Things I Hate about the ND MX-5 Miata RF Club

We recently picked up a new shop car - a 2017 MX-5 Miata RF Club. Overall, we love this car, but this is a list of things we hate.
Music: www.bensound.com

[@golfomaltes4472]

Seriously?! Those are the stupidest things I ever listen as complainings for sports targa car. Buy a Volvo, you'll be happy.

[@Saboda53]

LOVE the body roll! Mazda engineers worked hard to dial that in for the way the vast majority of us drive: around legal speeds on public roads; no auto cross, no track. The playful and FUN body roll is one of the reasons why I bought the car. I like my ND to be fun even on short little trips to Starbucks, 7-11 and the bank at 35 mph. Thanks to the stock suspension, it is.

[@speedcircuit]

For me, the body roll makes it harder to predict past the limits.

[@mkkoper]

@speedcircuit I agee. I have stock Bilsteins and they don’t solve the issue. The car doesn’t give me the confidence in the drive on the limit. I will have to fit aftermarket sway bars to address the issue.

[@ianthomasdooley859]

Drive a vintage MG or Triumph at its limits for a while - then you will absolutely feel comfortable driving at the limits in the ND. It’s all relative. It really comes down to exposure and driver ability.

[@JoeDaFivefoota]

I for one hate the body roll. Got Progress Springs and it solved some of it. Sways and konis are next. I don't track or Auto-X but the body roll does not allow you to feel the upper limit and when you are breaking traction. Not confidence inspiring when on canyon runs.

[@LZKaiMarc]

@@mkkoper change the tyres if you still use the Bridgestones - they are terrible and you cant feel the limit of the car!

[@johndonaldson5126]

I agree about the windows not fully closing after raising the top. When I washed the car some of the soapy water got into the interior of the car making a mess I had to clean up.

[@gregmason2760]

The UK version closes the window after the roof has gone up.

[@HumperMKB]

All of these are cost saving measures. That’s how they are able to make the cheapest fun trackable street car.

[@speedcircuit]

Half of them wouldn't have cost anything to do from the factory

[@HumperMKB]

@@speedcircuit would I be correct to assume that you think auto / one touch close of window and top is easy to accomplish ?

[@StudlySoldier]

I see only using the dial for the infotainment as a plus. I loathe seeing fingerprints all over the glass. I agree about the roof though, apparently mazda was worriedabout people'shair gettingstuck in the mechanism. I added the smarttop to mine. The install was a tight fit, but it works well. I also think 180hp is perfect for street use. The car is so light and small, that driving through the horde of trucks and crossovers that are American roads, you're often the quickest one around. I've never been left wanting for more power daily driving an ND2

[@StudlySoldier]

Also, are you on Instagram?

[@speedcircuit]

@@StudlySoldier Yessir, @SpeedCircuit on IG

[@LZKaiMarc]

the only problem i can see at your car is the driver! you don't understand for what this car really is built for! you are slightly 6feet tall and you don't fit in this car with a helmet? wow what a surprise! it's basically not a racecar, it is a car for enjoying the open road at nice weather for a very affordable price. the security reasons and the following law regulations for the roll up windows and using the roof top are stupid drivers which clamped their or their passengers fingers off! so they have to do it so even they could it better. better mechanical solutions like a full auto roll up mechanism costs money wich makes the car more expensive! if you want this perfection, buy a BMW Z4 Roadster and strip it for racing - it is to expensive?! think about why!

[@rjdavis7503]

200 hp would be perfect, 181 is nice, 300 hp is way too much...

[@14981fc]

if Honda could made a 240hp out of a 2L engine 24 years ago.......

[@ras6488]

My old 2017 GT ST did not have the infotainment system rebooting issue and I did have the Navigation Card installed.

[@mikeb9569]

My 2016 info system has no issue with the card installed.

[@ChrisCryptoCoffee]

Sorry to say but the convertible things that you "hate" are all common among convertibles: having to hold the switch for the entire time it converts, very low speed to activate it. I have the exact same restrictions on my Peugeot 207 CC.

