The Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary is so Good, It Gives Me Hope for Humanity

[@JayEmmOnCars]

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[@John_O_Maoilearca]

I think you’ve reached peak-shirt

[@rururururuj]

Yeah, forget the CarVertical links, he should have affiliate links for the shirts 😁

[@2amSpeedMerchant]

😂Only men of a certain girth can get away with wearing a shirt like that. Jay has a wardrobe full. 🍕🍕😁

[@thomas316]

Yet we might only be at base camp. 👌

[@michaelcope856]

Indeed! Where can we get one?

[@S-T-E-V-E]

His shirt collection would make a homosexual wince! 😂

[@-Lucky-Six-]

everyone should experience an MX5, on a clear summer night, roof down, good music on and briskly driving on UK B roads..its an absolute peak driving moment

[@philipmulligan4325]

That'a just how I imagined driving mine before I bought it on the way back from a country pub. Billy Idol coming through the speakers.

[@MegaWilderness]

Never with the roof down, get yourself the fibreglass lid

[@Tarrer123]

@@MegaWildernessIt’s a convertible sports car. If you don’t want to take the roof down why would you buy one of these🤷‍♂️. Buy a coupe instead.

[@philipmulligan4325]

@@MegaWilderness I have the RF and on a warm balmy summers night that roof goes down yeah baby it's good to be alive.

[@DrivingatSunset]

If you ever have a chance to drive on the east coast US, the blue ridge parkway, deals gap, and countless back roads will hit that sweet spot as well

[@CoffeeHobby]

I bought my first MX5 in April 2024 (a nice little 1993 NA) based off seeing so many of them on social media. And once I viewed it, turned the engine on and drove it around the previous owners yard there was no going back for me. I've learned to fix it, maintain it and simply enjoy it. I've had bad, down days where nothing mattered until I took it out for a drive and came back feeling refreshed and happier. It's so hard to describe how it feels to get behind the wheel of such a solid, spritely car. So many car channels do their best and none of them are wrong. It just feels wonderful. I only hope to have mine as long as 17 years! And what a gorgeous example you showed off.

[@davejenvey3598]

@@CoffeeHobby I love my nb, I've had it 7 years now owes me nothing in my mind.

[@forrestrobin2712]

My experience exactly! See my comment above...

[@techbytech85]

I've purchased my NB with a fraction of the inheritance my mom left me (some cash in the bank). I felt guilty for spending hard-earned money on hobbies; then, I realized that spending it on something that brings me joy is exactly what my mom would want (she always supported my petrolhead side even though she didn't understand much of it). Anyway, I am still giddy with excitement about driving my little 1.8 roadster (yes, it's the bigger engine in the NB 🙂). Right now it's sitting beneath a cover waiting for spring to arrive. And, as James has pointed out, I DO think it looks like a Viper, I do think the NB is the best looking one (the facelift), and I DO agree it's such a cathartic and refreshing experience it makes driving a rear-engined 911 feel perverse and gloomy.

[@YegoYTP]

ive had mine since 2021, absolutely love it but its a pain in the arse to drive everyday especially in the winter so i cant afford to insure it as well as my daily which makes me sad

[@StreetPreacherr]

And I still don't understand the NEEED or even DESIRE for 'More Power!"? I find that VERY FEW 'Sports Car' owners EVER take part in Track Days... And if you're NEVER going to visit a TRACK, then what's the point of owning (and spending a fortune) on a car that you'll never get out of SECOND GEAR?

[@jo05dk]

The older i get, the more I appreciate simplicity, lightness, slow car fast, handling. I think I might be ready for an early MX5. It seems to have what I want in a fun car..

[@lingenieurdecrypte]

Same here !

[@alexjaybrady]

You will not regret it

[@shifu9276]

Keep in mind it’s now like buying a 1965 car in the year 2000.

