(Same product is sold by several vendors. )
Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Expandable cup holder
I was prompted to buy this because the stock Mazda cupholders force you to shift in a very uncomfortable position when you have a cup in the center dual holder. It was making me NUTS, as well as shift sloppily on my way back from Dunkin Donuts. ;) It came with a few different screws, of which I only used one. When I hear people having the problem of the cupholder pivoting (rotating), I can imagine it but luckily mine has stayed put with just one screw in the center. The Good Stuff: It closes up nicely, attractively, discretely. It absolutely solves the unbearable shift-over-the-cup misery. It hasn't dropped a cup, bottle or can in the 6 or so months I've had it. In fact, every time I use it, I smile, remembering what it saved me from. The Bad Stuff (and these aren't so bad): The arms that cradle the can or cup seem loose side-to-side. That worried me but as I said, it hasn't yet let anything go. And, the first time you fold it is when you learn that you have to bring the arms back to the 'closed' position first or they'll cause the 'lid' to pop off. (only a minor irritation picking it up off the floor and pinning it back in there).
I've heard these are around for about 5 bucks. I've never seen them though, so... still skeptical. That would have been nice as this was 9.95 plus about 6 bucks (!) in shipping. For 6 bucks it should come with a full can of Guiness. But since it's made me so happy, I can't dwell on that. The guy on the phone at MOSS Motors was courteous, pleasant, and helpful. I ordered it on a Friday, and it came in the mail the next Monday! That... was cool. Final word: shop the stores first, but not for too long. That 16 bucks becomes a distant memory quickly enough.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '90 - '97
EZ 2 Install X-pandable Cup Holder
LOVE IT! EZ 2 Install is right, try under 2 minutes. And it works like charm. My only regret is that I could find this at Wal-Mart, K-Mart or Target for under $5 as has been suggested. I paid $9.95 at MMMiata but the convenience it offers is worth twice that - and from what I've seen at some web stores, they want to charge you that much. PS. I only got one, that I put on the passenger side, as my drivers seat is too far forward for it to open. This may be a problem for shorter drivers. Really large drivers may have a problem with the cup getting in the way of their leg room.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
flip open cup holder-mounted on side of center consol
I found this cup holder at K Mart. It matched the one sold by many suppliers. All that is needed is to get a screw to match the one in the consul side (but 1/4" longer).
I entered a review before (under another email address- This is my current one). The line carried by Wal-Mart and Target are crap. They are very flimsy and have a metal ring, and, therefore, are not adjustable. The line carried by K Mart is an exact match in quality to the ones sold in Miata catalogues. I bought several (to allow breakage, in case K Mart ceases carrying this line. Please e-mail me of other stores carrying decent cup holders.
Over 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to '90 - '97
A simple cup holder that folds up to be unobstructive in the Miata's already tight cockpit.
You know, this was the first aftermarket product I purchased for my car & I've had not a single problem with it. It does pivot on the single screw point on the holder, but I've found that that comes in handy with some larger cups. Finding the arms of the holder can be difficult in the dark, so I added three strips of theatrical glow tape to illuminate the edges so as not to miss the holder when driving at night. My girlfriend thought it might be obstructive to any passenger in the car but that hasn't been the case & no one has said anything of that nature.
It's a worthwhile investment to anyone.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Expandable cup holder -Black plastic folding cup holder which mounts on the passenger side console.
Update-The cup holder review that I submitted earlier cast a negative light on Finishline Performance. That was not my intent. The cup holder is offered by many companies.
Finishline Performance offered to credit my account for the cup holder and shipping costs. I appreciate their service and handling of this matter. I would recommend Finishline Performabce in future purchases.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Black plastic fold-up cup hoder
Purchased this product from Finish Line Performance and it is trash! It does not lay flat against the console and looks really bad. Evem my wife said get that thing out of here!!!
I would not recommend this product to anyone! I would have returned it asked for my money back but I lost the reciept!
