Mazda MX5 after 1 year and 11,000 miles - Likes, dislikes, problems and costs

This is my experience of owning a 2020 Mazda MX5 100th Anniversary edition for the last 12 months and 11,000 miles. Find out what I like, dislike, any problems that have occurred and what it costs me.
First review: • Mazda MX5 - 100 years ...
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00:00 Intro
00:33 What's gone wrong
01:39 Dislikes
05:45 Likes
13:17 Driving
16:56 Costs
18:14 Keeping it clean
19:43 Outro

[@johnallison4688]

I have an ND since new. I am 6 foot tall, 81years old and find my car easier to enter or exit than my partner’s BMW X1. The only change I have considered is a stiffer front sway bar. I like the seats and the fact that I have a smile on my face whenever I have driven the car.

[@RichardFanders]

You absolute legend!

[@henryvu725]

thank you for them info actually. its hard to find sporty vehicles for people over 6 foot lol

[@jtland4842]

@@henryvu725 I am 6'6" and definitely can't fit in this car. You should check out the previous generation MX-5 (the NC generation from 2006-2015) which I fit in surprisingly well at my ridiculous height.

[@I-Libertine]

It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than to drive a fast car slow. Miata is the answer. No matter the question.

[@igoresque]

I wish my grandma was sharp enough at above 80 years old to take care of herself, not to mention driving anything 😭

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

This is the best affordable two seater open top sports car.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

The only one, unfortunately.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X There were more back in the early 2000s.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

@@DaveDVideoMaker There were, and plenty of sport coupes back in the 90s. Such a shame the best have disappeared from the car market, while we are stuck with pointless Crossovers and SUVs.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X I hate the trend where people are moving onto SUVs and crossovers, especially those that have off road looks but no AWD. They’re just taller and more expensive hatchbacks. Compared to each straightforward hatchback in each range, these are about £4000 more.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

@@DaveDVideoMaker And worse for the environment. But people do not really care, it seems.

[@marcin_bruczkowski]

I sincerely wish all the so-called "reviews" on YT were like this - honest, in-depth, based on personal experience. Great job.

[@cagataysirin1259]

11:46 That Heel & Toe was so clean .

[@tjacobsen5131]

I do heel and toe sometimes on the twisties. 2x20 kms each day on twisty roads (Westcoast of Norway) to and from work with no traffic. The car just begs for it 😅

[@LenMarten]

I listened to all of the “dislikes” and luckily they’re all pretty trivial. I’m looking forward to getting one for the driving experience. If I’m after comfy seats, a roomy glovebox and an ergonomic volume control I’d probably consider getting a Mondeo. Love the video so far, will definitely be watching the rest. Very thorough quantitative analysis which I really do appreciate. Ta

[@Votjko]

If you want to go 10+ kmh up, just hold the cruise control + button until you reach desired speed, no need to press it multiple times. Pressing it once or two-three times is for minor corrections. It's been like that since last generation of 323 and first gen 6 and 3. It's the same even on new models.

[@jaspervos4345]

yeah, wanted to say this too

[@TuberiderFPV]

Great review, i have the 2019 rf and everytime i drive it or look at it i'm more than happy i bought it. No problems at all after two years now. You should have a smaller phone my 5se still fits great. The roof goes down all year round the heating is fantastic.

[@mmj6500]

Hello richard I started my driving lessons few days ago. I just completed my 10th class today and I'm feeling much more confident now. Thanks to you. Your videos have helped me so much i can't express it. Great review. I have never seen such a detailed review of a car. I love it.

[@RichardFanders]

Thank you 😊

[@jaspervos4345]

Well, that's an elaborate review, brilliant. Lovely colourcombo too. In 20 years, I'll buy this car, currently owning a NB

[@standandeliver8376]

After a couple of petty negative points at the start (blaming the steering wheel size for scratching it, expecting the cruise control to make big changes in speed) I was ready to dismiss this review. I'm glad I watched it through though, as it is probably the best review I have seen in a long time. Lots of important and interesting things covered that other reviewers don't mention. You are clearly well qualified to discuss the driving dynamics after using it on road and track. All wrapped up in a video which is thorough but not repetitive or boring. Thank you!

[@VitoC.]

agreed!