[@Atomus87]

I am driving B segment hothatch like 17 years old. Those are still good. Fiesta, Polo, MiTo, Punto or Ibiza, there were plenty of crazy small cars that now are like from another world. All manual, no tablets and still cheap to repair if something goes wrong :D

[@xkimopye]

I always desperately wanted an s2000 but was priced out of them (most sports cars are twice as expensive here in australia). But always admired the MX5. Years went by, and thought, nah screw it im buying one. Last year I bought it, and love it so much, I would never sell it.

[@philipbroughton8920]

Had one of these instead of a Fiesta, weekend car, started first turn every time, ran it for 8 years, even went camping in it and sold it for more than I bought it for. Just simply fun.

[@shifu9276]

As an ex Miata owner and current Fiesta owner… I love my Fiesta, and I miss my Miata every day.

[@badgerservices9665]

The only people I know who ever say something bad about the MX5 are people who have never owned or driven one. I used to have a MK1 in the 90s. A 1.8 litre with manual side windows. After a few years I thought to get something a bit more UK weather friendly. It was great in the summer but as a daily miserable to drive in the winter with the plastic rear window fogging up. A couple years ago I decided to relive those days of my youth with a more grown up BMW Z4. More power, more refinement, more badge. Surely this will be everything the MX5 was but with more. But turns out I was wrong. Every time an MX5 drove past I would kick myself and think.... should have got another Mazda instead. As you say, the engine size and gear ratios are just right. When pushing on, you feel you are getting everything out of the car, all the revs and shifts, all while staying legal and not at speeds that would kill you on a British B road. I never got the same thrills and joys in the Z4. The gear shifting and cornering in the Mazda is superb. I will have another, for sure. With a hard top.

[@davieman3443]

Every MX5 regardless of which generation has the ability to put a big smile on anyone's face when you drive it.

[@Toxofox]

I drive the Mx5 NC's cousin: The Rx8! Like the Mx5, the Rx8 is often blamed or mocked for a lack of power. But the way it handles and makes you feel, you don't need more power! It's fast enough to get you in trouble with the law or a hedge depending on how brave/reckless you want to be on the road. But it is alive full of feedback and mechanical noise. It is dainty, delicate and agile. And it makes me smile every time I drive it.

[@DrMikeOxgreen]

I had an NC mx5 2.0 followed by an rx8 231 Loved both and both were a brilliant balance of power, handling and fun. Miss both, and the rx8 especially was such a unique car. Shame no convertible option as ultimately I missed convertible motoring too much and sold the rx8 for another 'vert

[@nomsky4719]

exactly, that is the problem with modern cars. you press down for 3 seconds and you are on national road speed and..then? no time to enjoy the ride, the noise, the revs :)

[@LouisZachariaMathew13]

Just swap the Dorito with a v6

[@owensnicholas]

I’ve had three RX8s, including a race car. It’s a fabulous, wonderful car. Makes a great noise, has magical brakes, and it’s wonderfully balanced. I even like the engine…when it works. It’s going to be nearly impossible to find a good one at any point in the future.

[@Toxofox]

@LouisZachariaMathew13 No. The Dorito is an integral part of the Rx8 experience: Chassis-engine-gearbox. One alteration and it's simply not the same car anymore. I can push the car to 85mph in third gear. It's powerful enough to get in trouble if I want to and fast enough for everyday use. The rotary noise is also part of the experience. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the sound of a V6: I used to own a Mitsubishi FTO mivec. But as far I know, the Rx8 comes with a rotary or not at all. And I've literally just fitted a brand new factory Renesis engine into mine.

[@giorx5]

Simplicity in life is the one thing most people forget and lose years chasing after things that don't fullfill them in the end. Miata is one of those cars that simplicity in their making and driving is making them offer enjoyment that fullfill every real driver out there. Big power has ego in it and makes things complex. Balance is needed more and that one is plenty in Miata. Also, agreed about NB2 being the most beautiful MX5 in design. The NC2 and ND are nice also with NA being the less charming one.

[@davidlang3625]

I have enjoyed 7 years of Mk1 MX5 ownership and I concur with everything Jay says in this video. It's a great getaway from our current controlled "nanny state" world and I dont regret a minute of owning it.

