2019 Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Review - The Perfect Summer Car? (Porsche Boxster Alternative no.2)

In today's video my buddy Michael has loaned me his brother's beloved Mazda MX5. An example of the 30th anniversay car, painted in the signature racing orange - it looks the part, but how does it drive?
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[@Corinthian44]

I've had four new MX5s over 13 years , my only car , top down always ( apart from when it's chucking it down ) , I'm 83 years old , and wouldn't have any other car . Brilliant , no other car like it !

[@groyper6567]

Im with you. Im much much younger i love the town cars but unfortunately for me years to come those will become extinct. Id love to own an mx-5 and maybe only mx-5. Only driven a 99 in florida and fell in love with it.

[@karllelliott681]

That's inspirational! I get my 1st (orange one like this) MX-5 ND either Fri this week or the following Monday and I cannot wait!

[@stevenhill6214]

corinthian. I have watched loads of these reviews and nobody has mentioned if oncoming headlights are a problem at night because the car is so low down. What do you think?

[@karllelliott681]

@@stevenhill6214 Hi Steve, I do indeed now have the MX-5 but have not driven it yet (it's car #3). I expect that to be an issue TBH as it's a little that way in my MK7.5 Fiesta ST so as the MX-5 is lower down I assume that issue will impact more. Once I get out in it (in the dark) I will let you know. Should be an ever decreasing issue for the next 6 months or so though. 😀

[@stevenhill6214]

@@karllelliott681 Thanks for that Karl. TBH i'm still going to get one even if it is a problem, Just have to sell a couple of my bikes first. And i'm not at all envious of your new car...no not at all....definitely not...😉

[@elliotgreen987]

These skyactiv-G engines are criminally under rated, mazda really did a good job creating something so fun but also smooth, reliable, and economical

[@opmike343]

The horsepower number doesn't start with a 2, 3, 4, or 5, so everyone ignores it. It's crazy getting nearly 30mpg while absolutely flogging it.

[@elliotgreen987]

@@opmike343 and its a better car for not having huge horsepower too!

[@mrbetamax1969]

The month is 30 years since they won le mans 1991 1st Japanese manufacturer to do so...top review mr j...

[@freddieparrydrums]

Mazda is underrated. So glad the MX-5 is here to stay

[@onelyone6976]

@@freddieparrydrums but will probably go electric and gain like 600kg at least

[@freddieparrydrums]

@@onelyone6976 Unfortunately, you're probably correct, definitely correct if they don't discontinue it which I'm sure they won't. Will loose the fun of an MX-5

[@onelyone6976]

@@freddieparrydrums yup, a 1700kg mx-5 is not an mx-5 anymore, at that point it's just an overweight 2 seater with dare I say it, a sh*t drivetrain

[@endlesstwisties]

Wow. So impressive. They won because much faster cars retired and had crashes. Honda are beating all the planet in F1 NOW and everyone ignore that. Mazda Toyota Nissan and anything coming from Japan are a joke compared with Honda in Motorsport

[@LukeEvans55]

I have an RF 30AE and can confirm that it is nowhere near as jittery as one I've driven with the lowering springs fitted. It's a lot more 'rolly' though, I'd recommend aftermarket suspension similar to your S2000. In fact, take it to BBR and you get 220 HP and an 8k redline, basically it's a modern S2000.

[@smilepermile8165]

flukey5 Thats correct, you can get the Ohlins DFV coilovers that James has on his S2000. There's an American tuning shop which have a special set of Ohlins that offer long travel suspension - ideal for bumpy British roads

[@vr6Hero]

Driven a BBR and totally loved it I must admit. Can only imagine how much better that would be with some Ohlins

[@smilepermile8165]

@@vr6Hero Nice. Hope BBR develop ITBs for the ND, like they did with the NC for their 'Super 225' package. Sounds great for a 4 cylinder.

[@EjinRenos]

In numbers yes it would "match" a modern S2000. Stock for stock, the ND2 is superior in every aspect to the S2000. Mx5 owners always upgrade the suspension and chassis, and even MazdaSpeed offers extra parts for these such spots. But the body roll isn't a negative as many might think as the absolute lack of lean and roll in a S2000 is a huge drawback and many track goers have to soften the Honda suspension.

[@andyhart5669]

If you are going to use it as a daily drive (I do) the standard suspension is best. More body roll but comfortably ride and excellent grip. I tried both factory options before buying.

[@RoderickVoordouw]

I have both an NB 1.6 MX5 and a 986 2.7 Boxster. I love both. Despite the low amount of power, the MX5 is far more nimble and direct. Not only in steering, but also in pedal sensitivity. Also the gearbox is superb in the MX5 and wind noise at highway speeds in less, despite both cars having wind deflectors. The Boxster has far more grip, better brakes, is more comfortable, double the horsepower and above 4000 rpm, a glorious soundtrack. I love both, but the MX5 can stand proudly next to my 986 Boxster, and something in me tells me that the Boxster will eventually go in favor of a 911, but the MX5 will stay as long as possible. Great review, as always by the way.

