A modern antidote to modern cars: 2024 Mazda MX-5 review 

I just recently traded in my seven and a half year old 2016 Miata ND for a 2024 Mazda 3 sedan. The reason? I have no justifiable reason and I kind of regret it. It was the best car I have ever owned and that includes earlier generation Miatas. Took many long trips(thousands of miles) and never had any problem with the lack of space(I travel extremely light). In fact within a week of getting the car in 2016 I drove from Virginia to Texas to visit my girlfriend who had relocated to Texas for her dumb job. I drove straight through to Texas. No stop overs. Somewhere in Arkansas I removed my shirt to keep myself alert and awake. It was night at the time but I never bothered putting the shirt back on when the sun rose. I drove the entire trip with the top down. When I arrived at her house how ever many hours later, as I got out of the car both she and her daughter began laughing hysterically. I asked whats so funny? They said look at your chest. I had a nice sunburn on my chest except for the white diagonal strip of unburnt skin from the shoulder harness. Fun times. I so miss that car.

My 2024 ND3 just arrived last week, and I have only driven around 180 KMs so far. Already loving it. MX-5 has always been my one and only dreamed car and dream just fulfilled.

The ‘slot for the key, which is on the wrong side’ is actually an alternative slot to insert the driver’s cup holder. Easier to reach for than the contortionist action of reaching behind you between the seats. 😂

Initially I thought £35K for an MX 5 seems far too much. At launch in 1989 the list price was £14,250. However, putting this into an inflation calculator comes up with £44,275. So actually the price has come down in real terms. It's also got faster and it has more technology. I've had a Mark 1 NA for 6.5 years now, I love everytime I drive it. It puts a smile on my face like Tim's with this Mark 4 ND.

Ive been daily-ing a 2022 RF for a couple years now I still love that car!

Mazda should include a jacket like yours with every new Miata purchase 🎉

I am taking ownership of my ND3 RF in June, right on time to enjoy summer

After having and loving my NC I’m now waiting for my ND due in Sydney next week 🎉🎉. Let’s not forget we should be extremely thankful to Mazda. While every other has come and gone or now going EV with I pad dashboards. This is still real manual with three pedals on the floor, still real fuel, still real analog gauges, still real roadster platform. May even be the last. This car is what it is and doesn’t need to prove anything else. Good review by the way.

Bought myself a 2023 1.5 ND2 as a daily car last year and I love it. It's honestly the perfect commuter car, as it makes every journey to and from work enjoyable.

Had one a few years ago. Used to get up at 0500hrs in the Summer to get the mountain roads around Braemar to myself. Joy!

Tim, this entire video is incredibly well made. Your review style, pacing and sense of humor are all fantastic. This is the first video I've watched of yours and you earned a sub within the first minute (and I am VERY picky with who I subscribe to). Keep it up and your channel is going to blow up, mark my words!

I purchased the 2023 MX-5 RF here in the U.S. Never had a "sports" car nor a convertible. Always liked the look of this vehicle. You could easily classify me as a senior citizen. I committed the ultimate faux pas and got it with an automatic. I have had standard shift cars in the past so I got that out of my system years ago. At my age I just wanted to get in the car, start the engine, and "go" or zoom.....zoom in Mazda's case. No distractions other than drive. The Miata is like putting on a perfectly fitting "glove". You are enveloped in it. No excess room, comfortable, and you become part of the vehicle. Get it out on winding country back roads on a beautiful day and you quickly find out what all the mystique is about. Yes, smiles.

Mine is coming this week the RF carnt wait had my Mark 2 from new 26 years and no rust.

We have an NB from 2000. Always a smile on our faces when we drive it. Can't explain it. Maybe it's like back to the 60s 🙂

My 2016 ND1 is the most fun car I’ve ever had. I love it soooo much.

Great review and yeah... it doesn't feel old at all! One of my favorite cars of all time, exactly this generation. Keep up the good work! Adrian

Still daily driving my 2020 RF grand touring--Still in love over 4 years later. Just a few cosmetic tweaks on the inside and outside (dark green vinyl wrap, rear LED light bar between the custom Japanese taillights, LED accent lines in the interior trim lines). Many more years of joy to come!

Nicely done, the first vid of yours I've watched, great summary of the joys of MX5 ownership. I'm on my second NA (one in the UK, now in Australia) and you'll wrench it from my cold, dead, fingers.

Epic car, i have a 2019 RF 2.0 sport nav 👌. Wish more manufactures made cars like this, props to Mazda for keeping the car true to its roots after all these years

Bought a 2006 NC1 two years ago - true red, rag top, 6MT, and only 24000 miles! Was a garage queen for 16 years -- utterly pristine and a pure blast in the twisties.

