The 2019 Mazda Miata RF Club Highlights why You Need to drive a Miata - ONE TAKE

[@sephiros9883]

"It will probably change how you judge cars for the rest of your life". I can vouch for that. Very true words.

[@TK-gz2sl]

True. I never looked back after my first time with an NA. The car after that was an NB, and now the RF. All 3 were daily drivers. I don't care for the horsepower war. The driving feedback, handling, and the fact that I have full control (not a computer) is what makes driving enjoyable.

[@oneanddone7992]

@ Find a nice '85 NA MR2 manual. Same thing. Though, any Miata is better. The best transmissions I have ever rowed are 1) S2000, and 2) my NA. Utterly perfect trans, and ergonomics. The cars are efn masterpieces, and they made them by the boatload.

[@MP_pov]

Agree. I own an NC 2.0 Sport and had an NB a few years back. Both daily drivers. Whenever I think of getting a new car I look for Miata qualities (responsive, fun at low speeds and in corners, ideally a purpose built sports car chassis, enthusiast car built by enthusiasts). Couldn't drive a regular city hatchback, saloon or SUV.

[@Fritttenfrau]

@@MP_pov What are your alternatives then for cheap, reliable and fun cars that are not small twoseaters? Had that argument with the dealer where I bought my ND. He agreed that no other car will match that driving feel if you don't have the money for a Porsche

[@MP_pov]

@@Fritttenfrau I moved on from the Miata to a BMW e93 with a straight six. Needed more space for passengers and comfort. If we're talking used, there's choice here in the UK - BMW Z4 (2 generations), an old Boxster if you can find a well maintained example, GT86/BRZ, perhaps a 370Z... I am tempted by the GT86 now as the Beemer is too heavy and lazy (not to mention cost), and I have had two Celicas before so have a soft spot for Toyota coupes. Just have to try the engine / feel if the torque dip will be an issue...

[@GregsTurtleHaven]

I was a valet for years and also drove high end cars to parties for demos, shows, etc. Miatas were always my favorite

[@TheSmokingTire]

This dude knows. ZK

[@jimj2683]

@@TheSmokingTire New Miata or used 987 Boxster?

[@TripedalTroductions]

​@@jimj2683 Now that's a tough one. Flip a coin. 🙂

[@DreamArchitect]

Miata reliability

[@Kee_Diddy]

This video made me miss my Miata so much. It really was such a magical experience. I was still working construction at the time, and I'd arrive to job sites in my Miata, and the feeling of pulling all of my tools out of the trunk after having a euphoric early morning drive with the top down was/is an unrivaled experience for me. That car was so thoughtful about its place in the world, and what it meant to have a good drive. I think this video convinced me that I need another Miata in my life, at some point. Thank you!

[@duxcalcifer1613]

The new ones are pricey, but they really are so fun to drive. I am glad I was finally able to buy mine. I think it may be my favorite car I've ever owned. Mines a manual transmission, most of my cars are.

[@robertharmon2792]

The Miata continues to impress, I loved my 1G and you're right everyone needs to drive a Miata, any year. HP numbers are more of a distraction than anything when it comes to evaluating how good a sports car is. By the way Zack, you have really grown as a journalist over the years, you are well spoken, clever, and you carry a presence of class & distinction, nicely done.

[@TheSmokingTire]

IM CLASSY AS FUCK! *Slams a Busch light and passes out on my notebook* ZK

[@mot1343]

I drove muscle cars for years. One day, I drove the Miata and was shocked by how how much more fun it was. I bought a Miata asap. Best car I ever owned!

[@jasonnelson1211]

Same here. I traded in my Dodge Charger for a Miata RF

[@aew1513]

Audi S4 with active suspension and torque vectoring diff for Miata RF. Then traded that ND1 for a ND2.

[@kirkdavis2654]

I just bought a 2019 RF at the end of the year awesome deal. I freaking love it I'm 6 ft. tall and fit fine. I make excuses in my head to drive it, dang I'm almost out of laundry detergent..... well it's time to drive😁

[@audiwankenobi361]

You crazy! Ha!... And I'm jealous!

[@flash-rz6vq]

Same. Sometimes I drive just to drive it

[@lordflyquad4721]

Yeah, I purposely forget stuff on the way home, especially in nice weather. Oh, damn honey, I forgot to stop by your brother's and pick up that stuff .... I'll be back in a little while... And with the Miata, I throw the top back and drive the balls off the thing without getting arrested, and without it EVER breaking. I'm on my 4th one ... I love them all, every gen ...just get one, trust me!

[@BullittBill87]

That’s awesome... however, I’m 6’ 210 lbs and can not sit in it comfortably. Maybe I need a bit more recline or leg room. if I fit well I’d most likely have one too!