[@Blockbuster2033]

interestingly enough these problems are the same that I have with my 2015 Mazda 3 (which basically has the same engine and same infotainment system and layout. Phone area to small, cruise control horrible to adjust, seats really bad. Everything else about the car is amazing tho, so I put up with it.

[@Kev27RS]

@@Blockbuster2033The seats being bad is a big negative point on a car though!

[@Blockbuster2033]

@@Kev27RS I agree, however, I rarely drive for longer than an hour and for an hour it's fine. For the very rare occasion that I drive for more than an hour I just put up with it.

[@TheFullswordslord]

Great video Richard! I like you don't just try to promote this car and don't just showcase it as a new car. Thanks for your honesty :)

[@swanblake]

Such a beautiful spec! Love that you drove this everywhere. Great job on this sir

[@gusprotheroe7045]

I bought one new , four months ago and have nearly six thousand miles on it . It’s the best car I have ever owned. I thought I was doing well getting 48mpg on a run , 50+ that’s incredible. Normally 42 to 45 commuting.

[@RichardFanders]

I'm normally getting 33mpg for most my driving. But long motorway trips are 48-51mpg depending on speed and traffic. Longest trip was 13.5 hours in one day.

[@GodleyX]

That's a lot. Isn't it advertised as 25 or 30 or something? Pretty damn good numbers

[@chrisx5127]

How much was your?

[@sandman7623]

Only have had two previous cars which I actually enjoyed driving: my first was a '29 Model A (you never forget your first!!); the second was a self-restored '56 Corvette. My 2019 MX5 ragtop generates a smile all day! Added sways and tower braces to squelch most lean and chassis slop. Much more responsive and stable. Good review and refreshing honesty!

[@CroakerOutdoors]

Absolutely fantastic review. Been wanting a Miata for a long time. Got one more year on my truck loan then I'll be looking at picking one up. Used market especially the first two gens have ridiculous pricing. You have many more smiles per miles to come in your ND! Cheers from the US.

[@breacher7252]

I miss these straight-to-the-point videos. Thanks for the review.

[@gaz5663]

What a great review , learnt new stuff even though I’ve watched a load of tubes about the mx5. Highly recommended.

[@Ajdmfiwbwfj]

The production quality and editing is so spot on. Loved it. 👍

[@FlydreamMedia]

I have 11,000 miles on mine in the past 5 months and love it more than any other car I've ever owned.

[@SupaPictave]

I take delivery of my ND2 next thursday, and your feedback (as well as your long road trip video) is precious information for future owners ! Thanks for sharing !

[@jorgeluissuarez3628]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us. Love your content! Keep it up! 🙌🏽

[@toshibavoodoo]

love to see this level of detail review for my 2012 NC GT!! I do love my MX5, best car I ever owned! Love to do 24hour drives through National Parks.

[@maxwellhesher1790]

This is an absolutely masterful review, thank you greatly for the detail. It’s clear you are passionate about the product and the process in which you review it is simply inspiring. No frills on complaints, and the same on compliments. Simply fantastic work.

[@SanHydronoid]

Logged in just to like the video. I love how it gives that chill British vibes without being too technical and cold

[@kellymaryanski]

Oh my goodness I have been debating upgrading my NC to an ND and I just loved this video so much. Thank you for your input!

[@artemkatelnytskyi]

I like to see a car being driven the way it was intended! Lovely video.

[@tjacobsen5131]

That was a great review! I had my G160 with the recaros from new, just passed 100.000kms since 2016. Reliable, cheap to use and own. Rotors, pads and tires is all I have had to replace. Oh, and I have had undercoating done two times since I daily drive it and plan to keep driving it as long as possible. I have trust in this brand 😊

[@nothanksonh.w.3385]

One of the best car reviews I have ever seen I like that there weren’t any annoying music too! Subscribed and put this video in my favorite folder Much deserved! 👍🏻

[@chocomilkfps1264]

Really appreciate your attention to detail and presentational manner, thank you for the helpful video!

[@Mr91495osh]

We had one and loved it. Neat, good looking and fun to drive.

[@lonerjoshy]

Thank you for such a complete detailed review! Much appreciated, sir!

[@MG-rz7mo]

One of the best evaluation for this car .... amazing 👏

[@EricGCraig]

Really good, balanced review, thanks for sharing. Happy miles out there

[@robgindc1]

That color combination is everything!

