2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata / The Enthusiast Dilemma

[@thefamilydog4115]

Nothing like watching a review of my car before I go drive it

[@JacesOwnWorld]

Don’t get too excited. A Prius is just as fast…

[@Sideways_Singh]

​@@JacesOwnWorld lol if u care about straight line stuff, sports cars arent for u grandpa and ur fwd golf for uber drivers. If u have no skills or balsl then u care about straight lines.

[@Catuyn17]

@@JacesOwnWorld Prius over a second slower and a thousand pounds heavier.

[@Diego-lt6cw]

@@JacesOwnWorld That’s like blaming a fish cause it can’t climb trees lmao. Miatas were never meant to be fast.

[@petermad7476]

​@Jace’s Own World dont get to excited, I smoked every gti in my Kona N...

[@myplaxismodelisbetterthanyours]

There is no competition here. Everything else is bigger and heavier. After years of chasing HP, Ive learned to appreciate these sub 3k lbs cars.

[@feo130]

Same here. What companies are branding as "sports" cars, are actually obese Grand Touring cars. True sports cars like the Miata are few and far between, and should absolutely be cherished.

[@matt25675]

Welcome back to the light side brother

[@BN99239]

I actually bought my 2022 GT RF last year without knowing how to drive a manual. I knew it in theory but never had anyone taught me how to drive a manual when I learned how to drive as a teenager. Went got a test drive and was pretty clunky but I never stalled. Loved the car so I bought it anyhow. I'm 30 years old and had to learn how to drive a manual. Took me about 2 weeks to smooth things out and now I can down shift rev match, heel toe rev match, drift in it, etc. I was so scared my first 2 weeks driving this car, especially in traffic and uphill! I stalled a total of 4 times last year and that was it. I'm completely confident with driving a manual now and oh boy it's so much fun. Never too late to learn!

[@arkplaysgame3826]

its kinda easy just try to memorize the gear pattern by practicing on a open space on another car that have the same gear pattern. Since u r a novice dont speed up, try to drive slow and try to change gear. The only thing that u have to know is how to control the clutch which can be known u are able to start moving the car without any jump. Once u are in feel of the clutch start to drive like longer distance on open road with less traffic and change gear. once all that is done go back to the open field again now practice reverse and slow bumper to bumper cornering and such. When all is complete try an uphill rod not very steep ones and practice the hill climbing and this vehicles comes with hill assist so if u make 6 proper hill climb out of 10 when u drive ur miata it will be much easier with the hill assist

[@jsalazar3854]

No uphill assist?

[@arkplaysgame3826]

@@jsalazar3854 Mazda have HLA which is hill assist

[@BN99239]

@@jsalazar3854 It does have hill start assist but that only activates when the car is completely stopped. It was difficult when I was a beginner to go keep having to feather the clutch while going 1-2mph in traffic uphill.

[@druegillis1744]

My first car was a ‘64 Ford Falcon, factory 4 speed (very sloppy gearb🫕

[@waynekempton7160]

"Don't take a long trip" he says. Whenever my wife and I take a 10 day to two week trip, we take two carry-on bags. No matter what car we take to the airport or on the road trip. If you need more space than the MX-5 trunk offers, you do not need another car... you need to know how to pack.

[@SquantoShinyShorts]

Absolutely badass my friend 😃

[@SupraSav]

This. People are too spoiled and want too many of their luxuries all the time.

[@teejaysalgado9819]

This! There’s a lot of videos on packing hank already so why sweat out the trunk space?

[@WellToastedBagel]

Thank you for sharing this opinion. Makes me firm on my decision on my next car being a Miata.

[@ivansdaddy]

The soft-top is a pretty car. The RF is gorgeous. I'm 6' & 180 lbs. and you learn to get in and out gracefully (even at 58). Just took a 6.5 hr. drive from the South of France down into Italy (roof retracted the entire time) and never cramped up in the seats. YES, it's noisy with the top down (no getting around that), but the hard-top also brings a bit of security with it (not to mention classic lines). Fell in love with this car at a Trader Joe's parking lot 6 years ago and finally got my own. SO... MUCH... FUN...

[@SupraSav]

Good for you. Forever young !

[@matt25675]

There’s Trader Joe’s in Europe?

[@shortstories3349]

Bought a 2020 ND2 RF GT in manual. It's my daily and every day since I have owned it has been so much fun driving. If I ever need to get something bulky, Amazon and delivery services are there for me. I'll own this for as long as my body allows me to enjoy it. Truly the last of its kind, below the $40K line.

[@lucasthiele2169]

BRZ has entered the chat

[@khelgarironfist3301]

@@lucasthiele2169 BRZ has left the chat (not even available in EU)

[@teekay_1]

@A Z ...except for being a convertible....