[@mikeb9569]

10 years later and I'm still making excuses. You can't help but improve your driving skills with Miata ownership, that's why the fun never stops!

[@crisj45]

My MX5 is my therapy, driving at late at night topdown with my favourite 80’s music is so relaxing.

[@nastang87xx]

Anyone who thinks that the Miata isn't a car worth driving is 14 and watches too many review videos of Ferraris and is just a regurgitating tool.

[@jmirsp4z]

i drive a honda beat. not even an mx-5 beats the beat.

[@israelmunoz7899]

Why u soooo maaaaaaad tho!

[@joshua90z]

Israel Munoz I don’t think he’s mad. With the way you reacted, I think he hit a nerve

[@ccollins_24]

Nokturnal Honda Beat, the official car of cognitive psychology on 4 wheels.

[@jamesgand828]

I have yet to come a cross anyone who has said anything bad about a Miata. Think those 14 year olds are just a myth.

[@Zcypot]

in a world of WHP hungry people, im glad the miata formula has remained mostly the same.

[@flush_entity]

The miata is one with the mountain roads, hence all the animals coming to see what its all about

[@TheSmokingTire]

well done. ZK

[@slaWterCH]

The best sports car on the market.

[@fidobite3798]

I have come to love my '17 RF... bought used a yr ago with 12k on it - a flawless garage queen - "touring" model 6-sp with all the options - brick brown leather - $24k. An absolute joy to drive even with just 155hp. If you want more Edelbrock makes a sweet supercharger kit good for 200hp+!

[@MrSlowestD16]

I never really thought much of the miata, but then I started an exocet project, which requires a miata donor, so I picked up a $1500 NA with a soft top falling apart, no rear window, and a body appealing to literally nobody, and drove that around for a month to make sure the engine was sound before the exocet chassis arrived. In that 1 month of driving it I utterly fell in love with it. So small, so easy to drive, so fun to blast around town with, then I started taking it to autoX events and it was a blast there too. An absolute blast. Hopefully I finish the exocet project soon and can enjoy this fun go-kart again. I thought it wouldn't be any more fun than a civic because of the horsepower on paper, but it is much more fun. I've owned a few liter bikes that do 0-100mph in 5 seconds and STILL, this thing makes you ear-to-ear when you're zipping around an autoX track or even around town, because it's seriously a hilarious go-kart that's a blast to drive, even if only to work. About 6mo or 9mo ago I rented the ND for 2 days on Turo, and it was equally as fun as, it has't lost any of that spirit at all.

[@crazycxr]

Would not believe that it makes you smile even more than a un liter bike 😯

[@MrSlowestD16]

@@crazycxr I should elaborate, it's a different kind of fun entirely. Winding out an R1 is life changing acceleration, totally bonkers, but you need to be semi-responsible with it because that much power can get you into a terrible situation *SO* quickly. Things just happen so fast at that levels of power that you can kill yourself very easily. You're often concentrating hard to make sure you don't screw up, especially if on a public road. A slight bump in the wrong place with that kind of acceleration (this was before traction control) can send you into a tree dead, so you're constantly assessing the pavement, making sure you can get full traction on it while WOT in 1st. The Miata on the other hand is fun at slow speeds. You can mess around with it on public roads and still only be going 40mph. You can row through 3 gears and barely be breaking the speed limit (those liter bikes for reference can do near 100mph in 1st gear). You can pound on it without pretty much any risk of it biting you back. They're just a complete hoot in a much less dangerous situation. The car never gets away from you - it doesn't have the power to get away from you. It doesn't suddenly break traction in a straight-ish line because the pavement isn't optimal. You don't have those constant existential threats weighing over you when you have fun. So yea, different kind of fun entirely. The liter bikes are fun b/c they're like rocket ships for the road, and can easily kill you if you don't respect them. The Miata is fun because you can have a total blast in it with very little threat. It's the type of careless fun you get when you're playing video games as a kid. Just beat on it & enjoy.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Finally someone addresses bat attacks whilst driving a convertible. Thank you good sir!

[@zackklapman3569]

The globalists don't want us talking about it!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Zack Klapman ain’t that the truth!

[@driver_18]

Analogue gauge... perfect! I’m glad they didn’t join the digital gauge party.

[@tomokokishi3066]

I'm bit worried that mazda will replace with a digital display in the next facelift. Digital are cheaper these days.

[@driver_18]

Tomoko Kishi thats very unfortunate...

[@Kjetil523]

I'll gladly pay a bit more for analogue!

[@arttafil6792]

As a former fighter pilot the interior is just right!

[@johntechwriter]

The car's fuselage design, which wraps around the driver and all the controls fall to hand, should feel familiar,

[@foodguy6761]

I'm 285, 5'9", 43 and love mine. Have had one for about the past 14 years. He's spot on!

