Miata RF - Simply the Best.

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Back with another Miata review. This time the RF, my week living with it! For the money, sub $50,000 there is not a better sports car in my eyes that is RWD. Sure the GR Corolla is gonna be awesome but hard to get and more expensive. Bang for the buck this is the car to beat!

[@franklopez2969]

It's the best looking car no matter what price, I have one just like that, all eyes are on it, all the time!

[@EDWARD-zd7lb]

What color is your miata sir?

[@franklopez2969]

@@EDWARD-zd7lb Soul Red

[@Sideways_Singh]

This car lowered with spacers, looks like an exotic car, one of the sexiest things ever created in history, people think its a Ferrari sometimes. I own 2 AMG coupes, a benz, a camaro, a low rider, but nothing gets any where near the compliments this does. Plus its the most fun car to drive on public roads that u can buy brand new right now, only thing that comes close are old cars like the first m3, cosworth 190E, air cooled 911.

[@lucianolucidi8624]

I am thinking to get an rf 2.0 184hp here in Italy. I found a usedone from a mazda dealer fir 28000€ from 2020 with 13000km. Grey machine color. I love it. Do you think its worth?

[@Sideways_Singh]

@@lucianolucidi8624 im not sure about the price because I dont live there so idk. Definitely get the car tho, its peak sports car, for twisty roads theres literally nothing in existence thats more fun, no super car no sports car is more fun, maybe a air cooled 911 but thats it.

[@lucianolucidi8624]

@@Sideways_Singh in here its not easy to find an Rf 2.0. Specially with 184hp. I own an Alfa romeo Giulietta that i would use daily but when I was 19 I also used to own an Alfa Spider from 1989 which I remember was superb. Thats why now I am looking for a car that could give similar vibrations but I guess even better because more modern and balanced. Consider that in Italy are not sold more than 500 mx5 rf per year. I love also the fact that it will be soon unique.

[@newtypeJP]

I’ve gotten asked if it’s a bmw, Mercedez, some kids thought it was a supra and my favorite some kid thought it was an rx7

[@Sideways_Singh]

@@newtypeJP lol i got a kid scream out loud, "look dad its a ferrari" 😂

[@chiaroscuro7446]

Finest car I have ever driven. FUN, FUN, FUN!

[@DreamArchitect]

Hello when can we get turbo for newer model Miata and also where is good source for wheels and coil over and spacer

[@bowhun2r]

SmartTop available on GWR and other MX-5 vendors is the fix for dropping and raising the RF top. One touch up/down operation and can configure it to work up to I believe 15 mph. Should have come from the factory like this... but it's an easy mod and definitely one of the best functional ones out there.

[@benmarr352]

When it's cold, 65 degrees, 😅 over here we drive with the roof down in the snow 😊

[@shouldigetit]

That is awesome!!

[@jasondixon9095]

I just got mines 2021 jet, black RF grand touring automatic fun car

[@kunqian3718]

The perfect timed ending tho

[@aperson5062]

I too have had the top is stuck open. My guess is most RF owners have. Mine was on i-95 in stop and go heavy traffic. Slowed to a stop. Hit to top. Traffic moved, tried to creep as it pulled away and went too fast... Boom, I'm braking in the middle of the highway with a top half open as traffic started speeding up and I am trying to basically go back to a stop. Smart Top fix took me about a month to find in my first ND. In my second I drove home from the dealership and installed a Smart Top after about 10 miles of ownership. Problem solved. It should come that way. I also agree on the sun visor comment. Besides those two small issues, it is just an awesome fun car.

[@shouldigetit]

100% agree the Smart Top should be a dealer option at all dealers! Glad you found it :)

[@Saboda53]

No, there is no need for the added complication of “SmartTop”! Simply raise or lower the top before you set out, or when you stop to get coffee, or do it at a known “long light,” or geez, just pull over for 13 effin’ seconds! The original NA soft top took a couple of minutes to properly open and cover (to protect it from UV damage). And you can’t spare 13 seconds for this!? Unbelievable.