[@6catalina0]

When the Mazda Miata was introduced in 1989, it took sales away from the RX7. I still think that the RX7 was the better sports car. My base model 1986 RX7 could reach speeds of 140 - even at 18 years old. It had almost 50/50 weight distribution and was confidence inspiring at any speed. There was no low end power, but the car came alive in fourth gear over 4000rpm. The 1986-91 second generation RX7 weighed about 2600 Lbs, so it was small enough to be agile - a true sports car. Yet the hatchback allowed me to do laundry, take the cats to the vet, take the front wheel off the bike and take it with me, and move furniture! The second generation RX7 was a “Practical Sports Car”. Not to knock the Miata, but I I would buy a second generation RX7 again.

[@michaeldzema4272]

I had the same but a 2019…. Had to trade it in , I’m 6’1’’ and didn’t fit the best but I loved driving the car everyday. Have a kid on the way so traded in for a 2019 x3 m40i . I’m already missing the manual transmission

[@tremperj]

It's the one detail always missed when comparing the Miata RF and the Toyobaru Twins: The roof opens on the MIata. The roof does not open on the BRZ. If that is something you want, there really isnt any other option.

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

Absolutely, thats one of the main reasons that I never even looked at either one of them. The RF its literally the best of both worlds.

[@Kev27RS]

@@JimsEquipmentShedTrue! Love the look of the RF version!

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

@@Kev27RSI just bought a 2023, and still look at it from the house after parking it. It’s that kinda car.

[@Kev27RS]

@@JimsEquipmentShed Understandable! 😁

[@ShootingCars]

Wish I knew you when I had my 93 miata. Of all the cars I've owned and driven, I still find my self going back to the Miata.

[@Realistick]

I hope there’s always a place for it in the automotive landscape

[@andreia.salsinha]

Absolutely agree with your closing statement, put the top down on a beautiful sunny day and any regret will be blown away with the wind. I love my orange mx5, driving her [Clementine is her name] is an absolute pleasure, I will never get rid of this car.

[@richarddietzen3137]

Clementine orange, 😊

[@RikhilBhavinShah]

I've named my 30AE Clementine, Clem for short ! Great name hah

[@aperson5062]

Great review. MX-5 owner and I daily drive it. I rarely find myself asking my wife for her car, even in winter in New Hampshire. I put on snow tires. But I am a married empty nester with another car in the family. Great driving experience and the RF top wins hands down over the BRZ/86 now. When younger, I owned a '79 BMW 320is, Celica AWD, 1st Gen Integra, Nisson 240SX, and a Eagle Talon TSI AWD. If young and your only car, then the extra utility in your daily driver makes the BRZ/86 the choice.

[@vlj1133]

As you noted throughout your review, an absolutely key component with the Miata is simply whether you fit well in one. If you do, it's magic. It's like slipping on a custom-tailored suit. If you don't, it's annoying at best, undoable at worst. The Miata may be unique in this regard, as I can't think of another car sold today in which basic fitment is so crucial. Some people have a problem with hitting the cupholders behind the elbow, or, as you did, hitting the control knob with your forearm. I have zero issue with either one. Then there are the fitment issues with headroom, leg room, hips, shoulders, etc. Some people are so tall that they have to duck down to avoid looking straight at the top of the windshield frame. Other preople are so burly that they end up sitting on the bolsters rather than between them. If you're under 6' and not too chunky, however, it fits beautifully. 6'2" seems to be the comfortable limit. Beyond all that, yes, drop the top, hit Hwy 20 between Downieville and Sierra City (north of Truckee in the northen California Sierra mountains), and there is likely no better real-world driving experience on offer today, at any price.

[@Realistick]

I also think a key part is age too, at 6’3, I was okay on comfort but getting in and out was a hassle, another 20 years on my joints and I’d be reluctant to buy one. Right now the only thing holding me back is that I want my daily to do it all, if I can move to California, a Miata will be on my shortlist!

[@vlj1133]

@@Realistick The Miata can work as an only-car for some people, but obviously it’s best suited to be a fun second car. Just grab a Camry hybrid for the daily duties, and let the Miata be what it’s supposed to be: a mini vacation , every time you get in the thing.

[@andi8489]

@@Realistick well, i am 6 feet tall and fitalmost perfectly in the RF, got about 1 to 2 inches headspace. my brother on the other hand, who's 5'8 can not sit comfortably with the roof closed.... body geometry is a funny thing... my brothers body is 5cm higher when sitting on the same chair.

[@mrnrfan182]

My daily is a Type R. Arguably the best manual trans on the market. But when the weather here hits 60, the Type R stays in the garage and I take my ND2 Miata. Not just because I can put the top down. It’s the more fun car to drive.

[@shueydj]

Veloster N - split the baby

[@chanmanthegreat1429]

I have a 2018 GTI SE and my NB miata is significantly more fun.