[@Atomus87]

why sold then? :)

[@donnieweston3249]

Best thing I can say about my old Mk1 Matia, I always felt happy after driving it.

[@michaelcole3998]

I bought my first MX5 12-13 years ago, a MK2 NB Sport and loved it so much that after 10 years without it I went back for round two and bought a bright green MK3 or NC Sportblack and love every minute in it. I had the roof down the other day in glorious sunshine with the temperature barely above 0 and nothing at that moment could have made me smile more. Plus my kids adore it, the experience of being in it has made them both love cars that bit more. Everyone should drive one of these and they would understand what a car should feel like.

[@MattiusMaximus]

Just purchased my 4th mx5 this week. Been around the houses with AMG’s, Porsches, Lotus, TVR, and an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. Many great cars, but can’t beat driving a slow car fast tbh.

[@RobinTregaskis]

I bought a 1992 1.6 NA in December, and whole heartedly agree with everything you said. I've had faster, more capable cars, but there is something unique about how the MX-5 handles and behaves. Excellent video as always.

[@xkimopye]

Fellow 2024 NA purchaser here

[@davidarter6271]

You summed it up perfectly, James: This car is JUST RIGHT! One of the greatest cars ever made. Thankyou for another fantastic video, James.

[@john1703]

In other words "adequate", or entirely fit for purpose.

[@DanPyjamas]

Finally! So many videos curse the NB, but I've always loved it.

[@rolfmak1400]

Although I have one of its competitors (the MGF) I absolutely agree with the small and light open top sports car enthousiasm. Just today the weather was quite nice in The Netherlands, lots of sun and about 4 degrees Celsius. So I took the old girl out for a spin. Heater on, flatcap on my head and go for it. And it was lovely. The sound, the direct input of the controls, the feedback, etc. Lovely day. Lovely car. May the little open top sports car live long and prosperous!

[@SWatchik]

If everyone had to commute in an MX-5 society would be a lot better

[@Atomus87]

I would be scared to be honest. RWD and such reactive car is not for everyone. In winter I would rather go with bus than risk crush with someone trying some turn a little faster than last time xD

[@gzk6nk]

I've owned, from new, an NB, NC 2.0 (which I had for 14 trouble-free years) and now an ND2 2.0. Each was better than the one before, the ND2 being by far the best. Vince C

[@michaelcaldicott3580]

Brilliant review James I have an NC MX5 and I cannot agree more with you about the driving experience with one of these. I used to use mine as my daily driver going to work and back and that was all fine no real excitement there. So you could be forgiven for thinking what is all the fuss about? Take it on a fast A road or B road and then you get it…top down stirring through those gears and it’s a lightbulb moment a realisation that all the good stuff that drivers have said about the car is so true, I have even burst out laughing while driving mine just because of the undiluted fun it brings me, like I said before…you get it, who needs 600hp mine has 160hp and that is more than enough as you well know. It is a Black Edition car in what they call at Mazda, Spirited Green so it does stand out from the crowd. I will keep it for as long as possible and will continue to enjoy it to the fullest whenever I can. Cheers James happy motoring

[@michaelcole3998]

I thought I recognised that name. Spirited Green can't be beaten! I can't see me ever letting mine go.

[@thomas316]

Pop-up headlights are so brilliantly "extra" they make me happy.

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

Had an NA MX-5 in the UK many moons ago, did many happy miles in it. I bought a stock restored one after I settled into emigrating to Australia around 10 years ago now (generally no rust is a big plus here). I will only part with it when I'm dead. Kids love it, every "Nice Miata, mate!" brings a smile to my face. Pop ups for the win.

[@ibyfishhunter]

This makes me really miss my old Mk2 mx5. Had to let it go as it got too rusty, but i still miss it loads. Cost me £500 and taught me so much about working on cars. One day I'll own another.

[@xkimopye]

This video made me smile so much. I own a beautiful red NA MX5, it’s the best purchase of my life. Also James you absolutely must watch an Aussie Jaguar movie called “The Big Steal”

[@andrewwaite9317]

MX5s are greater than the sum of their parts. I so miss my NC.

