Mazda MX-5 / Miata - Perfect 1990s Timewarp Classic? FULL REVIEW | TheCarGuys.tv

I WANT THIS Mazda MX-5 Gen 1 - Perfect 1990s Timewarp Classic | TheCarGuys.tv
#maxdamx5 #90sclassic #mx5
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The perfect summer car, a 1990s icon, the best pocket convertible every made - the Mazda MX-5 is all of these things, and this week on TheCarGuys we have a PERFECT example.
So join us for a full review of this amazing little car - the history, its design, dynamics, special features, performance, and of course some naturally-aspirated Beans!
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[@huzcer]

With modern speed limits and speed cameras a car like this which makes it feel like you're going fast on twisty roads when you're not going all that fast makes so much sense. Fun and keep your license

[@brunocarmona4958]

For sure this is one of the best things about the MX5. Fun at legal speeds

[@zakelwe]

One of the main advantages for our UK B roads is that they are quite narrow so if you do meet an oncoming home heating oil tanker, or big SUV not wanting to damage its 23 inch alloys on a hedge, then you can slip by quite easily without losing speed. I have the NC version and I love the fact the steering is hydraulic, you can feel the road surface really well and it therefore even impresses just bimbling along. Having said that I prefer the looks of the ND.

[@scottiedog100]

Same as 106 rallye Basic cheapish fun

[@MD-qp8gj]

My girlfriend at the time won the exact car in a radio station contest. Will always remember the first time i drove it on twisty roads.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Wow - what a prize!

[@fishbert17]

I am pleasantly surprised to see an MX5 on your channel, a place normally dominated by multiple hundred BHP supercars. But the look on your face says it all - small, light, agile equals huge smiles and fun.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@antoinechauvet6702]

As an owner and daily driver of a ND MX-5 I am always amazed how good value for money this car is, especially second hand. The chassis, gearbox and design, punch way above its price range.

[@henrymarkstewart1067]

My favourite cars by far to drive have been a 1.6 mk1 MX5 and a 1.7 Puma Coupe. Nothing I’ve driven has come close even: 335d, e46 M3, Focus ST, EVO 8

[@djgoldthing7166]

114bhp doesn't sound alot, but it's more than a Peugeot 205 1.6 GTI, from the same era, and that was the most alive car I've ever owned. Good cars are about feelings not numbers.

[@paulangeloff400]

As a cyclist and a car enthusiast I do hope you have never actually been spat at by a cyclist. If you have then they’re fair game to be ran over I’d say. Also I’d like to say I really love how you guys are pure enthusiasts. Casios next to Rolexes. Mx5s next to Ferraris. Proper collectors with no snobbiness or pretensions. 👍👍

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Appreciate that, Paul 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@paulcampise3050]

If I was not a Porsche 911 fanatic and had not bought a 911 Cabriolet, I would definitely own the newest generation MX5. The MX5 is definitely reasonably priced.

[@ST-cy6we]

A small car can be fun at low speeds. My '77 TR7 was an absolute blast to drive (when it ran) . The MX5 seems like it would be a great ride!

[@paulangeloff400]

I had one of those. Ran fine but the one headlight would pop up and wink when I hit a decent bump. Yellow with the vinyl pull back sun roof.

[@davidhuysmans67]

Had 3 of them. 2 NA's and 1 NB. A hoot to drive. Drove them open all year round as long as it wasn't raining to hard.

[@S-Ltd1000]

I've owned an NC and two NA Eunos, one of which I've had for the last 8 years. It's 31 years old, a bit rattly and isn't particularly fast but it won't break and is perfectly suited to the narrow lanes of the south west. I love it.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@Ashfielder]

I love mine. So much fun to drive, fix, maintain. It’s taught me a lot.