[@maximilianoluera6679]

The Miata is the only car I would ever consider buying new.

[@homejuju7293]

Exactly my same thoughts. I’m buying one next year.

[@johntechwriter]

Yes, it's worth the financial commitment to buy new, especially using Mazda's low-interest finance plan. The initial outlay is balanced off by the car being incredibly cheap to run and holding its value on the resale market.

[@AdamAllen]

Kudos to Mazda for continuing to make a simply amazing real sports car.

[@mjon5706]

I've got a 2019 ST club and I'm loving it. It has one of the best pedal boxes I've ever had the pleasure of operating. Ranks right up there with S2K, 997, 996, 993, and the NSX. No auto rev match needed here.

[@NoahTheFacts]

When you have something annoyingly resonate at just one frequency, get a tone generator App for your phone, connect to the car stereo, find the tone and volume that makes it rattle, then go hunting. You can usually tighten a screw, pad or grease the back of the panel to eliminate the buzz.

[@cruzilla6265]

Brilliant

[@montycrain5783]

Always Designed from the start as a Club racer. Double wishbone “Indy Style” suspension front and rear. No McPherson strut economy suspension.

[@shortstories3349]

I traded in my 2018 Kia Cadenza for a 2020 Miata RF GT recently. I thought I had a solid car that I could enjoy driving with the Kia; and then I drove the RF. The dream car since it released back in 2016-2017. I wanted it back then for how cool it looked. Then, when I finally drove it; I wanted it even more. Went home with it at 35K, and I do not regret a single thing. It's my daily car, and I look forward to going to work and going home every time. What a wonderful little car, I only hope that Mazda keeps making this little thing for years to come; because it is that good.

[@nismo2070]

I LOVE my 04 Miata!! Driving it with the top down on a twisty road is therapy.

[@cltnthecultist]

I'd love to see more solo Zack videos. He's got a great dryness about him, yet still seems like he's really enjoying himself. This was a great vid.

[@dremarcos]

Potentially, one of the best reviews I have watched. There was a level of care and attention to the information being relayed that is seldom seen. I have had the pleasure of driving quite a few MX5’s across the generations, on road and on track, and also the RF when it launched. They are a barometer for feel and fun. Have to agree with a great majority of what you mentioned about feel and chassis dynamics, and then the overall value proposition. I came away from my RF drive impressed with a great many of its attributes, but fundamentally feeling like, when it came to putting hand in pocket and parting with cash, that it would be difficult to justify to myself. I have an RX8 as a track car/weekend car, (I know I know, but it has fantastic dynamics and 9k rpm...so.....) and didn’t feel that I would be a great deal more for the bucks (reliability is a diminishing factor for me considering the RX8’s usage I my life). All things said, those are subjective elements, this video however - well, this was very enjoyable!

[@grubinski]

AND ... no stupid commercial to start it off.

[@TheSmokingTire]

@@grubinski We have to pay for gas somehow.

[@charleslowry2513]

I bought a 2019 RF GT last August and have greatly enjoyed it. Zero issues but one nitpick for me is the leather seats. During warm weather and the top down, my back gets sweaty; either go cloth or hope Mazda finds a way to get ventilated seats. Regarding price,well, it does feel a bit high. However, one thing to note is that it is a dedicated platform designed from the ground up. I think the cost for such a niche vehicle had to be passed to the consumer to some degree. I do not feel like I made a mistake buying it (first time Miata owner) as it is such a joy to drive.

[@garyprince2867]

Every drive - and I mean every drive - is a pleasure in my '17 RF GT.

[@davedonnelly8681]

Very much agree with Zac here. every one should drive a miata/mx5. I used to be very against MX5s but i decided to bite the bullet and buy one 4 years ago. Even though my MX5 NC was incredibly unreliable (i got a lemon) it was a real eye opener that horsepower is not every thing. I then decided to take a leap of faith and bought a RX8. 6 months in so far and could not be happier.

[@EjinRenos]

The MX5 has become a very solid car. Shedding off the image of its previous name, the ND2 MX5 now outdoes the S2k in straights now stock for stock. The RF is so stylish, bringing an image of the old 72 Corvette or the Lotus Elise with its flat rear deck and fastback look. The road noise is also less than the softop unless you hit crosswinds. No longer is it the "miata" that people remember being just a tiny and cute, yet it still remains one of the few driver cars out there. I've driven other cars like 986 Porsche boxster, S2000, Mercedes SLK r172, and even older MX5s - this car is a solid thing to enjoy on the road without needing to be faster like many others.

[@mattl2k6]

I've had two, a 2004 Sport with LSD and currently have a 1.6 Eunos that is pretty bare bones, open diff, small brakes etc but it's still a blast to drive. Not only did I really learn how to drive behind the wheel of these too I also taught myself a fair bit about the mechanical and maintenance side. They're such great cars in many ways and I'm glad Mazda are keeping the spirit alive with the new model (Let's not talk about the NC :P)

[@marottpa]

Great description of what its like to floor the accelerator. Your one takes are getting better and better, keep it up!