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Ha, wow Jay, agree with everything you said. I own a 2011, mx5 nc2 and I LOVE IT. In a world of everyday stress, my mx5 is my release valve. Yes it makes me smile everytime I glance in its direction... brilliant. John in the uk

[@emcmanamna]

My favorite car I've never owned. Thank you! :)

[@andrewplunkett9494]

I had a mk2.5 1.8 and I have so many fond memories that will stay with me forever. For me, it was the perfect car. Great video and brought back all those good times I had with my own mx-5.

[@tjay84]

That is what I love about the MX-5.. Most new sports cars are to have to really enjoy on public roads without risking your license!

[@HowievYT]

Thanks man, I always enjoy your vids. From NZ here.

[@CommanderRion]

Ive now owned a 7th gen Celica, MX5-NB (facelift) and a GR86 and I just have to admit, from a pure smile to mile ratio the MX5 wins out by a mile. It was loud, rattly, uncomfortable to drive in winter, comparatively slow but there was just this intangible "thing" about it that still makes it stand out over the rest. Felt more direct to control and it just had this lightness about it that told you "cmon toss me around a bit more." Every car enthusiast should have owned or at least driven an MX5 at least once in their lives. For such an ubiquitous car it feels just weirdly special.

[@MartinBaldock]

I owned a Mk2 1.8 for 8 years, I was the 3rd owner. It cost me under £8000 It never broke down or failed to start, I had it serviced annually, replaced the tyres as and when, fitted the hard top for Winter... The only issue was corrosion,something Mk2 was prone to in te lower rer wing area, and eventually the front chassis members. So rather than repair them, I sold it on for £800 for spares. Fabulous car, miss it!

[@afrancis1582]

Makes me feel so very very old. In 1989 i placed a deposit on a new MX-5. The official imports began at the start of 1990. Mine was in the very first shipment to arrive. Same colour as the one in the video. I didn’t love it. There was no tuning market yet, and the base handling wasn’t quite what I wanted. The good news was someone paid more than the new price to take it off my hands.

[@darrenjosephgregory]

What a beautiful example of a wonderful car. That interior trim is chef's kiss!

[@davidvivian596]

It's clear from the shots of the car that this is probably one of the most carefully maintained and cared for cars I've seen. Congratulations to its fastidious owner and long may he continue to enjoy this beauty. Thank you both for making this video 😊

[@Phil-q7h]

Like what he’s done with the interior there. Good job 👍🏻

[@mgrmln]

I once had a 94 R-Type Miata and I’ve had the good fortune to own or drive just about everything. I can say without a doubt, that car was not only one of my favorites, but the benchmark for sheer driver engagement. So satisfying to run down your favorite back road. I miss it!

[@malice_wonderland]

You know that there is a "real" 35th Anniversary MX-5, just announced? Not what I was excited to click on, but I still love it! Thank you!

[@usmanfarooq96]

unreal how these cars were going for £750

[@samulis8275]

Oh my. I bought my long gone Mazdaspeed build NA for £1040. Now those change hand +£15k region. Yeah, I miss those times too. Well I'm on my 5th NA, this time one with turbo.

[@AVM-Music]

I swapped a 99 1.8 Volvo S40 (£220) for mine 😂

[@stuarthunter7559]

Had one on rental for 2 months. Put a grin on my face all the time. Who needs a Porsche or Ferrari when these are perfectly good

[@gobgobcachoo]

0:28 wish it wasnt true, but having to flee my country because of its slow decline into madness is my reality

[@tomk8729]

Had one for 8 years - written off sadly. Then a MkII, for another 8 years. Rotted away. Had my Mk3 for 10 years. Still love it. My Mk3 is the 2.0 version with the chassis mods and six speed gearbox. Actually, I love it. Less fragile than the early car, but with 90% of what they had and no problems taking it to Scotland - or France - if I feel like it.

[@lewis72]

I owned a Mk1 MX5 over 20 years ago now. Utterly brilliant car. I also later owned an early S2 Elise and think that the MX5 is overall a better car.

