Living with a... Mazda MX-5 RF

[@hewittwow]

The problem with the battery drain is due to the cruise control staying on after you stop the car. That way it eats the battery power in 10 days or so. It is now fixed on recent models and can be fixed on the old ones by going to a Mazda Dealer.

[@lukevibertuk]

Service Bulletin R087/17 - RF Engine will not start due to Battery being discharged : the battery drain issue is caused by a fault in the Cruise Control module within the Speedo cluster. Leaving the Cruise control 'on' with the key out of the ignition causes the battery drain - RF Fault only

[@CreRay]

Good to know -thanks for that! Does Mazda have a solution for this?

[@lukevibertuk]

CreRay yes...Mazda service bulletin R087/17👍🏻

[@CreRay]

Thanks but what does it say, software update? Shurely they have a fix for this (other than making sure the CC is off before switching off the ignition)?

[@lukevibertuk]

Text: Subject: Engine will not start due to Battery being discharged DESCRIPTION On some vehicles, the engine will not start due to the battery being discharged. This concern occurs on Retractable Fastback models equipped with Type A Instrument Cluster with Multi-information Display (MID). CAUSE Due to a software error of the speedometer of type A instrument cluster, a dark current of 80 mA continues to flow after the ignition is turned off in the conditions listed below. Thereby, if the vehicle is not used for many days and left in this condition, the battery is discharged. NOTE: A normal dark current value is about 25 - 45 mA. Condition that the dark current of 80mA starts flowing While Auto Cruise Control (ACC) or Adjustable Speed Limiter (ASL) is being operated or activated (when one of the ACC/ASL indicators is ON in MID as shown in figure), the ignition is switched off. If the above condition is set, the microcomputer is not shifted into the sleep mode and the operation current of 80 mA continues flowing. If the ignition is switched off after ACC or ASL is turned off, this concern does not occur. MASS-PRODUCTION CHANGE The software of meter set has been changed. SUBJECT VIN & PRODUCTION DATE RANGE Spec. VIN Range Production Date Range Australia JM0 ND**** ** 102832 - 103748 Oct. 25, 2016 - May 16, 2017 General (R.H.D.) JM6 ND**** ** 100479 - 100585 Nov. 1, 2016 - May 16, 2017 General (L.H.D.) JM7 ND**** ** 100871 - 101257 Nov. 1, 2016 - May 16, 2017 Europe (L.H.D. & UK Specs.) JMZ ND**** ** 121365 - 132290 Oct. 4, 2016 - May 16, 2017 US (2017 MY) with Retractable Fastback JM1 NDAL** H* JM1 NDAM** H* 100016 - 106475 Oct. 4, 2016 - May 16 , 2017 REPAIR PROCEDURE When you receive a customer complaint on this concern, use the following procedure. 1. Confirm with the customer the situation when the problem occurred asking if: & The ignition was turned off while ACC or ASL was operating. The vehicle was left in this condition and not used for many days. 2. Explain to the customer the following: There will be a software update for instrument cluster available in the near future to solve this concern. ; For the time being, to avoid further occurrence of this case, please always switch off ACC or ASL before IGN OFF. 3. If the customer insists on an immediate repair, replace the speedometer (instrument cluster) with a modified one according to the workshop manual “INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION”. NOTE: Please explain to the customer that replacement of instrument cluster will cause the mileage being set to “0” km (miles). PARTS INFORMATION Part Number (NEW) Part Number (OLD) Description Qty. Remark NC9B-55-471C NC9B-55-471B SPEEDOMETER 1 Check Parts Catalogue for the part number applicable to the vehicle in repair. NC9C-55-471C NC9C-55-471B SPEEDOMETER 1 NA2E-55-471C NA2E-55-471B SPEEDOMETER 1 NC9H-55-471C NC9H-55-471B SPEEDOMETER 1 NC9S-55-471C NC9S-55-471B SPEEDOMETER 1 NA5L-55-471C NA5L-55-471B SPEEDOMETER 1 Advice subsequently is that a software fix WILL NOT be applied and that the instrument panel is to be replaced

[@CreRay]

Thanks mate

[@robertferns10]

Rachel is a really good reviewer.

[@Max-fd4px]

Murmer Ferret and Goodlooking

[@Ellis01234567890]

She's fucking awful

[@Max-fd4px]

Ellis01234567890 kid

[@bethpettit7477]

So refreshing to hear from a female journalist in the industry, especially one as knowledgeable as Miss Hogg. More content like this please!