[@shouldigetit]

@@Saboda53 Hi Richard, a couple of minutes? Check out this NA vs ND comparison speed test of putting the top down I did years back: kzbin.info/www/bejne/onWWaoadf9qnrdk

[@rembo183]

You may want the new 2024 or is used good enough! ?

[@gregthomson7889]

Nice video everything is dead on.I own a new 2023 soft top and might trade it in for a 2024 as it should be the last year for this configuration and they might be hybrids moving forward. I'm tempted to get the RF but when I test drove one I just couldn't get pas the blind spot not to mention wind buffeting but dam is it sexy especially in the red.I'm curious if you drove this car for a week can you get past the blind spot.I live in Vancouver and only drive my car on sunny days but if I had the RF I would drive it more often.

[@shouldigetit]

Thanks so much for the kind comment Greg, nice way to end the year! I did get past the blind spot very quickly and having driven so many ND/RF now I can say 100% that there is no way to go wrong here. I say flip a coin and let that be your justification reason, you'll enjoy either in 2024!

[@claudiu7219]

Nice review. Can you comment on noise levels at various speeds with top up and down?

[@aperson5062]

Owner commenting here: Louder that the soft top with the top open because of wind noise. To me, the RF top open is as much wind noise as a 4 passenger sedan with all the windows and sunroof open. I hear many reviews say "buffeting". To me that is the thump thump thump sound that hurts your hears in some cars with one back window open. I have never had any buffeting at any speed in any top/window configuration, only wind noise. Quieter than the soft top with the top closed. Some reviews with DB meters show little difference. But see a review like redline reviews that owns a soft top review the RF and universally they say it is much quieter, especially on the highway.

[@claudiu7219]

@@aperson5062 thanks, my main concern is the top-closed situation. I am prepared for a noisy ride with top-open, but I'm looking into the RF exactly because I want a quiet(er) ride with the top-closed.

[@emgee44]

The right colour, yes I would buy one. I would love to see a fastback version, like the old Triumph GT6 mklll

[@shouldigetit]

That would be super cool to see. Thanks for watching1 -Ben

[@gregblack8550]

I would buy a fixed roof model in a heartbeat!

[@Cowdog1]

Do you think that top is reliable? What would you do if it breaks half way during transit? I wonder if maybe the softop would be the better way. Cheers!

[@shouldigetit]

If you buy new I believe it has a warranty. I personally own a 2007 hardtop and it still (thankfully) operates as it should! 14 years and going strong. Cheers! Ben

[@Cowdog1]

@@shouldigetit wow... that's amazing. Thanks!

[@druegillis1744]

If you spend all your time worrying about the “What If” the RF top will go up or down, man I pity you. Most Japanese cars are engineered to operate flawlessly for many years. I have owned Hondas, Toyotas and Mazdas, not once have they left me on the side of the road. Can’t say that about the Fords and Chevys I have had over the years. Don’t even get me started about BMWs.

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

It’s beautiful

[@DriftClone]

very clean

[@shouldigetit]

Thanks!

[@mr.y.mysterious.video1]

I went for the soft top because of the Targa style on this. Don't know why they couldn't do the same as with the previous generation and have the hard top disappear

[@Rogue_Ranger]

I own a 2017 rf and honestly I'm with you on this. The hardtop NC looked so clean with the top down. The ND looks fantastic but this also creates a decent blind spot, then again it provides a bit a cover from the cars behind you when the tops down, which is kind of nice. There's pros and cons, both are pretty good but different experiences.

[@anthonyvelarde6964]

Weight reduction they didn’t want the top to weight 200 pounds

[@AngelofNever]

I thought the RF was beautiful but I went with a Club ST because RF has crazy blind spots and because the ceiling is slightly lower than the ST...I'm 6'0 and was rubbing my head against the ceiling in the RF. Bummer.