[@neilturner6749]

I’ve had both, Roderick, and whilst the MX5 isn’t a bad car per se, I don’t think the MX5 is even playing in the same league as a Boxster (except maybe the early 2.5s) and I wouldn’t see them as rivals any more than I’d say a Focus ST is a rival for an RS3...

[@EjinRenos]

Kinda forgot the one aspect I hate of the 986 - the steering feel. Takes some effort almost like a car from the 70s without power steering, and the steering wheel travel is almost more than double that of the MX5. I really hate that about our 986 where I love that I can flick the wheel of both my MX5s with two or three fingers and perform turns of significant angle without rowing the wheel.

[@RoderickVoordouw]

@@EjinRenos Indeed, the steering is far more direct on the MX5. Parking in the Porsche takes a bit of getting used to after the MX5 ;-)

[@RoderickVoordouw]

@@neilturner6749 Of course, the Porsche does many things much better and more refined, but as I said that's true the other way round as well. In addition I must say, the MX5 is easier to handle at the limits of grip and speaks more to you, whereas the Boxster has loads of grip and suddenly it doesn't. Though this can also be attributed to front and mid engine configuration differences. Sadly I can't comment on the ST and RS3.

[@danielthomas8507]

Yeah sold my boxster and kept my mx5 and supercharged it, the boxster was a better car but the mx5 a better sportscar, and cheap to repair....

[@rembo183]

As an MX-5 owner, I appreciated this review and especially the comparison to the Porsche Boxster. This was an excellent review. You captured the reasons why this little roadster is so popular- stress free FUN driving without busying your bank account!😊

[@machidaman]

Love the MX -5 but at £30k new it would certainly 'busy' my bank account. You can buy a heck of a lot of used car for that kind of money too. We looked at one as a second car for my partner but due to cost opted for a cooper S convertible instead which is still a whole lot of fun.

[@samthoma2719]

Agree with the guy above, 30k is crazy money for what you get. Kitted out no better than a new fiesta.

[@freddieparrydrums]

@@samthoma2719 I disagree. But I do think these are much better buying one used

[@samthoma2719]

@@freddieparrydrums well that’s the case for almost every car on sale.

[@antonsjksjk4727]

Agree

[@jaime77W]

All of the fun, none of the worries. Just a brilliant car. Thanks for bringing it back, James!

[@simonbussey7530]

Wonderful, wonderful cars. Those that don't know about cars take the piss, those that do nod in appreciation. I had a MK3.5 for 5 years. Nothing ever ever went wrong with it, and it lived it's life bouncing off the red line. I loved it.

[@Corinthian44]

I've watched all the MX5 reviews on you tube , and this one more than once . I love the way James ' gets stuck in ' on his favourite sections . Until he mentioned it I hadn't even noticed the ' jitteriness ' , he's right , but I think it merely adds to the fun . I wouldn't swop mine for any other car , (even the ' posh stuff ' ) except for another MX5 , it's simply the car for me .

[@cegb551]

I’m not a “car man”, but I bought a 2018 rf a couple of months ago… I’m in love, a great car to drive.

[@3ducs]

I daily drive my '16 ND Sport year round here in New Hampshire, USA. It gets snow tires and does OK. The stock brakes don't react well to salt, especially the rears, that leads to ruined rotors. I have a set of Flying Miata Wilwood calipers ready to go on. I would advise people to not get the Brembo option, very expensive and you still have the crap and very heavy rear single piston brakes. My car has 72,000 miles on it, other than the brake issue no problems. There are plenty of two seat convertibles costing two or more times a MX-5, they are not two or more times as good, nor as enjoyable to drive.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

If someone doesn't care what other people think and just wants to have fun down a B road, I'd say that sound is the only good reason to pick another sports car over an MX-5. I've got a 981 Cayman S and the sound is unbelievable and there are loads of other advantages over an MX-5. Looks, practicality and cost- my car has appreciated more in value than every penny I've spent on it so far. All the thumbs up and people yelling "nice car" never gets old either. However, for pure fun down a country road an MX-5 is absolutely as good- mainly since you can actually push it. Would I swap? No, but I certainly don't look at MX-5s as the cheap alternative, they're just an alternative. I'd certainly pick an MX-5 over any 718 too.

[@3ducs]

@@ApothecaryTerry Other than brakes my '16 ND is bone stock. If you get under the car you will see a very sophisticated car, all aluminum front suspension, five link rear suspension, full adjustability, extensive use of aluminum components. B roads, country two lanes here in New Hampshire, are where the MX-5 shines. Slow car driven fast-ish is a lot of fun, actually stirring the gears myself, doing my own rev matching, these things matter to me. There are cars that will do it for you, paddle shift cars etc, I have no interest in them. Just me, a small and light car that is well balanced, and a twisty road, that's all I want.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

@@3ducs Totally agree. I have the PDK because it's convenient as a daily driver and in a higher performance car using those to shift is pretty much as fun since there's less time for things like rev matching, but that's kind of the point- the car is so fast that there's not a lot of headroom to just have fun. I'm not knocking the 981CS of course, I wouldn't swap! Still, I don't feel like there's ever any reason to knock an MX-5 either, they're everything a sports car needs to be ☺

[@kinghock]

@@ApothecaryTerry I would love a Cayman S one day. Sadly most for sale in my price range in New Zealand are tiptronics. I've driven a couple of tiptronic Porsches and they just don't do it for me. The PDK would but well out of my price range at the moment.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

@@kinghock Ah unlucky, yeah I'd take an MX-5 over a tiptronic porker without question. I got my 981CS partly because the depreciation is ridiculous (currently negative here!) but it's still a big outlay to get the car sadly. Even if you get a PDK you've got to watch out for the stupid button controls, has to have paddles to be worth it I think.