[@nosgothdemon5696]

Ok, but what's the Doug score?

[@GrumpySalmon]

Nosgoth Demon weekend categories and styling must be high I reckon

[@akefhalimy1913]

Doug score matters

[@AmrothPalantir]

First: did grandpa Scotty approve of it? Secondly: What's the Doug score...

[@X-boomer]

55/100

[@applepieclub5012]

Doug be like: "not very practical, surprisingly roomy, and very fun to drive. It gets a 3 out of 10 in the weekend category"

[@billiebobbienorton2556]

TSBs issued for battery drain and roof noise. Battery drain TSB (refer number R087/17 dated 12/26/17) issued due to leaving the cruise control button in the "on" position. New dash cluster will be installed OR owner can wait for software update. Remembering to turn cruise control button to "off" will resolve problem. Roof noise TSB (refer number R041/17 ). Dealer will install small foam strips to block some noise.

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

6 cases of wine XD, priorities right there

[@MrJorgie73]

Nice review, due to the noise I opted for the soft top in Soul Red. Thanks heaps for the heads up on the battery issues 😯

[@jgreen8339]

45 mpg! Wow, that's impressive for a sports car. Same as mate's ford fiesta 1.0 ecoboost.

[@evoermine]

I really like this lass. She reminds me of the joy of cars. Keep it up!

[@kjs1973]

Good review. Things like the non telescopic steering are important to know but never mentioned in other reviews! Well done

[@mrpmj00]

Best reviewer of PROS and CONS.

[@MrMazda-ih8cw]

Those winding English country roads are the perfect playground for the RF - except for the weather of course!

[@blademanx]

Mr. Mazda good luck! 4-5 consecutive dry days if your lucky

[@valicourt]

Mr. Mazda and the potholes.

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

@@blademanx We just had the best summer in 70 years - Looking stupid now LOL

[@themancuniancandidate2744]

Interesting to see the difference in trim levels depending on country. Here in Australia, my 2017 2.0 RF is the basic Sport model, but still comes with LDW, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, black door mirrors, 16" gunmetal alloys, but misses out on the leather, Bose, heated seats etc. Cost new was $38500 plus on roads, so about 22000 quid

[@kevinworrall3331]

Good review that car really does suit you

[@samjapanese4164]

The concept of this car is the perfect harmony between the driver and the car. I would like to recommend it to women who ride sports cars for the first time. Straightforward handling. Pleasant shift change. Lightweight and nimble driving. An exterior that you can love forever. You can see everything on the scenic winding road in the best weather. I'm using Google Translate, so I'm sorry for strange sentences.

[@philallen7626]

I'd take the softop. If you're going for light(ish) sports car you might as well go with the lightest body.

[@matthewgodwin3050]

Cute looks and a lovely shape. The Mazda's quite nice too.

[@richardshiggins704]

Practical review . I would be tempted . Thanks !

[@BLITZY261]

What about the car????

[@Pathfinder3877]

Came for the car, stayed for the voice

[@smilepermile888]

Great review. I'm really keen on the launch edition (with LSD, BBS wheels) and get BBR to tune it to circa 200hp and change the brakes. A bit annoying that the battery goes flat very easily...

[@christopherdimotsis1024]

the battery issue is about the same with many cars. but just also take into account the battery in those are also smaller than you average sedan for weight and space reasons

[@neofaktion]

Very soothing voice! Excellent reviewer :)

[@lindseypearson8139]

I like it when she puts her top down.

[@MajorAddiction]

oh boy

[@steffydog]

Nice review, thank you

[@dahorn100011]

I have a soft top 1.5, I've managed 55mpg on the motorway. When I broke my arm, the car started on the button at least 3 weeks after not being driven (it had a 2 hour blast on the motorway before being put away though)

[@ReaperChi3f]

The black colour is superb and honestly the best one for any Mazda.

[@adriananzano2292]

I think the soul red paint looks better on the mazda 6

[@psyberiusblack]

I personally love the Ceramic color on the club trim with the BBS/Brembo package. Badass, yet understated.

[@sanandreas4life320]

You see them a lot in Soul red, actually almost every Mazda I see has that color. The RF looks amazing in Machine grey though.