[@drmoss_ca]

Bought my NA in May 1991 and still have it. Still makes me grin when the snow melts and she comes out in the spring.

[@simonravenhill7642]

Love your honesty and typically blunt reviews, they always do strike a chord with me. I too came to the realisation a few years ago that the MX5 is just a bloody brilliant smiles per mile car. After a Porsche 911 turbo, a string of fast BMWs including an M3 the only two cars that have stayed are a BMW 325 e30 and my MK1 MX5. However the 930 would have stayed if children hadn’t have spoiled the party 😂 You sir have a very similar taste to me. The classic lotus and Ferrari are on the “dreamer” list. 😉 Appreciate what you do

[@georgejohnson1498]

Not really my favourite little sports car, but your enthusiasm is so infectious. Not interested in Porsche - more an Alvis person - or an MG B. in the line, but my favourite car would be a Rover 16 P2 Bless you Jay!

[@thewindow6]

The first car I bought entirely by myself and with all my own money was a 2005 MX5, and it was such a gem. I miss it most weeks, there is nothing that comes close to the simplicity and feel. If you want a car with enough performance for the road that isn’t going to lose your license for you then there’s nothing you can get that will do it better

[@oliverranderson9292]

I totally agree!, I drive an S2 exige (non supercharged) and it's not the fastest or most forgiving to drive but it's fast enough and every time I get out of it I want to get back in for another blast.. big power = big money = more stress = less fun

[@matthewhenderson5070]

‘90 Miata was the first new car I ever purchased. Also owned a ‘93. Now I own an ‘01 SE and I’ll buy the last Miata offered that sticks to the original formula. Miata is always the answer

[@graemejohnson9025]

It's when you get out of the car after a 200 mile drive, with a smile on your face, and get back in and keep going.. That's what a car should be to yourself.. which and what car, is totally up to you.. Mine is a 928...

[@ikral11]

I remember seeing it in 1990, was totally blown away with it's look.

[@kevinmcg6747]

James I purchased an MX5, the 30th Anniversary, not long after you tested one such was the complimentary way you spoke about the car. I always had a biased opinion of convertibles and couldn't understand why anyone would buy a Boxster when there is a Cayman. From the moment I first dropped the roof on the MX5 and went for a country drive all those biases melted away. What a car and what an experience. I kept it for two years and if I'm honest it is missed. However I do look to blame you for its departure! You subsequently did a vlog on a little car called an Alpine A110 - the very same car that now sits on my drive and also gives great pleasure. However I do feel at some point I'll buy another little MX5 as a 'special day' car, it's that good for the soul. All the very best, Kevin.

[@AlisonAZ]

Thank you. I have an NB with 170K miles on it. All of what you said is true and It is ridiculously dependable.

[@CaSuMog]

The nice thing of an MX5 in comparison to the really expensive irons is that it is so cheap, in smiles per gallon. We get a lot of thumbs up, greetings, you name it. Young people love it ! And if somethings breaks it costs way less the a set of wheelnuts for a Ferrari…

[@jackrech8067]

You describe the same feelings and enjoyment I used to get driving my various MGB’s in the late 60’s and 70’s. Except for the mandatory tools i used to keep in the trunks of those cars…

[@alexms1993]

It's a magical car. There are many similar cars, but I found they didn't make me involuntarily smile like these do.

[@Bytesplice]

Thanks for the excitement! I wanted an MX-5 since it was announced in 1989, but life got in my way, enduring SUVs and sedans while raising kids. Late last year I rectified my 35 year loss and picked up an ND - not a minute of regret. But yeah, those side view mirrors are butt-ugly.

[@alistairirvine6928]

Awesome video, great car..

[@CaSuMog]

Mine is a red NA from early 1990, the #286 with a big nose crank. Being a very early model it misses the lever in the console for the rear lid, no abs no airbags no nothing. It did cost 1500 Euros 5 yrs ago, needed some tlc, but these are so simplistically built….Our son is 21 and he loves it a lot. It is „his“ somehow, he‘ll keep it forever he says. But then, the old recipe still works. You‘re 21, driving to university in a red convertible. The best british roadster the Japanese have ever built…. He is currently on his way to Hiroshima, he‘s trying to get a works tour.

