2021 Mazda MX-5 Club GS-P | Is Base Still Ace?

[@waynezw]

It's a blessing that we can still buy a brand new Miata today when EV and SUV are getting attentions all the time. Your $ is the the best way to support a car manufacture that is still willing to produce sports cars like Miata. Yes I bought one (red, ST/GT) even though I have two other cars already. I think this car will age well in the next 20 years when you can no longer buy cars like that while enjoying the fun now! You only live once!

[@BrianMakse]

Agreed! Enjoy!

[@Amber-yi7os]

As one of the 2021 owners I think this gsp trim plus the sport package is the best combo for people like me who don’t really wait to mod it, or just gonna apply very light mods for example exterior mod, intake, exhaust, etc.

[@BrianMakse]

With an ND2, I'd go base and then talk to my friends at Flyin' Miata to maximize my ROI on aftermarket bits.

[@leefranklin3054]

I bought a 2019 base model fresh off the floor in 2019. Amazing car. My mods? I installed a shorter shift knob and put 17" lightweight wheels with excellent tires on it. Endit. The wheels? 2004 MSM wheels. The Enkei Racingharts are nice and light, and my tire choices are vastly improved on the 17 inch wheel. My commute to work is a joy.

[@BrianMakse]

Very nice! I'm driving an RF this week. Not my choice of MX-5s, but a delight to drive.

[@sammietam4201]

I am 5”11 195lbs I have no issue driving it. I still have 2 click before maximizing the length room of the seat.

[@BrianMakse]

Right on. Enjoy!

[@daver7465]

Great video! I bought a 2003 Miata a few months ago and am having a blast with it. I had been looking for a new ND and was having a really hard time figuring out whether I needed to go above base or not but your two videos on this make it quite clear. In the end I couldn't find much stock and the dealers had lost their mind on pricing for what was out there so went with a low milage 2003 NB for now. The ND's look fantastic though and I'll probably end up in one eventually.

[@BrianMakse]

Congrats! Enjoy your Miata!

[@SolidAsianGold]

The more you talk about this car, the more I love it. When Brian Makse speaks, people had better listen.

[@johnhyoutube]

Glad to see you haven't changed your opinion since last year, and neither have I. My UK spec 1500cc MX5 SE+ model has now done 8,000 miles and is properly run in (takes longer than most people realise). It is now even more of a pleasure to drive, as not only does it rev out more sweetly, it also cruises in 6th gear a lot better. Mine averages 44 mpg (UK gallons) in mixed driving, which is amazing. The only change I've made is to the standard 16" wheels, which I have had refinished in BMW "Frozen Gold". Looks so much better than the dull grey factory finish. Base is still ace!

[@leeraymer166]

Great review Brian and Monty! After owning my RF for a year, I think you are 100% right that Base is still Ace. If I had it to do over again, I would have bought a base Sport model in Soul Red Crystal and gone to town on modding it. You are going to want to change out to better coilovers, sway bars and exhaust. You might as well get the cheapest model and use the savings on mods that will take this car and transform it into a backroad and Autocross weapon.

[@BrianMakse]

Monte says 'woof'! Exactly, I'd just call Keith at Flyin Miata and ask him for the right suspension, wheel/tire, and diff bits and be happy.

[@3ducs]

The Brembos are an expensive option. I got the base car and when the rear calipers froze up due to salt corrosion I got a set of Wilwood calipers from FlyinMiata. $1,100 US, installation wasn't too difficult, they work great and are lighter. Front calipers are lighter than the Brembos, rears are much lighter than the standard caliper. The kit comes with braided SS hoses.

[@jeladsnikpoh1289]

I hope to get the Club with no other options except the mandatory Soul Crystal Red paint! For me the Club's limited-slip diff is essential for inclement weather (my nice-weather vehicles are sportbikes). I'm also a fan of Bilstein (Quite durable, substantial improvement in 'floppy' motorhomes, surprising handling in a Bilstein-equipped Chevy police barge too, so I'd expect sportier dynamics in this car with shocks that'll last the car's lifetime).

[@carloscanizares101]

Just took home that exact car, but a 2022, 2 hours ago 😊 Took delivery with 3kms!