[@angelo747]

For those who opt to buy a floor jack, you'll need to secure it with T bolt or you can use an M8 bolt.

[@mikeb9569]

I did have to order the jack, but mine came with wrenches and T bolt.

[@EjinRenos]

1: touch screen while driving. Personal for some but I don't see an issue given I don't care to fight a bouncing finger to press something. The dial works flawlessly. 2: rear visibility. It's about the same as a Mustang or Camaro, or any coupe. The RF is better than the softtop if the softtop kept its top up. 3: windows should be down if top is down... personally irks me when people drive a convertible with windows up. While I agree a few controller tweaks could make it auto up or auto down agreeably. 4: I dont think any generation of MX5 had visors that swiveled. 5: transmissions failure. There is no rhyme or reason to the failures. They happen to casual drivers, they happen to racers. There's not 3 but 5 transmission revisions and the main issue has been sourced to badly forged gears. However it is worth noting zero ND2s have reported a failure. Maybe it is the dual mass flywheel, or maybe they got rid of the poor gear batch. Also Mazda has been very generous in terms of a manufacturer handling the issue. Some people have had multiple transmission swaps, regardless if you're a racer or not. Even stories of some who just happened to get out of warranty and getting their transmission replaced. It boils down to how you contact Mazda, as almost every dealer will fight you in some way. 5: all pure direct injection engines have trouble with carbon on valves. Even the 90s Porsche had this issue. There's ways to clean em if proactive about it. 7: body roll. So many people cry about it yet it brings this car to life. The body roll is a very minor thing in it, and stiffening it too much removes a lot of control and stability. Could it meet maybe Porsche standards? Yes. Done wrong it could meet S2000 standards, and the car will feel like a go kart instead of a sports car. Rest of the issues are either personal preference or minor gripes to me.

[@speedcircuit]

1 - the dials work well sometimes, other times I find navigating can be tedious and would like to have the option to use the touch screen. It can be especially annoying when you're the passenger and the driver's arm is blocking your access to the knobs. 3 - The main thing I don't understand is why the windows don't automatically roll up once the top is finished going back up.

[@haydenkatz8239]

3. I'm going to take a wild guess that you've not had long hair. I'm a dude with hair down to the middle of my back. If I drive with the top and windows down, that hair will be in my mouth, my eyes, my nose etc. Tying the hair up doesn't help too much, as there's still a lot of loose hair below the tie. platting or braiding would, but that's a pain in the ass. Hats/beanies help a bit, but even so, lots of hair flowing below that. For me it's roof down/windows up after ~80km/h (50mph)

[@EjinRenos]

@@haydenkatz8239 Your wild guess would be wrong given I've had hair down to upper thigh level. My wife currently has that length and windows up is also a huge annoyance to her. She'd rather fly away hair than to look goofy. I can't say I've ever had a problem with my hair flying around as I managed it well.

[@EjinRenos]

@@speedcircuit Given Porsche has auto up or down windows in their boxster as old as 20 years ago and it's just a simple extra circuit on the controller board with a bit of programming I agree I don't understand why Mazda didn't do it. Maybe they figure people rather windows to stay at their position and users can just place em where they want. I like the idea of the Smarttop unit but 300 bucks for things that should've been factory is a bit steep. I know Mercedes in their convertibles also suffer some of the same issues but the Smarttop unit fixes their problems too.

[@haydenkatz8239]

@@EjinRenos ​ Seems you're either you're *really* tall (Completely clearing the roof), or turbulence works very differently where you are. With the windows up and the windbreak installed, the wind comes mostly over the top of my head with little to no cabin turbulence. With the windows *down*, the wind whips around the A pillars, creating vortices all over the place, but mainly around my neck, whipping my loose hair in front of my face.

[@Justin-yc2mk]

To bad you don't work on focus st !! Keep up the content 💯

[@speedcircuit]

Appreciate that! We'll start honing our skills to produce more and better videos.