[@seafooddiablo5686]

I have a convertible camaro which is alot of fun. I actually respect people who daily a miata far more than when i see 1 person commuting in a massive truck.

[@drewmorg.]

I've seen every Miata video on KZbin and this is probably the best.

[@jgrc73]

It was worth watching at least

[@rayschoch5882]

Mazda's 6-speed manual is the best transmission I've ever used, and I've been driving manuals for more than 50 years. My experience with a CX-5 and a Mazda3 was that build quality was excellent, even if some of the electronics were a bit dated.Alas, the Mazda3 hatchback I bought a few years back, and the MX-5 in this review, are just too low to the ground for a certified old person like me to get in and out of without unnecessary pain, so I went in the opposite direction and just took delivery of my 2nd Kia Niro - sort of the antithesis of a sports car, and my first automatic transmission vehicle.

[@theretoocs]

Great review! I'm writing this as a soft top Miata GT owner (2022). Just clarifying a few things. The Brembo brakes are on the front discs only, the rear disc brakes a standard Mazda brakes just painted red. I drove a few Miata variations and found the Club with the Brembo package to be expensive, and for day to day driving the standard brakes are fine, maybe if you like track days then spring for the pricier Club version. The GT version has more chrome highlights in the cabin and certainly looks smarter than the all black Club interior. RF stands for Retractable Fastback, and with the roof off, I actually found it noisier than the full convertible which I ended up buying. The side pillars on the RF seem to cause some buffeting noise, which is absent on the drop-top. Regarding trunk space my wife and I went on a 5000 mile (7500km) 5 week road-trip last year. We took two airline carry-on bags, and two backpacks. We were fine.The trunk opening is too narrow for a normal suitcase, so soft luggage or carry on bags are fine. The trunk is deep and wide. I can see why people would like the 'Toybaru' option, but if you priortize fun and roof-off driving pleasure over practicality the Miata is perfect. After owning one for about 10 month so far I'm still thrilled every time I start her up.

[@Keith96DOHC]

Love my '19 ND2 Club Miata, and I've owned every generation of Miata (still own an NA & NC). Had a Subaru BRZ when I bought my ND, but sold it a year or two later, because I just didn't drive it as much anymore. I'm 6' tall and weigh 240 lbs, and love it for long road trips. My wife and I have driven it to Florida three times, 1000+ miles one way, and have been able to pack enough for a two week trip. Love it for daily driving in the warmer months too.

[@jordanspringer8]

Just bought a 2023 Sentra SR, but prior to going into dealerships, I did a good amount of research and watched a bunch of your videos. Still like and continue watching your vids even after the purchase. Thanks for all the insight, Tyler!

[@myhandlewastakenandIgaveup]

Make sure your car isn't in the list of Nissan which have censor issues. The lane control censors get dirty and then you can't use your cruise control and will always have a warning light on.... It plagues quite a few modern Nissans.

[@cormaro13]

You choose wrong , nissan trash , enjoy changing that cvt fluid often If not 💥

[@cactiiimusic]

As someone who owns an ND2 sport, and previously owned a Stinger GT that was an absolute BEAST in the corners, the basic sport trim even with the lack of LSD still handles amazingly in the corners. While it lacks a lot vs the higher trims, I find myself looking for any excuse to drive it and swing it through some back roads or through the mountains. Whichever trim you go for, there’s no wrong answer!!

[@ADUSN]

I don't feel my 2019 ND2 Sport lacks a lot. I didn't like the recaro seats, maybe the sound system but other than that a Miata is best when lightweight and minimal.

[@Cyndagon]

I'm an owner of a 2022 RF GT. I've done a 600 mile one way trip, followed by a 1200 mile one way trip. Packed for both trips just fine! Agree with most everything else you stated. The rock chips especially. I wish I could have afforded PPF with her, but alas. She's a car and meant to be driven.

[@jgalt99]

If you're going to get into modding the car at all, (which I think most people who buy a miata are) there are much better brakes, wheels and seats for less money than the brembo package and you will probably update the suspension as well. You can do all of this for less than the 4.5k of the brembo package, (assuming you're comfortable watching youtube tutorials and doing some light wrenching yourself) and end up with a better overall product. Club trim with cloth seats and the soft top is the sweet spot at 32k, imo. You will have to order one like this, though, or pay a little more for a previous year.

[@Doc1855]

In the early 90s I bought a Red Miata with a tan top and tan interior. It was fun to drive.

[@jasongaudreau2075]

Mazda has an “alcantara package” for these cars that includes some dash, shifter boot, ebrake boot, and door cards to get nicer touch materials and matches the recaro’s perfectly.