[@outbook]

you should see the silver on the mazda 3 it looks stunning! I have black mazda 3 and I wish I got the silver lol

[@MetalAaron]

If Rachel had a Doug Score... First up, we have the weekend category. Rachael is dressed in baggy sweaters, not showing much skin and so styling comes out at a 3 out of 10. Acceleration was poor with long times between text messages and required too many dates before she agreed to do it so only a 2 out of 10. Handling was OK, her grip was firm but not so good up the bend so only a 3 out of 10. Rachael isn't very funny and doesn't turn too many heads, so cool factor is only a 2 out of 10. As for importance, you've probably seen someone like her working at the supermarket checkout so that's a 3 out of 10. That brings her total weekend score to a total of 14 out of 100. Next up we have the daily category. Her features are average, perhaps too much makeup distorting them but she does have some curves in the right places so a 4 out of ten. Comfort is quite high, she is soft and well moisturised plus some extra cushion for the pushin so scores a respectable 6 out of ten. Quality is debatable, she lives in quite a nice house but doesn't own it, she tries to put on a posh accent but she cannot completely disguise that she is from the North of England, giving her a mere 3 out of ten. Practicality is high, she cooks and cleans well and does the weekly shopping as well as your laundry, so scores a decent 8 out of 10. Value is also quite high, she's a cheap date and both a trip to the movies and a meal out in a curry house are acceptable to her, as well as the occasional food delivery. 8 out of ten, giving a total daily score of 29. Add it all up and you have a total Doug score of 43 out of 100 making Rachael slightly below average.

[@TheCPUmeltdown]

Had an issue with my battery as well on the new RF. I've got another nicer car that sits just as long and has never died so I didn't buy the argument about draining from sitting. Mine would die in less than a week though, turns out the battery had a dead cell... only took three trips for the dealership to figure that out or cave into the fact that I wasn't going to let up... No issues since.

[@forestgrump1970]

Great review

[@TryNotToDieOmega]

There is also the 370z for those who want something a little bigger and a bit faster - and it isn't that much more expensive.

[@nickzee1637]

Great review!

[@arigato7788]

Oh wow, that's a pretty good review. And you don't see 6-month ownership reviews of the newest MX-5 model everywhere either. I didn't know it had battery problems.

[@jeffmakor7135]

Im getting this version with red paint. Great car and superb for roads. The 2ltr is lumpen by comparison.

[@thevindictive6145]

Just get a battery disconnect terminal for a couple of quid and turn it to the disconnect mode when u plan to leave the car for a couple of days.

[@myaccount__7269]

That stinks about the roof up wind noise. No other reviewer mentioned that. A 328i hardtop has pretty much no noise roof up and minimal noise with roof down and wind deflector up. Might be a better buy for some

[@frankkociara4228]

sak; it's becoming widespread news that the wind buffeting roof down at 40 or more mph [highway speeds] is almost tornado level. windows up or down doesn't matter. it kept me from buying 1 and the softtops are not for me. I have and am keeping my nc power retractable hardtop which offers full roof down convertible driving not just targa top driving, and at highway speeds the wind buffeting is much lower, especially with the windows up. the blind spots on the rf are also bad top up or down. cup holders are atrocious and storage stinks on the nd. it looks good but this wind problem with the rf was really not tested out right by mazda. maybe they can somehow correct this.

[@sanandreas4life320]

This car is not made to be driven top down at highway speeds. About the noise she mentioned, there is a small tube leading the engine sound into the interior, which is actually amazing. The engine of my Mercedes sounds amazing... when you stand next to the car. When driving you almost don't hear it. So for real driving fun, I take the RF.

[@aerotus888]

Plenty of reviewers say rf is more refined with top down than the soft top. So who's lying?

[@motorpolitan8884]

Steering wheel can't adjust for reach? That's a deal breaker for me, short arms and long legs, every car that didn't have adjustability was a pain to drive.

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

2019 has reach adjustment

[@juhojalonen3046]

For example supermiata.com sells steering wheel spacers that help with this problem.

[@1SaG]

Not driving a car for a week will result in a flat battery? What utter BS from that Mazda-guy. 1. I've left plenty of cars sitting for much longer (and sometimes in the freezing cold and snowed-in) and they started without problems. 2. Just last September, I've left my MX-5 ND soft-top in an underground car-park for more than three weeks and it too started up just fine on the first push of the button. The thing with the RF is: There's some sort of fault with MX-5-dashboards that have the TFT-display (which my ST doesn't have). On cars with the color display (read: on all RFs), leaving cruise control active when shutting down the engine can result in the dash pulling much more current than a shut-down car should normally pull - thus draining the battery. There is a service bulletin from Mazda on this - if a dealer doesn't know about it (or claims he doesn't know), just search for it yourself on the web and show it to the dealer.