[@TheVVumpus]

I’m 6’1" and have a good inch clear in my RF. The seat is on a ramp and goes lower the further back it goes, though I keep it about 3 clicks forward from all the way back so I can recline a bit. The B pillar blind spots are massive, so you do need to lean your head to get a good look.

[@gregblack8550]

Yes my nc phrt was a way way better design . Wish I would have kept it and had both . Sold it to cheap before the big price rise. .

[@dominicmaldonado]

So would you choose the RF or the soft top overall?

[@shouldigetit]

Great question, I'd probably go soft top purely based on price. For looks RF wins, trunk space is exactly the same on both and the blind spot doesn't worry me much on the RF.

[@rembo183]

Have you researched the new 2024 Miata? More upgrades: better handling; better braking, better lighting; better infotainment (larger screen). I think that’s it! I just purchased a 2023 RF GT manual in Soul Red, just like this one. So I’m wondering if it’s worth trading after a few mo months for these upgrades? I’ll need to see after a test drive but my initial feeling is these will be minor differences but who knows. Mine is very good but handling could be better the braking and lighting are safety issues. Worth trading ?

[@shouldigetit]

Do you track the car? If yes: still not worth upgrading because you can upgrade mechanical parts yourself. If you don't: definitely not worth the upgrade. Enjoy your 2023 RF GT! -Ben

[@deez5396]

I still think that Mazda has the best red The videos don’t do it justice it’s even more breathtaking in person

[@mikeb1039]

it might be ok airflow but it's sure not the open air feeling of a ragtop. Just decided against SL500 because the top mechanism consists of ELEVEN hydraulic cylinders/pump! (prone to failure) I'm sure Mazdas is much simpler but I'd bet they are more trouble down the road vs ragtop.

[@ChrisCryptoCoffee]

By the time you get problems with the hardtop, you already had maintenance things to resolve on a soft top (cleaning, polishing the acrylic back window, maintaining the vinyl so it doesn't shrink). I have a crappy Peugeot 207cc from 2010 with hardtop and it's roof works like a charm

[@bobreno4042]

Glass rear window and top is cloth not vinyl.

[@spendingtimetogether8428]

I think it's all electrical, no hydraulics involved.

[@mikeb1039]

@@ChrisCryptoCoffee owned 2 miatas, one for over 10 years that was 15 years old when I sold it and the top was like new. They only get crappy if they sit outside in the sun every day.

[@lgbnz]

i owned a 2020 BMW M2 Competition for 3.5 years, sold it recently. Owned a 2022 MX-5 for a year and a half - the answer for which fun car I keep was pretty clear. I have a GLC300 for the boring / utility stuff. Make the move, swap it out!

[@shouldigetit]

Nice rides! What city are you in? That plays a big factor of course.

[@lgbnz]

@@shouldigetit was in Portland, OR for awhile and then Seattle, WA. I think for pretty much any urban / suburban setting, the MX5 is more fun.

[@Shotbyemboy]

Bmw m2 is my dream car but I’m also a fan of the mx5. I cant believe you said you would choose the mx5 over m2

[@shouldigetit]

I just spent hours washing my M2, and I'm still excited to drive my Miata every single time.

[@dave5517]

That camera work tho (5:27) 👀

[@shouldigetit]

Somebody noticed, good eye Dave! -Ben

[@22jeepmojave75]

I sold my 2018 club edition and my biggest mistakes ever. Now, I'm looking for 2023 GT with Recaro seats with Brembo package. I have owned, drove, and sold NSX, GTR, M4, and 370z nismo but MX is the best fun car to drive in town.

[@shouldigetit]

When and why did you sell it? Good luck on your hunt!

[@autisticcsimp6267]

I’m not sure what to get after watching this I’m planning to buy one off a family friend within a month but I’m also debating buying a motorcycle instead I make around 1300-1400 a month and he is gonna sell it for 20,000 I plan to take a loan out the bank to pay for it but I just don’t think I can truly afford it but if the car is worth it I’m willing to pay for it but a bike is so much cheaper in the end I just am not sure any opinions?