[@mentezari]

Hi. I just bought a used one previous owner, 2017 Miata RF Club, with only 16000 miles in mint condition. On the way back home from dealership on a 50 miles highway drivin, I noticed that the car is still noisy and bumpy! Is that the characteristics of the car? Thanks for your response in advance.

[@speedcircuit]

Hmm, does the suspension seem modified?

[@Saboda53]

I just put the top up or down when I’m parked. Before I’m moving. Problem solved.

[@speedcircuit]

Yeah, I think that's going to be fine most of the time. My only real worry is getting caught in the rain with the top down in a situation where I'm doing 20mph putting around down with nowhere to pull over and stop.

[@JoeDaFivefoota]

@@speedcircuit get a Smarttop or the MX5things module. I put the Smarttop in mine and can raise/lower the top up to 32mph.

[@cptndave1]

You only get wet when you are stopped. The rain goes straight over the top.

[@EricJay98]

Just like with any vehicle, putting extensive pressure on the trans is going to decrease its life expectancy. Especially putting a supercharger on it lol.

[@speedcircuit]

Transmissions should be stout enough to handle twice the power they were intended for. Many stock nd transmissions are breaking at stock levels.

[@EricJay98]

@@speedcircuit my nd has handled very well. And I’ve taken it to the track multiple times. It’s all about maintenance and not pushing it past the limits it was intended for. We have to remember, it’s a “race car “ but not a super car.

[@Greggory1987]

I have a 2021 Miata and have no issues with what you expressed in this video. I hope you were able to correct your annoyances as this is such an outstanding car.

[@hypnotechno]

oh they fixed the window so it doesnt stay open and iis also one touch close?

[@baro4178]

You can use the touch screen while driving.....it's in the settings.

[@hvactec54]

Do you ever regret not getting the nd2?

[@speedcircuit]

Well, for the extra $10k the nd2 costs, I can supercharge this for half that much and make more power.

[@javalishvili]

I'm guessing the windows don't auto close to avoid liability issues pinching people's fingers

[@speedcircuit]

That doesn't sound unreasonable, but I own other cars that have an auto-up feature.

[@chrislox1]

@@speedcircuit They go back up on my UK version!

[@speedcircuit]

@@chrislox1 really?!

[@chrislox1]

@@speedcircuit absolutely, and the infotainment has never rebooted!

[@mrtboy]

They go back up after the roof closes on the NZ model

[@dlg5485]

Some of your complaints indicate that you really don't understand the purpose of this car. The Miata is tuned for spirited driving on the street, NOT for the track. So the suspension is intentionally soft to create a nice balance between comfort and performance. The body rolls is intentional, to make the car feel more exciting at legal speeds. Of course you can modify the car to fit your needs, but the way it drives from factory is by design and is exactly as Mazda intended, and I love it. The vast majority of Miata owners will never track it and Mazda designed the car for that back road enthusiast, not for racing. Also, there is zero evidence that carbon buildup is a problem with this engine, quite the contrary, in fact. As for the manual transmission, people assume it's a bigger problem than it is because those who experience it are very vocal about it, and I don't blame them, but it's not a widespread issue, especially on newer Miatas. I love my 2020 ST GT manual and have never had a single issue with it. I just ordered a 2024 RF GT manual, which I plan to keep forever.

[@speedcircuit]

There are other cars that I could claim have the same intended use (S2k, BRZ, for example) which have a firmer suspension. Moreover, the Club package at a minimum, should have higher spring rates than it does. My 2010 Tundra has less body roll than a stock ND Miata. As for Mazda not designing the Miata for racing - the Miata is probably the most raced car in the world at this point. Mazda as a brand tends to sponsor and promote racing and track events. While obviously the majority of Miata owners don't track their cars, it's still somewhat common. I do recall seeing carbon buildup on @engineeringexplained's car when they installed the supercharger: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4C0pZWtrquJasksi=QDdHQ3WrHDQmBsTZ The manual being weak is just Mazdas doing Mazda things. I've seen many broken transmissions from every Miata generation other than the NC. I used to rebuild the Mazdaspeed Protege transmissions back in the day, which were also made of glass. Congrats on the 2024, should be a great car to always have.