[@zzkamikazezz]

I cant get enough of my 30th with the BBR Super 220 kit, ohlins, uprated anti roll bars and lowered seats 😁 There are a few other mods as well lol. Desperately awaiting someone to develop ITBs and the car will be perfect. 3 time lotus owner and two s2000s and just find this car so much fun.

[@davidstorm4015]

Great review, the jittery ride will be 100% due to the lowering springs, the standard car is not like this

[@robertiddon]

Glad to see Mazda sticking to their guns with the 5, they had a winning formula with low power but revvy NA engine, amazing chassis and gearbox. my Mk1 1.8s is the one car I really regret selling and actually cried watchig the new owner drive away in, so many good memories.. Off to the classifieds!

[@johnroskruge2752]

My wife has one of these and they are a brilliant little car. The new 2 litre engine revs like the old 1.5. She nearly bought the 1.5 as the old 2 litre just didn’t want to rev freely, but she then heard that Mazda were releasing a new 2 litre 184 PS engine. It was well worth the wait. It’s a great engine and will do nearly 50 mpg on motorway journeys, but when you want to have fun it just brilliant.

[@vr6projects]

Simply so glad I stumbled across jayemm and his reviews simply the best on KZbin.... full research ☑️ very informative ☑️ Very experienced opinion ☑️ Very good comparisons ☑️ Just a all round very professional and entertaining review Chanel to watch 🤘 with a little added extra on his personal cars 😍🤙

[@chrislox1]

From an owner of the RF, thanks for a great, enthusiastic review of this gem of a motor. If you 'get' this car, it's an absolute tonic! Nothing short of a day trip to Amsterdam will put a smile on your face more for the price!

[@ronyjameson8798]

when James drives the car hard before he says anything on camera, you know its gonna be a good review.

[@franknutt1876]

My wife has one of these and absolutely loves it! It’s her third MX5, but this one is so special the new 2.0 is a big improvement her previous mk4. I think you’ll find it’s the upgraded suspension that’s making it bouncy, my wife’s isn’t. I own 4 Porsches one of which is a 718 Boxster S and my wife wouldn’t swap for it and YES you can have as much fun in an MX5 m, just lower and safer speeds. Fantastic build quality and totally reliable. Amazing little package. 👍. Great video.

[@markdoyle6414]

You don't need summer for a convertible, dry winter days are a delight.

[@ansolfa]

I regret I sold my 1.6 NbfL.... It was really enjoyable and is now going up in value. Soon or later I will get a Mx5 again. I love it

[@arightpest3367]

I swapped a 2003 986 2.7 auto (legs don’t work before you mock me) for a 2011 hardtop NC 2.0 auto and have not regretted it one bit. I know it will start what ever the temp the reliability is legendary but like all cars look after it and it won’t go bang. I do miss the boxsters engine for the sound but not elephant in the cupboard ie ims bearing I did have to spend a bit of money on parts and they can be eye watering cost wise compared to the Mazda but on a sunny day roof down they are both great cars the Mazda is still great fun but with less stressful vibes. One thing I will say regardless of your budget and the type of car you want to buy you must at some time in your life have a convertible drive with the roof down at every opportunity and you will say to your self hell yes as you sit there grinning like a big kid. Just do it.

[@petrolpoodle6617]

Love this! Great choice pal! How is the NC autobox out of interest? I've got a manual NC2 myself, absolutely adore it. I've not heard anyone comment on how good the auto box actually is as an auto (instead of comparing to manual). Happy motoring pal!

[@arightpest3367]

@@petrolpoodle6617 hi I am happy with the box once it’s warm it changes very smoothly it’s a bit lumpy in the colder weather my cars got 34.000 so low miles. When warm the changes are pretty quick not modern quick but good enough. The buttons on the wheel could be better configured top buttons are down the nice metal paddles behind the wheel are up but it’s the same for both side it would be nice if the larger paddles were one side up and the other paddle down if that makes sense. People call the auto box oh the mx5 it should never be fitted with one but for my needs it’s great but I bet the nay sayers have never tried one. it’s 6 speed and when your going down a country lane I bet I could keep up with the manual. Driving through the towns and through the speed camera infested roads it tootles along and makes lite work of driving. Without the auto box I would never be able to enjoy the mx5 like. My plans always been to try a few convertibles I have had a slk 2.3 the boxster and after the mx5 the plan was a Audi TT then perhaps another slk but the 3.5 but my plan might have changed I like the mx5 so much I can’t see me swapping for another.