[@BrianMakse]

Very nice!

[@carloscanizares101]

@@BrianMakse I can can’t afford my favourite colour, Chalk coz it comes with a Porsche 🤣 so this is my next favourite colour. Finding this spec in this colour on the last month of the last year it’s available is like a lottery win!!!

[@demonsaint1296]

I got a Eternal Blue Mica 2019 GT-S RF. I had to look around for a while to find just what I wanted. The hard part was finding a blue one. I wanted the Grand Touring/Club mix. Love the car.

[@BrianMakse]

Congrats. Enjoy!

[@eag601]

I just got the exact same car. The fourth Miata I've owned and definitely the best.

[@justarandom404]

Appreciate the video. I will point out, the point of the brembos is not about having a positive feel in emergency braking. The issue is brake fade up in the mountains or on a track. It's fairly easy to overheat stock miata brakes. Brembos are a huge improvement in that regard.

[@BrianMakse]

Fade has nothing to do with the Brembo calipers. Fade has everything to do with how the brakes are applied by the driver and the pad compound. Forum posters are out of their depth on this subject.

[@ronintheamazon1492]

I ended up getting an insane deal on a new 23 miata club soft top bbs recaro at 34k usd out the door tax tag and title + delivered across the country. Love the look of the bbs wheels , recaro seats and the brembos. You can probably get some great mods for around the same price or less on a base model. I think this package from the factory could help with resale as well. I absolutely plan on tracking this car so figured these options couldn’t hurt.

[@BrianMakse]

Congrats! Enjoy!

[@andyhart5669]

We are on the same page. I got my ND2 in October last year. After test driving every spec (blind spots in rf are a problem) I went for a base SEL (UK) the only option I paid for was the Soul Red Crystal paint. Ten months in as a daily drive and no complaints, I love it. Average 40mpg (UK gallons are larger so about 33mpg US).

[@WizardTerence]

If you set your mirrors up right , there are zero blind spots on the RF. This was proven in a video by the Straight Pipes reviewers. And as an added plus , your mirrors should have blind spot protection as well. But I do prefer the soft top, love driving it. It is so choice ! If you have the means , I highly recommend picking one up!

[@andyhart5669]

@@WizardTerence it isn't about the mirrors. The first test drive I had took it down some country lanes, as you do! I came to a junction where the road I was joining was at about 45° so traffic was coming from the right at about 135° and I couldn't see it. I couldn't lean back or forward enough to see out of the side or rear window, and couldn't get far enough forward to use mirrors. I had to back up and straddle the other lane to square the junction off. Admittedly this was the extreme, and that particular junction isn't great in my convertible with the top up, but it is better than the RF. The RF looks nice and is a little less noisy with the roof on, but the convertible is miles better with it down. More than happy with my choice.

[@rembo183]

@@andyhart5669- RF with windows down at speed over 50 mph produces extreme wind buffeting or turbulence. The standard cloth top down is much better!

[@EchoSigma6]

It appears that the BBS wheel and tire package is a bit underwhelming? It’s not exactly flush. Personally, I would get the base and do some aftermarket upgrades. A rear spoiler on this car really enhances the body lines.

[@BrianMakse]

Exactly. Base is ace...add some carefully chosen aftermarket bits and it's perfection!

[@blackburd]

Thank you for the great review. Most honest and informative that I have found.

[@BrianMakse]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jasondixon9095]

Love my 2021 MX5 RF

[@BrianMakse]

Great car

[@golfbuddy1969]

You give Mazdas high marks in general, including the 6. I’m enjoying my brand new Mazda 6 Carbon Edition so much, I may add an MX5 to my garage very soon.

[@VitoC.]

Do it....

[@BrianMakse]

DO IT!

[@HisMajesty99]

I’m literally in the same exact position as you man. Just got a 6 Carbon, and now I want a Miata soon. Thinking abt trading the 6, or just buying the Miata as a second car at this point 😂. But man does Mazda make some tempting cars lol

[@jag1963]

Still loving my 2021 Sport. I did think to upgrade this year to the club but ive broken my 2021 in now and I really dont think I could have any more fun in a new one. Easily the best car I've ever owned and if you can't afford the club the sport wont see you missing anything in terms of fun at all.