[@w1how]

Im fairly sure this exact car used to live on Coronation Avenue in Heywood Lancashire when it was new.I used to live round the corner and admired the car so much when I passed it on my way to and from work in Manchester that I bought a nearly new white one myself in 1991.I loved that car so much that Ive recently bought a 2000 mile Berkeley edition that I intend to keep forever - these MX5 NA’s really are a timeless car and their appeal will never diminish. Will Howarth

[@geoffcatford2348]

Great video Damian! I’m sure you could squeeze an MX5 into your garage and the Mrs prob wouldn’t even notice! It’s the perfect pallet cleanser to complement the supercars. I’ve literally just bought a low mileage 4th gen MX5… and it’s bleeding fantastic! In this day and age it’s refreshing to see a car manufacturer sticking so closely to the original brief of light weight and back to basics simplicity. It’s astonishing how Mazda have managed to build a modern car that’s so close to the original Mk1 in size and philosophy. I live in Bournemouth anyway, so if you want a go in an ND MX5 for comparison just give me a shout. 😉 Great channel by the way! 👍

[@richboy900]

I have an ND2 RF, I like the way Mazda stuck to the lightweight and n/a formula. Modern cars just don't feel as raw or even as fun

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@MARMADUKE53]

Not a big MX5 fan but found this article really interesting. Always the sign of a good review! Good work Damien.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Much appreciated!

[@wasdwasdwwasd]

Probably the best car you've driven yet.

[@shaughnmcgurk5891]

Love this more than you can imagine.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@andrewstevenson6540]

I'd a 2021 1.5 and it was total joy. Very similar to the original but no plastic window, excellent headlights and an extra gear. Enjoyable at any speed and economical too❤

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Right on!

[@Freddanrocco]

Had a first gen as my only car here in Sweden for several years. The ones sold here all had an lsd so it was actually vary capable in winter conditions. 20 years later I was thinking about restoring it but I found another fully original with just 19000 km on it and I still have it.

[@bradwb599]

My wife had an early one (J plate) in the 1990s. It was good fun and could be a little tail happy in the wet as she discovered when she spun it on the Horsham bypass in the rain. Luckily she did a full 360 and didn’t hit anything so she just carried on.

[@hl236]

I feel old fatty watching this whilst the kids are asleep on a Friday. Well researched video. I am overdue to test drive an mx5. As a b road fan it could be the car for me as I don’t get a kick out of driving super fast on motorways but love challenging myself through twisty roads.

[@scottthomson9813]

I've always had a soft spot for these but there's one big reason I never bought one. Me. 6'3" and 24 stone doesn't equal fun in an MX-5. Ever. Love the work as always, cheers!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Fair enough!

[@BigTwat]

a refreshing review!! I commented on your Instagram post earlier (reference the comparison with the mk1 Elise).. I owned a mk2 1.8i 130hp and mk1 Elise thereafter back in 1998, but the Mk2 wasn't as 'special' to drive as the mk1 1.6 16v 115hp version. The latter revved much better. The mk1 version I drove benefitted from a better suspension set up with 15inch wheels 195 width tires.. It was simply fantastic!! Like you say.. they make absolute sense today

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@markw8139]

Maybe you weren't driving it properly😅😉..I've owned 3 MX5's now. I bought the MK1 Eunos from 1990 in 2012...Absolutely awesome car and every bit as good as this review. Unfortunately the MX5s Achilles heel is the rust and that killed the 1st one. Then I bought ANOTHER MK1 this time much better condition. Sadly I had to sell it back in 2019... Years later and after blasting round in a Suzuki Ignis Sport I managed to save...This time I decided a MK2.5 (NB2) and even with the 1.6 engine it's every bit as engaging as the MK1. I also noticed the weight distribution is actually even better ...I remember the MK1 used to understeer very slightly if you pushed it really hard into a tight turn...This one doesn't .. It's also much more refined inside and feels more reliable or solid. But true no pop ups is a bit of a minus point. However the seating position at 6ft enables you to see the bonnet and the MK2.5 has a bit of a bulge almost RX7 like. With blacked out wheels and HnR lowering springs with a fruity exhaust it's just fantastic.

[@BigTwat]

@@markw8139 The 1.6 version you had in your mk2, again, was better than the 1.8i . My mate (who happened to own the Mazda dealership) had one in that brown / orange colour and there wasn't much in it power wise, but it was sweeter revving. The mk1 I drove regularly belonged to my girlfriend's brother at the time. It had a lowered and slightly harder suspension set up which suited it down to the ground. The camber wasn't too aggressive either. It felt like a proper little sports car. Like you say, the loss of the pop up headlights was something which added to the overall feel of the thing. Despite the mk2 1.8 which I owned being a bit softer, it spent a lot of time sideways, aided by the LSD.. absolutely loved it. It was a left hooker as I lived in mainland Europe at the time. I've never driven the newer ones, but I think they look really nice. The mk1 Elise killed it for me though.. the level of interaction and feel of the thing down a bumpy backroad was spellbinding. I had a mk3 Elise 220 sport for 18 months and they finally nailed the gear change. Sweet as anything. I've since replaced it with an Exige Sport 390 Final edition which is just epic! Nevertheless, the MX-5 is still the most rewarding real world sports car on a budget, and one I feel privileged to have owned. Enjoy!!