[@seanoneillsongs]

I bought a 1990 euros roadster in 2002. 112,000km on it - 4000 Euro and loved every kilometre I put on it over the next three years - almost another 200k. and to my shame, hardly anything spent on it - just oil changes once in a while. The year I bought it, I did a 32 county tour of Ireland - the challenge was to sing at least one song for someone and sell at least one copy of my latest album in every county - in seven days. Despite it not having a massive boot I had one guitar sat one the hood most of the time or in the footwell if it rained, a box of 100 CDs, a small tent and sleeping bag and a briefcase with everything I needed to cover my PR. No hotels or guesthouses used as my budget was tight and I wanted to finish up with a weeks waged. I did it and logged everything as I thought the Guinness Book of records might be interested. After pondering for a couple of weeks they decided that nobody else was likely to try. The car was nicked and written off and every time I see one, my poor heart skips a beat. I loved that car.

[@Kamphausen]

I´ve got myself a pair of these NAs as daily drivers and looking at them thru the kitchen window in the morning, I even look forward to the way to work...With a much more expensive car you worry about dents and scratches...with these you simply floor it and have a blast on twisty roads.

[@mirandahotspring4019]

I had an NA series and they were the best with the pop up headlights. When you saw another approaching you'd flick the headlights on and off and the other driver would do the same. It was the unofficial salute between MX-5 drivers. The 1600 engine with the 7,200 rpm red line was great, and at a curb weight of 1000kg they were so much fun to drive. Then I feel they lost the plot a bit, making them bigger and heavier.

[@Lupinicus1664]

Had a beautiful 1998 Eunos Roadster and it was a fantastic car. Always had a smile on my face when driving. Gearbox is amazing. Handling very good and great driving round the Lake District and other smaller roads. I'm not small so getting in was more like putting the car on but it all contributed to feeling at one with the car. Used to get lots of waves and smiles when driving around.

[@forrestrobin2712]

Thanks for this JayEmm ❤ Makes me want to get back in mine, which I was lucky enough to pick up back in 2017 when they were still dirt cheap. £890 was all I paid, it was pre (bloody) Brexit, so no VAT, or customs duty. I picked her up from my cousin at Kent Car Craft (aka a third of Motor Addicts), gave her a quick service and drove her back 1100 miles home with no issues. She cost me about £250 extra for a European conformity certificate and registration in France and job done! Two of my French mates were so impressed that we did another two trips to the UK to pick up cars for them 😂. So now in a rural area of the Rhône Valley in (almost) Southern France, there are 3 RHD MX5's. My red 1995 1.8iS, a white 1991 1.6, and a metallic blue NB 1.8. Wonderful little cars, I do sometimes wonder if I should've gone for Boxster at the time, but I was scared off by potential maintenance and repair costs. Also back then I was a total beginner, and I'm not sure how I'd have coped with a mid engined car (which is the same reason I didn't go for an MGF). The Mazda has been brilliant, cheap to buy, cheap and easy (even for a duffer like me) to repair and.... a whole lot of fun! Love it to bits even though she needs a repaint and some bodywork. Mechanically she's perfection and since I love driving (like yourself) that's all I need. When retirement comes in a couple of years I'll be able to.spend some time getting her into better shape, but for the moment she's fine and sails though her French MOT every couple of years with only minor advisories.

[@robsx4280]

MX5s and MR2s happy cars 😊

[@elgar6743]

Owned one as a 2nd car for the family...mostly for the wife and it was difficult to pry the keys from her hands. Lovely, FUN car...not fast, but certainly 'quick' at anything resembling street legal speeds. Never had to slowdown for on ramps or off ramps...beautifully balanced and nimble chassis. Oh...and did I mention FUN? Love the MX-5 Miata...fantastic car.