[@petrolpoodle6617]

@@arightpest3367 amazing mate! In fact, I've done a review on exactly an Audi TT vs our NC2 MX-5, have a little look on my channel! I don't want to lead the witness so I won't say anymore!

[@arightpest3367]

@@petrolpoodle6617 strange this KZbin thingy I have watch your videos before and I don’t blame you completely for stopping me from buying a TT there is a list of reasons that put me off. I fancied the 3.2 thinking it was a true v6 having owned a Audi 2.8 a6 Quattro in the past and loved that engine and four wheel drive. I also had not so long ago a Audi Q3 Quattro tdi with the Aldex fraud wheel drive system and was never really that impressed with it and to discover the TT uses the same stuff this was the final nail in the coffin. I agree Audi do brilliant interiors and the Q3 was really nice inside but I had it for three years and in the end it was boring it did everything you asked of it but soulless and when you come down to it the Q3 is a TT on stilts. Early Audi’s were fun but have become to corporate and part bin specials.

[@patrickhostler5939]

Great honest review. I’ve just bought a GT 184ps Hard (folding) top and absolutely adore it. Plenty quick enough, and with the standard Bolstein suspension and limited slip I find the handling brilliant. I’ve never owned any other sports car mind you, but £20k low mileage and full Mazda warranty, there was nothing else to compare (I did look at Porsche’s but for that budget a rather scabby high miler is yer lot)

[@GAFloppa]

I had an Abarth 124 Spider and bloody loved it. Out of production now and a pretty rare car already

[@chrisogrady28]

I love how they look but hate those small turbo engines. I used to have a 1.4 TBi Gilletta and hated how it drove

[@nivgalanti5913]

@@chrisogrady28 I own an Abarth 124 and loves it. Engine is great on this light car especialy considering its relatively higher torque compares to the mx5 naturaly aspirated engine. Its outshines especialy on technical tracks.

[@chrisogrady28]

@@nivgalanti5913 not sure what the engine is like in it but in my guilietta the turbo lag was horrendous. It just didn't respond to throttle inputs, it felt like someone else was driving the car, and when it did hit the front wheels just span, terrible car.

[@kinghock]

Rare as hen's teeth in NZ, what's worse, most I've seen are the automatic which just seems a waste on a little Italian sports car.

[@rob2738]

I have a 2016 Recaro sport MX-5. Had it 3 years and still get excited about driving it. Great performance with a couple of mods, and cost peanuts to run.

[@Supreme40x]

as an owner of the 1.5 engine I still refer to the Elise feeling 😮 it’s just brillant how you feel in this car - you don’t want to drive motorways - just bendy roads

[@richfixescars]

MX-5 is a great package, a good combination of price, styling, driving enjoyment. Even better if you buy one at 3 years old with low miles, they are £15k, half new price. A 3 year old car with just annual servicing costs or 12 year old Boxster requiring lots of repairs? The steering feel isn't a patch on the Porsche though.

[@10rGreenninja]

You are spot on regarding the recaro seats, I have a 2016 Recaro Sport with those seats and they are really comfy, also the lane keep is turned off on mine. Ok so mine has 'only ' the 160BHP being an early one but it still does the job for me. I've had it nearly 3 years now as my daily (only) car and am not looking to change it any time soon. Love it, great cars.

[@UTubeSL]

Well this series couldn't have been more perfectly fitted for me - thanks :D

[@DwainDwight]

one of the best cars out there. love these. so much fun!

[@ConquerDriving]

I don't find my ND2 2.0 MX5 jittery, mine has the standard Bilsteins.

[@lloydgriffiths1847]

Love your channel man!

[@TheFlyingClutchman]

Yeah on the standard springs it is a very nice ride. I have the same eibach lowering springs on mine which significantly reduce the body roll but also leave you with a lot more "feedback" from the road and on our poorer UK roads it can feel pretty jittery as a result of the added stiffness from the eibachs

[@dutoitm1]

This is on the standard Bilsteins. It's the springs that were changed.

[@richfixescars]

I think the standard setup is well judged for our bumpy roads. Only if you are tracking one would I lower it.

[@Murdocxx4]

It may be dependant on the alignment too, I've put the eibachs on my ND and had it aligned with about -1.5' (I think) camber on the front and as much caster as possible and 0 toe, makes it quite pointy, great in the corners but because of that it is more jittery.

[@Kamikaze1180]

I've always loved the MX5s, something about them is just right from the core: it's a driver oriented car that isn't all about the power, speed and all that jazz, it's all about being one with the driver. Excellent car. As for alternatives, this may be a massive oddball of an alternative (though I feel like you would appreciate the oddity), but what about a Nissan 350/370Z?

[@josephfacey2596]

Do you mean 4,500# sports car? I don't think so.

[@smilepermile8165]

Do you prefer the steering feel of your S2000 over this ND MX-5? I've been looking forward to hearing your thoughts on these updated MX-5s, so thanks very much 👍

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It would be a tough one, neither is brilliant but they're bad in different ways!

[@Mexxx65]

@@JayEmmOnCars Neither is brilliant. I'd agree with you James.