A nice common-sense car, with proper manual, proper buttons and knobs. 👍

Bought my 2019 MX5 ND with the smaller 1.5L engine 2 months ago. Love this car so far. It really is a therapy to drive this car daily ❤

So I just picked up a mid-2021 RF 2l as a second car and while it's still early days good lord does it make a fabulous first impression. Of course it offers up a fun drive but what's surprised me the most is how civilised it is. Take it on my 45 mile each way commute at least once a week which is almost all motorway and even being a bit old and heavy for this sort of car I get out the other end with my spine more-or-less working. Hell even when the motoring gods decide 5:30 wasn't early enough to avoid traffic and I have to dive off into the back routes on cold, wet and dark mornings it never feels like a chore. Honestly the only downside is this has proper (albeit fairly basic) adaptive LED headlights and I now can't imagine buying another car without them. Oh and with a sensible right foot I'm seeing 50mpg over a tank which is frankly ridiculous for the performance on offer. Quick tip for iPhone users: If you're finding your phone doesn't fit in the slot very well stick a cheap MagSafe accessory of some sort on the back. I use the Apple Wallet and found it lifts the phone just high enough to make the slight narrowing of the provided space a non-issue. On the whole hard top vs soft top thing I went for the RF for two main reasons: 1) In my eyes it looks better and 2) It lives outside and a majority of my driving is going to be motorways or in the rain (not through choice, I just live a long way from decent driving roads. And in the UK, hence rain) so I'd rather a quieter cabin. Honestly though think they've missed a trick by not putting out a fixed roof coupe version!

Can’t wait to buy one, great review

We have the Abarth version bought in 2019 managed to get one of the last ones for 23k (when they seemed to be trying to just get rid) list then was 33k! its mainly my wifes car but i have to confess it is fun to drive although fitting in and out is a challenge for me.

Last year I bought an ND2 from 2018 after 4 years of saving up an dreaming of it. I love it! It is modern enough, but it has still the analog style of the old style

Great video

Good video, great presentation, subscribed 👍🏻

I have owned a ND 2.0LT GT Soft Top and a ND2 2.O GT RF (current) - both have been fun BUT the extra grunt in ND2 just ices the cake. Every day I look forward to getting behind the wheel to commute to work. Just buy one, you will love it and never regret it. Just a fun car that really does make you grin from ear to ear.

got one, love it.

I have sn ND2 RF. Bloomin' fabulous !

Great review...awesome little car... definite guilty pleasure, away from the heft and lardiness of modern cars.

It’s beautiful. I have ordered an RF this color and I’m taking delivery June 18th. I live in Kraków so the RF is better for the weather. I’m close to beautiful mountains and zillions of charming historic small towns with great cafes. I’ve got my job cut out for me : )

I've got a 2018 RF and I prefer the old set up with separate running lights to the front .Most of the 2024 changes appear to be to the engine .I'm happy with the smaller infotainment screen .All in all, I'm happy that the car hasn't changed much, and indeed,how can you improve on near perfection! Fabulous car , such fun to drive .

I understand , I drive a 160HP ND1, its one big bag of fun on the road. Its indeed therapy and a joy to drive! Man can only understand when driving one!

So compact and nice to drive.

Nothing better on a challenging uk “B road”👍……….

Great review; I won’t have to waste time watching the US reviews now. I ordered one a month ago, same trim as you reviewed. It will be another three months or so and just under $40K (before tax) when it arrives.

Well got my new RF had on the road one week fantastic 👏 well recommended 👌 ❤😊😊

Looking forward to a new segment on each review on ‘how easy is it to conceal a body in the boot’😂. Love the channel

Me and my wife own a porsche cayenne.....and an MX5 ND.....we both go for Margo (MX5) every time....brilliant car

I'm on my 5th MX-5 to date. I view the MX-5 as the Poorman's 1964 Jaguar XKE. I have driven the '64 XKE back in '64. I drove one from D.C. to Ocean City, Md. and what a treat it was. I've owned 2 MGB's also, a '64 and a '66 MGB, both cars purchased new. This MX-5 is, I feel, to be a combination of those two iconic sportscars, or as close as one could get to them. I'd love to own a Morgan car of any year, but I don't think I'd put it on the road. I think I'd bring out a chair and just sit and admire it. I can only hope GOD will allow me to drive thru the Pearly Gates in a Morgan Car.

Own a 2019 MX-5 Club here in the US and it’s my commuter/fun car all together. Drive 136 miles everyday to go to work (sounds crazy but only takes an hour there and back) and I enjoy every second of it. Great on gas too, 36 to 38 mpg during the whole week. If you can make it work, absolutely get this little thing.