[@markcoopers1930]

Eagerly looking at these. $33k is what I paid for my Mazda3 turbo. Different use case, but it is a bit of a decision to add this to the garage. Wouldn't mind the LSD on sport trim, or the more updated Mazda infotainment. Then again, used prices of all generations are still elevated, and some areas only the riced versions are listed for sale. New might be worth it just to avoid all that. The color palette is a little strange tho. Best I think to stick to Soul red, or see if the deep crystal blue can be had.

[@squaaa7082]

We got a pearl white comin to our dealership ;)

[@vipermoon_]

The way that you explained the communication at the limit, it's exact behavior, and what sets it apart in those areas is well said and spot on! You make good quality vids btw! Also never thought about Mazda's consideration for longevity when deciding interior materials. Good point. The seat rubbing noise never heard about, nice mentioning it. It doesn't happen on the fabric seats.

[@leefranklin3054]

The wind noise is actually worse in an RF than a soft top, quite a bit worse with the top down. Most enthusiasts remove that 'sound tube', by the way. Drop by your local Miata club and you can get some amazing tips. Glad you enjoyed the car. The biggest plusses to the soft top is: No blind spot with top down, top goes up in seconds. Owner of a 2019 ND2 Sport.

[@buntafujiwara3586]

It was a hard choice, but I went with the Eight Six for the same reasons you mentioned. They're not called 'Miata' in my country - it's just Mazda MX-5. They are quite popular with driving enthusiasts and there are plenty of older models still on the road after all these years.

[@n3m3sis03]

I just picked up a 2019 RF Club and I couldn't be happier with the purchase. The ride is smooth, suspension is a TAD stiff, but gives you that random pothole confidence, top down is a DEFINITE head turner, especially in the Soul Red color scheme, and the handling? SHEEESH! Fugetaboutit! Solid 8/10. -2 for the lack of a traditional glove compartment and that weird ass hump on the passenger side, taking up about 20% of leg real estate. All in all, that top goes down like panties on a super model and the roadway is your oyster.

[@ChimeraActual]

At 4:19. Not a problem for 5'7" me! You can find low mileage recent models for a reasonable price. After all the unreliable roadsters I've owned it's such a treat to not have to carry a full tool box. As R&T said in 1990, "it's a roadster you could drive to Tierra Del Fuego", or something like that, and nevermind that you can't actually drive to TDF. Consumer Reports agrees.

[@jamminj8822]

I just bought a 2021 MX-5. I can't compare to any of it's competitors, and it's the most impractical car... but holy shitballs... I freakin love love love it to death. I just smile when I drive this car.

[@StudlySoldier]

I had a club with recaros until last week. Someone didn't see me (again) and just pulled out in front of me while I was boxed in by traffic. I loved everything about how it drove, and could live with the compromises. I want to replace it with another, but dont think I will. The problem is the amount of mouthbreathers in massive trucks and SUVs who can't be bothered to pay any amount of attention behind the wheel. You spend all of your time in the miata paranoid about getting hit

[@christopheralexander195]

Sorry for your loss and I totally understand. Got a 2023 RF GT last week after my Mustang was destroyed by a distracted driver. The constant worry is real.

[@cesenu19]

Tell me that you are American without telling me you are American hahaha

[@TheBirdboy84]

@@cesenu19 nobody cares about europe(new middle east)

[@ag4allgood]

You captured the essence of the MX-5 , all about fun. The manual 6 speed transmission with the super light clutch feel plus a chassis designed with less is more in mind. Its like putting on a glove.

[@carlosbrigett2574]

I love the wind noise! I owned two MGB's in my life, although many years ago and as a young man. I learned to drive by a friend that drove in the over 200mph Daytona circuit. I was not the best student, but I did learn a lot about driving a sportscar. Space in the B was a lot more than that of the MX-5 and in that, I don't miss space, it's me and the car alone. As for the mpg stuff, I've seen at the best was 43.1mpg. Never lower than 34mpg.

[@brygram]

Two problems...you look better and seem happier driving in a Mazda MX-5. Hopefully the resale value on the Toyota-thingy pans out.

[@genzigzag]

😂

[@alangross2277]

Being hard to justify is a good thing for those of us that don't want to be driving a car that has a billion others like it out there! Top down is the best way to go, but top up is pretty damn nice as well! Yes, I dig the hell out of my MX-5 RF, Club with BBS Package. It is a blast around the corners, much like my Honda CBR-1000RR was, in a much more subtle, safer kinda of way!

[@MarekFajkus]

I don't know what people pack for long trips. For me and my gf nd is enough to pack for trip of any length. You can pack 2 people for a week even if you're packing with tent and sleeping bags. And for anything longer than week, like say 6 months, you need to count with doing your laundry anyway. So I think that ND's trunk is good for trip of any length for 2 people let alone single person. What it is not enough for is moving or trips where you need some special equipment like bikes or skis. We actually can get about twice as much stuff into the trunk of our ND that what we packed for 4 months trip to asia.