[@apolloandratti7922]

@@JayEmmOnCars also considering the fact the s2000's electric steering is from the 90s....The FK8 you drove is a good example of how far Honda has come with their electric steering.

[@garyandjulesblack]

Be great to see a fiat 124 Abarth review/comparison to the mx5. 👍

[@richardeycken]

05 build NC1 owner in Australia. What a magnificent car. Every drive is a tactile experience. If Colin Chapman was alive, he would definitely appreciate the MX-5.

[@Galkhar]

Excellent review, as always! As the owner of an ND 1.5, I can confirm it is a little, beautiful sports car, perhaps one of the last "pure" ones. That jittery suspension may be related to the lowering springs though, mine does ride very well (though the 1.5 has a different suspension, the 2.0 has bilstein shocks as standard). Never was able to try the 2.0 (way too expensive here in comparison, 10.000€ more), but the 1.5, with 130hp, is still a very nice engine, revs beautifully, and the power is more than sufficient. That 2.0 though, must be a serious piece of kit!

[@ericjnorman]

No sport mode? Miata IS sport mode

[@cdb7876]

There is much to be said about reliability! Fun, yet easy on the pocket.

[@ianwaghorne5327]

Another great review. Had the much unloved NC sport. Great fun car. I really think the ND is a return to form by Mazda. Great engineers.

[@johang7498]

If budget is of any concern, there's no question the MX-5 is a better choice than a boxster, old or new. If you then consider that it can provide just as much fun, it also gets to be a fairer proposal; there's extra quality in that. I'm a fan, especially with this shade of orange.

[@kipp4805]

Ah finally, I've been waiting for an updated review on the ND since the last one was spoiled by wet conditions. The brilliance of the mx5 is the package you get for the price you pay. And also, the jitteriness has to do with the lowering springs. The standard bilsteins are much more boaty though. A coilovers conversion suits the ND perfectly though. I also totally agree with your opinion on the motor! People that look down at the mx5 probably haven't driven one and don't understand how despite the low power, the motor is fantastic as a sports car motor. It's also so easy to make these cars more raw should one feel the stock version isn't enough. Add a lightweight flywheel, good tires, coilovers, and a light tune adjusting the power delivery and you've got a very different car.

[@themanipulator1]

I've been considering an NC mx5, the 2.0 Kendo edition. I love the look of the NC and can get s solid example around the 10k Mark.

[@ForgetfulFoot]

Get one over the ND. Especially if you often have a passenger. NDs legroom is atrocious (worse then the NA).

[@asphalthedgehog6580]

@@ForgetfulFoot I can't sit at all in the passenger's seat of the ND,

[@asphalthedgehog6580]

@@Chambers36TheEnter agree on the engine, it's not anything special at all. I have the Bilsteins, put Eibach springs and sway bars under it, setup the alignment to max caster and camber, 0 toe, H&R spacers, 225 Continental 6 tires and it's quite fun to drive. Don't need extra power in a completely flat country with 100km/hr speed limit.

[@horatiotimewaster5755]

Love the 30AE and my 2019 Club. Fantastic car that is a joy every time I drive it. We are so lucky that Mazda has the vision to keep it pure.

[@Rhowhat]

I came very close to breaking my no finance rule for one of these. I couldn't bring myself to do it as I didn't need a second car and wouldn't have driven it enough to justify the cost. However with the current ND MX5 pricing I wouldn't have lost any money (I don't think you'd get a 30AE for £25k for a few years). Pre pandemic there were launch cars selling for 15-16k, now they are going 18-19k. I used to own and S2000, I don't think these are any slower in day to day driving due to the narrow power band on the S2K. Edit: I feel I may regret not buying a GR Yaris as much as I regret not buying one of these.

[@smilepermile8165]

To be fair, all of the cars you mentioned are great in different ways. You can't really go wrong with whichever one you go for!

[@diego750il]

I bought a new one 2 years ago, the Sport version, which is not fully equipped but still OK and it has been a dream to drive, even daily. My only complain about this car is that the paint is really thin and it can get chipped pretty easily. Anyway, I plan to correct those chips and add a protective film for that matter. Other than that, a really great, reliable and cheap to run car. Thanks for your review!

[@colinmclean2523]

I have a 2011 NC 2 litre and love it. Not a rocket but all so perfectly balanced it is just a joy to drive. I’m tall so the ND felt just a little bit compact.

[@WhiteMouse77]

Love vids from MX-5 owner meetings! Hundreds of variants and each individually customized!

[@daysofgrace2934]

You hit the nail on the head, I bought a 987.2 base (PSE, PASM, PDK, Sport Chrono, Sports Seats Plus, Bluetooth/satnav), I have a Porsche extended warranty whilst very comprehensive, the servicing has to be done at a franchise. I directed a niece to one of these on a PCP - £5k down less than 400 a month on a 4 year PCP 12K miles pa, comes with 3-year warranty 60000-mile warranty...Performance-wise in terms of acceleration on par with my 987.2 base 2.9l 250 BHP Boxster, the MX-5 is a fair bit lighter...