[@shouldigetit]

Where do you live and what are your living expenses? Do you need more money for other things? How much is the monthly payment for the loan you’re approved for? There are several factors here. -Ben

[@autisticcsimp6267]

@@shouldigetit well I’m fresh out of high school and still live with my dad it will be around 500 for the loan not including insuring the car every month I am planning on getting a better job soon but I can afford the car it’s just I’m thinking about Long term as well like the car would be the better option

[@shouldigetit]

Wait. Get the car when you have no worries about the payment.@@autisticcsimp6267

[@dlg5485]

The RF does have slightly better aesthetics than the soft top, especially with the top up, but I'll rarely drive it with the top up. This will be a fair weather pleasure vehicle for me, so if I'm in it the top will be down. Also, the RF operation is WAY too slow and absurdly speed restricted. Most powered convertibles operate up to 30+ MPH. Also, the visibility is awful and it just doesn't offer the same open air feeling as the soft top which is an important feature of the Miata. Those factors completely rule out the RF for me. Not to mention the significant cost/weight savings with the soft top. I will be purchasing a ND3 GT soft top before its production run ends. I truly believe ND2/ND3 Miatas will be highly sought after collectables in 20+ years.

[@shouldigetit]

Nice! Just a note on the speed restriction, you can bypass it with one of these (which I have on my NC, there is a version for the RF): kzbin.info/www/bejne/b365iYyslpp1o7c

[@seanthompson1341]

Worth waiting for the NE?

[@ColtonBlumhagen]

Since it will most likely be electric I’d say no.

[@weeble5933]

Wish it was a true hard top like a corvette. The center top just unlatch and remove it. Less weight with no motor mechanism to do all the waste of stuff moving.

[@hakunamatata6464]

Which is more fun as a daily driver.... This or the Fiat 500 Abarth????

[@shouldigetit]

I owned the 500 Abarth for over a year (have a few videos on this channel) and I vote Miata! Hence why I own my 3rd Miata now and no Abarth :) Hope that helps -Ben

[@MiataND3]

Could yo compare it with the GR86? wich is more fun for the road? :)

[@shouldigetit]

I always vote Miata. That's why I own a Miata :)

[@MiataND3]

@@shouldigetit Thanks! I had once a Z4 and now i miss the roadster vibes so much

[@shouldigetit]

@@MiataND3 Of course! I very highly recommend the Miata. I have owned 3 now! I also own a BMW M2 and still love driving the Miata!

[@MiataND3]

@@shouldigetit I really should try it out, the only negative I see it's the trunk space for a long travel with my girlfriend😅 and the Daily duties

[@rembo183]

This is a great review!

[@joeguzman3558]

I'm an old fart and almost got me a new motorcycle for fun but after watching this video I'm getting me a Miata convertible instead

[@shouldigetit]

That's awesome Joe! Enjoy it!

[@dlg5485]

Wise choice! I've owned motorcycles in the past and I had so many near misses I lost count. You are NEVER safe on 2 wheels with all the idiots on the road these days. The Miata is an amazing sports car that you can enjoy well into old age.

[@trigganometry168]

I’m 6’1” and my head was touching the roof on the RF model. So ended up paying way too much for a 2022 Cayman GTS

[@shouldigetit]

What about in the soft top ND?

[@trigganometry168]

@@shouldigetit. I didn’t want the soft top. It was a tight space overall shoulder legs just couldn’t get comfortable.

[@shouldigetit]

@@trigganometry168 gotcha! Enjoy the GTS that's a wonderful car

[@scotthayes2652]

Apparently 6mph for the speed when doing the roof is to stop long hair being blown into the mechanical movement getting trapped.

[@shouldigetit]

Interesting! How did you come across that?

[@Yogachara]

I'm gonna wait for the 2024 model. If they can get it to 200 hp, it will be pretty close to perfection.

