Should you BUY a 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF with an AUTOMATIC?

The Mazda Miata has some big changes under the hood for 2019. The 2.0L inline-4 now produces 181 HP with a redline of 7,500 RPM! This particular MX-5 Miata is the Grand Touring trim level which has all the bells and whistles including a 6-speed automatic. Let me take you in-depth on this 2019 Miata RF and show you all the details.
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[@thierrym7121]

Joe is one car salesman I wouldn't want to meet on the lot. I'd be regretting it for the next 8 years.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so freaking hilarious!

[@pointingdog7235]

🤣

[@blairbrown4812]

No,you won't.

[@licktin1091]

80% of the miatas sold in Japan are automatic anyway. The future is coming, people are starting to give less fucks about manuals now

[@Fall508River]

I don’t care what anybody thinks I’m getting the automatic Miata 2022!!

[@jasondixon9095]

Love my 2021 ND2 automatic RF this car is so fun shouts out to all MX5 automatic drivers

[@heithwatkins]

Thanks brother. Nobody ever reviews the automatic.

[@garylee5568]

I bought an Automatic Gran Touring in 2016. I absolutely love it. I put a Goodwin Racing Sport suspension on it, lowering it about and inch, a strut tower brace, 6 piston Wilwood premium front breaks, front and rear sway bars and tucked 4 Konig Hypergram 17X8 4X100 ET45 race bronze wheels with 225/45//R17 91W tires under it. I also put a Goodwin Racing SuperStreet Twin Tip exhaust on it. You`ve got to hear it to drive it like you just stole it. I put a tune on it to match the 93 octane in my area. That increseaed my rev limit to over 7000rpm. I`ve raced it in Autocross and across the mountain from NC to Virginia. The car has more capability than I have ability to drive.

[@Fall508River]

@@garylee5568 no not the automatic

[@edgillis4686]

Some info not mentioned on the Mazda automatic tranny… You can downshift via the paddle shifter even in FULL AUTOMATIC mode. Lets say you are driving down the highway - the auto tranny has you in 6th gear for full economy. You want to pass a truck, you tap twice on the left paddle shifter and you are now in 4th gear, the engine spins up in rpms and you move out! Mazda actually displays this mode on the dash as D with a smaller number denoting the gear that you have shifted down into - in my example 4. It is a super slick auto - you can drive around in full auto and downshift with the paddles when you need to. Zoom Zoom, lol. Hey, I’ve driven manual transmissions my entire life, and I’m in my 60s. Everything from 427 Corvettes, a 440 GTX, to grocery getting Honda Civics. I currently have a manual 2004 Corolla. I will probably get this MX-5 RF with a manual, just because my girl and I are used to driving manuals. However, these Mazda autos are super cool. When you think on it, a manual transmission is a crude way to manage gear changes - I don’t believe Ferrari even makes a manual transmission anymore for example - so don’t discount the cool automatic that Mazda makes.

[@Shokyto]

That's a really helpful answer! Thanks kind sir!

[@Trigger-xw9gq]

I couldn't agree more. I just test-drove both the manual and the automatic, and the driving experience with the auto is so much more enjoyable. Bought it.

[@Shokyto]

@Trigger-xw9gq Do you mind to elaborate? That would be really helpful!

[@Trigger-xw9gq]

@@Shokyto In terms of the top, the soft-top is just such a different, freeing experience, and you don’t have the buffeting noise of the RF (when open), nor the blind spots. The soft-top is just such an “open”, exhilarating experience. I suppose that if this car was my one and only car, to be used all year and through the winter, I might choose the RF, but these are usually a second “fun” car for most people. In terms of the transmission, it is not a “simple 6-spd automatic”. When in “Drive” you can pop the shift lever a titch over to the left, taking it out of automatic mode into a fully manual control, and then simply blip the lever forward & backward (with a tiny throw) to shift up & down. It is amazing, and in addition to that, you also have the paddle shifters on the steering wheel! Again, I drove both, and decided on the automatic. After all, there are many times when you just want to relax and drive, and maybe drink your coffee, and also, to not have to constantly clutch & shift in congested traffic is really really nice. With a manual, you’re a slave to always having to shift.