[@MitchellWeatherly]

I've bought an ND2 to replace my 981 base Boxster with a PDK. I deeply admire my Boxster, but I miss my old NB1 Miata. When I test drove an ND2 recently, I was reminded why I loved (and miss) my Miata. FUN. The Boxster feels almost sterile by comparison; it's faster, but not more fun.

[@karllelliott681]

Nice to hear your encouraging review of this 30th anniversary edition James! I should be adding one of these to our collection either this Friday or next Monday and am really looking forward to it. The recaro seats, forged alloys and that NA feel with mostly analogue dials, buttons and a proper handbrake is what my wife & I like!!

[@nornibres]

Finally someone compares the Miata to a Boxster. When I build a base 718 on the Porsche configurator here in Canada, the car comes out to $95K and that's without everything I would want. The Miata loaded to rafters is $$41 Canadian. Is the Boxster worth over twice the value of the ND2 Miata? I doubt it.

[@gryphon123456]

Love these little cars. MGB used if you can fine one in nice shape would be a nice convertible.

[@Errr717]

I still have my 10th Anniversary Edition which was the first Miata to have 6 speed. It’s been my daily driver and it’s still a fun to drive so I never saw the need to buy a new one.

[@detaart]

I dearly miss mine. Had a 2019 RF with that engine. Best car i've ever owned.

[@SabretoothBarnacle]

I miss my MK1 Eunos Roadster S-Special but members of the public obviously objected to it. One person rear ended it at a junction with their Citroen BX. Then after just 7 days after if was repaired and handed back to me a VW Lupo decided it was going to park in my rear end at 40 mph whilst I was stationary. One destroyed rear end, bent chassis (doors wouldn't open properly) and smashed diff later it was off its final resting place. At least that was what I thought until I had a phone call many months later from a chap who wanted to know when the last time the cambelt was changed. I had to ruin his day and tell him about the accident damage (no CAT rating was ever recorded against it) and also that the 45K on the clock was actually 92K when I had it...

[@Matt-go7ss]

At least he didn't have to bother with the cambelt....

[@SabretoothBarnacle]

@@Matt-go7ss True, at 45k a cambelt is almost new😋

[@cookieinthewoods]

Excellent Review James. I owned a little 1.6 NB for 9 years and it was the best car I've ever had. Some may say was a bit underpowered, but you could ring its neck and not lose your license and it never missed a beat. Might bin the lease car next year and go back to the Mazda...

[@thomaswelch9147]

When I looks at getting a boxter in 2014 the cars I was looking at were: 350z / 370z convertible Z4 SLK 55 Ftype v6s I went with the ftype because it felt the most special and gave me best value for money (especially as the dealer gave me a 10k discount from new). Also, the merc dealership treated me like shite; I wasn't that keen on the Nissan interior; the porsche wanted me to give up a kidney on options. Just my 2p. Don't regret my decision for a second - the ftype is the best car in my view. Only thing is its a deceptively wide car so on country lanes if you're not used to it, it can be a bit scary.

[@DanLMH]

Loved the orange when it came out, saw one about an hour ago on the road!

[@rembo183]

This is the best alternative to a new Or even a used Boxster. It’s great fun and so affordable to buy and live with! After you test drive one, you want it!

[@dedge12858]

Don't tell me that - I have a test drive booked for Saturday but can't honestly justify it, especially since the 0% finance deals end soon.

[@rembo183]

@@dedge12858 - You will love it!

[@dedge12858]

@@rembo183 that's what I'm afraid of...

[@rembo183]

@@dedge12858 -😊👍🏻

[@neilturner6749]

I briefly owned an MX5 and absolutely hated the gutless, uncomfortable and cheap-feeling thing. Fortunately I saw the light and have stuck to Boxsters ever since!

[@iankirwan8156]

Another thoroughly enjoyable review, just so happens to be a car I have wanted too. Thank you James, have a great weekend

[@peterlewis3540]

I took a test drive in one of the early MDs six years ago, but for some reason, talked myself out of buying one. Well, on the Sep 7th 2021, i visited my local Mazda dealership, only there for a nose, and to pick up a brochure. I walked out an hour later, having done the deal on the Sports Venture ltd edition, that was sitting in their showroom. Epic car, and the gearbox, stuff of dreams

[@robsx4280]

Considering changing my 718 for one of these this has helped me to get a test drive this weekend 🤔

[@EjinRenos]

Dunno if I would prefer it over a 718... but I prefer it over our 986 S. I even preferred my 2008 NC over the 2002 Porsche.

[@plugsocket9432]

Only one 30th Anniversary for sale on Auto Trader in the UK.

[@Scifo321]

Sold my 30th AE. Still miss it. :( Best car i ever had. Such an agile funny car which brings a smile every time you take it out for a spin.

[@grizzlystr3445]

I had an RF but found it too low for my dodgy back, plus the skuttle shake was disappointing. Great car on the right road though or as a weekend toy 😎

[@alexoliver2608]

I think one day I will own an MX-5. I love them.

