yeah, couldn't sit through it. Reminded me of when Family Guy did the episode with Quagmire doing his pilot job talking to the passengers as the Captain... We're ahhhhh.... Going to be heading up to around.... ahhhhh 37 thousand feet today and ahhhhh..... expect the flight to ahhhhh..... Take about ahhhhhl... 3 hours...ahhh..... This coulda been a 7 minute video.
I have had this for one year.... at first I was like..."it's ok. I guess..." the more I drive it, the more I understand why people like it regardless of less power. It eventually becomes you and you don't feel like you are driving...almost like you are walking outside and doing anything you want on a whim, without the bulk of a vehicle. It's a weird sensation.
@ivo bakovic I am no where near the skills to go on a track. But I do drive spirited on curves on occasion. When you loose traction, it is not chaos, but controllable traction loss, such that you can calmly control your rear end while it is spinning out due to the LSD.
matreyia that’s why there’s auto cross my man, you don’t need a ton of skill, you’ll pick it up over time. No one there will slam you for your abilities, it’s all about having a good time and making yourself a better driver
I felt exactly the same way about mine. I had a 2002 until I ran the the engine to pieces in 2016. It was my favorite car by far, and nothing else has come close. I am getting another one at the first opportunity.
I like the spec of your car, the colour and the Recaros really make it. I've been an MX-5 driver for 20 years & currently have four. 2 x NA turbo's - 150bhp & 204bhp, 1 x NB standard & 1 x NC RF in a similar red to yours. I'm saving up for an ND. Congrats on your excellent choice & thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the review. I used to drive Mustangs years ago ('87 LX 5.0 5-speed convertible, '96 Cobra) and was VERY interested in the ND Miata when it came out... but I just wasn't sure if I'd like owning/commuting in something that small (80-miles round-trip). I didn't want to buy a brand new ND and risk finding out that I didn't like it and then lose a bunch of money trading it in for something else during that first/worst year of depreciation, so I bought a very low-mileage 2000 (NB1) SE instead - thinking that if I didn't like it, I could just resell it and not lose any money - and if I DID like it, I could resell it and go buy the new ND I was interested in. Well, I didn't like it. I freaking LOVED it! SO much fun. I've been driving it for well over a year now and have put over 30K miles on it. It's been to the NC mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Tail of the Dragon, etc - and a whole season of autocross in addition to serving as my daily driver. I'm now on the fence as to whether I want to sell it and get an ND2 for the additional power, comfort and modern conveniences, or just keep driving the NB1 that I love. Heck, it was so cheap, I may just keep it strictly for autocrossing and buy the ND2 to use as my daily. Anyway... to anyone who is on the fence about trying one of these... DO IT... you won't be sorry.
John Poe ...funny..similar Story. But somehow it happened that i bought two modified NB1 ...Same Engine but they behave so differently. Everything matters in such lightweight car. This year i will build my personilized mx oft oft both cars. Pretty sure the 2019 nd is close to perfect with the adjustable steering and the extra power.
@@mthxjzz6462 i have owned 2 96 and 06, miss them both, love the new one, bit the old ones you feel the road, nothing like it, for all nay sayers drive one, I plan on getting a 19 in short order, but still in love with my boxster for now...;)
Thanks for the review! John Poe, I've owned a 1990 Miata (original A), a 2004 Miata (B) and now a 2019 RF. Traded the B for the RF because I finally needed a bit more creature comforts in the car and didn't have the room to keep both, nor the specific use you have. I LOVE the RF, and it is my daily driver (unless I have to transport my dogs somewhere - then it's back to the CX5). I drove a 2018 RF as a rental in the Connecticut Appalachians last summer, and fell in love with the great combination of nimbleness and comfort; had to buy one of my own. I got the 2019 - I agree the adjustable steering wheel and extra power are great additions for this year's model. There's a smile on my face every time I drive it. Before you consider trading in a B, look into the NADA / Blue Book values; they're amazingly low. If I were still driving my Miata on track or for autocross, I'd have kept the B for that purpose. I'd recommend to anyone in your situation to buy a new one and keep the old one too, as long as you'd still plan to use it.
Congrats man, yours looks gorgeous with the black and red trim. You literally got the perfect one when it comes to matching black side mirrors, roof, wheels, and then the soul red. I've been enjoying my 2017 RF in soul red since launch, it's great.
After two NB’s and one heavily modified NA which was 300bhp, the ND2 is going to be my next MX5.. it looks beautiful and after years of MX5’s I know it’ll be awesome to drive. The RF looks have so many design cues from cars I love. Well done MAZDA!
Thank you for the detailed and tasteful review. I dig the options you chose from Mazda as well as your aftermarket decisions such as the exhaust and antenna. Well done.