[@LS1007]

I would buy it with the automatic and still have fun shifting with the paddle shifters. I drove manuals for 21 years. No more. Nice review Joe! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@RaitisRides]

This car is a blast either way!

[@AmrothPalantir]

Automatic don't come with a limited slip diff, you can always upgrade that later... I do agree, automatic is just easier 99% of the time for the normal dude.

[@blueberrycobbler]

Steven Leon Your comment sounds like a schoolyard argument with the age equivalent immaturity. 😏

[@bbtubi]

@@blueberrycobbler Very well said

[@larpy]

Steven Leon I guess all race car drivers and F1 drivers are girls then ?

[@Saboda53]

Bought my fourth (!) Miata in August - a ‘19 30AE RF in Racing Orange. I am in love!

[@VG22.]

its funny how people are shitting on the automatic transmission.... I can drive a manual but hell I prefer automatics for everyday use. And there is a reason why ferrari lambos AMG's etc don't make manuals anymore. The automatics are a lot faster around the track. Yes I agree its fun to drive a manual but hey! don't shit on auto transmission miatas!!! they are still great cars and the automatics also redline at 7500 so its a win win.

[@aaron26c]

I've never understood why manual drivers are so prideful about shifting. It's not like driving manual means you designed the entire vehicle from scratch and your extra manual maneuvers literally allow you to fly in the air. It's just extra manual actions of the hand/feet that still get you to your destination. Why is it such a sin to drive an automatic?

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your input on this one. I guess for me the Miata is all about driving in it's purest form.

[@JamesFasa]

Dude I want one! I work in LA and leave for work when it's prime traffic time and head home at the worst traffic time of the day. I'm in traffic 2 hrs a day! We have very few manual drivers in LA as their daily driver so this would be so great to have something fun taking corners.

[@RaitisRides]

That is a very good point James.

[@3kbaby823]

To baby auto haters car enthusiast don’t care about the trans it’s about the smile and joy

[@JustinAbroad]

I love being topless in the florida sun

[@RaitisRides]

Oh yeah! ;-)

[@hugot12]

I have a 2016 , it took about 6 months to fully learn how special the AT is, and how well it performes in the twisties. Paddle shifters, really only need 2 gears in tight corners. We are not all going to a race track. The comfort when you just want to let go of constant shift changes and pedal work in all around driving is just sublime. Dont underestimate just how the manual mode with the AT is. This isnt a shelby cobra to feel the pull off the line letting out the clutch.

[@brokebentley]

2020 and we still have keyboard manual drivers XD...having a manual doesn't make you a race car driver relax and let people enjoy the car

[@crayonbouzu8578]

Absolutely 🤗 I've own an automatic ND miata myself...

[@Master-Blaster-4x4]

i could have gotten a stick, but with 'sport' mode, 'paddle' shifters, and manual mode on the stick - i get the best of both worlds...i love it

[@mmahtnart8986]

Come on brother! Damn! You have done a review on the "tiny" Miata six times in the last three months. Why don't you just buy one. COME ON MAN!!!

[@farrous13]

he's selling it to his wife - takes time.

[@pacoguerilla3097]

Very nice version with automatic

[@brendankoh9170]

In places like Malaysia where traffic jam is quite a usual phenomenon, automatic with paddle shifters is a common package chosen because of how crammed our left leg gets on the compression/decompression of the clutch while in the jam.

[@RaitisRides]

That is a very good point Brendan.

[@plk7592]

Great presentation, Joe. Hard to beat this roadster. In order to do that, you'd pay double the price of this Mazda. Porsche, Alfa Romeo, to name a couple, have two seat roadsters, but they are twice the price of this Miata. Ya gotta love that Japanese technology, to be able to make this roadster at half the price. Ohhh, if it only was offered with a turbo... zoom, zoom!!!

