I've got a 1990 gxl and one of the previous owners removed the antenna motor. Right now I'm stuck with a two-and-a-half foot non-powered antenna that I'm looking to replace. Do you think it's worth it to buy a whole new motor assembly ($165 on mazdatrix) or just go with the shorty rubber one ($20)? I did a search and read about the downsides to the rubber one already, but compared to the cost of a new antenna motor, is the sacrifice in performance worth it?
Oh the car already has an old aftermarket stereo in place (which I plan on upgrading in the near future) if that makes a difference.
thanks in advance

 

I think I've got a working motor with a broken antenna lying around somewhere. If i can find it, I'll sell it for $15.

 

if it matters ..I myself wouldn't buy one ..if I want to listen to the radio,I pull the antenna up..then when i park,I push it down..so some idiot doesn't snap it off my car and pretend to be ZORRO with my antenna..save yourself the money..and buy a mod or plugs and wires,or live with it,or listen to tapes or CD's..just noticed AustinCustoms post..that price is more like it..(forget I typed in!..)

 

Cool. Let me know if you find it.

 

i run without an antenna on my car and get good reception, but that is also because i have the "diversity" antenna in the front windshield (two thin lines in center going straight up) not sure which ones have it but i know my 88 gxl does so id guess the s5 would too

 

I guess it got thrown away when I cleaned out my shop, I can't find it anywhere.

 

I would check ebay, junkyards, the for sale section, etc before I would pay that kind of money.
I got a brand new one in the box off of ebay for 45 bucks last year. I see 'em floating around used all the time for sale here and there.

 

Yeah , a few years back I picked up a power ant. asym for like 35 bucks new.

James

 

Thanks for the suggestions.
I found a few choices online:
AntennaX sells one for about 40 shipped
Crutchfield has one for about 60.
Autoloc has some antennas too that go for cheap on ebay. I was interested in their 'hidden antenna' too but I read that AM reception is essentially nonexistant with it so I'm not sure about that one.

I'm still looking for something cheaper but if not i might just go with the Antenna X one. Are these antennas pretty much all the same?
Thanks again for the help.

 

did you ever get the antenna X antenna? i'm interested to see how that worked out, i'm thinking about getting one as well

 

i just have the diversity antenna, good enough for me, i dont listen to AM, id sell my antenna cheap if i had something to fill the hole