Car Tech: 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Touring PRHT

[@Ichibuns]

I hate it when people say they don't want a car because it seems too slow... I've learned to NEVER judge a car to heart until you've actually driven it. You're bound to be surprised more than once. This one usually does it. It's a car I wouldn't buy new because it is a bit pricey in any trim but you can't beat this car on the used market. Plenty of these things in near factory condition for under $10,000 or even $6,000. I wouldn't even call this car slow. I'd say it's spunky

[@jan-yngvebohlin5980]

Miata is very direct "in action"..direct action with steering wheel,for example..I have drived the first model,when they come out 1989-90,and I like that car,except the engine,who was very boring... A total disaster..!!

[@charlesdavis9313]

I have just completed a 13,000 mile tour of 37 states in my 2008 Miata MX-5 Grand Touring. Even as an 83 year old, I never got tired or sore. Gasoline mileage averaged 14.767 MPG. I generally drove 7 MPH over the posted speed limit with the cruise control. The lowest mileage was probably when driving on U.S. 9 from Yonkers NY to Battery Park and back to the Holland tunnel on Manhattan. I have never had so many compliments on any car that I have had. I have driven MX-5s since 1999.

[@JoeBruin99]

Wondering if you're still alive and driving at 90? If so, awesome. If not, welcome to the Finish Line. We all get there. Props. (Means congratulations.)

[@johnfachy393]

I recently purchased a one owner, 40100 original mile, six speed, Grand Touring PHT coupe! Tight, solid, quick, FUN!!

[@fkporsche1]

I like this guy's presentation. Thank you.

[@hprandysweat9018]

Mine is 2012 PRHT Auto, because I'm handicapped, and live in New England. Somebody is only getting 14+mpg?! On the Interstate, I am getting 30.3mph, and my Auto does 0-60 in 6.5 sec. Sorry, never measured time to hit 100. This car beats a Corvette on windy Maine roads, and is more funto drive than anything I was in at NASCAR High Performance Driving School. So much funto drive !

[@DaRealMaus]

Kristian PRHT stands for power retractable hardtop, so his is also a hardtop :)

[@biffbifford402]

Love this guy. The weirder he gets, the more I like his reviews.

[@2tmacisback]

Just bought a very nice 08 with 42K miles, retractable hard top, 6 speec auto in very good condition for $4,000. Lovong it. Did put some Michelin AS3's on and loving it more. Next comes a super charger from flying miata.

[@HunterXray]

For 2013, the black top and wheels make it a "Club".

[@andonso]

why chick car red and regrettable pearl white? I think both colors are great with black hard top

[@yayeo6520]

The butt Dyno is really a thing in this car.. it’s crazy and I come from having a 350z, and a torquey civic si... it’s really amazing how you can feel the lightweight and acceleration of this car. Granted, if nobody is driving next to you quick xD

[@dr_tooke]

its amazing how he was able to do all that in 6 minutes

[@ketchup5344]

Ive had an mx5 mk3 soft top basic trim for the past year and driven it everyday on an 8000 mile road trip, my flat is crap and Ive practically lived in my car, my flats only good for sleeping in and using the bathroom. Verdict: life is what you make it, its been a hoot and my car hasnt missed a beat. Put another way, my previous car was a Jaguar XK8 convertible, my car before that a Toyota Supra-Ive loved them all and this one just as much and in some ways even more. Its fabulous and sitting here in this awful flat I cant wait to get back into it first thing tomorrow morning. Its cosy, its cute, its beautiful, its a dream. Thats my review and verdict.

[@JoeBruin99]

What's a flat? Flat tire? Spare tire? Speak AMERICAN. Just say "apartment." SMH

[@CatLady999]

This man is AWESOME! Dammit - I'm addicted to watching his reviews! XD

[@hprandysweat9018]

P.S., re my Miata. Yes, it's an Automatic, but I drive it solely on the Paddles (never on snow or ice). Maybe my reaction time is just faster than yours?

[@hprandysweat9018]

Dear Randy - well, after you've suggested I'm a liar, my Miata does accelerate to that speed in the exact time I've said. I've had NASCAR training, and (with only one person in the Miata) I have clocked it using my $500 stopwatch. Granted, I did this each time on the Flats, with Tires rated at 180mph. But then, you have to be right about everything...right?!