[@iAmShenaG]

This car is so beautiful and fun to drive! I purchased mine this past Saturday and it’s my everyday car. I traded my 7yr old Mazda 3 in for my dream car - the Miata RF Grand Touring in machine Gray. If you’re like me and only keep the important things in your car such as the car’s manual, your registration and insurance card, perhaps a bottle of water in the cup holder, and a mini flashlight, sunglasses, pen & paper and hand sanitizer in your glove box, this car will suit you well. Also, the seats are very comfy and the cabin is perfect for me, but keep in mind I’m just 5’1. I highly recommend this car if you love sports cars and wants something that’s fast, hugs corners smoothly and affordability priced. I paid $36,036 for mine, but it could be because I’m in Atlanta, GA and everything’s high here. Highly recommended…

[@red5standingby598]

Two things that need to be added, in the 2020 model, flat bottom steering wheel, and a heads up display. It's FUN!! I LOVE this street lego Go Kart. Did I mention it's FUN!!! 6 speed Manual with the GT-S package, comes with , limited slip differential, Bilstein dampers, Shock tower brace Front, and Black Top, Looks like a moonroof with top up. also Its FUN!!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your input and perspective! I appreciate you watching!

[@chanseormon]

Her Name is Akane nowadays the Automatic Transmission is way better than the Manual Transmission Automatic Transmission is way faster from 0-60 than the Manual

[@chanseormon]

Raiti's Rides I like the Mazda Miata RF in White and with the Automatic Transmission

[@RAM-KINGOFTRUCKS]

Had a 1987 Mazda Rx7 back in day...lol..great car but when the exhaust had to be replaced it cost me 1,600 ...lol..loved that car ..great review Raiti...thumbs up brother.

[@RaitisRides]

That only RX7s are such cool cars!

[@jamesgand828]

"Topless in Florida sun" I never thought I would hear Joe say that haha

[@RaitisRides]

LOL! You freaking crack me up!

[@justarandomyoutubeuser5074]

5 reasons why Miata Is Always The Answer

[@RaitisRides]

You hit the nail on the head!

[@arricammarques1955]

MX 5 IS MORE RELIABLE THAN POR$CHE

[@Daniel-rw2gy]

“Fully loaded.. has everything” doesn’t have the nappa leather.. interior lighting package.. upgraded side sills and pedals.. etc So not everything but yeah it’s nice

[@erik_cruz]

The first Miata I REALLY like. It's a great looking car!

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that I could share this one with you !

[@Victic005]

I would argue that the NC with the PRTH is better. With the top down the whole back pillars are gone. MAZDA should've just made the coupe instead of the RF.

[@rick-hj3jg]

But what about the NA Miata with flippy pop up boys

[@Daniel-rw2gy]

Quang Lam maybe but you could consider this a coupe with the added benefit of a huge sun roof.. I think they made the right decision

[@kevinyoo0501]

Not everybody wants to drive manual. Just because some people knows how to drive manual doesn't mean their good drivers.

[@zzanatos2001]

The first time I got stuck in stop-and-go rush hour traffic for two hours with a manual transmission, I understood the appeal of having a sports car with an automatic.

[@soulintake]

It's not the most practical car anyways though. For many people, this will be a second car for fun on the weekends. That being said, the manual is going to be allot more fun for someone really wanting a driving experience... Regardless of one's skill level.

[@youcanrunnaked]

Auto makes sense for this car if you love to drive but have physical limitations that keep you from operating a clutch; use it to commute in heavy traffic; or just want to get into that GT vibe and cruise. That said, I will opt for the manual transmission every time.

[@RaitisRides]

Very good points!