I was in Turkey recently and had a empriente multi pouchette with me. They show me a kislux bag and it looked just like it.

Love it !

As an MR2 Roadster owner all of what you said about the little Mazda sounds very familiar. Taking it for a drive feels like a palette cleanser. One day if I ever decide to sell the Toyota, I think this MX5 would be the natural successor. Light is right! Keep up the good reviews Tim.

As an ND2 owner I think the 2L soft top version remains the epitome of the MX5 lineage, and Soul Red Crystal is still the best colour ❤

The only serious issue with this car is there’s no spare tire. Have a catastrophic tire failure and you’re done.🤷🏼

Looks like you guys get different options on your side of the pond. US market doesn’t get auto climate on the Club BBS spec. I missed it; does this one have adaptive headlights? Also can’t get those on the US market Club models :(

Nice jacket mate!

Enjoyed this Tim, I own the 30th Anniversary Edition (bright orange) and every drive was thoroughly enjoyable with a great gear change. After 18 months it'll be moving on to make space for an Alpine A110S - once you've tasted the light weight it just becomes intoxicating (tho I'll miss the gear change and the roof down but I'll survive I'm sure :) ) Cheers, Kevin

God i love these cars....if only i was a bit younger (wrong side of 50 now) great stuff as always Tim 👍

Do you know what variation or model has the front radar for the adaptative cruising? I have one unit, in Europe, and the radar lacks.

Above 60kph you can keep the roof down unless the rain is very heavy indeed. The car was designed around the smaller engine and it handles much better, more neatly and still with adequate power. The best of the bunch, by a long way.

Is there a way to access the annoying speed beep settings on new cars via the ODBII port and turn it off properly? Whoever comes out with a cheap widget to do that will become quite rich me thinks.

I'm not sure if I would fit in this car 🤔. How tall are you? Thanks

Driving heaven is found in sub 3000 lbs with ‘enough’ power. I think the ND is best generation yet by looks & performance. Have owned NA & NB but 2nd gen BRZ was a bit more practical as I only have 1 car. I still think he ND is better car I just needed bit more room

Great review, thanks! 😊 ps. How tall are you? (cm) 😅

I wish I needed one of these! I was in America a long time ago, when these came out, and everyone was going mad for it! Miada fever! お母さんをまた生け垣の中に入れてしまった、ごめんなさい、ロディ

How does a 6’1 guy fit in there? - If at all. With the top on too?

My car Love it ❤❤❤

Tim, I have an ND MX5, what couple would you buy to complement it - I'm thinking of a 21' 420D / 430D

Excellent track day sports car 🏎 Better engineering than a Porsche or Mercedes sports car.

MX-5 NC 3 + PRHT : )

If I were to buy one of these, I would feel like I was chauffeuring the Queen while she was wearing her pants on her head and swinging her brassie enthusiastically above her head while AC/DC's Hells Bells blared from the radio.

Did you spend any time on the M1 / M4 or equivalent? Curious how it feels next to lorries. Thanks.

We love ours!! we literally call it, the "therapy car". I'll grab the key and tell my huz, I need therapy, and I leave the house and go drive it!!

Sorry if I missed it Tim but how tall are you? Looked fairly cramped in there!

I don't like a safety net, so that's why I prefer driving an 02 NB

Can you use the touch screen while driving, or do you still have to use that stupid knob system under your shifting arm?

Honestly, I need carry so little things that even a sport car can still somewhat be considered as a practical car for my situation 😂 I know there's panic that Mazda might screw up the next gen MX-5, but I doubt they would screw it up. My guess is the level of electrification would be a mild hybrid at most.

The hard roof is NOT metal! It's plastic composite for added lightness. I had an NB from new for 3 years, then a foldy-hardtop NC (plastic roof on that, too!) from new for 14 completely trouble free and most enjoyable years, then in 2021 traded that for a new ND2 2.0 (in Soul Red Chrystal Metallic of course!) which is even better than my NC was - except the steering rack which is electric on the ND and hydraulic on the NC. The hydraulic one was definitely better. Not that the electric one isn't good - it is! Very very good! But not as 'talkative' as the NC one. Good to see that Mazda have improved the rack in the latest ND. But I bet it's still not quite up there with that hydraulic one in the NC. BTW, I note Mazda have painted the brake calipers red - they are unpainted on my 2021 car. Callipers should be mounted inboard as they are on all cars with any pretence to superb handling (inboard = front ones on rear of discs, back ones on front of discs); It reduces the polar moment of inertia (and so improves yaw stability) as they are a lot of heavy un-sprung weight. It amuses me when other manufacturers have them in the wrong place AND THEN PAINT THEM! It's a way of emphasising their mistake.... "look where we put the calipers - in the wrong place". 🤣

Is that colour a cost option?

