This is the BEST Miata... Except for ONE Thing...

The Mazda Miata is a legend, whether it's called the Mazda MX-5 or Mazda Miata, it has had an incredible impact on the automotive culture and stands as one of the best-handling cars straight from the factory of all time. For the current gen Mazda Miata, the introduction of the RF model with its folding hardtop wasn't as noteworthy (in my humble opinion) as the fact that it's freaking gorgeous. The lines of the ND Mazda Miata compliment the shape of the roof so well (or is it the other way around?) that I couldn't help but find myself kind of drooling over it even though I've never been a huge Miata fan. Let me know what you think, and stay tuned until the end to find out the one rather large drawback to this incredible little toy. Thanks for watching!
Mazda Miata Club REVIEW
• 2019 Mazda Miata FULL ...
Mazda Miata Grand Touring REVIEW
• Here's Why the Answer ...
Chapters
00:00 - Glamour Shots and Intro
01:40 - Miata in the Mountains
02:54 - Wolfpen Gap Road
04:07 - What's it Like in the Mountains?
06:20 - Best Footwear for Miatas
06:56 - Miata RF Styling
07:51 - Powertrain
08:20 - Remember Driving?
08:55 - Ride Quality
10:11 - What It's All About
10:26 - Mountain Noises
10:46 - What's Wrong with the Mazda Miata?
12:39 - Should You Buy a Mazda Miata RF?
13:13 - Outro
#mazda
#mazdamiata
#carreview
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[@jesusarredondo6003]

86 is something you will throw away after 10 years. But the MX-5 (ND), this is a classic car, timeless and a keeper.

[@jax1079]

Maybe… the last gen FR-S and BRZ I would have said yes, but the current gen is so much better (especially the 86). I think a lot of what makes a Miata “classic” is the dedication to the roadster ethos. The Miata has transcended into icon status in my opinion, like very few cars in history have ever achieved.

[@75pontiac45]

Your film work is spectacular! I can’t say I have ever wanted a Miata before, all of a sudden I think that little thing looks like a bedroom poster!

[@jax1079]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it. And thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@wild3436]

I'm not little

[@Loopy_McLooperson]

Great video and I agree with your impressions and that the club RF looks the best. Re the 40k price tag though, I think it's important to point out that getting the RF with brembo\bbs ecaro package contributes a *lot* to that higher price. You can get a soft top club without the recaro package for under $32k MSRP, and still have the bilstein dampers and LSD. For most enthusiasts that's the way to go

[@jax1079]

This is true (although I believe the Club ragtop I tested a year or more ago was a closer to $34k all in, but still cheaper). I think the RF is a bit of different take since the hardtop gives you that little bit of extra solidity and looks the business. Even considering the price difference, I think I'd take the more practical and just as fun GR86 every day of the week over the Miata now... which is a problem for already tiny Miata sales (pun kind of intended). Thanks for watching!

[@rembo183]

@@jax1079 Yes but the GR86 isn’t a convertible and that’s the problem for me as I love the drop top driving experience. The 86 is much more practical yet still tiny and fun but not equally fun driving!

[@davidgeorge3705]

Here in Australia the MX5 is the same price as an 86. I bought the 2022 MX5 as I didn’t want a fixed hardtop, but also the 86/BRZ has a terrible reputation for engine problems, with two different legal class actions in progress. The latest one is sealant blocking oilways. Too many possible hassles for me.

[@oldguybutalive]

Just got a 2022 RF GT... Soul red of course... Great car, the wife loves it and prob the one reason for it was the top, Needed a convertible ( she insisted ). Yes it has some faults and not a realistic ONLY car but as an extra car for the nice days it's fantastic. Fits all the slots. As mentioned, many forget the real sports cars,.. not muscles but more ballet between the car and driver. Great vid, keep it up.

[@jax1079]

Thanks so much! And thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@arkadiusw.897]

As always, great content!

[@jax1079]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@darren1922]

I totally agree. The rf with the BBS/Brembo package is the best looking Miata ever!

[@jax1079]

Yeah, can’t stop looking at it. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@JoshVanVeld]

Love this review! Coincidentally I watched it right after I got back from a motorcycle run on Wolf Pen Gap. The switchbacks really are unbelievably tight, and yet on most days you will find diesel work trucks blasting through there, barely pretending to try to maintain their lane. I would have been willing to be money that the "one thing" you were referring to was that a tall person just doesn't fit. That could definitely be said about the NB I owned recently - it just wasn't built for a 6-foot-plus person and that was a big part of why I eventually sold it. I haven't been in an ND though. Is there really no downside to the GR-86 compared to the Miata (assuming you care only about sportiness and don't want a convertible)? I rode in an FRS way back when and it just felt cheap inside, but that was a long time ago...

[@jax1079]

I agree, the last gen FRS was pretty tough inside. The current one feels better… but it’s still not a quality environment. Then again, the Miata isn’t getting confused for an Audi anytime soon 😂 My main gripe was the price: $40k is a lot for a toy, even one as joyous as the Miata. I think I’d go GR86 with some money leftover for mods and tires 😎 Thanks for watching!