[@jimbandit1250sa]

Awesome review Joe great presentation. After all considered I’d go for soft top no motors and electric to worry about. I’ve experienced manual and automatic and I’ve got to say automatic with the easy flappy paddle shift is fantastic. Keep it up buddy. All the best. Jim from Birmingham uk💪👌👍🏻

[@JayPatel-tx1zc]

Amazing Miata even with the automatic transmission. Love the sound and yes 7500 RPM redline. Thanks Joe.

[@dfw1fast143]

Always love a good retractable hard top. Had too many issues with every single soft top I’ve ever owned. But if you can get a manual anything over an automatic then it’s a no brainer. Also considering how few people know how to drive them nowadays it’s one of the best security system money can buy.

[@Victic005]

Hell no, never get the automatic transmission model. Especially new when they charge additional fees for it. You can get a used ones for cheap. Those are in low demand.

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@carwrtr1]

Quang Lam, I disagree. The automatic transmission is the only way I’d buy it. I’ve owned one manual transmission vehicle, and I won’t own another; the fuel mileage is almost equal, and I get tired of shifting gears, especially in stop and go traffic. My wife wants one of these Mazda MX-5 convertibles, but she can’t reach the clutch. She wants an automatic transmission as well, and I prefer a less active style of driving.

[@Daniel-rw2gy]

Yeah it’s like paying $1000 to be shot in the foot

[@Daniel-rw2gy]

carwrtr1 if you prefer less active style of driving.. this doesn’t seem to be the car for you

[@steveprinty5674]

Even KZbinr “Alex on Autos”, who almost always chooses an automatic over a manual, says he would definitely choose the manual in this one.

[@KirkWinterrowd]

Thank you for the positive comments on the automatic. While my current Miata is a 2017 manual RF, I enjoyed my 2006 automatic for almost 10 years. I'm actually thinking about getting a 2020 in an automatic.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very welcome Kirk! I appreciate you sharing your input from your experience!

[@castelosdarocha9270]

This gunmetal color + rims is just heavenly, perfect blend of elegant and sporty, I enjoy the soul red color + BBS dark rims too but if given choice I would go for the gunmetal grey. What an amazingly stunning automobile.

[@JoseMedina-gf4cu]

Love the RF in that color, the manual club with the recaro package would be my preference.

[@Daniel-rw2gy]

None Other I’m leaning toward that color with nappa leather 🤤

[@castelosdarocha9270]

Yep that would be my trim aswell, so perfect!

[@SuubUWU]

Not gonna lie Raiti, I've never cared for antennas on cars. Your zonk on the placement here is spot on, it really does steal the eye's attention.

[@BigDaddyCaveman1]

I bought a used 2017 MX5 with just 9000 miles, RF auto in soul red,,,,,,,,,I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this car!!!!! I have had Vettes, Musclecars, E46 M3 Bmw,,,,,you name it I have probably owned one in the last 40 years. None have ever been just all around fun as this car. Ed Morse Mazda is an excellent place, Service is great.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so wonderful! Thanks for sharing that great input!

[@bill7481]

Thanks for the review, Joe! Automatic Miata. Interesting!

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very welcome Bill!

[@jktolentino8153]

Hi joe! I really like all your videos! Can u please answer this question, would you rather go with this mx5 or subaru or 86? Please notice me joe!

[@krismckinney7425]

Great review as always but during your test drive segment it would be great to get a shot of the road. Good job and keep those reviews coming!!!!!

[@pointingdog7235]

Nice review. This guy gets the job done. He knows what he's talking about.

[@RaitisRides]

I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and say that!

[@pointingdog7235]

@@RaitisRides Your welcome. I used to be a trucker so I prefer a manual gearbox than an automatic transmission but ,, I lost my left foot in an accident some years ago and it's just a lot easier to have an automatic, not to mention that my wife never drove a vehicle with a clutch. I worked in a Mazda dealership for a few years from 93-95 and I was surprised to find that the first generation Miata was available with automatics.