[@HiTokyoBen]

It looks so happy to be on the road.

[@fkporsche1]

Just had a set of Ohlins coil over installed. It rides and handle 100% better. Really hard to justified the price over these so amazing Ohlins. Forget about the Bilstein, the Ohlins are the best. I have Bilstein in my GT3RS, it's very good. But the Ohlins are far far better. For the improvement with the Ohlins in the Miata. It's worth the extra cost.

[@Vandantcyclone]

7 seconds? On a few sites people have gotten better times 0-60 stock. 6.5-6.8 is more like it for 0-60. I saw a turbo miata hit 0-60 in 5.5. I'd much rather have this than an RX8, Mainly because the MX5 Is still in production.

[@sengthavyvirachack4564]

Got a 06 with the sport package. Love it. I own a 04 RX8 before.

[@importcarenthusiast]

These are GREAT cars!!!! My aunt has the same one, but automatic, and Ive driven it a few times.

[@U2isthebest]

I like your presentation, but you obviously don't live in southern California. When you commute in stop and go traffic for hours, you have to give up being a "manual transmission snob". The SHIFTABLE automatic is the best of both worlds. I can choose my own shift points when I want, and then flip it to fully automatic when I'm inching along. And I don't get let cramps from working the clutch! 😁

[@ASAWProductions]

Finally gave it the face-lift it needed! :) go check now!

[@fkporsche1]

I like your review. Quite informative. Although I have the automatic, it is not bad. Although it is not dual clutch quick shifting. But it does the job alright. You are right about the ride are unrefined. The car shake a bit on rough surface. I had adjustable tokico shocks four corner and lower springs and strut brace, sway bars bottom of the car. Good fun roadster.

[@sssfusa]

You and him need to go drive the "real" sports cars on the track.Refined ride?S2K??!! What a joke!! S2K not refined in the "Comfort" area as the MX5!Yet it's his benchmark?!! Last comment.

[@ASAWProductions]

I quite like the white, but great review!

[@Keyrunnet]

Brian Cooley : This is Specail Edition Miata. CatWomen : Does it come in Pink

[@BigBlueFan98]

So the automatic one is better?

[@Godblesseveryone4]

Congrats, im so jealous ! I wish you were the first at everything in life !!!!!!! Good Job !

[@BMan100]

I have to drive one of them. I didn't go for the MX-5 because I like a good higher trim car, and when I saw this over my SRT8.. I was like" ummm.....yeah....I'll get the Challenger...."

[@5539012]

nice review as always... thank you Brian Cooley.

[@MetaView7]

I like the way you talk !

[@kicksoffs]

Value for MONEY, best sports car "EVER"!!!

[@DrFail35000vr]

Nice review. A white non-contrasting hardtop 6M would be on my shortlist.

[@Vind1ctus]

Great review. Absolutely nailed it.

[@bipolar-tiger]

I love this guy.

[@leedstao]

almost the same as the review for the 2011 model. Looking forward for a ND review next year and its alfa romeo sister.

[@IcemanSam650]

30k??? Nope, hell no! You can get a 350z, a 370z, a Frs, a BRZ, a WRX...just NO! That thing needs to be 20k. The hell.

[@the4armedmonk]

I got mine for 22k

[@TheFrogChannel]

$41k for a 370z Convertible.

[@sssfusa]

FYI,the only competitor in the ones you "Chose";is the BRZ!! Which happens to lack the top and requires you to drive it hard to get a smile!!Not the case in the MX5! I own a 350Z and an MX5. Don't confuse Luxury and power, with FUN! Shocked at how many folks provide clueless feedback!

[@nerad1994]

IcemanSam650 I got my 2013 for 15k

[@CatLady999]

...Must get the manual! :) Driving my 2012 Nissan Sentra S w/6speed manual transmission. -Luvin' it.

[@Bulgdoom]

Mistake @ 3:15, says 158 ft-lbs of torque instead of horsepower

[@JamesRussoMillas]

i love this car

[@SasquatchSpaceProgram]

The interior is simple, but far superior to that of the 2013 Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S. But if you've ever driven a car and wondered where the manufacturer hid the second speedometer, the toyobaru is probably the car to buy. Though the miata's oil temp gauge has limited purpose, Mazda somehow made it so each individual gauge is not a completely redundant version of another. Joking aside, the miata just feels overpriced in 2012, even as a convertible. Price down or power up. Mazda's choice.

