Ah, the Miata is a sturdy little beastie, just a very cute tiny little thing as well -- a sports car. It is, after all, one of those utterly reliable and therefore
boring Japanese cars. Since most of us who are of An Age think of "
Fiat" or "
MG" when the mind wanders to "affordable
sportscar", we also end up thinking "Fix It Again Tony" and of Sir Lucas' famous "Gentlemen do not motor after dark." quotation.
It would be an even better car if it were more fitting for those of us who are tall in the saddle. I don't mind climbing out of it, but I prefer not to have to choose between rubbing a bald spot on my pate or risking permanent damage to my neck and spine from hunching down.
For the off-season, a hardtop is a nice accessory as it helps to keep the heat in and rain out.