[@Trigger-xw9gq]

I've drove the various combinations of RF / Ragtop / Manual / Auto, and decided on the Ragtop with the auto trans. The automatic offers the option of being more relaxing during those (many) times when you want to just cruise and/or enjoy your coffee, or when you’re dealing with city traffic. Those who insist that this car must be had with the manual really need to try the auto. The manual mode combined with the paddle shifters is fantastic, but when you add the “Sport” mode option, you’ve got so much to play with. I love it!

[@amill1563]

Joe would you mind if I start my own car review channel and closely mimic your style. Instead of Zonks, I will have Bonks, LoL. I will condemn faux vents and may actually serve a dinner on a wing.

[@RaitisRides]

Now I would watch that! LOL

[@wxman2003]

Got my 2019 fully loaded RF GT last week. It's also an automatic. Love it. As far a apple car play, the dealer will install it for free. They aren't going to let you walk for a $10 part and an hour's worth of labor. The first thing i did was replace the standard antenna with a stubby one.

[@juicybullfrog]

Christopher Jansen My 2019 RF MX5 also is automatic and feels smooth while driving.

[@wtfx5757]

How responsive are the paddle shifter and the slapstick when either one of those is used to shift in manual mode? Is there any delay?

[@joro2]

Another great review, thanks, Joe. Q: Drop top aside, which is the “better” drive, 86 you drove the other day or this MX-5?

[@junlee7763]

Where do I keep the twinkies? In a glove box? or centre consloe?? Oh wait, I dont really need to worry when car shifts for me. I can hold twinkies in my right hand while driving.. beautiful.

[@RaitisRides]

I see what you did there!

[@Lee-70ish]

Rag top and Stick shift . Lighter and more fun to drive

[@canadiancatgreen]

well considering ALL AUTOMATIC cars are more fun than manual it is obviously better looking at that 1 fact another fact is manual transmission has the inconvionance of having to shift gears yourself and 2 facts proving automatic is better

[@GeneralTsao86]

I have an RF auto ND 17 and an RF MT ND2 21 - both great, buy whatever you like!

[@Shokyto]

23:37 I was wondering exactly this, this video is just super detailed! I do appreciate the effort!

[@jamesburr8399]

I just ordered a 2021 it will be here in May 2021. I’m so excited. A great vehicle for the price. I’m 65 and have wanted one for years. LIG!

[@RaitisRides]

Congrats James! It is a great car!

[@shanellecooper2981]

Pre-COVID peice 2019 new MX-5 RF GT automatic fully loaded $35,700 MSRP

[@rodneyoneal8428]

I love this beautiful car thank you very much young man. 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@_dmfd]

Hope you got to take the new Subie out this weekend and enjoy it!

[@RaitisRides]

Oh yes it did David! Thanks for saying that!

[@Tones-he3cj]

That's FIVE Reviews now and all great.. :) I have the MX-5 RF Automatic and O absolutely love it, wouldn't change it for any Car and I'm not joking, I love this Car. No complaints. I got the Eternal Blue.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

That blue is awesome is awesome

[@user-cm3db5cg5m]

may i know why did u go with the auto, i'm thinking of getting one but a lot of ppl said this car should go with manual. any thoughts?

[@Tones-he3cj]

@@user-cm3db5cg5m A couple of reasons. 1) I had an RX-8 previously which was Sports Auto for over 8 years which I thoroughly enjoyed. 2) I test drove the MX-5 RF Auto as that's all they had in the Dealership at that time. When I made the decision I wanted to get the MX-5 RF there were none in my Country with the color I wanted in Auto which was Eternal Blue so I had to order mine through the Dealership from Japan. Sure you lose a bit with the Auto in speed but then again the gear shifts in Auto are smooth and I've never regretted getting the Auto. I take it for drives literally every weekend, well when not in COVID lockdown. It's really a personal choice and I chose Auto as I prefer the Sports Auto. I get into the Car with a smile and get out of the Car with a smile. The best Car I have ever had.