[@lynndavis869]

I have a 2017. I watch all the reviews and I still love my 2017. I'm very happy.

[@Dornpunzel]

Within less than a year you changed a lot. From this video and a nerdy look to a kind of male model in your 2024/08 videos. I am truly impressed. Oh and: Nice car. 😀

[@drsonicify]

The bumping of the media control knob, is fixed if you live in a RHD market, Mazda really should have made 2 centre consoles, one for RHD and one for LHD. Hand brake position is also much better in RHD markets

[@Chironex_Fleckeri]

Old Honda feel is high praise for the driving feel. I got to drive a 5MT Accord with a K24 and it just felt so much more alive than modern cars. Plenty of torque in the low end, brakes that should be modernized, but it's funny that commuter cars are now the standard for going slow and smiling the whole time.

[@dlg5485]

I'll be placing my order on a ND3 RF GT on Monday. I had a really hard time deciding which roof to get. Even though I prefer the soft top in many ways, I picked RF because I'm planning to keep this car forever and I don't want to deal with the inevitable deterioration of the soft top over time. I also think the RF looks more exotic and offers a measure of security that the soft top doesn't. The soft top has its advantages too, but you have to choose. I'm really excited to experience the upgraded features of the ND3.

[@gregory7414]

Dude. I have seen many reviews for this car. This is by far the best. Not even 5 stars. 10 is more like it. It's excellent the way you describe the drive. Thank you for this excellent review!

[@marcusn254]

Nah, that is not a "cute" car. It looks great. One of the best looking cars in recent years.

[@danjones7561]

First video where we can experience the blind spots! Thank you. Great video, all pros and cons well explained.

[@productdesign9626]

The comically small stock Miata brakes are astonishingly effective. The pedal feel on my NC is the best I have ever felt, and I know racers who haven't upgraded anything beyond pads, fluid and maybe some braided hoses. That said, it's not like bigger brakes are a bad idea, and I would always prefer the Brembo/BBS/Recaro combo for the price. Lighter wheels would definitely help compensate for the car's lack of power.. Also to add: as much as I like my MX, as a new purchase the BRZ/86 is an extremely strong competitor. But... used, the MX is a WAY better car. For the same price as the old model of 86 you can get the already-sorted MX5 with 50 years of pedigree.

[@JF-pf9hx]

No matter how small the rotor is the calipers are more strengthen than friction between tire/surface. Size is about heat capacity and dissipation.

[@productdesign9626]

@@JF-pf9hx Yes absolutely, and I have done an autocross session completely stock without even freshening up the brake fluid, with zero issues. But racing is a different matter and I'm beyond impressed that the stock hardware can take that kind of punishment (especially with stickier tyres). Just shows that light weight is the single best attribute a performance car can have.

[@MoeJae86]

If I was traveling across state in an RV, this would be the car I’d have on the toy trailer.

[@CapELarry]

I'm rather surprised that you fit. As for the trunk, I think I have gym bags with more storage space. This would make an excellent second vehicle.

[@Realistick]

She has her limitations but works very well with what’s given

[@schwarzwolfram7925]

You could use the passenger seat assuming you don't have a second person to carry along. Most trips (American) drivers make are solitary; especially errands.

[@digby_dooright]

@@Realistick A hotdog with ketchup only. 😂

[@jeffmorse645]

I desperately wanted a Miata back when I was your age (think mid 1990s). I was 6' 4" with long legs back then ("was" - I've shrunk an inch in my old age 😱). I went with a friend to test drive one and I literally got tangled up trying to get into it with the top down. My friend was laughing his butt off and the salesman just smiled and tried to steer me towards a Mazda sedan of some kind. Maybe a current gen would work, but I'm past that stage of my life.😄

[@Kev27RS]

A Mazda 3 Sedan is beautiful as well!

[@junlee7763]

Miata is like a "Jeep Things". I have not met a single unhappy owner, despite of all shortcomings.

[@harrysanchez7656]

I test drove a miata recently and it reminded me of being a teenager driving my no top jeep everywhere.

[@BloggingITGuy]

I disagree about the quality of the sound system in the RF Club. It's a pretty nice system and definitely better than what's in the '21 Accord Touring. It's also cool how it automatically adjusts tuning of the audio system on the fly based on speed and environmental factors, such as wind with the top down. This is not a simple increase of volume based on speed. Otherwise a good review.

[@BloggingITGuy]

It's definitely a car that needs paint protection film.

[@Niex_Knox]

I was looking at one, then I looked at a gr86 for the reasons you state. But I was not that impressed with the room in the gr. Then I got a company car, a dull vw that does the A to B thing in such comfort.....I may never want a sporty car again 😊.

[@AdamAllen]

I've had a daily ND1-RF for about 4 years now and I'm still overjoyed to get in it and drive it at every single moment I can!