[@tim205Mi]

Great vid Damien, always thought about adding an MX5 but have tried to resist, videos like this dont help haha…. it amuses me watching the vids as its spot where we are game lol… the odd barn, sign, hedge or road…. we do have some nice driving roads around here…. pot holes excluded, worth you taking a drive to Compton Abbas Airfield, you probs have already but have great location and also occasionally host some good car events…. Great production and info as usual, keep em coming 👍

[@TheCarGuysTV]

I didn’t know there were events at Compton Abbas

[@tim205Mi]

Not sure about this year but we went to a nice car event there last year… perfect evening… Have you thought about doing a vid on Gurston Down Hillclimb, only up the road and a great summer venue up on the hills

[@garyleibitzke4166]

I owned a 2007 "NC" MX-5 which I bought in 2008 with 12,000 miles on it. Loved that car. It survived being hit from the rear by a full sized pickup truck at 35mph while I was stopped. The truck was towed off and I drove the Mazda home.

[@ozeskiman]

Another Saturday morning breakfast delight from Damien... this time a classic. The original MX5. What an icon. And doesn't he love it.. so many smiles per mile in this gem. An excellent walk down memory lane. Will we see one in the Car Guys garage soon? 🤔 Thought I'd check them out in Oz. Lowest kms is 140,000.. highest is 550,000!!!. And they are still asking $20,000+ for them.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Morning, dude

[@richardcarter1000]

I bought my first wife one of those. Good fun. They took the door handle and roof design from the Alfa Spider, which I had at the time.

[@TheRealFLX81]

I had no idea there were so many special editions, even though some of them are not special at all. Love the BBR, the SE and the Harvard ones. Thanks for showing them all!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

I totally agree!

[@kevincoombs7348]

Loved my wife's ( but mine really) NB Mk2.1/2. Always drove it roof down, always put a smile on my face. Unfortinately wife can no longer get out of it easily, so it's gone. And I miss it massively. Even talked about it at my "Father of the Bride " speech...

[@markblake4425]

Another excellent review👍

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MsAston007]

Let’s have a video on the Austin Healey 3000. Nice job on the History aspect of the Miata!😊

[@ianreed9858]

Love my ND. Fun to drive at sane speeds. If only pop up headlights were still a thing....

[@sunblindX]

And i've just sold my red NA8 last week. :( I've got an ND, and like it very much. But i will miss the pure analog perfection forever.

[@mattylf1]

It's a design classic and anything with pop up headlights is cool. You're going to get everyone looking in the classifieds after this !.

[@kmac5849]

The closest I got to something like this , was a Triumph spitfire, which I declined. But I do find myself looking at the latest model Mazda. As a sales pitch, you did an excellent job 😊

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thank you

[@ortontom]

Love my mx5

[@graemegaw5536]

Great video, MX5s are the very essense of a sports car, just enough comfort, just enough power. You can have a lot more fun driving a slow car fast than you can driving a fast car slowly.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Couldn't agree more!

[@jaysmartin]

That boot release slow mo ... oooffhhhh suits you sir!

[@skylark-sd9ic]

Great review of a great car! My NA has been in my family for 27 years though so I may be a bit biased 😉

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Good choice!

[@timscarnonsense319]

The Eunos has power steering, AC, LSD as standard. You could deselect them, almost nobody did. Nothing to do with weight - it was about cost cutting for UK spec cars.

[@andrewgurney6019]

Lovely cars without sounding like a boy racer it would look so much better lowered slightly.

[@michaelteret4763]

Nice! Wish I could afford one.

[@theusefulchannel]

My best go to on youtube, when I want to know about cars.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@Gavin-oq5tt]

You need to get one. I am looking forward to the “GB Tour” video.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Working on it!