[@Tones-he3cj]

Update 2021 Aug: I'm still in love with my MX-5 RF. Would not swap it for any Car. :)

[@wtfx5757]

@@Tones-he3cj how responsive are the paddles and the slapstick in manual mode? Do you notice any delay in upshifts or downshifts?

[@davidducovny1367]

Not practical for 26k and not enough torque (151lb-ft) to be called a sport's car,YES NOT EVEN AT 2500 lb get the Veloster N INstead if you want smiles on your face ,same price almost, YOU GET Rev-matching,e-LSD, AN EXHAUST THAT POPS AND CRACKELS LOUD and 260 lb-ft torque 275 HP

[@BallisticStigmata]

And FWD to ruin it all.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Never owned an RX-7 but I did have a much loved RX-8. Great 4 door sports car (with hidden rear doors) that looked like coupe. Only a couple of complaints. Torque was a foreign concept. A 9000 rpm redline and you needed every bit of that in acceleration. It was like driving a four wheel 650CC Japanese motorcycle. Then there was the flooding issue. If you made the mistake of turning off the engine before it reached operating temperature it flooded about 75% of the time. No big deal, right? Just wait a minute. Wrong. The car would never move again until it was towed to the dealer to have the single spark plug replaced. I managed to learn to never turn it off for the first five minutes after firing it up and replaced the totally inadequate battery with a stronger one to avoid a failed start. In the RX-8's last year of production Mazda thoughtfully added a warning in the gauge cluster warning the driver to NEVER turn off a cold engine. Ah...memories. Sold it to a high school kid who was thrilled with it. I bought a GTi. :)

[@DobermanMom70]

Miata in an AT? Meh....I love the MT...it’s so smooth and such a short gearbox! Easy!!! My MT truck I had years ago wasn’t as smooth or short of a gearbox! This Miata is a breeze in MT!!!!! LOVE IT!!!!

[@davidducovny1367]

Torque is more important in an engine than HP specially if it comes down low ,like in a turbo engine

[@RaitisRides]

That is a very good point!

[@Dmocification]

This car was very slow in the automatic. Love the auto hard top though

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@weshinds9884]

The car is slow in general but it doesn't take the fun out of it. Just enough power to have a good time in the corners. My wife has a 2017 in that same color with the 6 speed manual gearbox and it is a blast.

[@Daniel-rw2gy]

Wes Hinds 0-60 under 6sec.. not blazing fast but not “slow”

[@garylee5568]

My car is a 2016 Automatic GT. I`ve driven it in Autocross. It`s a blast and believe me, it`s far from very slow.

[@Dmocification]

@@garylee5568 I tried the 2019 RF in auto and its wasn't very quick, maybe theres a sport mode i didnt have engaged. I still love this car and its the best around the corners!

[@kennyphun1946]

Cloth top for me! This version look a little awkward in my opinion

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you Kenny!

[@Jorge_Magallon]

I prefer the RF, but the cloth top with the top down is iconic. Not sure were you live, but I would like to year-round this car in the northeast. So the extra insulation from weather and sound is appealing. More importantly, my favorite look of all the generations is ND RF too up in that VERY limited orange and then the red the same way. But I don’t begrudge you top-down goodness.

[@Daniel-rw2gy]

Most people would say the RF is the better looking type (including me$

[@chrishoang2005]

I probably get automatic

[@angelomanzi9272]

“You won’t be able to put 12 foot paddles on the back of this Miata” 😂

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@JdA210]

Solid review as usual my dude. I need to get behind the bidness end of one of those Miata RF’s fo shizzle!!!! Strong work and keep em coming brother.

[@JSH-do5qf]

I haven't driven the car. But I would have a manual one.

[@RaitisRides]

AGREED!

[@TheMomoStudio]

I love how detailed you were!