[@doriangray2347]

I have a 180 mph 718 Porsche. I miss my 2019 RF club. Strange. And, my 718 T is below 3000 lbs by a little. But, it does not flow and conform like the ND2 RF. Now, the spec to get next time is the club’s Brembo and bbs wheels. That’s a lot of unsprung weight removed and completely removes brake fade on a mountain

[@ollyvoxx]

Same, though I'm sitting in a CT4 Blackwing, also manual. For now, its my do-everything car, but once my partner and I grab The Family Car next year, I'm getting back in a Miata. I miss it too much.

[@ericgarrison5097]

Correction,the original Miata w the 1.6 came w only 106-115hp,it wished it had 130hp. Not knocking ur videos or even this video, please don't take it that way,I like ur videos. Anyway,ur probably right about it changing folks minds after driving it, that's exactly what changed mine. I used to hate those lil cars(hairdresser cars), til a relative bought an NB. Don't get me wrong, they're still underpowered but handle like they're on rails,and isn't that difficult to swap out that motor. No,I'm not talking bout an LS either. I'm a huge fan of the LS , esp boosted engines but, it's too much for that 2200-2500lb car. Sure anyone can put 1 in it but, if you wanna drive it regularly probably not gonna happen. Not cause it can't handle it but,cuz u can't get a wide enough wheel to actually get real traction w it. Better swaps r v6's(LFX,AJ30 etc) or even those Honda K20/24's , they'll be a ton of fun 2 drive also. Put in the 320hp LFX or a turbo K20,and it will embarrass a new mustang/Camaro in a race. I love my Camaro/mustang's too,but 30mpg and runnin 11-12's in the qtr is a lot of fun too

[@CasualGearheads]

Heh, that "1.6 made 130hp" made me shudder a bit too :D Glad someone came out and said it so I don't have to be the dick. Would love it if my 1.6 put out 130hp though.

[@zatharos6427]

Those who doubt the Miata dont deserve any explication in all honesty. All they care about is high horsepower and drag strip times

[@TheSmokingTire]

I believe in educating the people on this. People are missing out. ZK

[@zatharos6427]

TheSmokingTire i guess. But then there’s always people who just aren’t willing to learn sadly.

[@newearthhumanangel8930]

I have a 90’ NA with suspension from flyin Miata stage 2.5 the best they sell. Also a hard dog double diagonal roll bar... I just had the head replaced with a fully rebuilt one from treasure coast Miata.... it has 80k miles on it and drives like a dream.... clutch is getting tired but still shifts perfectly. I would really like to get into an ND and this video reaffirms that even more... Mazda is no joke they hit a grand slam in 1989 with the first MX5 and continue the tradition of top down roadster motoring to this day. I will ALWAYS own a Miata....

[@tizodd6]

They are pretty impressive driver cars. I drove my friend's '91 about 10 years ago and it was the most fun I've ever had driving. And I had a '93 Rx-7 at the time...

[@JonDoee2343]

Nice mention of Skip Barber. I didn't think anything about Miatas until I did the 2 day Advanced School and could hardly keep up in a 911 in lead follow with the instructor. Great car...

[@agunther08]

I''m smitten, I love mine. It's dumb to love a car this much. Perfectly happy. I love the look , the feel, it's just a great little toy. Don't buy it as your main car, that's not what this car is about. It's purely for fun and it is pure fun. Put the top down turn up the radio and enjoy the curves. There are faster cars sure, but I have never found one with such a playful disposition. I'm in Michigan so I'm waiting for spring until then thanks for the driving fix.

[@158158cow]

I test drove my first Miata in early 2018, then test drove another a year later when I needed a newer car. Bought a 2017 RF the week after. They’re spectacular in many ways! Edit: All of the additional power in the ND2 engines comes in after ND1 redline, so ND1s are no slouch when it comes to mid-range.

[@mikeb9569]

I believe it's better to turbo or supercharge the ND1.

[@johntechwriter]

The ND2's torque comes on lower in the rev range, resulting in a smooth and progressive power band from 4k to redline. That is the new engine's primary advantage.

[@158158cow]

@@johntechwriter Untrue. Check out comparison dyno charts online. All of the ND2's power comes in over 6000rpm. An ND1 with header and tune would likely outperform the ND2 in a 10-60 run

[@aninspiredname]

I remember my first bat attack...

[@danielthomas2621]

aninspiredname what was her name lol

[@TheSmokingTire]

It's the danger that just might be in your town next!