[@freddieparrydrums]

Agreed

[@alansouthall8221]

so glad you get to enjoy that car. you put so much positivity and knowledge out there, its great to see you enjoying the fruits of your labour ❤

[@jaysix8032]

Good video. Did a great job highlighting the pros and cons. Thanks.

[@MJ-YT-USR]

Brilliant video, I listened to every word. And respect to you for doing track days; I know so many people who have track performance cars, but treat the public road as the track - they basically just want to go 0-60 quicker than anyone else and that's it, which is a pretty expensive and very short ego trip

[@cooleye7007]

WHAT A GREAT COMPLETE DETAILED REVIEW FOR ME !! 👍

[@marcsiedenburg]

Thanks again Richard for your very informative and comprehensive video's. As a result I bought exactly the same car (100th Edition) ! My current roadster is a Mercedes SL350 from 2005, a very luxurious "tourer" with lovely sounding V6 but the costs of ownership drives me crazy and I am sure the MX-5 will give me the same fun. Cheers !

[@RichardFanders]

I hope you enjoy it!

[@Tony-Madisson]

Great video, I am a huge Mazda fan. Learned driving on 929 back in the day.

[@TheKiddOnDrums]

Thanks for an honest review.. love knowing all the little annoying things before getting it & a lot of people are afraid to call it out

[@sandragruhle6288]

I am very interested in a 2021 or 2022. This has been helpful, especially the positive comments from so many others.

[@skipskops]

Really like how you've broken everything down so nicely. The dislikes, although minor, are really nice to hear. I really want this car, and I've had a kia pro ceed for 8 years and this little beasty just WONT DIE. She's going strong.....I can't bring myself around to replace her, but when she does. God knows when, I want this.

[@HCChen86]

Cheers from also a ND owner. Know your channel from your driving instructions vid, but now ur personal channel pop up, glad to see this vid. Btw many of your point, small details are so true! really nice for future ND buyer hah

[@cyberphonic]

A car review that was genuinely interesting to listen to, I think you may have a future in this

[@mfld719]

Great presentation.Clear,crisp and informative.

[@colinmorgan7402]

Great video - I just bought an MX5 and this is really helpful.

[@jeddinger6138]

Excellent review! I'm looking for one with the perfect combo of specs right now. Your video helped really cement my decision to go with the 2019 and it's bit of extra hp.

[@waynejohnson3214]

Thanks for a great vid. Was thinking about getting the RF, but you may have swayed me to the rag top. The comment about being able to have the top down in all but the coldest weather was most enlightning.

[@uploadtime1780]

Thanks for the fabulous review.

[@nosefirst]

Really enjoyed your video. I haven't had my 2020 Mazda MX5 100th Anniversary edition for a full year yet but I agree with most of your positive comments and consider the few negative comments not enough to worry about. Our Miatas are almost the same but you have the convertible top and your steering wheel is on the wrong side.

[@stephen729]

right side

[@t595nige]

What a superb review, cheers fella👌

[@adamrice617]

Very informative. I’m seriously considering getting one of these, just the 1.5, but always loved them!

[@RichardFanders]

The 1.5 is also great. More comfortable too as it has softer suspension.

[@martinaston1715]

Liked your presentation style , clear concise no waffle good facts very Quintin Wilson !

[@richard-mai]

Some good points, hope Mazda addresses these!

[@jacobbeattie650]

I just stumbled on this. You’re an excellent reviewer!

[@rjdavis7503]

Great review sir. I own a 2017 RF and agree with your assessment. Use the same ceramic product on the paint too. Did not know you can use it on the windshield. Will try that.

[@adeyp3871]

This gave me a good insight into looking for a MX-5. The one I want is a 2 litre in black with red mirrors and side skirts. Not a daily just as a weekend toy. Very well presented video.

[@hockeyshooter8]

I love my white 2018 ND soft top. I too have tracked mine around Thruxton. I’m amazed you’ve managed 50mpg but I’m happy that mine has averaged 41mpg over 30k miles.

[@burkayelbir]

That was a really nice video man, i enjoyed every second of it. Even its so hard to buy this in where i live, as a 21 year old guy, hope i can get a car like that one day to have a nice and fun drive.