[@Vind1ctus]

He did say "unless you're that sort of person", which is true. Then again, you're most likely 'that sort of person' if you're purchasing an MX-5, so I'm not sure what he's talking about.

[@IceWaterInc]

i don't know if this is what he meant but i have a white genesis coupe and it looks great, until it gets dirty which it will quite quickly

[@851995STARGATE]

lol 2:40 thats not a wind break cooley, love your reviews, but that is for reducing buffeting withing the cabin

[@juniorlovescars]

Gotta love this dude

[@JoeBruin99]

Not really. He makes fun of handicapped people.

[@TheIronTank]

What? You need to get in one of these and zip around a track. Awesome fun.

[@jubbaronny]

12 seconds actually!!

[@riceeaterz]

can't wait to see him do a Toyota 86 (or Scion or Subaru) review! :D

[@DannyCruzCreations]

"You're not gonna get an automatic because I'll stop answering your emails, and speaking to you." -Words or wisdom.

[@JoeBruin99]

Not everybody lives in the sticks or way out of cities. Live in ANY major U.S. city with traffic congestion, and you'll understand why AMERICANS drive AT as a daily driver. (European "cities" have a fraction of the traffic our cities do... it's not comparable.) I love MT. Learned while still in my teens. I even did some track racing when I was younger. Fun for when you can actually get past 2nd gear without having to downshift again. I've tried it in LA traffic and wanted to throw the car in the trash! Don't talk about things you don't know... particularly car enthusiasts who have to commute in stop-and-go traffic for a living. Peace.

[@autoxerwgn]

I like my HD radio.

[@azizhachimi8744]

Thanks Mr Cooley! Here's finally a reviwer who knows what he's talking about! AT..we talked about it...you are not going to do it! How sweet is tha! Personally, I will NEVER EVER buy a car with AT unless its a 6500 LB SUV....all my cars are 6SMT...all the joy of driving is in changing gears and keeping the control of the car! In my opinion AT is only for handicaped people!

[@JoeBruin99]

Not everybody lives in the sticks or way out of cities. Live in ANY major U.S. city with traffic congestion, and you'll understand why AMERICANS drive AT as a daily driver. (European "cities" have a fraction of the traffic our cities do... it's not comparable.) I love MT. Learned while still in my teens. I even did some track racing when I was younger. Fun for when you can actually get past 2nd gear without having to downshift again. I've tried it in LA traffic and wanted to throw the car in the trash! Don't talk about things you don't know... particularly car enthusiasts who have to commute in stop-and-go traffic for a living. Peace.

[@porksniffer]

WTF? Has he gone mad? What's wrong with the Velocity Red/Black top with Gunmetal wheels? Nastiest and less chick looking Miata sold. Looks as badass as a Miata is ever going to get.

[@mr1enrollment]

Well just bought a 2012 Touring/Red with Auto,... oh well 13K miles, from father-in-law. A deal I am embarrassed to mention. Tires are hard so they will be replaced. Some paint work due to too close in the garage - bit-of-transfer from other car tires, dad wants that fixed and he is paying,... did I say I got a great deal? Zoom Zoom

[@GadgetTheGuys]

brian cooley for president

[@XxRHCP4lifexX]

yea its goofy, but it actually looks quite good.

[@trevorhsu6357]

chick car red? you mean just RED?

[@omegasprinter]

So if one of his family members comes home with an automatic MX-5 Miata he will disown their ass.

[@thimira90]

label says 158 lb-ft (automatic). should be 158 hp.

[@insidertrading1]

Really bad MPG for such a small car with a small engine. Please make the next version bigger inside and look more macho

[@s.flanders]

If you're spending extra money for Bose audio in a Miata, you're doing it wrong. The car is the entertainment--it doesn't need extra tech. Also, I wouldn't buy a Miata right now, since a new one is due pretty soon, and it's rumored it'll be much better and more focused. Also, the Toyota GT-86 looks like a very good competitor for someone who doesn't absolutely want a roadster.

