Chris D'Agnolo wrote:
> "Frank Berger" > wrote in message
> ...
>> My '96 died, as I reported earlier. It was dying a slow death, then
>> the engine gave out. I sold the remains today. I suspect it will
>> be junked. I also suspect it would pay somone to put an engine into
>> it. I just wasn't up to it. Tomorrow, I'm flying to LA to complete
>> the purchase of a 2004 Titanium Gray Mazdaspeed, 40K miles, with
>> various FM upgrades, driving back to Dallas. I toyed with getting a
>> 2006 or 2007 Mazdaspeed6, or even a 2010 Mazdaspeed3 (they're just
>> too bizarre looking) but in the end went back to the MX-5. The only
>> thing I'm a little worried about is whether the 6-speed is too much
>> of a pain in the ass in traffic.
> Good choice! What a blast that drive is going to be! I doubt you will
> mind having 6 gears but you probably WILL wish 6th was a taller
> cruising gear! I know, I keep bringing this back up but it's one of
> Mazdas biggest mistakes on the NA,NB and NC cars IMHO.
>
> Give us all the details when you get back!
>
> Chris
> 99BBB

Greeting from Deming, NM. Couldn't quite make my goal of El Paso. The car
is really awsome. The desert is truly beautiful as is the sky at night.
Top down all the way so far. With the FM upgrades, she supposedly does
around 200 HP at the wheels. Whatever, she's plenty quick. With 75 MPH
speed limits much of the way, I was comfortable crusiing at 85-90. I did
hit 110 on the speedo briefly. Not sure how accurate it is with the
215/40/17 Azenis Rt-615s. Had some traffic getting out of LA. Didn't
find the 6 speed any more of a pain than the 5, as someone suggested would
be the case.

The only thing the seller didn't get ready was wiring the Prosport Air/Fuel
gauge so that it doesn't have to be reset manually every time you start the
car. He couldn't figure out the wiring. Will have to work on that.

On to Dallas tomorrow.