[@solmum688]

Great video, thanks. I am thinking of swapping my m4 conv with this one.. manual gearbox, redline within legal speed limits, and top of it the design looks great!

[@lxliner]

Just bought one, will be delivered next week, thank you a lot for this information. Now I understand, that it was a right choice!

[@RichardFanders]

Enjoy! I'm very happy with mine.

[@romachoz]

Чувак, уже можно тащить 184 версии с 2019? Во сколько встанет целиком?

[@lxliner]

@@romachoz я новую брал официально

[@romachoz]

@@lxliner ее же нет в России …

[@lxliner]

@@romachoz в Украине есть

[@KC16A6]

really good review... nice editing, clear sound, extra bits, personal comments seem fair :)

[@thelastpetrolbender2744]

Just bought one, enjoy it when driving everyday. Brilliant driver’s car

[@texasoilfields]

Great review, thanks. Just placed an order for one so hopefully just a couple months away

[@534tgrg6yrtgdf]

Nice video...thanks for your comments!

[@johnrenton3463]

Excellent review - as a CX-5 owner I'm jealous!

[@tpv59]

EXCELLENT. 10/10. REALLY ENJOYED your vid. VERY WELL done sir. Greetings from OZ. (Australia)

[@jason41a]

what a wonderful car, and a wonderful revie. cheers.

[@cheryloliver4914]

Extremely helpful for future purchase!

[@cameroniwalker]

Great review, really helpful. Thanks!

[@Anamnesis]

Fellow ND owner here who can relate to the exact same problem with a zipper scuff on the bottom of the steering wheel rim in the exact same location. The leather on the factory wheel is quite delicate. More motivation to replace the wheel with one of those fat rimmed alcantara racing wheels. 😄

[@MysteryPlum]

I'm on my 4th MX-5 and the 68-plate RF GT Sport I've got now is the best of the lot. Relaxing on the motorway, responsive on country roads and always absolutely great fun. - CONS Not great on the motorway with the hard roof down; feels like there's hurricane in the cabin. Soft-tops don't have this problem though. Boot could be bigger. Easy to press the volume or entertainment dial with your arm by mistake. - PROS Everything else - even the lack of glovebox isn't a problem. These cars look amazing, drive wonderfully and the fuel economy is surprisingly good. Best money I've ever spent. Mazda just keep getting these cars absolutely spot-on in terms of driving experience. Great video Richard - I like your presenting style 👍

[@jacobb1354]

Good video with info one might only discover after a year of ownership.

[@cornelterrytecsor1039]

another +ve about the new MX5 (exactly the model you have) is this: - roof down, moderate rain + > 55mph .... raindrops will only fall 20-30cm behind the head rest the heavier the rain the faster you drive to keep the raindrops out and you have to try this car on mountain roads ... it shines

[@user-ux9xe9mn5h]

Best review I've watched and I've watched loads I'm buying one tomorrow I'm sold

[@DanLee1969]

I like that you can totally love the car, but still objectively criticize it. One of the best Miata reviews I've seen.

[@karltraveldude7817]

Thank you for a super from reality video , very well done for me ! Enjoy and drive safe ...

[@pwatom22]

Great review and useful info.

[@konradk.2715]

Great video and a nice review and update. I really did not like the sound system in my MX-5; replacement of main speakers and twitters made a nice difference. Also, a custom, smaller steering wheel solves some problems that you mentioned. 🙂 I find the seats very comfortable (8+ hour journey is not a problem), and I am a big and heavy guy. I think the steering is the most exciting feature of my Mazda. And I, too, think that it was the best purchase I ever made. I have a C43 AMG, but I much prefer to drive my MX-5, and unless I really have to, I don't drive the Mercedes anymore. Hopefully, that gives some testament to what a wonderful and exciting machine the Miata is. 😊

[@RegNatarajan]

That colour combination is stunning.

[@darkwizzel]

I own a 2018 ND RF with the 2l 160ish horsepower engine. Absolutly love the car... - Great review! - i see similar problems. Especially the dirt in the back and the strange storage thingy between the seats. I had an NC before.. - there was a lot more room for things. Buut in my opinion the ND is the absolut best of MX5

[@driver46]

Nice review 👌 covered all bases.