I love this beauty. I own one, a metallic pearl white. She's parked in the garage, I won't drive it out in the winter as I live in Canada. I love the manual transmission 6 speed driving! Thanks for showcasing this little beauty!
I have 2016 Club soft top with the Brembo / BBS package that I daily drive. When the weather turns I have dedicated winter rims / tires that turn snow days into fun days. At least anything under 6 to 7 inches I'll drive into work. Anything more than that I'll wait for the plows ! I could not leave this car in the garage all winter & not enjoy the drives ! I left it stock height so my clearance is still good.
Thank you. Great video. Very comprehensive. I’m picking up my new 2020 RF GT in Soul Red Crystal on Monday. I am keeping my 2007 silver Miata MX-5 PRHT for my kids to use this summer. I have always loved that car. In fact, it’s the most fun car I’ve ever owned, including a 2003 BMW Z-4 with the bigger engine. My 2007 actually showed a marked improvement in pickup and responsiveness around 25,000 miles. It now has 67,000 miles and is still a blast to drive. The only reason I’m getting the new one is that I’m 71 and would like some of the new safety and convenience features.
I've had two NBs and currently have an NC. Interesting to hear a Mustang guy review a Miata. I'd love to have both. That is a stunning MX5, especially with the roof up. Mine would be as close to yours as possible with a soft top, but I have to admit that the RF really draws my visual attention. My Miatas have always been an absolute blast. Even after way over 300,000 miles in them, my NC will still have me often, laughing out loud.
Shoutout to the grey 626 in the background! I've had two different 626 ES V6 Cronos over the years, both with the 5-speed manual. Low-maintenance and dependable cars. Now I'm playing with the idea of getting an MX-5 RF GT. I appreciate your review!
Really good review , I learnt a lot about the MX-5. I’ve just ordered my first ever, so watching many videos on them . Ive ordered the 30th anniversary edition, STop. In the UK we don’t get the camera, but do get rear sensors so really pleased.
Good review. I did not know about the storage behind the passenger seat so another plus. Now that I own a Miata RF, I actually enjoy driving again vs just getting from one place to another in a sensory numbing luxury SUV. I had been riding my motorcycles to fight driving road boredom. Yup , my bike can do 0-60 in ~ 2.0 seconds the Miata is 0-60 in ~ 5.7 sec. Still no matter, it is a real pleasure to drive.
Nicely done Killo Byte ! Everything except the RF Vs Soft Top weight difference. If I remember right its about 130 pounds difference but you have that beautiful Soul Red paint & it adds another 15 pounds compared to my Artic White 2016 Club ! So we are talking about 145 pounds added to your Soul Red RF Club Vs my Soft Top Artic White Club. You did a really nice job showing off that paint i this video. Keep your ND2 video's coming on your modifications ! Stay healthy & enjoy your ND2 ! My ND1 soft top really helped break any bad moods during this Pandemic ... a ride quickly lifted my spirits ! Add that to the plusses of owning a ND.
Not sure about the extra weight of the red paint. Automotive paint weighs about 11 lbs. per gallon In a liquid form. So that would mean 1-1/2-2 gallons of paint on a small car? I dunno.
Had my UK ND rag top since 2016 still love it . Mines an ICON limited edition model. But hey what ever model you have its a great roadster. That Soul Red is a lovely colour my brothers is in Pearlescent White and mine is in Mica grey with Soul Red graphics, spoilers & wing mirror's. I'm getting the roll bar covers painter red also.. Enjoy your motoring mate, nice car
How has your ownership experience been so far? I've been reading the miata forums and reading about soggy floor liners due to rain. Have you had difficulty in keeping the drains clog free?
It's not always about the excitement of the video (for larger subscribers maybe), it's about providing information for those interested. For this particular car though, there are a lot of other reviews available too though.
not sure about the dislikes; maybe for the 32 min long video, but in any case, thanks for sharing your opinion. Soul Red/Crystal Red metallic loos awesome when clean and waxed. Dirt really takes away the luster. However, they (Mazda) really needs a NEW signature color. This red has been the go-to color for years now and Mazda needs to develop a new halo color for their brand. I'm not saying get rid if it, just put the focus on another color in the color wheel. Enjoy.
The red is my favorite color for this car. But I’ve heard about the paint chipping problem. Is it a deal killer for this color or is it worth putting up with. I really don’t love the other colors. Ceramic is my second choice, but I love that red.
The back up cam. The bottom of the shark fin would be a better spot. Also a flat bottom, steering wheel, and heads up display, would be nice edition, for 2020. I have a 2019 MX 5 GT, GT-S And love it.
Had a Miata grand tour 2012 with 68,000 miles on it when I sold it. I abused the shit out of that car. No issues. Very well built car. Would definitely buy a new one
Just got to the part about the telescopic wheel. I find the fixed 18 wheel position to be fine, but then I am a short legged, long armed 6 footer. How tall are you? If you are a long legged 6 ft, I would think you'd have issues with leg room.