[@AntonioGomez-du3zi]

I got lucky and bought my 2020 soft top club with the Brembo package out of state for 27k. It only had 4K miles, and I’ve already got 20k miles on it as my daily driver and it’s still so much fun. Got some coilovers, bigger sway bars and some stickier tires and it’s made a huge difference in the ride.

[@NDEEZMiata]

Nearly every 4 cylinder, even turbo 4 cylinders, are going to be churning over 3k at highway speeds. Just the nature of the beast. I noticed the RF seems to ride quite a bit better than the soft top. Both GT spec. I love the ND2...hoping to pick one up soon. Leaning towards the RF as it's a daily. The wind noise/buffer on the RF was super tolerable with windows up and top down at highway speeds. Mainly feels like a really big sunroof.

[@RennieAsh]

Idk, plenty of newer cars rev quite low especially with turbos . Diesel anyway

[@NDEEZMiata]

@@RennieAsh diesels have an entirely different power band

[@thecatblaster5181]

The RF with windows up feels like a combination of a really big sunroof and a pickup truck with the rear center window open. That means you can drive with it open and the heat on with jackets or coats or parkas and head protection/ushankas all year round.

[@jasonmok4110]

Me too! Bought an ND and later find out all I want is a GT car. I wish Miata has a tad bit more room with maybe a dog seat.

[@billurban3940]

For long highway trips, it’s fun when you need to pass someone as rpm’s are about 3,300, however I would like an option for a true overdrive just to get better then current 33mpg highway due to lightness of car.

[@justinmartin8170]

Your complaint about that your hand doesn’t lay right where the controls are is a tall person problem. Regular height folks will find those perfectly placed. And I’ve seen the complaint about wrists accidentally hitting the tuning knob a lot. I’m 5’10” and I’ve literally never had that happen in two years of driving the car.

[@Mottleydude1]

As a primary car this would not be an ideal purchase. As a more fun for the dollar car it can’t be beat. If you live in an area with lots of tight, twisty and hilly backroads it can’t be beat for the price. I use mine as a daily commuter and fun car and have a Lincoln MKZ as the family car. Roadster are ideal for narrow roads with lots of curves and are great for high volume city traffic where handling and agility count more than power and speed. I had no problem keeping up with more powerful sports cars at Deals Gap. I could always catch up on the curves. Also once you get used to launching one you can launch it without spinning you tires and hit 0-60 in around 5.8 seconds. That’s a big improvement on the NC which was more like 6.5 I also would recommend the GTS model as you can drive around enough to determine if they do provide an advantage for your personal driving style and geography and as an upgrade to the Brilstine shocks and brakes it’s not that expensive of an upgrade. The Ricaro seats provide little in advantage unless you’re putting on the track. The standard GTS seats are more than adequate. If you live in a very hilly area then I would get the GTS and upgrade the brakes, shocks and sway bars which again is not that expensive to upgrade. Probably a couple of grand.

[@dannyfierro3870]

A gem. Wish everyone could see these small cars were the it thing many years ago.

[@dlg5485]

I think this car is a bargain, even at $35k+, because there is no other vehicle offering this much fun in the same form factor. The Toyobaru twins are not open top vehicles, so they do not compete directly with Miata. This car is in a class of its own and that makes it even more special.

[@hesperidesbell4643]

keep the miata exactly as it is, and build a mid-size roadster model for the taller crowd. like the size of a brz

[@3wheelmannc860]

Nice, but it needs updating as you note many outdates. This should be available with a turbo and/or a hybrid version.

[@theapplepaul]

Well done review. At only 5'11" and 165 lbs. the Miata always felt cramped to me- even compared to the Toyota MR2- S I daily drove for four years. That and the amount of body lean on turns was more noticeable than I prefer. This has no doubt improved on newer models. My main issue is the bloated price - you have some great enthusiast choices for this money. The Miata used to be a real bargain.

[@GodGear]

That was a great expression. An angry little kid in a tuxedo 😂 Good writing sir 👍 also great review sir.

[@thomasodonnell5486]

i am nearly 6'7" i drive a 2016 miata soft top. I love it! my only car. my dog rides shotgun a lot :)

[@3katd]

That sounds like it sucks. Anything above 6’2 is almost impossible

[@thomasodonnell5486]

@3katd I think the 4th generation has the most room. I'm a thin 6' 7" so my waist doesn't push me forward and I fit nicely.

[@3katd]

@@thomasodonnell5486 I’m 4’11, so I’ll have to worry about being to small for some things lol

[@atosunor]

Hey, it was a great review on this car and one of the best as others mentioned. Do you know if Mazda adressed the major rusting issues that other generations had, while building ND/2? I can't find this information anywhere. It concerns me as a buyer who wants to own this thing and keep it for a long time. It is hard to see real life examples at the moment, since it's a new car.