[@BrianMakse]

Keep your car! Enjoy it!

[@ianallen8305]

Great review from the U.K. “base is best” thanks for the ride.

[@scatterbrain9490]

A lot of questions I had were answered in this video, like mpg thx. I want the light weight of the convertible with a light hardtop, the fastback aftermarket roof looks incredible on the older models and also limited slip. My perfect Miata would be an RF hatchback permanent roof, without the convertible mechanisms weighing it down and potentially more cargo space because of it.

[@BrianMakse]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheRealWesTolman]

If that’s what you want you might as well get a GR86. 😂

[@rembo183]

Guess what I just took your advice and ordered the base car with the Soul Red paint. I agree and I found the Recaro seats too firm and restrictive. The cloth top was my choice after driving the RF because there was excessive wind buffeting with the windows down in RF not so with the cloth top, which is the real convertible experience.

[@BrianMakse]

Right on!

[@stevenday6468]

Great review! Agree with your point that the car needs brighter colour options. I originally didn't want the Brembos or Recaros but the Racing Orange paint of the 30 Anniversary car won out. Now that I've had it for 2 years I am happy I have them. I did want the LSD though because the car is autocrossed.

[@stevenday6468]

I forgot the most important part. Monty is awesome!

[@BrianMakse]

I do love the 30th paint! Monte says 'woof'!

[@Jorge_Magallon]

In spite of your repeated Kudos of the Base/Ace version, I recently went with a 2021 RF in GT format. Mea culpa. At least I headed your advise on the MT and red paint. Great review as always.

[@BrianMakse]

Congrats Jorge!

[@ZephyrRandD]

Former ND1 RF Club owner; the answer is something different, unless your buying used at $20K or under. Buy whichever trim offers an LSD, soft top, and whichever seat fits you best. My RF was louder than any of my many Wrangler's I've owned. Watch out for those transmission...

[@BrianMakse]

There's little sound deadening in these things, but that's the way it should be!

[@rembo183]

@@BrianMakse-Huge wind buffeting in RF with windows down! Bad news. Much less of an issue in the cloth top.

[@BrianMakse]

@@rembo183 just finished another RF episode. Same thing. For me, the roadster is the way to go.

[@rembo183]

@@BrianMakse - I’m excited to see and drive mine too. Total toy. Not sure if I’ll like it as a daily though, so,I just purchased a 2024 BMW X3. Have you,tested that?

[@BrianMakse]

@@rembo183 haven't seen a '24 X3 yet, just X5M and X6 M60i so far this year.

[@tomc8854]

Great video Still love my base zero option 2019 almost 30,000 miles now. Couldn’t see spending that extra 10,000 dollars for the Club and those options. Plus living in Phoenix cloth seats are a plus🔥 Only one I would have been tempted to spend extra for was the 30AE but none were available. 30 mpg is about right I’m getting 32 and I’m not easy on it😁

[@VitoC.]

Hello Monty! My fav car, fav vid. (Got to add not a fan of the RF look and lack of openness)

[@BrianMakse]

He says “woof where are my treats?!?”

[@TheRealWesTolman]

Thanks for this great review! Been trying to determine if a Sport would still be overall better value even with things like the Recaro seats, although you can get the club without. Only thing I didn’t hear you cover is the Bose sound. Is that upgrade significant?

[@BrianMakse]

I prefer the base seat generally, but that's all personal preference. Same goes for the sound system, but the reality is we're talking about a convertible that isn't quiet.

[@richardbarrett4104]

Brian, at 6'1'' and 15 stone, would I fit in that 2021 MX5 buddy?

[@BrianMakse]

Of course…it doesn’t have a roof!

[@tomdoe1234]

BTW I bought this car club in polymetal less the racaro, bbs and brembo. Test drove a sport and the club back to back. I like the bilstein dampers a bit, but I couldn't go base because I really wanted the limited slip. Found a dealer who was willing to come 3.3K off MSRP so I paid 28K.

[@TheDrownduck]

Bro! Such a great price. What city you live in?