[@Peachgirl5677]

I love my 2019 RF Grand Touring Automatic Eternal Crystal Blue Mica!! I got mine last March and just love it!!! I get told all the time how people love my car and how pretty it is ! I fully agree. It is a beautiful car! I am still learning all about my car, but the automatic is definitely the way to go when driving in the city of Atlanta. ❤

[@nikhilshetty007]

I would buy a manual for the added security that most young thieves won’t be able to steal my car 😂😂😂

[@RaitisRides]

So true about that!

[@chrishoang2005]

That antenna can be removed, right?

[@shakur144]

Replace it with a stubby

[@IZEONER1]

What happens when those speakers in the seat blow out lol

[@DSKim-ej5uf]

Good video! I looked very good. What do you think of Jimmy Hendrix? If you like my guitar and harmonica you will be happy.

[@mariasoares6758]

Please post another video for the 2020 Miata.

[@RaitisRides]

Will do Maria! Have you seen this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3qWfq2ijMmIjas

[@mariasoares6758]

@@RaitisRides No, I will check it. Thank you!

[@sajeeshkumar6829]

Hi Joe.... i am a huge fan of you,like to see you bringing a latest model honda accord coupe

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for the support I will track one down for you!

[@amill1563]

Joe will you have project cars you will be working on now that you are a Youtubist? Errrr...KZbinr?

[@RaitisRides]

We are moving in that direction!

[@miketoyo496]

This little car is a pure enjoyment.

[@dougiequick1]

Only two reasons to consider ...first is along the lines you are one legged or in someway physically comprimised to the point a clutch just is not in the cards. Then the other reason is you are a frequent commuter in an area with frequent snails pace stop and go traffic....an hour of clutching every 20 feet makes anyone hate they are driving a manual transmission car ....but other than these two reasons? WHO in the HELL would buy one of these fun go carts with an automatic???? Seriously??? EVEN if you don't know how to drive a manual! Have the salesman at the Mazda dealer teach you on one of their cars! Lol....Just say "I only will buy a manual but I don't know how...if you want to sell me a car? Teach me! ....10 minutes and you will have the basics enough to drive home ....Go to an empty after hours parking lot and just practice stop and start over and over and over....piece of cake... BTW IF you already can ride a manual transmission motorcycle? Then your brain is already fully trained how to feed a clutch out .....same thing with hand or foot just mastering the gradual engagement as throttle is applied off the line etc....easy peasy

[@johnedwards2932]

Hey Joe . . . How about giving us an update on the upcoming changes to the exterior and interior enhancements to the 2021 Mazda MX-5 RF GT. Thanks!

[@RaitisRides]

Stay tuned!

[@johnedwards2932]

@@RaitisRides Thanks Joe! Will keep watching!

[@christianeshelman8195]

This is one car they really should have a forced induction option. Miata S.

[@RaitisRides]

You need to drive one!

[@blairbrown4812]

This is the exact spec of Miata I would want, if I was in the market for a Miata. Maybe get the Soul Red color....

[@ampiciline]

don't agree with your comment on 5:06 ..." Nothing is slapped on " ....well ,please look at that "back up camera " ....it is THE ugliest back up camera position I have ever seen in any cars ....They just slapped on it because USA regulations required back up camera .....

[@yermailmain206]

I also hate my antenna on my s2000. You need a lot of body work to get rid of it😢

[@RaitisRides]

You are totally right!

[@Daniel-rw2gy]

No.

[@HansDelbruck53]

A Miata with an automatic transmission? That's automotive heresy young man! Perish the thought. Also, we need to see more Lori.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right Hans! We are working on getting Lori some time!

[@TheBishop12]

HansDelbruck53 every other generation of Miata (NA/NB/NC) has had an automatic option, why should this be any different? You would have thought they would have dropped the automatic transmissions by now if they shared the same view as you. Sales figures help pay for continued manual options so by you or anyone buying manuals you are actually funding directly back towards automatics lol. It’s a win win man especially with Mazda still keeping manuals despite faster sports cars like corvette and mustang going into 10-speed automatics, unless you think automatic is ok at a certain speed. I liken it to nature reserves charging for and allowing hunting so the money gets put back into conservation. Also it’s good to keep the car available to all unlike the S2000, which was unable to adapt and was only offered in manual, keeping it exclusive to a certain group but sales suffered and it died.