[@shouldigetit]

Have you driven an ND?

[@robertcrosby9238]

Coming from a dude that drives a pickup truck and a semi how big can the blind spot be in such a small vehicle

[@shouldigetit]

Haha good point Robert, it can be big enough to block a car and get you side swiped!

[@frankfeng6199]

Having been in a semi truck and having a pickup truck, the RF blind spot (for the driver side only) is massive

[@corbandaniels2368]

I’d Rather have a z4

[@porfiriato84]

It's not even the same category dude lol. You're seriously mentioning a car that costs nearly 30k more?? SMH

[@Z06C5]

Beautiful car and excellent build quality. But Mazda hamstrings the car with a weak engine. No torque at all. New Prisus has 220 hp. 20 yr old S2000 has 240. Type r has 300hp 2L. Mazda just refuses to make this a real sports car.

[@shouldigetit]

When is the last time you drove the ND?

[@r6mt09]

$37k for a small car in 2023. And it keeps going up each year. HELL NO

[@shouldigetit]

Ron I'm curious, if you already knew that why did you click on a Miata review video? Did you have one prior? -Ben

[@fritts93]

just curious, what else would you be considering for the same money that isn't a small(er) car but still as fast (and fun - which seems to be the most consensus I've experience/reviewed videos) but similarly priced? Serious question. Civic SI?

[@shouldigetit]

I'd go for a Civic SI or a VW GTI. Or Mini Cooper S! I've owned the GTI and Cooper S and they are SO fun, have reviews of them on my channel :) @@fritts93

[@fritts93]

@@shouldigetit that’s what I had thought too. I’ve had 2 Civic SI (1987/2011) and just love Hondas. But the Miata is so compelling and as you mentioned smiling, I was smiling on my test drives too! Like a kid. I want a C8 but that is another level of $ - so I’m trying to find something more affordable but still newer - and fun! Integra Type S was on list too but still on higher price levels

[@LCculater]

Stop complaining it’s a sport car

[@shouldigetit]

Complaining about what Mr. Lexus LC?

[@PinChE_LoCo]

That animation ain't shit, my mirror reflects me putting the soft top down.

[@shouldigetit]

What does this comment even mean?

[@PinChE_LoCo]

@@shouldigetit not a damn thing brother.

[@porfiriato84]

​@@PinChE_LoCo what a clown

[@goldwolf0606]

The chair can’t lean back. That’s not comfortable, nor is there enough bj room 😂 Deal breaker… needs a spoiler too.

[@samarkand_nights]

The club has a (black) spoiler but it’s subtle

[@bobreno4042]

And the seat does lean back, unless it is all the way back, at 6’0 height I have plenty of leg room.

[@blurayffan66]

The exact model featured in above video is NOT the most beautiful model to come off the production line. Why?...because it has that ugly shark fin antenna and the "kiddie" reflectors over all 4 wheel arches- ugghhhh! Also, the black spoiler does not suit it ("maybe" in matching soul red crystal). In Europe you can get the vehicle without these ugly features. Anyway, the drop drop is far nicer cruising down the coast on a nice sunny day with the wind in the hair....and looks better too. Peace Out.

[@bngr_bngr]

That car is plain ugly. That targa top makes the car even smaller and truncated looking.

[@Sideways_Singh]

Search up this car lowered with spacers, it only looks weird from some angles cus of the massive wheel gap its like 3.5 inches, off road ready 🤣. Lowered with spacers, its one of the sexiest cars ever made, looks like a exotic car.

[@sweetesthawaiianprincess8086]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder 😊

[@texasoilfields]

Tell me a single car within $25000 that looks as good.

[@bngr_bngr]

@@texasoilfields you could get a Ford Mustang for the same price. The Mustang is better looking and even more practical.

[@texasoilfields]

@bngr_bngr I think we've illustrated that everyone has wildly different tastes in what is ugly and what is good looking. Detroit hasn't made a good looking car since before I was born.