[@dannelson4843]

At the end of the day it about what you like. Fast is relative. I have a 124 Spider Abarth that is built on the same chassis. The 1.4L turbo tops out at 145mph stock. For a car that is a little larger than a gocart, only weighs a shade over 2K lbs and corners like a Ferrari that's fast. With a tune and mods 220hp/250 torque is easy to achieve. Then you are driving a little rocket. The point is having fun and realizing this isn't a supercar. It's made to put a smile on you face. Mission accomplished at 1/10 the price.

[@ricepony33]

I’ve had my 94R NA close to 20 years and it has been absolutely amazing, super reliable, always fun and just ‘right’ in so many ways. Looking forward to picking up a used ND2 in a few years. The interior actually feels smaller than an NA btw.

[@TheSmokingTire]

Hmmmm I think they both feel small. I'd have to sit in them side by side. ZK

[@adambankoff8525]

Nice I have a 94 myself.

[@mr.adventure559]

As a Miata owner I can tell you they sell for alot because of reputation and name brand...Mine is modified and it makes me feel like I'm in a race car because of how you sit, the responsiveness, and how connected to the car you feel as you're taking quick tight turns.

[@mikeb9569]

You are in a race car.

[@pwally2714]

Your journalism, explanations, and descriptions are on par with Chris Harris. I'm really becoming a really big fan of yours. You are a true car enthusiast's car enthusiast.

[@jareknowak8712]

This would be such a nice car as true coupe!

[@mrmonday42]

Yeah, the Toyota 86 needs a true competitor.

[@studio4fifteen]

M iata I s A always T he A nswer

[@TheSmokingTire]

Get a welder and it becomes a coupe. ZK

[@BlitzMekanika]

And it would weight less with a fixed hardtop.

[@jareknowak8712]

@@BlitzMekanika and the body will be stiffer.

[@rembo183]

I bought a hardtop Soul Red GT RF (not the Club). But a manual with the LSD and Bilstein shocks. Price was $35k. Not bad for the experience. No RECAROS, BREMBO, BBS wheels, but no need AND saved the $4,000. FUN AND AFFORDABLE. BUDGET BOXSTER!

[@joseph-ow1hf]

For my midlife crisis, I toyed w/ idea of getting used Boxster or Elise, but I think the smarter move would be an ND MX5. Even new, it would be in the same price range and far more reliable. On the road, the MX5 would probably be more fun as you can drive more to limit without going to jail.

[@jauspac]

I used to be one of those guys that didn't pay attention to these cars and maybe even gave them the often thrown around "hairdresser's car" label. But my eyes have been opened after having done track days both on the autocross circuit and road course circuit and sharing the track with these little beasts. First of all, there's a reason why there are so many of them at any given amateur club track event. They are a force to be reckoned with, especially on the autocross course where power matters alot less and handling, tires, brakes and driver skill alot more. But they're not exactly a slouch on the road course either. They can keep up or even sometimes embarrass cars with alot more power depending on the type of track. Most miatas seen at track days or going to be the NA and NB models because they can be had relatively easily and cheaply, parts are cheap and readily available, and you don't have to worry too much about light damage or wear and tear on the body. But i'm really impressed with the performance and styling of the new ND. These cars are quickly gaining popularity on track days already.There's a reason that the spec miata race series is quite popular too. Plus, regardless of how quick or slow they are relative to other cars on a given track day, they are just fun, chuckable cars on the track or street, especially since they're not overpowered whatsoever, so you can explore the handling at 9/10s and not kill yourself. Second, there's tons of aftermarket tuning support. Thirdly, with not so much modding, these cars can look bad ass. A set of aggressive wheels and tires, lowered suspension and a nice hardtop already does the job.

[@askanracing]

i dont think you should consider a 184hp MX5 to be "slow" or "not fast", i haven't driven many cars that can take roundabouts as fast as an mx5, floor it in second or third without TC and you spin the rear and then you'r doing 60 mph.

[@amill1563]

Today I learned Duck Dentist.

[@rembo183]

Excellent and honest review. There are many used clean low mileage examples where you can save thousands. Also, as you say, the base version soft top with a manual is a great option as a second weekend toy. I own a 2008 NC retractable hardtop with leather and Bose I paid $10k for. It’s my daily and I love it! Reliable cheap fun. As you correctly said this is a great car to drive. The best option is a nice used one. Wait a couple of years for the new engine to get a depreciation discount.

[@300zxdriver]

I have 2002 love it. Very reliable and cheap to repair.

[@extraordinarywolf320]

I had a early model Miata and the one thing I remember was how much fun it was to drive.

[@mikeb9569]

No car has given me as much confidence to push beyond the limits of grip. It is so well balanced, so well mannered and predictable.

