Conference vmsnet::car$note:carbuffs

I've been looking around casually for one, but can't seem to find any around. I
thought this (winter) might be a good time to look. I like the special "British
Racing Green" edition especially.

My '87 Integra is acting up, but might make a good winter car...

-Jeff

    
    re .-1
    
    Keep you eyes on the used car section of the Boston Globe. I started
    looking in feb/march and finally bought in early June. Of course I was
    VERY picky....
    
    /Peter

    Check the want-advertiser or Deals on Wheels. The Want-ad is full of
    private-sales. Deals on Wheels has more ads from dealers. I bought
    my Dodge Dakota from an ad in Deals on Wheels. You will find a lot
    more selection in these two mags than the Globe, Herald, etc. put
    together.
    
	Mark
    
    I'm planning to wait about 10 years (when me kids become productive
    citizens) and shop for a used Dodge Prowler. I think by then, they
    will be plentiful and I'll be able to find one that I can afford.
    As a matter of fact, by then there will probably be other similar
    vehicles. I'd like to see GM come out with a hot-rod like the Prowler
    with a 350 V8. Now that would be a screamer!
    
    My cousin has a Miata. Her's is the first year they came out. It's
    red (really red!) and she has lot's of goodys for it like a half-
    taneau cover that she can snap in place and still drive the car.
    I wouldn't mind having one to commute with, but it wouldn't be very
    practical as long as I have 2 kids in the house.
    
    Mark

Is there a good way to carry bikes or skis on a Miata?
Also, how do those compare or coexist with the Mazda luggage racks?

The two-seater thing doesn't bother me, but I'd need to be able to haul at least
bikes and skis (not at the same time). Otherwise, I'd might need a second car,
which is one thing I am considering.

Will the wheels from my Integra fit?

My MSW wheels have a 4x100mm bolt pattern, I believe and are mounted with
195/60-14's. According to the Miata.net, the bolt pattern looks right. See
http://www.skyenet.net/~oz/miata/frames.htm

There's also some good price information online at the Edmund's (
http://www.edmunds.com/ ) and Kelly Blue Book ( http://www.kbb.com/ ) sites.

I plan to pick up one of those car hunter mags soon. The Globe is also having a
big President's Day automotive section this Sunday...

Thanks,
-Jeff

>Is there a good way to carry bikes or skis on a Miata?

Check out the EuroShuttle by RhodeGear.  Ive seem the on all sorts of
cars with abbreviated trunks.  They used to cost about $60-80, not sure
what they are now.  Carries 2 bikes, no skis.  Clips onto the trunk lid,
has an adjustable arm to rest on the bumper or other parallel-to-the-ground
surface.  There are some web straps that tie it to the vehicle.

>Also, how do those compare or coexist with the Mazda luggage racks?

no idea, but with some invetive engineering, the bike rack will probably
go over the top.

Check it out in person to be sure, most larger bike shopw will carry
Rhode Gear.

Good luck.
--roger

>Is there a good way to carry bikes or skis on a Miata?

put the top down

    Just bought a white 1992 Miata, A Package (ps,cassette, alloys), and 
    air conditioning for my wife to drive to work 3 days a week.  It has
    37K original miles, nothing modified from stock.  Paid $9700.
    
    Other than a couple of little dings and a questionable newly sewn in rear
    window plastic window, this car is in excellent shape.  Looking under the 
    hood is like looking at a new one!
    
    Its so much fun to drive it kills me looking at the snow in the
    driveway and the Miata in the garage.  I guess the 4wd truck has
    to get driven a few miles every once in awhile to keep it happy...  8^}
    
    --Bert