Under 5 minutes to remove
Expandle cup holder that mounts on side of tunnel.
Went in just as instructed with the supplied screw. Fast and easy to install.
Probably the simplest and best thing I have bought for the Miata. Haven't used console cupholders since. Out of the way when not needed. Love it.
Installed one myself
Forget buying one out of a catalogue. Go to K-mart and by one there for under five bucks. then go to a hardware store (matcking the one from the consolul, though slightly longer) to get the screw for about fifteen cents. And wallah!-Cupholder for under five bucks.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Generic black fold down cupholder. Holder folds flat when not in use and is adjustable for most size cups
Simple to install. Uses existing screw hole on side of console in front of passenger's seat. I supplied a longer screw and a large thin washer to strengthen the attachment. I used the center screw hole on the back of the cupholder.
Purchased at K-Mart for $2.65, this appears to be the same product that is sold for 9.95 through various Miata vendors. Fits well and was simple to install. I have hated my miata dual cup holders as the cups make shifting awkward. The fold down cupholder is a nice solution for us coffee junkies!
Completely satisfied.
After shopping around, I found a good quality folding cupholder at West Marine. They come in white or black and come with mounting hardware. Mounting is as simple as removing one screw from the right side of the transmission tunnel and using the supplied screw to attach the cupholder. I made the effort to make a bracket for my installation to which I attached two cupholders side by side. The cupholders are just where you want them, within easy reach and out of the way while shifting. I don't know how I could put up with the console-type cupholder right where I rest my arm! Cost for two cupholders and materials: $12
Folding cupholder that mounts on the passenger side of the center console.
It came without a screw. (strike one)
The existing screw in the miata console is too short to use. (strike two)
It doesn't lay flat against the tranny tunnel. (strike three)
Ok... 3 strikes so it should be "outta here" but instead I just removed the screw from the console and took it to my local hardware store. I managed to find a screw used for some kind of special application that was about 1/2" longer than the stock screw. Screwed it in and it works fine... except for one other little problem. Since there is only one screw, the whole cupholder tends to rotate around that screw. I'm afraid to tighten it down too hard as it will probably break the plastic but I plan to just stick a piece of velcro behind it to mesh against the carpet. This should keep it from spinning around.
As for function, I really like the design. It is adjustable to many cup sizes and folds up out of the way when not in use. Even when in use, it is in a convenient area that doesn't take away from the passenger's leg room.
Overall, I recommend this product, but be prepared to make a trip to the hardware store for a screw that works... oh, and pick up a little strip of velcro too.
A fold-a-way cup holder that attaches to the side of the center console.
At first it seemed like a straight foward installation. But the cup holder does not lay flush with the center counsole and the transmission tunnel. Plus the screw that mounts the center console does not work with the cup holder. The supplied screw does not work either. The only way I can install it is by drilling new holes in a new location on the side of the center console. But I am not willing to do that.
I bought the cupholder through Roebuck Mazda. No mention of the brand (Brand X?), but it says "EXPANDABLE" in big raised lettering. :) I bet this is the same expandable cupholder sold by everyone other Miata vendor.
Idiot-proof installation, mounts on the passenger side of your console using a longer bolt (included). Neatly folds out of the way when not in use, and holds a Snapple bottle/can securely. Not sure if it'd fit a Super Giant Sized MegaSlurpie, though.
I initially swore that my Miata would remain cupholder free, but this product is really nifty. Doesn't get in the way of shifting and is virtually invisible when not in use. Just what the doctor ordered.
Black plastic, collapsible design, mounts to the passenger side of the console.
Has held up to the largest of drinks, no spills, and I can SHIFT again, instead of using my reversed ashtray.
If someone stole mine, I'd get another.
Expandable Cup/Mug Holder
Functional and very easy to install. Does not interfere with passenger seat movement.
Ten dollars well spent.
Back to Product Reviews | 12 May, 2006 |