[@SolidAsianGold]

Monte is such an adorable creature, would love to adopt him.

[@justinlukeyap]

Love the oh boy at the end.😂🤣 would react the same way

[@alangross2277]

You forgot to include the tuned Bilsteins with the Club BBS package. Also, the 2021 has a telescoping steering column.

[@tomdoe1234]

After making the mistake of getting a Volkswagen GTI without a limited slip I am very hesitant to ever do that again. Even with the Kia stinger I have now there was no option for a limited slip on the awd and I can tell because one of the real wheels will always break free a little bit and activate the traction control. So the first thing I do when I get in the car shut off the traction control. And just like they do in Canada Kia forces people to have the all-wheel-drive model. I live in Boston and searched as far south as New Jersey for rear wheel drive models and there were none

[@psewgobind]

Turbo engine have a big punch in the midrange, that's hard to finesse, so a LSD to control the traction is required. However, a naturally aspired 2.0L engine with a linear power band and more manageable torque is easier to control and makes LSD a middle man that's not required. Granted, if you're trying to get that extra 1/2 second at the race track, then the LSD can make the difference.

[@BrianMakse]

The diff isn't necessary in the MX-5, but certainly is in things like GTI, Civic Si, Type R, Veloster N, etc. There may be a pattern here!

[@richardfabrizio8998]

You’re a fantastic instructor. Thanks

[@BrianMakse]

Uh oh. What did I do?

[@psewgobind]

Do you think the Recaro is better for taller drivers? At 6'1, I think my shoulders would be above those bolster while yours is right on em.

[@BrianMakse]

I think it's about the shape of your torso as well. I think you'd have to try them to be certain.

[@psewgobind]

@@BrianMakse I'm amazed how well those seat fit me, even though I have XXL shoulders.

[@WizardTerence]

6.0 foot and 6.1 is about the maximum height to be in this car. 6.0 is probably more comfortably the max.

[@ianallen8305]

The Recaro has less adjustment than the new OE seat so maybe not, I am 6’2 and drive the Standard seat. That combined with new fully adjustable column should suit you.

[@ActionHeinz]

Go for the Recaros. If you are a regular sized guy or girl they are absolutely brilliant.

[@BrianMakse]

Nah…

[@jl8628]

I was looking at a new Porsche 911. I’ve held off because I suspect it’s so competent it’s a fun killer. This may be the answer.

[@BrianMakse]

Check out the 992 manual review here on this channel.

[@brucebolduc3403]

How does Monte enjoy the smells from a convertible?

[@BrianMakse]

He loves it, Bruce! He’s much bigger now and a little more settled, so he’s making more appearances soon.

[@duncanmclellan5479]

I'm seriously considering the MX5 as a third car for our family. EVs will make acceleration no big deal, but the heavy battery packs and nature of the powerplant (no manual, one-speed "transmissions") will neuter the man-machine relationship. The MX5, IMHO, is the ICE you'll want to carryover into the all-electric future. That being said, here in the States, one of the upgrades you get moving away from Base to either Club or GT is a Bose stereo system. Not that you'd buy a MX5 for its speakers, but what difference (if any) did you notice between the base and Club sound system?

[@BrianMakse]

Well, Duncan...my hearing is damaged from years of racing cars, so take what I say about speakers with a grain of salt. I think the car is too loud to thoroughly enjoy the sound system regardless.

[@duncanmclellan5479]

@@BrianMakse fair point. Living almost as north as you, the convertible season is short and would be enjoyed with the top down where the sound system ranks of secondary importance.

[@WizardTerence]

Go with the GSP (Canada) / Club (United States) trim level . NO REGRETS ! It's not about impressing your friends. It's about enjoying the best experience Mazda can give you from the factory. Which means you keep your warranty and have the best performance at the same time.

[@write2nick]

I wanted to go with GSP but auto dimming driver side mirror and rear mirror are only included in GT trim. I really need to have this feature because LED lights are so bright these days and cars behind me really bothers me when they turn on their headlight!

[@WizardTerence]

@@write2nick flip the night switch on the mirror then ?

[@williamdarico2369]

Base is best! Love Monty!