[@druegillis1744]

I know this video is 2 yo, but, Guy, QUIT YOUR WHINING!! If you don’t like the car, sell it! No car company builds the perfect car, but Mazda comes close with the Miata. I have had my Corvette for over 10 years and it is not my ideal ride. Now I am considering a Miata because I want to drive a manual transmission again. At 5’-5”, height is not my problem. I drove a friend’s Miata yesterday and now understand the enthusiasm Miata owners have about their cars.

[@speedcircuit]

What if I told you that I can love the car (see the opposing video) and still want to point out it's flaws to others?

[@Brutepaintballer]

Most people are going to be driving them on Sundae you say???? @thesundaedrive

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Nice shirt 👕 nicer beard

[@speedcircuit]

I'm still trying to match the goodness of cliff's beard.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

@@speedcircuit aren't we all :)

[@PacMan592]

I can’t relate to a single thing you said

[@speedcircuit]

If none of these things bother you I'd take it as a win.

[@cptndave1]

Mate I’ve never heard so much whining about nothing. Why would you want to go faster when taking the roof on/off? Concentrate on the road instead of playing with the infotainment screen. Blind spots, get the soft top instead. Sunday car. It’s my every day car. This car delivers everything it’s advertised to do nothing more nothing less. Best car I’ve ever owned. And I’ve had many.

[@speedcircuit]

1 - There are occasions that I've gone to put the top up or down at a traffic light, and it would turn green before the operation was fully completed. Then I would have to choose between pulling over or driving with the roof in an odd position. This is a common enough gripe to where Flyin Miata actually came out with a kit which allows the operation to be done at a higher speed. If you had one of these, you'd understand why it could be annoying. 2 - CoNCenTratE oN tHe RoAD inSTeAd oF plAYiNg wItH ThE inFoTainMEnT ScrEeN - The entire point of an infotainment screen is to make calls, listen to music, and navigate. In general, I find this easier to do on a touch screen, which would actually help me focus on the road more. So much whining about my complaints. :P

[@cptndave1]

I have one. Soft top. Manual operated off / on in a second. Also no blind spot.

[@speedcircuit]

@@cptndave1 by "one" I was referring to an RF.

[@cptndave1]

I know you are referring to the RF. What else.

[@speedcircuit]

@@cptndave1 Point #1 above is referring to the RF. If you have a soft top, you're not going to understand the gripe.

[@baccy81]

Cars shouldn't have any bloody iPads in the middle of the dashboard in the first place. You want to stare at a screen? Stop in a park and sit on a bench with your phone, or don't leave the couch at all

[@speedcircuit]

The iPads make it easier to remotely tell the kids to get off of your lawn!

[@baccy81]

@@speedcircuit I didn't get it

[@carlostapia117]

You are completely Nuts , change Make buy a Ferrari if you can aford !!

[@speedcircuit]

I have complaints about them as well 🤣

[@Z06C5]

Not big enough for Americans. Not enough power. 187hp. Wtf. This is 2021. No torque. Not enough grip, put some wide tires on it. Sold my 2020 club. But it is pretty.

[@speedcircuit]

Yeah, in this day and age, these should at least have the option of more power and more grip. Maybe have a turbo version with 250hp, better suspension, and 245s

[@chifuyuenjoyer9593]

Ninguna,fin.

[@MegaTechnoteacher]

Omly Chrysler and Mercedes have auto up windows.

[@speedcircuit]

False

[@6000pounds]

Check out mzd_aio it's a simple hack you can put on a thumb drive and change everything on the infotainment. I can touch mine while driving and you can add boot animations or add a custom background and other stuff like changing the border colors of the infotainment or you can even disable. First check your software version and see if you're applicable.

[@speedcircuit]

Yessir, I already bought the cables for it. 😁

[@vito7056]

Came here to say just that!