Car Forum World

I will need a reliable car to go to work about 90miles round trip. I'm looking at a 1999 vw new beatle, and also a 1996 mazda miata. They both have around 106,000 miles. Which one could be the better choice? Also they both cost the same

I work for Mazda.

But for your function daily commute of 90miles, the VW is what you need. The MX5 Miata is a fun to drive car for which the fun to drive attributes are best realized when driving is fun. Commuting isn't fun. The hammering you'd be putting the car through could result in you developing an unwarranted displeasure when the car starts to experiance problems related with unsportscar like driving i.e. less attention given to regular service.
On the other hand the VW is a workhorse. Any on the road problems you'd experiance could be easy to get seen to by a regular 24 hour towing service/garage. The uniqueness of the MX five could pose a problem for you in times of emergency flat battery etc. The battery for example is distinctive to the Miata. The car was simply not intended for that sort of driving although it's a potent little sports car. The key to enjoyable car ownership is function and utility being delivered to you by the car in balanced amounts. And both must be in equal or greater amounts to what you expect at time of buy.
I'd like to see you behind the wheel of a Miata but if my hope is to see you driving carefully and joyously to and from work five days a week, then I'd say get yourself the VW.

Personal Experience

Volkswagen beetle if only because it's newer although the miles are about the same, and since you said the price is about the same. But nobody out here can exactly answer your question because only you have seen both cars and know all the variance's that could let your choice to go either way.

I hope you're female if you're considering these cars.

All things equal, I like the Mazda better than the VW, but be sure you check carfax.com and invest the $24.99 to avoid a mistake.
With all of the flooded cars from Hurricane Katrina and the scams that people put on older cars, you must learn the history on a big investment.
It may assist you make your choice easier.

yes you certainly have to have comfort while commuting and the mazda is only fun in "CorkyRomano" VW is more about comfort with al their vehicles. you'll regret it afterward if you decide the mazda over the VW. it just makes no sense..

I am now on my second Miata. they're great cars, that make you smile every time you drive them.
However, if you must deal with snow where you live, they're terrible. as well, no backseat. the Beetle is nowhere near as good handling, or as dependable, or as sporty, but it's more practical.
If I were you, I could look at a used Mazda Protege or Mazda 3. Both are better than the VW, and have some sportiness like the Miata but roomier & better in bad weather .

Mazda.

VW is junk. Better after 2002.

definetly miata. I tested one and they have really good handling and performance, usually caused by they are light weigh. I hate beetles, just because they appear like them and are low hp, ugly, heavier cars. go for a nice rwd five speed miata and youll be a happy person.