[@erickelly4107]

The soft top club w/ brembo / recaro / bbs wheel package for ~ 36K is the way to go IMO. You save $$$ and a fair amount of weight (~ 113 lbs. vs. RF), top goes up and down in less than 2 seconds and you get a true "top down" roadster experience with no such blind spots. Sure if ~ 35-36K is stretching your budget the base $32K club is a great value as well. For me, the Racaro's a lone almost make the option worth it on its own, better brembo brakes and light weight forged bbs wheels add a nice touch as well so this option only adds in postive ways to the overall package and certaining doesn't make things worse. The "value" of the vehicle is relative to what YOU consider "value". For me "Value" in terms of the MX-5 is not measured in "test track numbers" but in the actual experience behind the wheel. So this idea that the MX-5 is somehow "overpriced" never made much sense to me considering you can spend A LOT more money and end up with a far inferior vechile is regards to what actually matter (driver enjoyment) So to suggest the MX-5 is "overpriced" is pretty absurd IMO because I mean why are you purchasing to begin with? Is it not pretty much everything to do with the joy of driving? Yeah you can buy a "faster" car for the money but why would that even matter? The existence of "faster" cars doesnt somehow make the MX-5 "overpriced" yet this seems to be the agrument used.

[@jax1079]

Oh I don’t disagree, but I think the RF is a kind of unique Miata experience (and truly gorgeous top up or down). But trying to set aside the fact that I can’t fit in one… I still think I’d probably spend my money on the GR86. Maybe the experience isn’t quite as pure, but you get a lot more for your money. Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻

[@johncanela1921]

appreciate your comment . . I just put down for a 2021 soft top club w/ brembo / recaro / bbs wheel package . . I've been on the fence between the RF and the soft top , but chose the soft top because of that true "top down" roadster experience. This is coming from someone who owned a 1999 miata (soft top) . . can't wait to experience the newer car feel !

[@chrismurdoch9042]

I just got my 2022 GTS RagTop & I love it. The KPC works really well in minimizing the roll.

[@jax1079]

Nice! Glad you like it, and thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@v10mclaren]

Great video. Really beautiful shots of the car. While driving the RF, did you ever notice wind buffeting when the roof was down?

[@jax1079]

Thank you! Not anything that would bother me driving a convertible. I found it to be entirely acceptable. I prefer it to the soft top to be honest.

[@robbodwell8767]

Got the 2022 Soft Top Club and do not regret a thing.

[@jax1079]

Nice! Glad you like it! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

The MX5 in design “ still “fits well in the Mazda line up…….REALLY WELL ! . It’s like a ‘Chihuahua Jaguar * timeless beautiful in design ❤

[@jax1079]

I like the idea of a tiny Jag! That's a great way to put it. Thanks for watching!

[@jayespi37]

Underrated Channel...I love this miata spec. It's exactly the way I would like it, but 40 grand is kinda steep and probably lean toward a camaro that actually been holding it market value.

[@jax1079]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the kind words. And as always, thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@vitreoushumor]

Mine was 31k?? Where are they 40...

[@jayespi37]

@@vitreoushumorthis spec is 40 k in USA

[@vitreoushumor]

@@jayespi37 I got a 2021 RF GT manual but my drive out price was under $32k in Feb 21.

[@jax1079]

@@vitreoushumor MSRP I got with the vehicle. You might find one for less (or more), but I try to stick with the MSPR in these times of irregular dealer practices. Thanks for watching.

[@Zach_Beebe]

I'm about to turn 40 and it is time for my midlife crisis mobile. I want something I can daily, year-round in Minnesota, while getting good MPG for my 68 mile round-trip commute, and enjoy every second of it. Miata RF is basically it. Still on the fence about new vs. used and what trim/color/options, but I'm certain I will have a Miata someday soon.

[@jax1079]

It’s a worthy midlife crisis car! Now I just have to come to grips with the fact that at nearly 43 I am indeed at my midlife crisis 😂 Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻

[@carl4737]

Hows the torque on the GR because on a trial of the RF, I was surprised on how torque it was (power/weight ratio favorable I guess), I could keep my gear going up hills no downshift needed w the RF. How’s the GR on that matter?

[@jax1079]

Much improved. The old FR-S was pretty gutless at certain points in the rev range, but the new one feels far more capable. I don’t know if you’d notice a huge difference versus the Miata, but it’s certainly on par with it if not slightly better. I really love that little car.

[@duckbizniz663]

Fun drive in the Northern Georgia Mountains.

[@carlosbrigett2574]

I have some ideas about the high horse powered Corvette! Where except Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming and a few other states that are slightly populated can one use 400 and above horsepower on the East Coast. Oh, you can do it, however you won't have a driver's license long enough to enjoy the ride. O, one thing more, which had the bracing beam connecting the transmission to the Differential first, the Corvette or the Miata? I would like to know.