[@MassiveLib]

I had to wait 20 years. Now have a sports black coupe mk 3.75

[@RzogL]

Don't really like the angry headlights and I hate the looks of the RF, but otherwise, the 180 bhp ND is probably the best MX-5 ever and what the car should always have been like right from the start (but with an NA nose). I hope it won't prove to be rust-prone like the old ones though, as I can see myself in one of these in the future, if for some reason I'm not still driving my 986 S. And that orange colour is amazing! I hope there will always be an MX-5 and it will always be this pure.

[@mindspinn311]

I’ve driven the soft top and the RF version of the 30AE and it was fantastic. I owned a standard 2018 Club at the time and I could definitely tell the difference, especially in the engine. This is one of the best driving cars at any price.

[@gzk6nk]

My new (OK it's a month old now) ND GT Sports Tech soft top (so Bilsteins and LSD) isn't jiggly. It is fabulous, but I do agree the Mk3 (my previous car) with the hydraulic rack did have more 'talkative' steering especially straight ahead-ish, but there's not a lot in it. My Mk3 foldy hard top I had from new in 2007, so 14 years, with absolutely NO faults at all. This ND2 is my 3rd MX5 (first was a Mk2). I love them! Cheap (ish) to buy, peanuts to run, dead reliable, and just sooo much pure driving fun! I don't like that 'milky tomato soup' colour. 'Soul Red' red, like mine, is the business!

[@ForgetfulFoot]

I owned 2 ND MX5s and am currently on my second 987.2 Cayman (all were manuals). They are all excellent. But the worst thing about the ND is the passenger legroom for long trips. That's where the NC2 really shines. Also, I find the 987 Cayman stunning, but for some reason the 987 Boxster just looks a bit off. But I am sure a drive in a 987.2 Boxster S with the roof down would change my mind. Still the 981 Boxster just looks so much nicer as a convertible.

[@veefource]

Was really chuffed to see this review by one of the very best car KZbinrs and it did not disappoint! As much as it's good to get an idea of the exhaust some in-car sound clips would be great too if I was to be heavily critical. But ace work James, please keep this series coming 😊

[@bungle5785]

On a nice day, I walk past the M5, to the MX5, and have a lot of fun.

[@bliglum]

No doubt that jittery ride is thanks to the owner changing the springs, but not the dampeners to match.

[@WilmaTheBand]

Yes, you nailed the problem with the MX5-Boxster comparison: I swapped my 981 for am MX 5. And I didn‘t regret it a for a moment. But I‘m damned sure that I would still be sitting in a Boxster, if I hadn‘t sold my 987 for the 981. Looking back the 987 is simply unbeatable, if you are looking for a pure sports car.

[@5ebra1]

Well done Mazda. A sensibly priced, proper sports car with proper switches and great power from an NA engine.

[@madfemurfast]

That roof should teach a thing or two to the Porsche 718 Spyder...

[@leewatkeys9065]

Nice review. Not an ND but I have a 2005 NC 2.0 sport 159,000 miles daily driver, gearbox is notchy now especially when cold. Keep on top of servicing and all oil chanages: engine, diff and gearbox and pretty sure it’ll go another 150k. Engine runs like a gem. Usual spots of rust round the rear arches. I fortunately live rurally with lots of A and B roads so get to experience the rush every day. I’ve got a motorbike, a Vespa and a JDM forester xt and the MX5 is the go to general vehicle I go to 👍🏻

[@Themazcorner]

I really do like my 30th Anni :), thanks for the video! In my opinion the suspension needs an upgrade. With CUP 2s or similar and coilovers the car is fantastic on the type of roads you were driving on Also it is still 3000 in totalt but US market got more than the original allotment and some other market(s) got less

[@laskos02]

Z4/TT-S and Abarth 124

[@robsmith1a]

Great little car. A friend has one but I'm 6'2" and you are totally correct in saying I don't fit.

[@IT_Farhan]

I owned an NC2 and ND1 and now have a 987.2 Boxster. I liked the NC more than the ND. Hydraulic steering was great and engine was a lot more linear. OTOH the ND interior and efficiency was of course better. The Boxster is just more of a fit for flat, straight Texas roads.

[@roybeasley9645]

Sold an Elise 220 to purchase a 30th edition and you are spot on with everything you’ve said, I did love the Mazda and it was a very practical everyday sports car that I didn’t need to Sorn over the winter. However it couldn’t replace that special lotus feeling that I found myself craving for. And so I’ll soon be smiling a lot more or should I say from April to November 😂

[@carlosbrigett2574]

Excellent review. I happen to love style along with the ride of a roadster sportscar. Porche's just look like a worked over VW, of which it really was in its beginning. Never liked the Volkswagen look at all. As an old MGB owner of many years ago, I'm into a little style when I buy a car. I've had 2 ND's and I'm on my 2nd ND2, a 2023 MX-5 roadster. Love it, can't stay out of it.

[@sgtgrash]

What a fabulous little car... 👍

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

I agree Jay! I would have an Mx-5 over a 981 or 718 Boxster - And I'd have a Cayman 987.2 R too!

[@neilturner6749]

You Sir must be quite mad! But it’s your opinion and you’re entitled to be mad...

[@ApothecaryTerry]

Over a 718 I fully agree, but the engine in a 981S sounds way too good. Also the 981 gen gives you free motoring since the appreciation in the current market is more than balancing out any running costs ☺ The MX-5 matches any porker for driving fun though, it's just the other stuff like sound, looks/attention and even practicality where it loses out.