[@johnnyd768]

Mr. Smoking Tire is 100% correct. You don't need to buy an MX 5, just go drive one and any misconceptions of this vehicle will be changed. I was in the market for a new car, test drove an RF and fell in love two miles into the drive and purchased one the same day. If you drive one and still think less of the MX 5, I'd respect that. However, if you are judging on appearance or lack of horsepower, you need to borrow one or take one for a test drive like TheSmokingTire says. Owning this car for me is like discovering my new favorite beer. I need more of this in my life...

[@oneanddone7992]

I've owned scores of cars. Without question, my 1990 NA is the most engaging, fun, perfect car of anything I have ever driven. They have only improved over the years.

[@JackieTreehoorn]

Great lil car, MSRP is very relative, especially in down markets. The new clubs are MSRP of $34K to $38K, but dealers are online advertising at $31-$32K, which is the start, they’ll all go down. Grand Tour RF’s(new 2019) are also advertised for $33-$34K, I mean like 50 cars. You can buy these cars new for $30k, maybe $31K all day if you’re willing to work it, especially in this down economy. I deal for a living so it’s part of the fun

[@yannickg6904]

One of the last few "affordable" driver's cars.

[@richardhaas9519]

Just bought a '22 RF GT. Love it.

[@David-cn8zi]

The ND Miata is so much fun to drive! And also no more expensive to buy and run than a Golf. To me the stock suspension is a bit soft and doesn't quite cut it above 7/10ths, even with the optional Bilstein dampers. I'd much rather have an ND1 with really good aftermarket coilovers than a stock ND2.

[@s.flanders]

As an owner of the lower-power ND, I won't allow myself to be convinced that the ND2 is worth the trade. I've been enjoying mine so much that there's no good reason for me to let it go. But also, I'll always take the soft top over the RF, and I live in Washington, and the Miata is my only car.

[@MuIqHa93]

Almost spat out my ramen when you said "It sounds like a dentist is doing work on a duck" XD

[@theHardyMonster1984]

The shifter throw in this car is the best I've ever felt in any car I have ever driven. Its short and very crisp. The traction control kicks in sometimes if you can do it fast enough which let's you know even the computer had trouble keeping up.

[@crapcork]

Love your articulate reviews, Sir! No wonder Matt loves to have you by his side :)

[@ShadowRing0219]

I got a 2020 RF loaner from Mazda becuase it was being serviced and let me tell you. I have never had so much fun with a car! It was definitely worth every mile. I agree with the 2nd car idea. It’s too impractical for a primary form of transportation.

[@WitzyZed]

My 08 Forester is in the body shop (following a hit and run I suffered last week), and Enterprise had a 2021 MX5 in the lot. It's been a FUN couple of days!

[@dannyferguson9415]

So glad to see Zacks One-Takes again!

[@Jimmieadamsp]

I don't think Matt could fit in this car

[@timefly4221]

The miata is a great car. I had one for 10 years with suspension mods and a supercharger. I wouldn't do that again; too much work setting it all up and keeping it running smoothly. It's plenty fun in stock form. I have a C6 corvette GS now, but I still have much respect for the Miata. I'd own one again if I couldn't afford another 'vette for some reason.

[@crxdelsolsir]

1:43 "You need to borrow one... it will change the way you judge cars for the rest of your life" Mazda borrowed a Honda Delsol => Miata RF Mazda and Miata Mx5 will never be the same again The Mazda RF is the biggest acknowledgement the Honda Delsol was a fantastic car. I have been driving a Del Sol for over 15 years and never a regret.

[@jked7463]

I had an NB & NC. I now have a mustang. You drive a mustang. You wear a miata. Not the fastest....but the most fun.

[@gtmike916]

LS Swap it and you get both out of the Miata.

[@jked7463]

@@gtmike916 horsepower, horsepower, horsepower. I've had horsepower. As you get older you realize how juvenile the obsession with horsepower is. As you get older, balance, technique, precision become more fun. Enough horsepower is only needed to balance the car in a corner. Changing out the car with an ls would destroy the balance and purity of the car. Maybe swapping out std engine with the 2.5 liter would be good. But the ls is too tim the tool man.

[@gtmike916]

@@jked7463 Tell that to Flying Miata and anyone who races with heavily modified ones with LS Swaps. 50/50 weight and 500+ wheel with under 2,600 lbs of weight is NOTHING to scoff or sneeze at. Also funny you say that when you drive a Mustang which is less balanced and way heavier.

[@marvinkastner934]

the fact that they don't waste room in senseless seats on the back makes me instantly want to buy one.

[@tomokokishi3066]

Miata Is Always The Answer.

[@richardhoulton4016]

Solo, without the requirement to lug much more than a laptop, you can absolutely daily these and they are comfortable too. They ride well. Light clutch, nice gearshift, and a surprisingly torquey engine, that doesn’t need a lot of cog swapping if you are not in a hurry, makes heavy traffic easy. And they run on the smell of a oily rag.