[@Realistick]

I want to say that's been solved for ND, I haven't heard any complaints on it like I have for the NB and NA!

[@ITNoetic]

Watch the 2-year 20k mile review by Richard Fanders. He drives in an area that salts the road, and it already has some underbody rust. Don't drive a Miata on salted roads if you can avoid it. Unless you want your car to die an early death.

[@Realistick]

@@ITNoetic Or you can just get fluid film and put it on the underside before winter. I was talking about the body rust that Mazda used to be notorious for.

[@GIJOE64]

I have a Solered RX with tan leather that I bought new in 2020. Everywhere I go, people comment that it’s a beautiful car and can’t believe it’s a Mazda.😊

[@edventures9884]

I’ve owned 3 NA’s and my 3rd one was supercharged. Most enjoyable cars I’ve ever driven and everyone I say “I’m done with Miata’s” I want to buy another one a few months after. I really want a ND or s2k next but $30k+ for a Miata seems like a lot but I would want the brembos and recaro seats. Might just say fk it and end up getting one in the future but for now I’ll watch the market.

[@bastianalsoknownasagoddamn3647]

Favorite Car of all time the only Things it's Missing is a Rocketbunny Kit, 3piece 3spokes, and airride and Just for because White interior but an absolutely great Car i love it!

[@abogoni]

stocky 😂 - im 6 foot tall and 130kg - i make myself fit in it - i love my NC - just not as a daily driver - i agree for bigger people getting in and out of the car is the hardest part especially with the roof up

[@dheerajchidambaranathan]

I was in the same dilemma between the GR86 (used Supra 2.0 as well) and the Miata. Finally pulled the gun this week on a super good deal for a 2023 RF GT with about 10% dealer discount along with Mazda loyalty (I own the Mazda 3) and a $1000 off for choosing financing (0.9% for 36 months at that!) along with lifetime powertrain warranty and a 5 year basic service - all together with taxes came to the same price as the MSRP! I didn't want the 86 since every dealer near me wants to charge extra over MSRP and with the RTV issues being reported left and right I didn't want my first sports car to be something I don't enjoy outright and keep thinking of servicing sometime I don't expect to. (My 2016 Mazda 3 has had zero issues so far and I love the reliability!) Couldn't be happier. Have to relearn stick shift though. :)

[@DrRyan82994]

you could say it holds it's value. 2015 miatas are still pretty close to new prices. you kind of have to really want one. because you're gonna be slower than a lot of the compact cars on the market available with turbos. I guess that includes Mazdas own 3 with the 2.5t, a civic SI (with the obligatory Ktuner) that kind of stuff. and those cars have spave in them

[@ulyssesblakeley6028]

I had a 1990. Everything you note about this version, was present in that version. It was stolen and crashed (fleeing the police) 15 minutes after they took it. I planned the torture murder of the car thief for many years.

[@niclash4534]

I drive a GR86 and I‘m absolutely happy with it. But I‘ll be honest: if I fitted in the MX5 I would‘ve bought that car. Never drove a more fun car than the MX5 ND. 😎

[@Squall1811]

SOLD, I´m definetly buying one

[@lanekrarup]

Please keep it up. Love your reviews, very clear and concise. 100k subs by 2024!

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

I like Mazda's system, I never use the touchscreen in my MINI I always use the scroll wheel/buttons anyway.

[@jamesdonnelly8087]

The size makes it an almost perfect choice for RV living with a toy hauler.

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

Drove a friends Miata. The one aspect I like is with top down, the driving sensation. It's like a big go cart. The roadster is a immersive experience that gives the driver an exaggerated sensation of the speed they are actually going. I've driven many modern powerful vehicles (own a 5.0 Mustang) but they insulate the driver from so much and make 100mph feel like 70mph. Thus speeding tickets. So I've decided to go with a roadster than gives me the immersive driving sensation without the need to be so far over the speed limit.

[@Mushroomancer]

Yeah, my other car is an accord and accelerating up to 80 on the highway gives no sensation of speed and I just feel like I’m chilling. It feels like I’m going 50. In my Miata, I feel like I’m flyin at 80mph.

[@t.k.morris]

Excellent Video Production by the way!!

[@broimnotyourbro]

Bought an ND3 Miata recently. I did consider the Toyobaru, but I think the BRZ I test drove was broken or something: I couldn't figure out how to put the top down.

[@vito7056]

Supercharged my 2016 ND drove it like i stole it for like 20k miles. Its got a new engine in it now and its still a blast without banging off the redline

[@throker]

The phrase "Enthusiast Dilemma" hit home way too hard with me. I suggest doing a series of Enthusiast Dilemma videos; to include the usual suspects. (Though, I would entitle it "The Enthusiasts' Dilemma")

[@Kev27RS]

Really nice review! The MX-5 RF is a gorgeous car, especially in that *Soul Red Crystal* color! 🤩

[@genzigzag]

I love my NC, looking for a nice 2019 and up Soul Red ND to keep it company in my garage.

