and also looks good, you might like to get a Honda Accord. Or if your folks have the money, get you a sporty little SUV like the Toyota Rav4 (these do come in 4 wheel drive and Hybrids if your green conscious too).
Good luck sweetie!
2006-12-22 07:15:08 · answer #5 · answered by somber_pieces 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I sell cars at a car lot in semi-snowy Pennsylvania. Miatas are just like any other car in the snow. In my opinion, they drive better than a Mustang because Miatas are front wheel drive. (Well, at least most are.)
As long as you have a car that is front wheel drive and snow tires during the winter months, you'll be able to drive in the snow. You just have to be extra careful and not very vain about how the snow tires will look on a car as small as the Miata. =) Drive safely!!!!!!
2006-12-22 06:01:46 · answer #6 · answered by *Kelly June* 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
sorry Kelly it's rear wheel drive. and i would not recommend one to a new driver , too light and low , get a fwd beater for your first winter car
2006-12-22 06:13:47 · answer #7 · answered by sterling m 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Uh, crappy.
My sister had one and ended up getting rid of it before the winter was over. They are too light and get stuck pretty easily.
2006-12-22 05:59:44 · answer #8 · answered by angie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You'd be better off walking.
2006-12-22 06:03:36 · answer #9 · answered by white.devil 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