Miata Mailing List: November 1995, Message #306
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   From: a.mccombs3@genie.com
Subject: Here For Dear Ol' Dad
   Date: Sat, 4 Nov 1995 19:05:03 -0500

"Cori" asks about Miatas for his sexagenarian father.  Good for him! (Cori
and father, that is.)  Personally, I'd stay away from red - it attracts too
many cops when Dad is hot rodding.  (Hey, you never know.)

Options?  Depends on what he's like and what he wants.  Keep your brother
out of this, Cori, since he keeps pushing for automatics.  There may be some
instances where an automatic Miata might be desirable to some folks, but if
your dad still has normal mobility, and likes a Miata in the first place,
the 5 speed is the way to go.  Miatas were made for shifting.  One thing
about Miatas:  There are so many aftermarket goodies for the car, that all
one has to do is decide on the basics (A, B, C Pkgs - wheels, A/C, P/S, the
sort of stuff you normally don't add to the car after purchase) - and then
you can add the cruise, turbocharger, roll bar, fancy stereo, even fancier
wheels and tires, etc., etc. - later.

I can sort of see where you (and your dad) are coming from on this.  My
father in law is a bit over 70 now, and several years ago, bought himself a
brand new Fiero with 5 speed - still has the car, and still enjoys it quite
a lot.  (Although he's admitted that our Miata isn't too bad.  We're still
working on getting him to lose the Fiero and get a Miata.)  I just turned 50
myself, and I'm planning on driving our Miata for a LONG time to come - 5
speed, turbo, and all.  (And glory be, the insurance co. just sent me a
refund on our two cars - the other one is an early Datsun 240Z - for turning
50!  Shhh - don't tell them what I'm really like.  What they don't know
won't hurt me.)
                                                --Jack M. & KANSEi--