[@hughclark4220]

Great review , and I believe every word . I too prefer the look of the nb and when they came out with the 1800 engine I test drove one . On my return - the the salesman was pacing back and fore on the forecourt ( with a worried look ). I realised I had been gone too long !! You are also correct about the Japanese , NGK spark plugs , Yausa batteries and MX5 .

[@faafo2]

5:21 Love that exhaust note!

[@murrieteacher]

James I agree. Top down, light traffic, no rain (must be somewhere other than the UK) great day. Here in Oz it is raining, bugger!

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

Perfect little sports car. I was a huge fan of things like mg midgets and frogeye sprites etc and this follows that tradition. Its not about power, its a out feel, fun, lightweight handling. You can have rewarding driving at legal limits. Im saying this really for the younger readers who may never have experienced this concept. You have to try it!

[@scarfy1988]

I've got a road legal mx5 berkely turbo track car if you ever want to try?. Had it since 2015 it's at 175000 miles. The window mechs are broken, the fuel and rev gauge blows when you put it in reverse but its hilarious to drive 224hp

[@samulis8275]

It's a great car, even with a hard top. I fell in love with it the first time I read about it in 1989, sitting in library, brilliant concept. I'm now on my 5th NA in 26 years, this time its one with turbo. Having had Mazdaspeed build Eunos with ITB's, one dedicated track car and one JDM parts special I can say that it's a car that's good for anything. Sadly my shoulders can't take draft so I've enjoyed last four ones with hard top and can't complain. It's marvelous "coupe" and the hard top makes the chassis bit less flimsy but need for AC becomes obvious.

[@killerfitz84]

excellent sound mix on this piece. well done.

[@AndrewDobie]

I'm on my 5th MX5, a Rocketeer which is almost finished. Whilst its my 5th MX5, its also my 34th car and none of the others (911 C2S, M4 Comp etc) have ever made me feel the same way as the MX5 does. Sure, numbers on a piece of paper make it a poor choice, but like James alludes to - they are perfect cars for people that enjoy driving. Try one if you haven't!

[@andrewbox8984]

I agree with everything you said James. I've driven my friends 1990 Miata. Great experience.

[@Mr.pawahh]

It felt like last month Richard hammond said "when this original model came out 25 years ago.." and now it's already been another 10 years, long live the MX-5🙏

[@markcompton6750]

Well said James. I have one and after driving a truck all day, there is no better antidote 👍

[@Ashfielder]

I’ve had mine for almost five years after wanting since I was 14, I’ll never sell it. In my mind it’s the perfect sportscar.

[@S-Ltd1000]

Owned my Eunos S-Limited 1.6 for the last 8 years. Previously had an NC which is a better all rounder but the NA is just more fun to drive. It's been totally reliable over that time and is relatively cheap to maintain plus it's perfectly suited to the narrow roads down here in Devon.

[@DavidDatura]

The near perfect sports car for the Everyman. And I really like that tartan trim in the cabin and boot. Suits the exterior colour very well too.

[@finnsstuffs]

I cant believe just how beautiful and how well-kept this MX 5 is!! I have a 1990 MX 5 (in blue with pretty white wheels) but due to physical/mental health problems it has been sadly rusting away in my driveway for the past few months :(

[@rynosraceroom66]

Thank you ! That thing looks & sounds great . 🤘🏻🏁

[@trykpaa]

Great video. Nice with some relatable content ;) I got an 2000 NB as antidote to the 2 EVs in the driveways which are great-for-A-to-B but deeply unsatisfactory as driving experience and so appliance-feeling that its a constant sore. The MX-5 is a lovely thing on so many levels. That it can be driven to the limit (the cars limit, not the drivers or the drivers licens') more often than most everything else.

[@dougt5357]

While I wouldn't mind having a powerful exotic sports car (full disclosure, unless I win the lotto, it isn't happening!), I can relate to the MX-5 draw as the first car I bought with my own money was a 1969 Alfa Spider with SPICA injection. $1800 US in 72. Almost everything you have described as good with the Mazda was what I liked about my Alfa. Not very powerful but, light and agile. A top that you could put up or take down while sitting in the driver's seat. A great sound with the top down! Always loved the gauges canted towards the driver! Before I die I would love to own another one! Thanks for a great review!