[@FREEDOOOOM]

I had a Mk1. Best roadster ever.

[@apolloandratti7922]

The ND.2 Miata is the closest to a "new" S2000 spiritual successor, since Honda has completely abandoned the affordable RWD space outside of Japan. If I didn't have a brilliant AP1 S2000 already, I would be in a ND.2. No, it's no S2000 as Jay knows; however, considering the new offerings out there, and how much regulation car companies have to work around to build new cars, honestly it's quite a miracle that the ND Miata even exists! The ND.2 may be the last pure MX5. There have been recent news that Mazda is potentially at least partially electrifying the the NE Miata. The end of an era is near! Gather your MX5/Miata/S2000s while you can!

[@iantownsend500]

Great car I had ND1 for 3 years bloody brilliant. Fantastic manual box. Would like to try an ND2 as I’ve been told the newer engine is better

[@jacktaylor2472]

I debated whether to buy a 718 base Cayman or a Miata RF. After several test drives it was clear that the nd2 Miata just felt special whereas the Cayman 718 not so much. I didn’t give up on the Cayman though as it became clear that maybe i could invest in both a used Cayman 987 and a Miata for the price of a new 718. So that’s what i did, got both. Which one is better? Neither. They are both special in their own way. The Cayman feels more raw, mechanical. A bit of a brute. Whereas the Miata is a light and nimble dancer. What they share in common is that the harder you drive them the more reward they give you. And that is what is missing in a lot of turbocharged engines, including the 718.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

Can't wait for the 35th anniversarry version....something tells me they will either bring back British Racing Green, or that bright blue color from the NA.

[@jaysmartin]

I’d consider an old triumph with some modernising (as long as it wasn’t a daily)

[@earlfenwick]

As if. My TR-6 made me 😭.

[@jaysmartin]

@@earlfenwick oh no .. not good. What was wrong with it?

[@keicarguy7908]

Hoped you'd take it out towards Wethersfield when I saw where you were. Exactly the roads this car is for.

[@jondobbs]

congrats on 159k subs - I have never understood why these have never had a halo model - 250bhp is all it needed

[@ApothecaryTerry]

MX-5 isn't about fast though and the extra power wouldn't really make it any more fun. One of the great things is they're slow enough that you can actually push them on public roads. A faster one would lose that and then there's no real reason to get one over a Porsche- sure they're cheaper to buy, but depreciation means they're not actually any cheaper to own. Also, people modify them so much that half of them have at least 250hp now anyway!

[@jondobbs]

@@ApothecaryTerry very true 👍. Porsche have the Turbo S and that technically is the same imo - too fast but there are people out there where too much is a good thing and there is money to be spent .

[@ApothecaryTerry]

@@jondobbs I drive a 981 Cayman S and I see no reason why anyone needs a faster car than that- or honestly as fast, if the non-S sounded as good and held value as well I'd probably have picked that. The Turbo S is just pointless (and less fun, sounds worse, costs more, etc). People love badges and numbers- doing 0-60 in 2 seconds is very impressive but mine takes 4.5 and I've never felt the need to even do that.

[@amospizzey1]

Hi Jay , I’m a big fan . Can you do a comparison of the ND2 with your S2000 please 🙏🏻

[@samabrahams7687]

Great honest review sounds like a cool little drive with good mpg .

[@mrsDeborah]

I don't know who needs to here this but stop saving all your money, Invest some of it if you really want financial freedom...

[@sophianatalie7755]

@Kate Vivian what if you don't know how to trade any of these?

[@alexiskayla9728]

@@sophianatalie7755 I see your point some people have the money and are willing to invest question is where to?

[@PinnèdbyMâtthèwHûò]

@@sophianatalie7755 this is 2021 people who are not even traders make money from the stock, Crypto and forex market

[@joebryan2830]

@@sophianatalie7755 there are platforms where you Invest and trade your money.get paid your profit either weekly or monthly.Thats Investing

[@doctormiketrans1274]

@@joebryan2830 that's true

[@fortheloveofnoise]

If you can fit in an NB you can definitely fit in any other generation.

[@ruudduijnisveld9551]

I bought a mx5 nd and i loved it. I have several fast cars and the mx5 is the slowest one but it is the most fun to drive.

[@johndavies4079]

Great vid James haven’t driven one since my Mk 1 but have you driven it’s sister car the Abarth 124 spider? I have a 3 year old car which has different running gear but is fabulous the sound is glorious 👍🏻

[@iancairns7398]

Engines getting bigger in the future? I think your right, the mk4 focus st went from 2.0 to 2.3.

[@progste]

I've been seeing this trend more and more in motorcycles where most of the big ones have gone from 1000 to 1100 to almost 1300 now (not even talking about the crazy ones like hayabusa and zx14) and "middle size" has moved from 700 to 900, cars have probably avoided this for now by relying on turbos.

[@farmercolm8157]

Also the forthcoming Toyota GR86 will be a 2.4 over the outgoing GT86's 2.0.