Was that an auto stop start button? 🫣

This or a gr86 Tim? Fantastic review

The slot for the key isn't on the wrong side, the driver's position is... It is an excellent car though, I have DD one for years now. There are those who get it and those who don't. Miata Is Always The Answer.

How tall are you mate?

How tall are you Tim?

A car i must drive one day, then listen to the age old advice a mate gave me, 'seeking forgiveness is easier than permission' 🤣

Why same Mazda as Car Obsession?

Remains a fairly unique car in the marketplace for a decent price. Don't really see the point in the hardtop version. I wonder what is the profile of a typical MX-5 purchaser. Your comment about not wanting to crash should really apply to all cars and their drivers. Don't worry about using cliches they are valuable fillers - keep up the good work.

45 litre, 9.9 UK gallon fuel tank gives an easy 400 miles+ touring range.

mazda mx5 and gr86; unfortunately, the only driver's cars that are relatively affordable(-ish) for the regular ppl...and gr86 is being ruled out by the same legislation that says it is safer to be hit by a 3 ton brick shaped SUV than by a 1 ton sports car with a low height front bumper.

Which is more fun: this or the MK8 Fiesta ST? :D

I find that my back get all wet of sweat

I'm honestly surprised the MX-5 is still on sale. It's sales arent all that impressive. It's very expensive for a small impractical sports car. With little disposable income people have, having a second fun car is a tough sell. People becoming poorer over the years is one of many reasons I think many sporty cars died off. We can only justify one car. Adding a second with its own expensive, maintenance, and storage concerns is hard. It makes more sense for folks to get a more "boring" car with more space and jack of all trades feel to handle most of what life throws at you. A small two door car as your only car is possible, just not realistic for most.

This is the last year for the Miata that you see here. The next one will be bigger. My guess is a hybrid. So Show where you are going to stick another battery and support staff at. It will be heavier. It will be hard to keep the same handling. This really is it. In the states we only get one engine. It depends what kind of driving you do in England. If if is stop and go all the time. Save the money and go for 1.6. I own a 1997 Honda Del Sol Si with 127 horsepower. With a five speed transmission the seem quick. It will cruise 100 miles per hour. With the speed I am doing 4000 rpm at 80 miles per gallon. . I get 35 highway and 30 in town. If this seems strange my engine has variable timing. at 221,000 the car runs great. You won't get that milage will a two liter. You would be lucky to get 30 miles per gallon I would guess you will be using premium fuel with the two liter. That was true with the 160 horsepower double overhead cam on the Honda Del Sol. My single overhead cam 127 horsepower works great with regular. So when I bought the car new I went with the sohc vtec. After 27 years for me I choose the right engine.

I want to get one of these before mazda makes them electric

Rannowtalock

Unfortunately these cars don’t fit taller drivers so well, at least you look cramped in there with head close to the roof and the top of the windscreen close to nose level. I’m just a little taller and have found the Fiat 124 too cramped to feel safe and comfortable

you are funny

Toyota aygo is the real antidote to modern cars. It doesn’t even have a tachometer

生垣の中に入れました

These look insanity nerdy..

You should have had the top down , it's not really raining is it ! What's the point of a soft top, if you don't have the top down ? I've noticed lately that , even the ' summer only ' brigade are driving with the top up ; it mustn' t be warm enough yet for the wimp ' enthusiasts ' !

I’d rather have a gr 86. Same price

Don’t think so, toooo expensive!

Yep. It would be perfect if you just ripped that screen out & chucked it in a ditch. However, I own a ‘05 Alfa 147JTDm which is perfect & doesn’t have a screen. It has sensible mods - stage 1 remap giving 130kw & 350Nm, Eibachs over Bilsteins adjustable stabiliser to keep the car level - there’s virtually no torque steer hence no need for a LSD. Why can’t more manufacturers see a market for simpler cars? Would I trade it for a ND? Probably not but it’s close - I couldn’t justify the additional outlays. However, this MX5 is brilliant.

"Fairly basic air conditioning"? Imagine most folks would consider climate control a/c, to be more than basic. 0-62mph takes 6.5 seconds, so by majority view, 0-60mph around 6.2 seconds...you've got the press car, guess they may have also given you the press pack, full of useful information...if you had taken the trouble to glance at the stats you decided to mention...

I wished they made it so a adult male can actually fit in there