Anyone Toad A Pontiac Solstice or Saturn Sky, Man-Trans?

Just to document my findings for others who wonder about a Solstice.

Blue Ox offers base plate BX3232 specifically for the Solstice. If you already own a Roadmaster tow bar, Blue Ox offers adaptor BX88151 so you don't need to by another tow bar.

The non-turbo manual transmission Solstice does work. Since Blue Ox did not try the base plate on a turbo/GXP model, that is questionable. The instructions I read through involves trimming a flat stock rubber air dam for the non-turbo. If there is an intercooler or other such "turbo" mechanics in the way, then you'll be in big trouble.

I don't know if an automatic trans Solstice can be towed all-wheels-down.

Due to cost for something decent, my interest has fizzled out for a little 2-seat, whether a Solstice, Sky, MR2, or Miata. If the right deal comes along, that could change my mind. At least I know my options.

Well, I did test drive a low mileage 2011 Miata manual and loved it as much as our 2000 MR2 Spyder. The trouble I had was the cost in purchasing a current generation Miata which I believe was introduced in 2006. So I am now leaning toward an MR2 Spyder like we used to own for I might be able to get one in the $5000-$7000 price range. I should have never sold that car in January 2009.

ron.dittmer wrote:
Do you know if an automatic can be towed?

Yes I know and NO an Automatic Transmission cannot be towed.

No one has ever made a commercially available lube pump or a drive shaft disconnect for any Miata.

That said, with enough money nearly anything "can" be done.

Tim

Will do, Thanks. On a nice spring day, l will go to the area Mazda dealer during lunch and test drive any current day Miata.

Do you know if an automatic can be towed? Just want to know my options, though I do favor a manual.

ron.dittmer wrote:
I assume there would be little difference between the two.

Yep... The 2010 and later are pretty much the same car. Most differences are in exterior plastics, options, and trim.

The same Roadmaster baseplate will fit all, but extending the brackets through the grill is easier on the 2014+. 2012 and later have no steering wheel lock to deal with.

Let me know if you find one you like and want a second opinion.

Tim

Tim, I will take your advise and test drive a 2010-2015 Miata stick shift. I assume there would be little difference between the two.

ron.dittmer wrote:
I hear you Healeyman. For the moment I am stuck on a Solstice.

Ron,

When my 2010 Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) Miata was butt-smacked and totaled, I spent a couple of months researching what to buy for both a daily driver and a towed.

I included the Solstice and the Sky (both soft tops) in my search, driving one of each. I like the looks of both, but after having driven a Miata retractable hardtop for a couple of years, I was VERY disappointed in the drivability and the handling (soft and sluggish) of both cars and especially the cumbersome awkwardness of putting up the tops.

I quickly settled on a 2012 Miata PRHT. I STRONGLY suggest that you try out a 2010 and later (2.0 liter) MANUAL Miata, preferably one with the Sport Suspension (yellow shocks). It is light years ahead of your previous Miata.

Being a child of the Hot Rod '50s and the Muscle Cars 60s, I have put an Electric Super Charger (50 HP & 50+ torque) on my Miata.



It is awesome!!!

Go drive a Solstice, THEN go drive a 2010+ Miata PRHT (push a button = top up/down). There is no comparison.

Please keep me posted.

Tim

I hear you Healeyman. For the moment I am stuck on a Solstice. We once towed a 2000 MR2 Spyder which was fun for trips where a 4x4 wasn't needed. I may buy another one of them.

We owned a 1992 Miata for a while. It just never got under my skin like the MR2 did and the Solstice now. I should test drive a current-day retractable hard top Miata and see what happens.

ron.dittmer wrote:
Anyone towing 4-wheels-down, a Pontiac Solstice or Saturn Sky?

Hey Ron,

How about towing a newish Miata retractable. (chuckle...)

They are a MUCH better car than a ragtop Solstice or Sky. And unlike GM, Mazda is still making them.

Tim

A neighbor purchased a Pontiac Solstice and went to see about about setting it up
for towing. Was advised there is not a stock baseplate for it. He has not done anything more at this time. Might want to check that statement out.