[@robz1471]

Where is the sideways action shots ?

[@frombrum]

my RF battery has died 3 times - the last time i sent it to the dealer they had it for a month to replace the instrument cluster saying that there is a fault with the cruise control which drains he battery when the ignition is off if the control is not turned off - any body else?

[@Brookside975]

Poor pre-release engineering is the reasons I hope my now 17 years old 2001 lasts me forever.

[@nizque]

Service Bulletin R087/17 - RF Engine will not start due to Battery being discharged : The battery drain issue is caused by a fault in the Cruise Control module within the Speedo cluster. Leaving the Cruise control 'on' with the key out of the ignition causes the battery drain. Will be corrected with software update (of instrument cluster) available in the near future. www.miata.net/garage/tsb/RF%20Engine%20will%20not%20start%20due%20to%20Battery%20being%20discharged.pdf

[@sanandreas4life320]

Perhaps I misunderstand something here, but who leaves their cruise control 'on' when leaving a car ?

[@frombrum]

there is no need to turn it off (i never did on my previous mazda) it disarms but keeps the mode setting

[@nizque]

Well yes. But that leads to an abnormal current (when the CC is disengaged) in the speedo cluster instrument for some RF vehicles, which then could lead to drained battery after just a few days parking time. As stated in the service bulletin R087/17. So one way to avoid this drainage is to actually turn CC to OFF before ignition is turned off.

[@danielisbell]

There is a TSB that should reduce some of the wind noise. I have the soft top, so I can't comment on its effectiveness, but it does exist. R041/17 www.miata.net/garage/tsb/RF%20Wind%20Noise%20from%20Roof%20when%20driving.pdf

[@mattfreeman2648]

Why does the battery need charging after a week or two of not driving the car? This isn't normal.

[@blountman747]

Did you comment back on the complaint about the windows in the car where the top is down and when the top is up

[@imsteevin]

The perfect video for convincing your gf that your (secret track project) ND is a good idea

[@moujalout7563]

Until she notices you shopping them and says "make sure you get an automatic version so I can drive it too."

[@ajamer11]

I’d be interested to know if the fuel economy she achieved was driving sensibly, redlining everywhere, or a healthy mix of both...

[@deemdoubleu]

Nice review

[@kingoftexas1475]

Check the boot light if you're battery is losing charge.

[@drdolittle1085]

Does anybody know if the MX-5 with i-ELOOP also has those battery problems?

[@DIYS660ch]

I am good at how to edit movies. I support you from Japan.

[@michaeljjensen]

That battery issue is really unsettling. Maybe they threw it in to make the Brtis feel more comfortable, reminding them of the poor electrical reliability of their older cars.

[@chrislox1]

Good job Rachael.

[@fayobam_mech_tronics]

Cool car......presenter has a very nice voice

[@rossprice472]

The steering wheel does adjust for reach.

[@Gazza3501]

Ross Price The latest version does but the previous model as in this video does not!

[@666dynomax]

why do nissan, bmw and mazda insist on sticking the led screen like its popping out of the dash... horrible design.

[@ianburrett5608]

666dynomax yes i think it should fold down makes more sense.

[@doriangray2347]

It will be sooooooo dated in 2-3 years. It is cheesy now, in several years people will laugh at it. Sadness.

[@AnnOminous7]

'A couple of weeks between drives' I've had three NA Miatas, which are stored for half the year. After pampering them for the first few years, I eventually just parked it indoors and covered it, then came back in five months are started it up. The only thing I did was pull the fuel injector fuse for the first 30s to get the oil moving. Never had a battery problem, which makes me think that this is *not* normal.

[@OsVf770]

Very helpful video

[@robertl2856]

Great update on good car....not sure about the colour

[@JoseRodriguez-cq4xk]

Thank you ma'am

[@PixelisedPaul]

Alternatives for second hand cars would have to also include an MX-5, surely.

[@gouldbergvariations]

Battery??? What?... i have it for 1.5 years and i have no issue with anything. But yea i actually drive it everyday pretty much...

[@shadymike88]

Rachel's voice is soothing... :)

[@TechInspected]

I'm in the minority in that I still prefer the NC 3rd gen looks and the PHRT (power retractable hard top). The new design looks like its just trying too hard to ditch the "oh no a hairdresser car" looks.

[@eustache_dauger]

Mx5 rf, 124 spider or the tt? 🤔

[@93mlo]

Altwerk Vyner mx5 nd only in softop. The RF is hideous and is not a true convertible

[@rodrigobastos5804]

Depends on what you are looking for

[@raupenimmersatt6906]

Altwerk Vyner The TT doesnt have RWD and is a lot heavier- get the MX5 you wont regret it.