[@jax1079]

Not sure about the bracing beam... but the C5 switched to the transaxle layout in 1997, which was a HUGE step forward in both performance and interior room. (My C5 is very roomy, but I didn't buy a C4 because I literally can't drive stick in one.)

[@aew1513]

Miata RF GT was my choice and I daily drive it. However, I do have another car in the family I can use. If you can afford it and don't need it as an only car, the Miata. Of course that works for me now I am close to retirement. Young me had a Toyota Celica AWD Turbo because it was my only car and that rear seat and the ability to carry more was a requirement. And young me would be getting a GR-86.

[@jax1079]

Absolutely! Great pick for your current stage, but where I’m at as a 42 year old enthusiast dad I’d go GR86 all day every day. Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Awesome. The type of commentary I resonate with. I will never feel bad again about wishing eternal damnation and hellfire on Prius and Versa drivers disrespecting the drive and refusing to give way when there are clear pullovers. 😂. That polymetal grey!!

[@jax1079]

Haha! Yeah, dude was super annoying. Kept speeding up, too, like I’d be impressed or something 😂

[@jayespi37]

Definitely the say I would spec mine😃

[@jax1079]

Right?! Looks so good like this. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@atlantasailor1]

I am just north of atlanta and there fantastic roads here. More curvy than further north. I have an Elise and a Miata.

[@jax1079]

Nice! Which ones do you enjoy frequenting? Thanks for watching!

[@diegoe.4639]

Dude your music is like level 10 and your voice is like level 4. You need to balance them out 😁

[@jax1079]

I’ve always struggled with balance 😂

[@williamk1800]

ND Miata soft-top for me if it was a second (weekend) car and I had a garage to store it - GR86 if it was my only car. Agreed that the RF is too expensive, and the GR86's value (and practicality) makes a ton more sense when comparing GR86 to the RF.

[@jax1079]

It really does. I love that little GR. Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻

[@howardreplogle]

Good video. Except for one thing. The trim level of your car is called “Club,” not “Club Sport.” A “Sport” trim is the stripper entry level trim. “Club” is the performance package, and the ‘luxury’ trim is the “GT.” The RF isn’t available in Sport trim. Club and GT only. I drive a ‘21 RF GT, also in Polymetal Grey, that I adore. Anyway, good video!

[@jax1079]

Good catch. I think I was subconsciously adding it on! Thanks so much for watching!

[@adamn389]

Soft top GT-S is most bang for the buck ND2 mx5 miata at $32k. I have one with 6 speed manual. It is awesome. Has all performance options except the unnecessary brembo front brakes, bbs wheels and Recaro seats....those add $4k to price for negligible performance gains. Also...GT-S has all of the luxury options.

[@jax1079]

That's a solid combo! Sound like you hit the sweet spot. Thanks for watching!

[@AZ-bd7ux]

This is the Polymetal Grey color ?

[@jax1079]

Yes, I believe it was

[@jasondixon9095]

Got mines 2021 grand touring Mazda, Miata

[@jax1079]

Nice! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@causeyoudontneedtolookatme]

Hello! How tall are you?

[@jax1079]

You must be new here… 😂 I’m almost 6’6”

[@Master-Blaster-4x4]

is Jax the owner of facebook?

[@jax1079]

Clearly

[@hypnotechno]

you said you were gonna talk about your size later but didn;t

[@jax1079]

I talk about it so much I might have forgotten since people use it to gauge spaciousness. I’m almost 6’6”, so the Miata is a bit too small for me. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@MissionForward3]

Fair comment about the downside of a Miata.... It isn't cheap.... But guess what? I'll still get one.... Why? It's sexy.... It still looks more expensive than it is.... It's the ultimate driver's car.... And.... It's a convertible.

[@jax1079]

All valid

[@mikeb9569]

The MX5 also has a fully tunable suspension and it comes built with motorsports parts that prevent it from blowing up on track.

[@lightning9279]

Hey, show the vehicle not yourself. The majority of the camera time was on you and not the car.

[@jax1079]

Well, I was going to make it all about me, but that pesky Miata kept getting in the way….

[@levanshukakidze5007]

Nice review 👍 add more driving videos and talk less )) good luck

[@jax1079]

So you’re saying I shouldn’t upload this video of me reading the dictionary…?

[@levanshukakidze5007]

@@jax1079 your work it great, really good job but I think video is better with more action (drive experience) and less talking.

[@50mtb44]

How tall are you? Looked like you barely fit. And your head was above the top line (roof line) of the car with the top down.

[@jax1079]

Nearly 6'6", so yeah... I don't really fit. :-) Thanks for watching!

[@50mtb44]

@@jax1079 wow. Amazing. Thanks for sharing great content.

[@jax1079]

@@50mtb44 Thanks so much for watching it 🙏🏻

[@jax1079]

@@50mtb44 Thanks so much for watching it 🙏🏻

[@baccy81]

I would like to see the car, not stare at your face for 90 % of the video, thanks

[@jax1079]

Well I would like for Chik-fil-a to rain down upon my house whenever I feel the least bit hungry, but we can't all have what we want... even on the internet.