[@tomjohnson5700]

I purchased a '21 soft top GT new to get the color I wanted. Crystal blue mica and I haven't seen another one like it in town. Also none of the competing cars were convertibles

[@frumpd63]

I'm 6'1" with a long torso and my head hits the roof in the RF. I'm still considering buying one and buying aftermarket seats rails to drop them, or possibly getting the soft top that has more room.

[@DarkstarDarth]

I’m 6’4” and fit perfect in a S/T

[@TheDude50447]

Actually wanted to buy one 2 years ago but at 6.6 feet I didnt fit into the driver seat at all. Bought a Mazda 3 instead that day.

[@One_life94]

Does 6.1 fir in this ?

[@TheDude50447]

@@One_life94 into the miata? I dont know actually. I personally only believed that i didnt fit when i tried 😅

[@One_life94]

@@TheDude50447 then gr86 new or bmw 240i ftw ???

[@TheDude50447]

@@One_life94 idk. Havent been in either of thosw cars. Though if you want my opinion im personally not a BMW guy. Ironically since im living in munich

[@One_life94]

@@TheDude50447 uk feels more rich then 😜

[@Rig_JW]

I'm a single guy in my 30s living on the outskirts of a big city in Europe. I'm considering getting this as my only car. To be honest I couldn't care less for back seats and large trunk as 95% of time I just carry groceries for a week or a bag for my gym. Remaining 5% I can probably arrange in a different manner or just have the thing shipped to my flat. I also work fully remotely so it will not be driven too hard (millage-wise, I intend to use it properly) . The only downside is that I do not have a garage for it. To be honest as I see what is happening with those car norms on emissions and such I feel that this is now or never to get a sports car. The funny part is that my alternative car is... Suzuki Ignis. :D No... seriously!

[@myanime101]

all the listings for new optioned out mx5 rf are dealer listed under msrp

[@DarkstarDarth]

I just got the S./T Grand touring and added the Goodwin racing exhaust, fun little weekend go-kart.

[@LNVACVAC]

Americans: Lets bitch about Miatas. Rest of the world: What is a Miata?

[@EjinRenos]

One of the reasons they dropped the continental nicknames and unified it under one name: MX-5.

[@quincyfry6569]

Been daily driving my ND1 for the last 4 years. Prior to that an Audi S4 and before that an FRS (the B5 and 86 both had way too much money in them). The ND1 is the daily driver I would choose everytime as long as the top can go down (which is pretty much always...because I'm that miata driver)

[@clubtouge1052]

My goal is to get one and just have it as a gutted track weapon... Delete everything. Amazing that this 2020 car with all these features electronics and safety standards weights close to a stock 1994 NA mx5. The ND is a much more refined chassis too.. I wonder how the ND cup cars feel to drive

[@Consoul909]

This and the GR86 were on my short list. While I think Miata's are great, I wouldn't trade it for my 86.

[@sirmiluch6856]

I love the front. It looks a little bit like my beloved Rx8.

[@UyeGaming]

If you live in a bit colder weather, I would recommend the GT. Heated seats + heated steering wheel mean you can ride with the top down in colder weather without feeling cold. It's great! Also I had a cloth top, and while it takes just a few seconds to pullup and drop down, I want to trade my '16 in for a newer one with retractable top, cuz it looks awesome!

[@cqc2238]

I’ve always wanted one of these but they have always been underpowered. If this car had 220 HP and was otherwise identical it would be sublime.

[@Toxofox]

Why underpowered? It's not a drag racing vehicle, it's a fun car to take on a twisty B road and a track weapon. Look at how they perform around the Nurburgring or other track, humiliating much more powerful cars in the process. They're just balanced right: Enough power to be fun, not too much so you don't get in trouble.

[@LuisDiaz-wy7ip]

@@Toxofox 40 bands for the horsepower of a Toyota Corolla is massively underpowered. But that’s not the Miata fault but rather the car market as of late.

[@Z28videogates]

Try test driving one. They are light so 181hp is enough for fun driving and this is coming from someone who used to drive a 416hp Lexus ISF.

[@sanjoabraham7316]

@@LuisDiaz-wy7ip the corolla is also 600 pounds heavier

[@stephenmurray2851]

​@@sanjoabraham7316These people are absolutely clueless. Absolute children. Mazda all day long

[@scubarubanzaii]

I love these. I wanted a new one. I couldn’t justify the lack of space as my only car. I bought a Veloster N in 2020 and haven’t looked back.

[@bUtMyRiGhTs]

Awesome car. Upgrade the anti-sway bars, throw some Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tires on there for sticky or Pirelli P-Zero All Seasons for some slip but grip and have a blast.