[@MrStefano218]

Audi TT is bigger and more practical... but less fun

[@arricammarques1955]

Miata MX 5, petrol & money friendly! Zoom Zoom!

[@Bonercondoner]

MIATA IS ALAWAYS THE ANSWER

[@eddiegray793]

Can you put the screen down ?

[@drdolittle1085]

It's very nice to listen what a woman likes and dislikes of this car. Anyway, can you please add your experiences concerning drifting, dear Rachel? Because me (a woman, too) I'm a bit afraid the MX-5 would slightly drift on rainy days (i.e. on slippery roads) although I do not want it to do. What are your experiences concerning that? (Especially in GB where it rains a lot, I suppose.)

[@ericgeorge5483]

Great review of a fab car and such a pretty girl too.

[@NubletPie278]

But does it have a quad-cam Chevy with a semi-tronic V16 magmatoner DSC ABS warp-simulating turbocharged oil controller?

[@deljules1383]

I love Rachael she is so cute xx

[@SangNguyenPhuoc-hc7mh]

What, we don 't have 1.5 automatic version

[@yodamunkey]

Haha thank God. That 0-60 is rough.

[@VespertiliKildem]

I LOVE how you don't say "Miata" (Mia-ra) like the americans, but freaking say EM EX 5. Finally. THe MX-5 RF is one gorgeous car, bloody baloons.

[@biggerbitcoin5126]

It looks at least three times its price.

[@dilithweerasinghe206]

Simp level 100000000 in the comment section

[@terr256]

The dream

[@Lee-70ish]

Never had a problem with my ND's battery loosing charge even if left for a month while away

[@C.I...]

It only happens if the cruise control is left on when stopped.

[@baccy81]

Sorry to disagree, but black is the best colour available for this car. Mazda's colour range offer is overall awful

[@Stigs722]

Is this Doug ?

[@georgepeg6167]

Wait it’s jame May Bi#ch from Food tribe

[@OOICU812]

45 mpg. Wow.

[@WizardTerence]

That guy is full of it. A battery should not die in one week. Demand a new battery !

[@IanB22]

aight....this is a well shot, well thought-out review of this car. However, whoever wrote these lines needs to reconsider. Every line is a cliche'....The only thing that felt meaningful from 5 months of ownership was the 6 cases of wine....I actually believed that part of the story....get some personal touch here Rachael, you are to good to be a cliche robot UK reviewer....put more of your words into it ;)

[@chrislox1]

Ian Bennett shut up u idiot!

[@johntechwriter]

You’ve got that heavy, expensive, complicated solid roof and the car is still noisy? Unacceptable. Were I buying one I’d order the roadster.

[@DrPangloss]

Who the hell has cruise control on a sports car?

[@johntechwriter]

Andrew If like most of us you drive on freeways a lot of the time, cruise control greatly reduces fatigue.

SHE IS MORE BEAUTIFUL THEN THE CAR

[@apache1234657]

bumper to bumper

[@lescobrandon3047]

Rachel, visit Long Island, New York and we can talk about all sorts of things. [wheeze cough cough]

[@patrickaruda7642]

Awsome

[@bradleyk2553]

that roof is so strange

[@Bigboss-xe6lm]

I would totally take her for a ride

[@garybanbury]

The new shape is a lot better than the previous model but I wish reviewers wouldn’t call the mx5 a sports car!

[@swanblake]

Toot tall for this car unfortunately. Wish the wheel would at least telescope

[@kennethm.380]

You're sweet, have a great attitude, love cars, love convertibles and have a wonderful (to me) accent. Please consider marrying me.

[@timdumoulin8004]

I miss masculine ... anything!

[@potatochobit]

you just bought this car, you havent lived with it yet, woman.

[@Henry_the_viii_club]

Nice pair I give her that lol

[@Corinthian44]

If , ' heading to the countryside , with the roof down , on a nice day ' is such fun , why has she got the top up ? The opinion of an attractive , though basically thick lady !

[@aruncv1373]

She's is lovely and plump 😍😍😍❤️️

[@kolesnik_am]

love girl))

[@yodamunkey]

Smooth.

[@club1fan552]

Pay extra for a different colour? Are you serious Mazda?

[@MyTROLLEYBUS]

Who left their laptop glued to the dashboard? - How daft lazy & ugly is that. Mercedes do the same