[@marklee7545]

Pop-up headlamps, free-revving 1.6 twin cam engine, 5-speed snickety gearbox, nimble handling, compact and low 2 seater, bright red bodywork … it has to be the MR2 Mk1(AW11)! I love mine and it’s hard to choose between it and my equally epic GR Yaris.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻

[@markw8139]

Mx5 is a lot easier to work on...Engine in front. MR2 great car but attempting to switch out a drive belt from underneath the back does not sound fun..that is the MX5s advantage. If you can handling doing some ammateur mechanics it's just a dream. All the parts are super easy to get hold of and cheap...MR2s are awesome though. MK3 is arguably a modern classic now

[@smallinson]

I love this channel.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

On my second stock NA now, one in the UK 18+ years ago, now one in Australia (great for avoiding rust). Getting silly prices these days, AU$21,000+ for a decent low mileage unmolested example. Not that I will sell, great cars, smiles per mile unsurpassed.

[@robertlloyd7493]

Good call 😊

[@markcompton6750]

Yes, every time. Great cars, every single one. Rust tho....

[@user-uw1sx3xt1e]

Love the Mk1 ( NA ) more than my Mk2 ( NB ) SVT Sport model. But the NB has more power, stiffer chassis, heated leather seats, LSD etc. It's a lot more useable, just not quite as pretty. decisions decisions!

[@asianskywalker]

These are great...right behind my Honda s2000 😁

[@markw8139]

With zero low end torque😂...they are awesome though, bit more serious though...my ex had one and she loved annihilation of hot hatch rude boy VAG and Bimmer drivers in it😅

[@gileduardolimaesilva5018]

Another cool little cookie is the GENERAL MOTORS TIGRA

[@wparslow]

You’re welcome to have a go in my 3 litre V6 Rocketeer restomod version Damian

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Great car, a modern classic. 👍🏻

[@TheCarGuysTV]

It sure is!

[@markplayford5836]

A proper car. Nuff said…

[@geraint8989]

Well now you need a sticker on the back of the 458 SA: ‘My other car is a Mazda’.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

😂😂😂😂

[@JasonMoye-fl1li]

Where’s Jason we need him more on the channel it’s The Car Guys after all!!!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

None taken

[@paulangeloff400]

What do you think of the MR 2 spyder ?

[@motorstockholm]

The so called "Frankenstien bolts" are not for the tonneau cover, they are for the optional hardtop. Also, was there not a zip around the rear window? But great video!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Good point about the bolts. And yes there is a zip as shown clearly

[@motorstockholm]

@@TheCarGuysTV sorry, missed the unzipping bit. But you should really do the unzipping after loosening the clips.

[@mik8032]

I’ve got an identical spec with 39klms

[@tobynevitte554]

Perfect for that trip to the nail salon, or for hair extensions….

[@SilverArrow1026]

Yes! But remember to rust proof it

[@amospizzey1]

Please can you test a 2013 ND2 club with bbs / BREMBO pack 🙏🏻

[@MyRetroWatches]

How many takes to get the “vodka” intro😂😂

[@TheCarGuysTV]

That was the 2nd 👍🏻

[@Ztandard32]

You like blue cars! Sorry, that colour was meant for balloons. Great video as usual. Have you seen how much they cost to tax? Blimey.

[@details78]

0:41 😀

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👏🏻

[@seatonsaffer1]

It is So NOT a hairdresser's car 😅 despite what most people say 😁

[@JEZ288]

Can you guys do a detailed video like this on the 2016 Abarth 124?

[@TheCarGuysTV]

If we find one, but tbh look how few views this one has got

[@JEZ288]

it is a little low,,, but I think its cool... like every other video you've done!@@TheCarGuysTV

[@JEZ288]

Maybe a Alfa Romeo 4C? or even a 1980s GTV6? they are having a moment too@@TheCarGuysTV

[@flyinghedgehog3833]

Your 718 Spyder or MX5 + 90K change? Hmmm...especially the easier roof :)

[@TheCarGuysTV]

😂

[@zzhughesd]

Like it Damian. Just look at her. Why want a Ferrari when this does much of a much Ness. Without the bills

[@brunocarmona4958]

I have owned 5 different NBs and 2 NAs. I still own a NB. Even if the NA is better looking on the outside, the design and build quality of the NB interior is far superior to the NA. And because I prefer spending more time on the inside of my MX5 than looking at it the NB is my favourite generation of the MX5.