Beautiful car. Considering one for myself. Also would be coming from much “faster” daily drivers, so not sure if I would be happy with the power. I suppose it doesn’t matter most of the time.
I bought a 2019 red club convertible Jan 4th. I haven't really had a chance to drive it since I work from home and the dealer put a small chip in the paint, so it has been in their body shop for 11 days now.
Cool thanks. I assume you chose the RF for appearance and wind noise? The videos I've watched make the cloth top look so much quicker up and down and a much more open feel that I'd be tempted to get it. not to mention the price. Could you tell me why you thought the RF was worth the $$?
I’ll tell you: it looks sexier. This is debatable, as some actually prefer the soft top, but preferences aside, the objective consensus (from other people’s reactions and opinions, and considering the design philosophy and natural lines of the car) is that the RF looks better and sleeker. The RF is also more civilized - it is considerably quieter on the highway at high speeds, and better suited for winter (though the soft top might actually be quieter when the top is off on both cars). The soft top gives you quicker access (though it only takes 13 secs for the RF to do the job), and at any speed given that it’s manual (the RF is limited to 10km/h tops), plus a more open feeling. Though truth be told the RF feels open enough to me. Still, not a true convertible experience for the purist. I’d go with the RF any day over the soft-top.
As an owner of a 2011 Mustang GT I am also looking at a Miata as my next car. I love the Mustang but making use or then 420 plus ponies proves difficult on daily basis. The only thing I can’t digest is the price.
Last time I checked, where I live in Eu, only the automatic do not come with a limited slip diff. All the manuals/stick shift come with it, no matter the trim level. Leather seats will be better to live with.. I'm getting leather seats in mine.
I disagree about the backup camera, I think (oh gosh an opinion) that you shouldn't using the camera only to park but only in the final phase when you are slowly adjusting how far you're from the obstacle/car in your back. Furthermore I think that the fact that there part of your rear bumper in the frame is cool bcp you can rely on direct control an not only trusting the sound of the radar or the red line on the screen
The color is really nice and the paint seems tedious to so since it has two different types of clear coat. If I go through with an RX8 project I think I'm going to go with the soul red
Unfortunately the Alacantara (foe suede seats)wears out very fast and will get tattered very easily and quickly. Had it in a BMW and hated it. Nice review, a Miata guy myself I actually opted for the Fiat 124 over the current MX5. 1 software download and your over 200hp. I do like the 2019s newer engine with its higher fuel cut and redline. The 124 fuel cuts at 6500 which I dont like. Curious to k ow what the software tuning market can do to the newer engine. The stereo sux, replace the 6.5 inch speakers with Polk MM1s make sure to caulk all the way around each speaker, sounds AMAZING on stock 45 watt amp. Also got the 124 for $18000.00 with 1200 miles on it. Its 2017 with 7800 mi now. Also have 94 Miata classic, and a POS 08 VW JETTA WOLFSBURG 2.0T FSI DSG. Burns oil like crazy since 23000 miles and CAM follower will self destruct before 20k mi. Cost $2000 to repair and upgrade to TSI roller cam and now other than oil burn is pretty bulletproof. Enjoy!!!!
Nice review from an owner; esp how it may compare to the Mustang; what the after market is like and how tall the driver is. I’m just about 6’ and am concerned I can’t sit in it for a drive from, say, LA to SF.
Actually, it’s probably not your height that’s the determining factor; it’s inseam & how tall you are from waist up. Most (but not all) 6-footers can fit comfortably - you just have to test drive one and see.
The red looks great, but I'm opting out of paying the extra for that good looking but cheap paint finish - I'm getting a metallic grey MX-5, and spending $50 to PlastiDip the hood black to help with the stone chips. I did the same with my black Abarth and it works great and looks like a matte finish (plus, had the side-effect of improving body gaps). However, as I type this, I am not so sure if that would work as well on the MX-5, as it is important to show off those body contours. In other news, I like alcantara on IP or doors, but not on seats for the very reason KB describes. A little known fact about this car is that with winter tires, it runs very well in (up to 4"-5" of) snow. I also found that it is not that much quieter than the soft-top; I plan on using some butyl and foil in the roof and doors, which will only add about 10-12 pounds (which I can easily compensate for with diet and exercise), and will surely also help in the winter if I decide to make this an all-season car. I hate the 'compliance technology' of the rear camera, as it detracts from the intent of any roadster, and so they cheaped out on the resolution. Should be a torque-improving flash available by the end of the year. Thanks for the great review!
Mazda really did a great job on the redesign. Looks awesome however the storage and trunk space are way too small for my needs. Too bad! I fly Electric (Fast RC airplanes) the trunk will not allow me to transport any of my planes☹️