[@mikewilliams6323]

Have they fixed the rot problem from the MK3?

[@BrianMakse]

?

[@JohnCunningham-sy5ug]

Spot. On review bottom line I've owned Three one NA two NCs. If you can't have fun with any of these MX5s your dead inside. Yup I tell my female friends if you're going to ride with Johnny. You're going Topless 😎🤣. No matter what model it is keep smiling folks.

[@BrianMakse]

All of the Miatas are great. Nothing like them.

[@badpixels_]

looks beautiful

[@BrianMakse]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Rrr-rz1pg]

Love ❤️ monty…. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@BrianMakse]

Monte has grown up into a fine young man. He no longer fits into the seat of an MX-5!

[@kimtoftjohannsen9099]

Hi Brian, great video, thanks, how tall are you? Im 6f2, would i fit in ? Cheers Kim

[@BrianMakse]

Of course you’ll fit! It’s a convertible! My son is 6’1” and fits fine. I’m a bit shorter.

[@kimtoftjohannsen9099]

@@BrianMakse Thats good news, nearest one for sale here is 250 kilometres from here, so kinda stupid to drive this long for nothing, but now I'll give it a shot, 2021 model red 😃 cheers Brian

[@j9501b]

Anyone living in the south knows leather seats ARE PURE BUT BURN!!!!. My new mx5 will be delivered 6 Oct . Can't wait.

[@BrianMakse]

Oh the anticipation! Congrats and enjoy!

[@j9501b]

@@BrianMakse Yes Sir I went with the pearl white and silver soft top... DUDE My old ass is over the moon with this one! And It will be PIF on purchase!!!

[@bondjames652]

They should make one regular size.

[@dogbert65]

Need more footage of Monty!

[@BrianMakse]

We’re working on it!

[@HisMajesty99]

Man I love your channel, I recently bought a Mazda 6 Carbon edition, but I’m itching to get a Miata. I’m 22 and don’t reaaaally need a sedan, so I’m considering trading it in for a Miata. But I can’t make up my mind Bc I still rly love my 6 Carbon, plus it’s very practical and long term. Idk what to do haha :/

[@BrianMakse]

Glad you enjoy what we do. I'm the wrong person to ask. At 22 I was already racing, so consider me an enabler. Go base MX-5 and add a couple of bits from Flyin' Miata and be happy!

[@richardflaherty2373]

I "liked", subscribed, left a comment, and if my wife and I have another baby boy we are going to name him Monty.

[@BrianMakse]

I don’t know if you really want to do that…he’s named after Montalcino in Tuscany and Montecristo cigars!

[@stephenhendricks103]

A more or less expected review of a vehicle that comes as close to meeting its design objectives as one is likely to find. There are many good cars available these days and there are some that deserve to be called "excellent." But very, very few that deserve to be labelled "iconic." For those of us who loved (and still love) post-WWII British sports cars, who believe the Austin Healey 3000 and the E-Type Jaguar were among the most beautiful examples of automotive art ever built, the "Miata" is a descendant that shares almost everything but Lucas Electrics (Thank God) and production in Japan rather than small towns in England. The MX-5 is iconic and near perfect. Here's my problem. I'm a "Family Guy." Thankfully not resembling Peter Griffin but with a wife, a teenage daughter, and a big dog who, like "Monty", loves to ride in the car. I love 'em all and like to have a place for them in my version of a "recreational" vehicle. My GTI is ideal. It accommodates everyone and even has room for some luggage and gear on extended journeys. I'd be willing to leave one at home on occasion but having to select only one passenger is an automotive version of Sophie's Choice. (Well, not quite but you get the point.) That brings me to a dilemma if I want to add a $30K sports car to the family garage. As much as I find the MX-5 appealing, I have to weigh its charms against that of the 2022 Toyota GR86 or the Subaru BRZ. The new 2.4L engine has apparently eliminated the 86/BRZ's infamous mid-range torque dip. And though a roadster option isn't available, I might well be willing to forego topless motoring for the benefit of "plus 2" rear seating. (It would be ideal for "Fido" and my flexible teenage daughter could fold herself into the back seat.) So as much as I lust after an MX-5, my attention is increasingly drawn to the new generation 86/BRZ twins.

