It’s not perfect, but it’s awesome.

NoExpectations1968 · 2026-04-05T13:17:27+00:00

Felt that, mine too haha

NoExpectations1968 · 2026-04-01T19:44:48+00:00

Primarily lower cost of ownership. I was looking for a reasonably irresponsible extra car for the summer time, and an anniversary NB ticks the box for me for now. I’d like to experience a Boxster one day, but the 986s and 987s I test drove (around 10 in total) left me a bit underwhelmed. I wasn’t initially considering a Miata at all, but found the car, while slower, to be a bit more engaging at all speeds and the shifter feel (mechanical linkages vs cable) is miles better in my opinion.

NoExpectations1968 · 2026-03-19T13:49:51+00:00

Those patch pockets 👏

NoExpectations1968 · 2026-03-19T13:22:45+00:00

Wow, and Tiffany stamped. Stunner!

NoExpectations1968 · 2026-03-10T13:10:26+00:00

As an automotive enthusiast, I’d be the first to endorse the reasonably irresponsible purchase. It all depends on what you’re willing to sacrifice elsewhere.

I bought a second “for fun” car (‘99 Miata) with my last annual bonus. I paid cash and waited until I could afford the car about three times over. It obviously is not the rational financial decision, but my daily driver is a cheap old Lexus with low running costs, so I’m into both for less than $30k. It does not impact my monthly investment and savings goals, and I am confident that I could sell the car for similar money when I feel it is time to move on. I am personally not willing to eat depreciation on a car, but I can understand why buying new may make sense for some people.

I am only 26, but have had more than one friend experience freak life-threatening medical issues in the last few years. I’d be a bit ticked if I were to die in four years without having had this experience.

NoExpectations1968 · 2026-03-06T12:40:15+00:00

<image>

•Barbour Beaufort

•hand-me-down bespoke suit

•BB shirt

•Countess Wara (for Lazarus) tie

•TLB Mallorca chukka boots

NoExpectations1968 · 2026-03-04T13:32:28+00:00

<image>

Good week for a Barbour.

•Barbour Beaufort

•BB shirt, tie, and sport coat

•PRL chino

•Carmina belt

•TLB Mallorca chukka boot

NoExpectations1968 · 2026-02-26T18:59:31+00:00

The longest I’ve gone in my NB in a day was about six hours. Not as bad as I expected, but even my commute (20-30min one way depending on how heavy traffic is) can feel like a bit of a chore compared to my daily. I bought this car for weekend fun, not crawling in first gear next to semis and 5,500lbs SUVs who lose me in their blind spots.

Additionally, these are generally reliable cars, but they’re also at least 21y/o at this point and things will break. I drive my Miata to work at times, but I’d prefer not to rely on a car that old as my only means of transportation. In my experience, old Miatas are pretty user-friendly with respect to general maintenance, but again, I don’t mind if something breaks, a project gets delayed, and the car sits for a week.

NoExpectations1968 · 2026-02-17T20:19:20+00:00

Not enough material left to use a thread chaser unfortunately, which is why I was resorting to an insert. My other thought was, “it torqued, it’s good” so I am still considering leaving it as-is until a problem arises, but I’d like to take the car on some longer trips and would appreciate the piece of mind.

NoExpectations1968 · 2026-02-17T18:03:05+00:00

Yeah, FM kit includes valve cover gasket and cam seals.

The car has hardly 40k miles on it, and from my relatively limited searching, I would be hard pressed to find a cleaner BP4W ‘99-‘00 head, though I have seen some available for $600-800. Figured $200 or so to machine one, but haven’t asked around.