[@Br1anuk]

Straight over to Autotrader.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻

[@markw8139]

Get a MK2.5 with sorted rust mate. I had 2 mk1's and the MK2.5 is every bit as fun but feels like it's faster, revs just as well (even the 1.6). Put on black powder coated 16s lower it on lowering springs and it gets mistaken for an RX7

[@bispal]

You're copying me, NA MX5 / 675LT / 718 Spyder? Are you buying an Subaru Forester next 🤣 You need to try one with unassisted steering (The early 1.6 should all have PAS), manual steering its a revelation and was standard on the later 1.8 (1996) mark 1 (NA). I've had mine 12 years and never selling (unless you offer me £10k 🤣) Its my 3rd in 30 years, including an original BBR. Pull the centre pad off the steering wheel (takes 0.37 seconds) and you will be surprised to see a full Momo steering wheel, I think from the Ferrari 328! Miester R suspension sorts out the wallowy handling and its spot on ride and handling balance. Take the spare wheel out of the boot and its HUGE. Mine has led many a McLaren outing when my 675LT has been 'unavailable' and never embarrasses itself with many McLaren owners shocked at the momentum it can sustain.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

I’ve always loved a Forester 🤔

[@bispal]

@@TheCarGuysTV and me a prelude 😁

[@huzcer]

And you want an NA with a LSD too.

[@johnrb9397]

No! You have a flipping Pista!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

😂😂

[@garyhawkins9246]

So you could say that you Actually Love this car in a backwards kind of way? 😂

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Indeed

[@peterrandall3369]

Pop up headlights. That’s it, no more to be said

[@huzcer]

Once you pop you can't stop

[@DaleSteel]

Had a few always rot

[@paulangeloff400]

Depends where you live

[@DaleSteel]

@@paulangeloff400 in a house

[@paulangeloff400]

@@DaleSteel very droll

[@edwardobernardino4347]

Which Generation MX5 would be your choice to pull up to the dogging spot in ?

[@TheCarGuysTV]

You’re obsessed

[@edwardobernardino4347]

@@TheCarGuysTV with the hard top 4th Gen yes

[@simont4708]

Owned a mk2 and driven a mk3. For me a bit Meh

[@darkclouds5261]

Can ford cliff.. 😅

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻

[@flemit35]

My 1997 car has wind-up windows

[@seatonsaffer1]

🎉 first 😅😊🎉

[@alancrisp1582]

And nothing intelligent 🧠 to say or add to the conversation !..Sad 😔 really.

[@seatonsaffer1]

@@alancrisp1582 about as sad and intelligent as your comment keyboard warrior ..... 🤣😁

[@user-ps3qk3xl2d]

I bet the next car is another Ferrari / Lambo 🤭

[@Paul-mf1vj]

Used to one have until the worst thing to ever to happen london decided otherwise.

[@danielvega6191]

Good video…I never liked these cars though. From the boring looks to the lack of power.🤢🤮

[@TheCarGuysTV]

You have no soul!

[@mr_jdes]

Garage update ………………????????????????????

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Soon

[@braddavidson3568]

The slow car that goes fast around a corner. Girls car maybe. Depends how you drive it. 😊fun as gell though.

[@Paul-mf1vj]

Is that hair gell?

[@MrColnagoCLX]

Gel?? Wet look?

[@tonybright7693]

Great review as always,. cracking little car

[@simonvancoevorden295]

You’re just sadly jumping on the NC hating bandwagon! It’s the only one that 6footers can get comfortable in , has by far the (Ford based) best engine , the RX8 based chassis & for many people the best looks with the bubble arches !

[@TheCarGuysTV]

I respectfully… disagree

[@ingocernohorsky]

Never was a Fan of roadsters

[@blarkdexture8899]

buy and sell all you useless supercars. And be HAPPY

[@georgecupac1202]

NO. it's not for me.

[@philskype101]

no

[@marinclay2405]

Nope

[@PimpinBassie2]

Real men don't drive these mama cars

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Spoken like a true…

[@dickieb2233]

I've had three, two of them had hardtops which fit on those chrome turrets round the back.

[@IMTHEBIGGESTCUNT]

Yes. Ave it!