Well, … it’s not so much that automatic transmission is not reliable in a Miata - it just requires a bit more attention than manual (servicing!) but the fact is that manual transmission is much, much, much more fun to drive, … and it’s easy to learn, btw, to drive a manual transmission - just look up Scotty’s vid teaching how to drive manual in MX-5!

Anyway, … since you are looking for an alternative with an automatic transmission: … here it goes: Lexus LC-500 convertible: 10-speed automatic, paddle shifters, 5-litre V8, exclusivity, … astronomical price!

Best,

F.S.

What do you mean by servicing for the automatic  Miata? Excuse my ignorance.

I have eyed the LC 500 before but the 120 grand price tag pulls be back, im not rich (yet) unfortunately.

Thanks.

Up. Help plz. Im looking for a lower budget

"What do you mean by servicing for the automatic  Miata?"
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Older automatic Miatas have a mechanical linkage to the automatic transmission - I’m not sure when that ended and computer took over, but ‘04 Miata has such system, for example.

Anyway, … that system goes out of adjustment and transmission starts getting wrong inputs, starts shifting weirdly, … and one starts thinking: “Oh, there goes my transmission!" Not so, … all it needs is adjustment.

Another service: … fluid drains and changes! Those who drive hard, need to change fluid more often since high temperatures degrade ATF rather fast, … and that accelerates wear inside. Frequent changes are cheaper than a burned out transmissions!

Anyway-2, … just get a Miata! Automatic or not, … There is nothing like it, … that is if you want entertaining sports car, convertible, … and afordable! [ Hint: there is a vid series on all Miatas by Savagegeese on uTube, … covers all As, Bs, Cs and Ds ]

F.S.

I would definitely consider the manual transmission miata if possible. Do you have anyone that could possibly teach you? A dad, uncle, friend, family friend, etc possibly. A manual transmission is a much simpler piece of technology that is almost guaranteed to last you forever if you treat it right. Driving standard is a very real commitment and it is something you have to want to do. Automatics are generally more practical especially with someone that really only cares about driving from point a to point b.

You are going to get much for enjoyment out of a manual as far as the driving experience. If you know anyone with a manual transmission car, truck, suv, etc. i would recommend asking them if you could ride shotgun and get feel for what the experience as a whole is like. Don't feel pressured into driving a standard if you don't really care for the extra legwork but it can be very fulfilling and you will learn a lot about driving. I'm looking for my first manual transmission car currently.

A couple in general benefits to driving a manual transmisson

1. You will never have to worry about people asking to use your car as the vast majority of drivers only use automatics

2. Not having to worry about an automatic transmission going out can be a lifesaver especially when the general price of having that fixed is a couple grand at least. With a manual you are very much in control of the wear and tear on the transmission and the clutch

3. Mpg and power is generally easier to achieve in a manual transmission. Mpg especially on highway trips you are going to save a bunch just coasting in 5th or 6th gear. As far as power in a manual you are in control of when you change gears so changing gears in a higher rpm is going to boost your ability to get the most out of the engine.

4. Curing boredom, one things i always hated in automatics is how boring it is you're basically just braking or accelerating and it can lead to speeding to stop the monotony. In a manual you are going to get much more satisfaction even if you are driving normally. You are going to constantly have to judge distance, determine what gear is ideal for the current situation and what situation could come up soon such as traffic.

5. Miatas in general were made to be manual transmission cars, of course they offered it in automatic as most cars do but the full experience is without a doubt going to be a manual transmission miata.

6. Manual transmission cars have slowed down production significantly and the likelihood of you finding a solid manual transmission vehicle even in a couple years is going to go down significantly. Many people in America can't drive stick shift and that has definitely raised the value of certain vehicles for sure such as the Honda s2000 and the Acura RSX type S. Nowadays you should be able to find a Miata with reasonable miles in the $4-6k budget.

Get a V6 Ford Mustang.