[@atlantasailor1]

I have an NB special edition miata 2001 and a Lotus Elise. The Miata is easier to drive but the Elise is faster. With the Elise you cannot relax driving because the steering is so fast. You can relax a bit with the Miata. You will feel every bump in the Elise- not so much the Miata. Both great cars!!!

[@JW-gj6kw]

Find a local autocross club and ask when they have an open day. These clubs are always looking for members, you will learn to drive fast properly from experienced drivers in a safe environment, and there are always Miata's. I have been to both of my local clubs and it has been an awesome experience with great people.

[@NDEEZMiata]

19 SS 1LE owner here... I turo'd a Miata ND (autotragic) in Hawaii last year....honestly the most fun car I've ever driven. Even though the auto is absolutely shit....still a blast to drive and the speed you can carry is nuts. (and it feels like 200 mph lol) I would 100% own one as a second car if I could, just too small for me as a daily. They get stellar fuel economy even if you drive the hell out of it and running costs will be minimal. (whereas a camaro, tires are like $1800....) The 19 engine really makes all the difference, it doesn't feel slow. It has enough to feel fun. 100% worth getting a 19.

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

It’s fun , it’s shifting is buttery smooth , it’s beautiful, ……

[@clementcelma]

It's a fantastic sport car, and yes, everybody should drivetest one. The last generation is still exciting, which is a miracle for the power range in this day and age, it's just 15k too expensive.

[@BangaloreTrafficMadness]

I will always go for the soft top!

[@mikeb9569]

Me too, especially if I can't drop it all the way. I have to admit, though, that the RF lines are very appealing.

[@MaxSpeedMike]

The 30th anniversary is the ultimate miata. Heated recaros, LSD, factory short throw shifter, brembo brakes, 17 inch rays racing wheels, Alcantara all over the interior, and apple car play. Review coming soon on my channel. There are only 3000 made and only 600 in the states. I hope you can get your hands on one Matt. Stock for stock, it's an AMAZING car to drive and a ton of fun.

[@a97orb]

woah, the new 4cylinder supra looks great.

[@speedemon1992]

The new Supra is a disgrace to the Automobile Industry..

[@Anonymous-qj3ry]

@@speedemon1992 no, it's only a disgrace to it's own name

[@speedemon1992]

@@Anonymous-qj3ry In every way its a disgrace.. I love Toyotas but the Supra is shit!

[@speedemon1992]

@@cj5312 Are you butthurt that Toyota couldnt get off their asses and make a proper car instead they stuck a Toyota badge on a beemer!

[@Nobody-dc8dp]

Can't even get the new Supra in manual... paper weight

[@bedmember]

Zach, this car suits you very well. You should get one.

[@TheSmokingTire]

Can't tell if this is kindness or a subtle burn. ZK

[@bedmember]

TheSmokingTire simply put, could be a good candidate when the time comes to replace the e46. Better if you add it in your garage. Id have to wait a few years for a used one.

[@MrSoremuscles]

I agree! Miata price creep is too high for what it is!!

[@tomokokishi3066]

Miata RF is so well made that even Doug likes it so much.

[@audiwankenobi361]

This is one seriously good looking car.

[@Brisco_County_Jr]

Smart top module. Best $250 I ever spent. Have an NC. Voted the best daily driver of all the generations. Love the look of the ND better though. You don't need alot of those add ons and it'll be a lot close to $30k.

[@aroundomaha]

Miata is on my bucket list. Between SavageGeese series and this I’ll at least test drive/rent one. If I buy one it will be used, and probably the NC.

[@JonasDePrez1]

go NA or ND, you wont enjoy the NC that much

[@LBC_squared]

@@JonasDePrez1 woah woah woah. I love the NC. It drives amazing. Add wheels, and lower it, then it looks amazing

[@alanhung1428]

Checkout @everydaydriver review on the miata as well. They did a feature short film comparing all 4 gen

[@zalcan3620]

@@JonasDePrez1 wrong the NC is far more car than A/B its literally by facts because of the much newer and better platform, stop basing your opinions on memes

[@drno1022]

Don't discount the 124 Abarth. Different engine and the gear box is the previous mx5. That gear box can take higher rpms and torque. The 124 is easier to upgrade also.

[@fhowland]

I’m Turoing one tomorrow!!! Can’t wait!

[@gsgcarreviews]

How was it??