[@francescorochira773]

Another great video James, I totally agree with you, the MX-5 is a brilliant car. I've had my MK1 for 15 years now and although I have more powerful and exotic cars, the MX-5 is so much fun to drive and gets more admiration from the whole spectrum of people both young and old.

[@markusjuenemann]

Actually a very tastefully modified car. At least in appearance.

[@sidrens5292]

A beautiful thing! Who doesn’t love flip up head lights and a proper sports cars!?

[@dommarston23]

I liked you already, James. Love you now! What a happy video ❤

[@Thebossstage1]

I bought one of these back in November, and it's in British Racing Green.

[@arthurdardalis]

It’s always been a great car, strange decision to remove the power steering and the A/C

[@S-Ltd1000]

It's common to dump the aircon as it uses the old type gas. Ater 30 odd years the system is probably knackered anyway and it knocks about 20kg off the weight.

[@peteromara642]

So true..brilliant car, great review

[@allwheeldrive]

Very nicely done! GREAT interior, stance, wheels, myriad details. Exhaust note is cool, but probably not for longer trips. I'd also easily guess there's just a bit more than stock HP, given the full exhaust system and an intake. What's the point of testing the turning circle in this car?! Great to see this car, and kudos to the owner for having the balls to lend it to J (who could've easily lopped of ten minutes of blather from this review...).

[@WakeUp-p6h]

Great Car! I had a Late 2004 MK2.5 1.6 6speed manual Fully loaded with Hard top from new in Strato Blue. Only kept it 2&1/2 years before trading it in for a BMW and Missed it ever since! Was a FANTASTIC car! Drove it year round in snow ice & all sorts, really cut my teeth in that car! - Would be worth more now than i got trade in especially as it only had 22k miles when i sold it! Would love another one, but like hens teeth to find that don't need welding nowadays.. Great cars though! The 1.6 is the better engine. Having bought mine new I could have bought either and having test-drove both (and also taking advice from Both the dealer and other owners/owners club), the consensus of opinion was that the 1.6 was the better engine to have & already quite legendary! - I didn't regret it! - Just wish id Kept it!

[@drewhinners8793]

Once you go Miata, you don't go back. It forever skews your perspective on sports cars. Its got all the experience and none of the headaches.

[@Vtertdfgwrth5ybdfasgagadfg]

Ive been spoilt having an nb as my first car, i never realised that decent suspension design on a *sports* car was a rarity until looking to get a new car. The rx7, rx8 and mx5s all have proper double wishbone suspension.

[@ambitiouspurr]

@@Vtertdfgwrth5ybdfasgagadfg can you feel that when driving normally to semi sporty on normal road

[@Vtertdfgwrth5ybdfasgagadfg]

@@ambitiouspurr Definitely, whether that difference in feel, plantedness and predictablity matters to you is another question, it matters to me, but Its not as if you *need* it in a street car. Long term I can only compare it to driving a swift, e46 and a cayman, but i didn't trust leaning on any of those cars like my mx5. Mkiii swift goes without saying because thats the worst car I've ever driven, actual feces given car form, like driving the phisical embodyment of where dreams go to die.

[@jacobreynolds9508]

I'm on my second mx5 now. Got rid of my first when I thought I needed something more practical. Not even a year after I sold my first I brought another and don't plan on ever selling it again

[@davidporeilly1]

I race an NC MX5 and you nailed the MX5 magic.

[@JurassicJungle]

I have a UK NA 1.8, its just about to hit 60K miles and I simply love it. I have kept it very standard. I was considering fitting the Rocketeer V6 but decided its simply great as it is and it would be a shame to spoil that.

[@OTH89]

Used to recommend MX5 Mk1's to everyone. But now at the price point it's very hard. Got my H Reg 1990 NA 1.6 several years ago for £1300... Which is unheard of now. Done a lot of handling mods and kept the engine stock. So much fun! The only way I will part ways with it, is if I die in it.