[@PETERFRITZPHOTO]

EXCELLENT VIDEO. I sold my ND about 14 months ago to buy a 981 Porsche Boxster. I absolutely love the Porker, but I still miss the little MX5. Thankfully, I think my son will get one in the next few years!Woo-hoo! :-)

[@1SaG]

My 160hp ND will be five years old in March '22. I bought it new and it now has nearly 100,000km on it. It still looks and feels like new. Other than for regular maintenance, it's been in the shop four times: Twice to replace a cracked windshield (unlucky hits by stones or screws on the road), once for some minor paint-work (thanks to some anonymous a$$hole in a parking lot). The only thing that was the car's "fault" was the front right wheel-sensor going bad. Happened under warranty, but the bill wouldn't have been that bad (~€300 all in). Overall, this thing is pretty darn reliable. What I will recommend is that if you're looking to get an ND, do try and get the Recaro seats. I made it a point when I was shopping for the car and I test-drove both seats before buying. They're not *that* different from the regular seats (pretty sure they share components under the skin), but they are different enough to warrant the extra cost. They do hug you a lot tighter (without being uncomfortable) and they vastly improve the interior's look, IMO. And they do offer a bit of lower back support. To me, both the seat and the backrest feel firmer on the Recaros than they do on the regular seats. I made some pretty long trips in those things, including a few ~600km drives on the Autobahn, and I never felt beat or tired when I got out of the car. Plus, in my country, they were included in the Sports-Pack which you had to order to get the Bilstein suspension - and I really wanted those yellow shocks... :D Re the "phone problem": Not sure if yours will fit, but my regular Galaxy S20 (in an Otterbox) fits perfectly into the cupholders. I always have the passenger-side cupholder inserted into its location up-front (not near the glove-box) and that's where my phone lives. The open construction of the cupholder even allows relatively easy access for the charging cable.

[@robsx4280]

Excellent video, I am actually considering changing my 718 for one. It looks fantastic as well.

[@RichardFanders]

The Boxster is definitely high on my list.

[@MartinWink]

Great review. I miss the 1mph per click on the cruise control too. And cleaning the boot I felt like I needed cotton buds to properly clean leaf dirt from around the base of the hinges! The worst part is the built-in satnav - I use Android auto and beta TomTom, and that's kind of glitchy. I really love the gear change. So light and precise.

[@dielaughing73]

Can't you just hold down the button for cruise control? On other cars I have found that's a better way to adjust speed rather then pressing repeatedly.

[@evildyl]

Great to see the joy you get out of driving down the great British B roads. It really is the simple things in life 😁

[@akeillewis7515]

Awesome 👌🏾 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 review!!!

[@jefftulley4048]

I really enjoyed this video. Thanks.

[@senateaustin]

Wow I learned something about my 2014 Honda CR-Z from watching this video. It also has the purple anti reflective layer over the gauges. Unfortunately I wiped it down with some cleaner that I shouldn't have used on it one time and it ruined that layer. It is now permanently kind of cloudy/ smudgy. I had no idea why this happened until you called it out in this video. It's not a big deal, doesn't bother me at all unless I closely inspect it, but good to know. Great video, hope to have a miata one day. Love my CR-Z but it doesn't quite scratch the sports car itch. (Although its been a phenomenal commuter for 7 years and I've had zero problems out of it. It also has amazing storage with the hatchback which I know I'll miss if I get a miata one day.

[@sophiamcnamara9851]

This is a great review thank you

[@ItsThePiratesWife]

2:36, who saw it? Great review Richard. Also your Driving Lessons channel is superb.

[@timothywebb5100]

Good honest review.

[@Courtathor]

Just press and hold the cruise control + and - buttons when leaving a 30 zone etc, will accelerate/decelerate until you let go.

[@jlb4742]

Great video. I have a 67 plate RF Mk4, also white. Totally agree about the boot surround getting really dirty, and it's a pain to clean. As you say, white looks great but every spot is difficult to clean. have ordered some Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating: fingers crossed!

[@OnboardG1]

My solution is to get someone else to do it, although I admit that's kinda pricey :P

[@shiftintohigh5564]

Excellent!👍👍😎🇺🇸 ND1 Club owner here. Indeed, they are fun.

[@Tdfries]

Excellent review. Youre a great presenter.

[@ivanvinogradov2040]

Very useful review

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Excellent vid 👍