[@psewgobind]

Same here, I'd forgo topless it the alternative is getting a better tool for the driver. However, gas prices is getting very high and that MX-5 seems to do well at the pumps... It's a side effect from a well built 2.0L NA engine. I'm also getting surprisingly good consumption from my k20c2 6MT Civic (when factoring power output that feels closer to 200hp vs the 158hp stated). I'm hopping GR86 is also good at the pumps, in which case the nod will go in that direction. Sucks that 2022 base 6MT Civic is (probably) not as capable as my current Genx base Civic, otherwise, I'd also put that one on my list for future replacement cars.

[@BrianMakse]

Can't argue, Stephen. I'm keen to see the new 86, as well.

[@johntechwriter]

This is one of the few ND2 reviews I’ve come across that contains original thinking. Most of the rest practically read for-for-word from Mazda’s press kit. But here we have a writer who is a genuine sports car guy. He talks the talk I’ve heard only from serious Miata spec racers. Except that they are a little bit more to the point. To wit: The Club is a marketing mashup of brand name add-ons that the dealers present to the suckers as the “performance” version of the Miata. In reality it isn’t any faster than the base Sport at all - it’s heavier and slower! - and with those hot hard Recaros it is less comfortable. What the Club is, is a CASH COW. Its price premium over the Sport is laughable, and the fool buying it thinking his Miata is special will see nothing but fellow Club clones at every Miata event. Here’s the kicker. If you want your Miata to be competitive for autocross or track days, and you have a Club, you’ll have to replace ALL the brand-name add-ons that came with it! Neither the Bilsteins nor the Brembos are sufficiently robust for track use. Out they go! The Recaros would give way to lowered, truly supportive bucket seats. Icing on the cake: The base Sport model comes with 16” wheels, and the Club has 17s. It turns out that 16” wheels are preferred for competition! If you want an ND2 that is uniquely yours and will blow a Club into the weeds, buy a new Sport (Mazda have an excellent finance plan) and use the thousands you save to cherry-pIck from the largest performance aftermarket in the industry, until you have the sports car of your dreams. My final recommendation: Before you buy, join a local Miata club and get some ideas. Make some friends. Get off the horsepower bandwagon and re-learn the joy of driving a lightweight sports car with the TOP DOWN. PS: I bought my triple-black Miata Sport new for $24,600 in August of 2019. It has accumulated just under 18 thousand miles and I can sell it for what I paid for it. My only “enhancement” is factory alloy pedals, because the best-shifting car on the planet should have alloy pedals. I am contemplating sway bars stiffer than stock to reduce body roll in hard cornering. But that’s it!

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks, John. Our content on this channel may be due to the fact that I'm a racer more than a motoring journalist or KZbinr, that's for sure. Enjoy your Mazda!

[@lukewalker1051]

great car if you are liddle.

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

❤️mx5

[@khunopie9159]

If she leads a lonely life, then base is ace, especially if that baby is all that she wants. Is that too much to ask?

[@BrianMakse]

Depends on what baby really needs.

[@johntechwriter]

Base may be ace but big is best!

[@shiftintohigh5564]

U rock good sir.

[@BrianMakse]

Cheers, thanks!

[@vulcanman64]

I want one ……… BAD

[@dnrg62]

👍

[@planbparadise2046]

Woof Woof

[@wardellward]

The miata has been out for a long time

[@tomdoe1234]

Really

[@WizardTerence]

If you can afford it , NEVER buy under equipped because you can't change your mind later if you have regrets , without spending a whole lot more than you could have ! BUY IT LOADED !

[@BrianMakse]

That’s true for some cars, but not this one.

[@robertroccii7117]

It´s a Car for Hobbits and not for normal European or American Men!!! To expensive for a little small car!!!

[@Saboda53]

No, it’s a car designed for men of up to average size. Sorry, but if you’re 20-40 lbs overweight (or suffer from excessive, above average height), you lose. Hey, sometimes life’s unfair.

[@GunKata]

Sub’d. “Doesn’t ‘believe’ in Autocross” Unsub’d

[@BrianMakse]

Ciao! Bye!