[@MidwestDankAlumni]

How's it compared to a brz?

[@Arome909]

I can't decide. Brz or Miata . What you think?

[@MidwestDankAlumni]

@@Arome909 without having driven either, I'm gonna let my subie bias win out lol

[@angelomanzi9272]

Jamarr Bowen you should take the time you drive both and decide for yourself. I don’t think opinions on either would do it justice, both car brands have stepped their game up tremendously this year.

[@michaelsison5097]

Mpg wins by a mile with miata...

[@alansmilealot]

The answer is no.... Why, because I will buy one used 13yrs later and don't want to see the miata market flooded with automatics. I think that's how the NC market was for the Hardtop, I see mostly automatics.

[@maximusm1716]

Hey there Mr.! Maybe a stupid question, but I gotta ask: is this WAY MORE silent than the cloth version with the roof on?

[@67wildwolf]

They still use clay models? When did car design centers stop using them? Cause clay models are the still used in prototype designs.Door panel exterior color comes on all trims.

[@emncali]

whats the difference in the 0-60mph on automatic and manual for the rf? i heard auto is 7.9 seconds and manual is 6.8 seconds. that doesnt sound right to me

[@johnnyparker2128]

I said I would never drive an automatic until I moved back to the SF Bay Area. Traffic is crazy so I traded in my NC manual Miata for a MKIII TTS

[@moondog_radio]

I have that exact car. Love it a ton. Very fun.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo! But sensuously there are some good reasons if you NEED the auto. It just hurts when you know how much your Raiti’s Ride family is missing out on when they go auto.

[@b3r15ky]

Hi Joe, How is this Miata comparing to the new (2022) BRZ, with same transmission?

[@671021]

without all options 50000$ was the price of a barebone mx-5 rf here...

[@slowbaruu22]

Ive been to Ed Morse Mazda so many times you should get one of those cookies they have

[@mariasoares6758]

Great video! Amazing explanations 🙏🇵🇹.

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you so much for saying that!

[@mariasoares6758]

@@RaitisRides you are welcome! It was perfect 👍.

[@JJ-ls7fq]

Love the ride and review, Joe. So, manual or automatic? Cloth top or hard top?

[@RaitisRides]

If it were were my garage I would go cloth and manual.

[@JJ-ls7fq]

@@RaitisRides It's easier to figure out why one would prefer a manual, but why the cloth top?

[@tomokokishi3066]

70% of all the MX-5 sold in Japan are automatic. It’s got to be good.

[@RaitisRides]

Really? Where did you get that number?

[@advancegm]

Great review Joe, as usual! It’s similar in Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines....traffic can get horrendous during peak hours. For our Asian markets the MX5 RF Manual Transmission comes equipped with Limited Slip Differential whereas the Auto Transmission is without (as per spec sheet). However the auto comes with mazda’s Skyactiv Drive automatic transmission, so wouldn’t it have a lock up clutch connected to the torque converter capability once the car is above 8km/h? Joe could you very this with the folks at Mazda? Did you feel any difference when driving the MT vs AT with regards to wheel slippage at twisty bends or on gravel roads? Many thanks Joe, looking forward for your assessment, perhaps you can do a comparison video, if possible? Many thanks!

[@TheChenny73]

Maybe, but in America at least in my neck of the woods the automatics sit on the lot....the manuals move very quickly

[@Daniel-rw2gy]

That’s just sad

[@Raedz_media]

Nice looking car ... im just about to get my liscense and go to college .. is this car a good pick for a first car ?

[@mindspinn311]

Club with BBS/Brembo gets leather if you don’t get Recaro seats. The automatic is a great option for this car. The manual is fun and has good feel, one of the best, but it’s not a requirement for the Miata to be enjoyable whatsoever.