[@fhowland]

@@gsgcarreviews fantastic!!! So much fun to drive. I fell in love with it. It was even smaller than I was expecting, though. Barely room for me and my cell phone lol. I’m 6’2

[@gsgcarreviews]

@@fhowland thats awesome! I gotta try one out myself

[@tomo55554]

I love my ND

[@MrVocalist567]

Let's put this on a T-shirt

[@danielthomas2621]

Tom I love your ND too

[@alangross2277]

So you can't quite choke down the price of a new Club with BBS Package like the one you test drove. The answer to that is buy a lightly used one! I was on the verge of retirement and wanted one, but did not to pay for a new one. I ended up searching for a year or so and finally found the perfect car for me and my budget, a 2018 RF Club with BBS Package and it only had 8,300 miles on the clock! It didn't come with the Recaros in 2018, but in my opinion the stock leather Mazda seats are more comfortable. It was a beautiful car that was a blast to drive! Unfortunately, it met its demise in my garage along with everything else I owned, due to a fire on June 30, 2021. I had just gotten it back from a performance shop after having an AVO Turbo installed, too. Total bummer. But I got enough out of that car to pay cash on a 2021 RF Club with BBS Package, in Machine Gray. It's just like my 2018 with a few refinements, such as a back-up camera, Recaros and an additional 26HP! It's an amazingly beautiful and fun car to drive.

[@Daveyboy_RS3]

I think it makes sense to drive a Miata as it seems to be the benchmark and sets the bar for what the true sports car experience is supposed to be (that most people can afford). So when shopping for a performance car, having driven a Miata will act as a gauge stick, telling you if what you're driving does tick those performance (handling, chassis balance, steering, cornering grip, clutch and shifter action, immediacy) boxes. Obviously you can also use a 718 Cayman as a measuring stick for what a sports car should drive like... But it's mid-engine and lost cars are front engine so it will be a lot differently, so it seems as the Miata is the right car to use as your sports car gauge since it's under 40K and has the traditional sports car recipe of front engine, rear wheel drive, low and aerodynamic shape, and a manual transmission. I've never driven one, but I think after watching this video and some others on the Miata, I really should go out and find a way to take one for a good spin before purchasing my next sports car.

[@gbhrps]

I agree, ... the Miata is a fabulous car ..... if you fit! I test drove the latest version in 2019 and fell in love with its power, agility and fun factor and ROCK SOLID RELIABILITY ... but my wife and I don't fit! If you're after a terrific sports car .. you'd be crazy not to buy this Miata .... unless like me, you don't fit. I'm 6' 3", the seat doesn't go back far enough, the door crowds my left arm, the center console crowds my right leg, and if I'm in the passenger seat, my knees are touching the dash (where the glove box should be). My wife fits, ... but she'll spend most of her time as the passenger ... and the cat converter intrudes so much up into the floor board on the passenger side that her short legs end up one 3 inches higher and uncomfortable compared to the other. Unfortunately the car was sized for smaller people.

[@lynnlittle8671]

I test drove a 2021 Club for a friend of mine that’s shy about test drives a few months ago, and I really wish I hadn’t… That test drive was a life changing experience, I want one so bad it hurts!

[@robertd4468]

I had a 1997 in mint condition with 44k miles on it which I sold for top dollar and I bought a new club sport. I love it.

[@tylerissla7139]

I've driven quite a few cars, out of all of them, the Miata is the one that impressed me the most.

[@nerad1994]

I’ve only driven the NC Miata but damn it was fun as hell to shift that 6 speed. Such a fun zippy car

[@islandon22]

The best handling cars I've owned/driven were: 3. E-Type Jaguar 2. Mazda Miata 1. Lotus Europa (Mid -Engine)

[@RyKillaVntg8509]

The mx5 is SUCH a beautiful car💗😍

[@AllKindsOfCarStuff]

I bought a 2019 Soft Top Club with the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package last June. I am still loving every bit of my ND after almost 10k miles. I would highly recommend it to anyone. I owned a 1990 NA that was my daily driver for around 4 years, and the ND is my daily now. The car is very well built, everything feels super high quality, especially for the price. I agree that the transmission has a great feel, but I have to argue that my NA's shifter felt better in many ways. Other than that, pretty much everything is better on the ND. Please, anyone who can, go out and buy one. You won't regret it.

[@Patrick94GSR]

Austin Cunningham dang I feel like my NB shifter is a bit sloppy even after a shifter rebuild with bronze shift bushing. But then again I’m used to a Honda with a short throw shifter which is like flicking a switch.

[@AllKindsOfCarStuff]

@@Patrick94GSR I really liked how weighted the shifts felt in my NA, that is the main thing. I bought a heavier shift knob but shifting still doesn't feel as good as it did in my NA.

[@JETZcorp]

I love how people complain about the NC being heavy. It's a couple pounds lighter than the NB Mazdaspeed turbo, with more power and no lag. The power hardtop added considerably less weight than the ND RF option. The ND2 is still a lighter and more powerful car than the NC. If you can afford the new one and don't mind the numb electric steering, it's a stunning engineering achievement. But I couldn't be happier with my NC. That's a lie. ITBs or a rotary would make me happier.