Suspension package on 2001 Miata- need opinions from those whove driven the cars

looking to buy a new Miata (2001). Do not have access to test cars in my area. Was able to very briefly drive a few cars at a distant dealership and noticed what I thought was a fairly significant difference between the 'normal' car and a car w/ the suspension package (in the 'base' model that is- not in the LS, which I did not drive). The upgraded suspension felt to have sig. less body roll w/ fast slalom and less nose diving w/ hard braking.

Am having a lot of trouble finding the car that I want ( 2001 Midnight Blue LS) w/ the suspension package (which also requires the 6-sp) and am beginning to wonder if it is worth the trouble/wait (since I will likely have to order it from the factory = ~90 day wait).

does anyone w/ a 2001 model have any experience in comparing the 2 cars- that is LS 'stock' and LS w/ suspension pkg (suspension pkg only adds Bilstein shocks to the LS as it already has tower brace, larger wheels/tires, etc.)

(OR- does anyone have a midnight blue 2001 w/ suspension/6sp/ABS for sale?)

thanks,

I have a 2001 LS with the suspension package, 6-speed, and ABS. I think that it feels a bit mushier than the 99-2000 models with the package but that is probably due to the added weight and 16' wheels/tires. I noticed a bit more lean in the turns in the 2001 than I did in the 99-2000 as well.

I did not drive a 2001 without the package though. The suspension package does make it a but firm and some people do not like it if the Miata is going to be their daily driver. I would say for most people, the standard suspension is just fine and it still handles great.

I actually put lowering springs on my 2001 to help flatten it out a bit in the curves and to get rid of the gap in the fender wells. You can take a look at my pictures to see what this does. http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1208127& a=10648114

I like the suspension package and would suggest getting it if you really want to have your Miata handle even better than normal right away. However, you can always upgrade the suspension later, but my dealer was able to get all of these features on a silver LS so I was lucky.

Good luck

Hi Kirk,

I noticed in your pictures a cool looking fuel lid. http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1208127& a=10648114&p=36426387&S...

Where did you get the fuel lid? Is it chrome? I've been looking for something like that for quite some time.

Thanks, Brian W