[@ej_tech]

Came here from Cooley's Cnet on Cars Ep 40

[@aumkar2]

You sir are good

[@Tenkin89]

"This is not the car you take on a 600 miles roadtrip.." What the fucking hell is he talking about ? The car is made for having a good time driving it ? The hole point of the car, is to feel the road.

[@JoeBruin99]

That man is old as ballz!

[@queroever]

So double wishbone in the front and 5 lynk in the rear is relatively unsofisticated?! Humm I wonder what sofisticated is... Maybe the McPherson struts front and rear in the boxster/cayman.

[@ITSxHeR0]

your right, old men drive it too!

[@mikewilson6128]

Far too many smart alec remarks spoil these reviews.

[@astropilotred]

So get the rag top with sport suspension then. I had a v6 sedan that gave this mileage?

[@MangaMiyn]

is that lady walking in the back @2:17 with Cnet or did she just get lucky

[@jofdel]

can anybody tell me where i can find those black rims? thx

[@edwardschmitt5710]

on a 2012 Mazda Mx-5

[@spam4just]

Pease drop the ads CNET>>>>

[@Louis1059]

Person randomly walking by :)

[@dmthinker]

An abrupt ending,,. Starting to like his reviews though.

[@buildmorefarms100]

When I press the horn button on my 2012 Miata GT, it sounds like a baby crying...

[@butlerbobby]

How tall are you? I'm 6'2" and wonder if I would fit.

[@Sheppy99]

Take it easy Barbie, your angry tears will ruin your makeup which will just ruin the whole enjoyment of driving your miata.

[@kartier9946]

Nice mazda rx like it

[@Gangstabob716]

30K for a 167hp car? fuck that shit

[@thehateman]

I like how he tells me what to get on it. :p

[@DannyCruzCreations]

Because automatic is generally bad in a car other than an "appliance" car. Specially in a sports car. An automatic will never give you the control over a car that a manual will. No matter how good an auto it is. For driving on the freeway, in a traffic jam, to work... fine, automatic. For anything else, stick. In my case, I refuse to drive anything but a manual 100% of the time.

[@AWFJ2014]

You don't know what you're missing.

[@Jayd27615]

you should make a cnet auto channel because i get a bunch of videos by cnet in my subscriptions i dont care about.

[@casperbg60]

Nissan 350z Roadster

[@jsnell5211]

Can you do a review on the Lexus RX350 - 2013 or 2012 - thanks

[@davidrice6075]

sorry, everything about it is good, including long tours.

[@unknownstudd69]

I don't understand why is automatic bad with this car?

[@GuernseyFingers]

Red I think though.

[@tmwall25]

we talked about that; you're not going to do it!!!!!! cooley ftw!!!

[@emantabrizi]

Where is the turbo Miata? Come on, Mazda!

[@LetsJamMan]

Lol Honda got called out

[@nickL7389]

this thing still isn't half the car a 12 year old s2000 is.

[@Dankcatvacs]

hey at least we got a scion frs and subaru brz now but honda is stupid for killing off the s2000 and so is nissan for killing off the 240sx

[@AKATECHSUPPORT]

I want the s2000 back :(

[@philips0904]

We talked about that, your not gonna do it.

[@GadgetTheGuys]

either that or cancel the show

[@keikirai]

I want buy this car!!

[@jimmyt_1988]

I'm throwing money at the screen but nothing is happening!

[@skf2]

Thanks for giving it to Honda, dude. I am a 4 times Honda owner and currently driving one, but I am shit fed up with Honda producing soulless stuff for the last whatever years. No new engines, no interesting models, nothing. In fact I was pleased to hear that Porsche sold more than Honda in Europe last year (or was it 2011?) Anyway, get your act straight Honda. Or I am leaving you forever. Oh, and my respect for Mazda!

[@TheAlphaWoomy]

If I want an automatic I'm going to do it! Haha

[@kartier9946]

I mean mx-5

[@SSC3034]

RX8 but service it biblically and drive it at high RPM to drive at 3rd gear at 7000 rpm instead of 6th gear at 3500rpm

[@CatLady999]

@ the end of the video...LMFAO!!!