Miata vs. Eclipse Spyder

[Driver Mike]

So, we're soon to be empty-nesters ... Bring on the convertible!

We're planning on moving to South Carolina in the Fall of 2010. The convertible will join our family sometime between Sept. 2009 to March 2010 ... and will be the transport for our planned fifteen day road trip to our new home from Oregon.

Our performance envelope is fairly small. The sole purpose for this convertible is for touring, Sunday drives, cruising around, etc. That said, here's what we're planning on considering for our purchase:
1. 4 cylinder (for gas mileage)
2. Automatic transmission (for the lazy Sunday drives)
3. Model year 2007 to 2009
4. Price range $20K to $28K
5. Less than 15K miles
6. Good repair network (availability of parts, shops, etc.)
7. Reliable
8. Comfortable ride
9. Fun! Not high-performance, but fun.

Based on that list, we've settled on either the Mazda Miata Grand Touring -or- the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS.

... so ... which one should we get?!? We've driven them both, do a massive amount of research and still can't decide between the two.

HELP US DECIDE! Tell us which one we should get and why.

[oldblu65]

Mike , personally I would go for the Miata . I think the Mazda Miata's are a much better quality vehicle .I also think they are a much more attractive package . Just my $0.02 !

[Driver Mike]

Thanks, oldblu ... I appreciate it your opinion and feedback.

Any idea which has a better service network (Mazda vs. Mitsubishi)?

I'm looking for anything to break the tie.

Thanks again!

[drdisque]

The service networks are comparable. The Mitsubishi will come with a longer warranty, but that's also because it's not as well built.

However, the Eclipse is a much more practical car. It's hard to fit more than 4 days worth of clothes for 2 people in the back of a Miata. The Eclipse on the other hand has a back seat and a reasonably-sized trunk.

[oldblu65]

I agree that the Eclipse would be a better car , as far as interior space , for the cross country trip . But once at your new location , the Mazda would be the better choice ! Much better quality built vehicle and , in my opinion , a much more attractive car as well . Just my $ 0.02 , not trying to offend .

[Autotropolis12]

For more than a year, paper shades have covered the giant windows of an old car dealership on busy Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, home to Detroit’s automotive captains. Occasionally a teensy, quirky car is parked outside; one seen only in photographs or at an auto show, if at all.
Inside the building, well, there’s not much: a couple of offices within the cavernous shell; empty cubicles in a color scheme of yellow, silver and black; and a few inhabitants.
But in the next several months, this place will be bustling. The former dealership is the corporate headquarters for Smart USA, the Roger Penske-operated distributor of the quirky Smart cars from Mercedes-Benz.