Do The Gadgets & Gizmos On The 2021 Mazda MX-5 RF Make It Worth The Price And The Hype? I Find Out! 

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I've owned 25+ cars in the past, couple decades... Porsches, Audis, Subarus, VWs, Minis, and many more... but my '99 Miata is the one I miss the most. Miata Is Always The Answer.

MIATA is an acronym for “Miata is always the answer”. Everyone knows that

Had mine a little over a year, only complaint is the perminent smile on my face when driving or looking at it. Amazing little car.

I own the exact car. Worth every penny. Sounds great with a Goodwin racing exhaust.

I have this car and it is a blast to drive. Love the RF, besides looks it’s quiet, minimal wind noise. We have the top retracted 90% of the time. I almost traded the Miata this spring for a much more expensive car. In the end couldn’t give up the M. Rides great, looks great, super fun to drive.

The price doesn't seem that far out of line. The original bare-bones 1990 Miata was $14000. Adjusted for inflation, that's $28, 372 today.

I recently drove one for the first time because I’d always heard just how fun they are, and I’m slowly working my way into the sports car market so I had to drive a Miata. And I freaking loved it. If I wasn’t too tall, I might buy one because it was just telepathic with shifts, clutch engagement, everything. The most fun I’ve had in a car under 50 mph. So good.

The Miata has always been a hoot to drive. This one is a vast improvement over what was available about 10 years ago.

To everyone complaining about the lack of power, go test drive one on a curvy road and rev the engine out. I don't think you will be lacking any power. It's all about power to weight ratio and a smooth, high revving, responsive NA engine. 181 bhp corresponds to about 250-300 bhp in a Golf GTI or other similarly sized car. And I would never want a turbo charged engine in my MX-5.

I’d take it just for the reliability. They are fun to drive too. Even the old miatas

The passenger footwell loses about 6 inches of space due to the subwoofer for the audio system. It is located in the front of the footwell. The hump is due to how the exhaust routes around the transmission.

Keeping it simple was the original mission. I had a 97 and it was just pure simplicity, coupled with pure joy in every turn.

I'm just over 6'2" and I *just* fit comfortably in our RF GT. Most of my height is in my legs and again - it just works. I'm also pretty skinny - 180lb. Speaking of gadgets and gizmos, there are a few quirks of the MX-5 that can be tweaked. MX5Things makes a suite of adapter modules and tweaks for the car. The simplest is a nice shelf for the cubby box (BTW, there is another tiny space behind the passenger seat). That makes the space more usable for the usual stuff - registration and insurance, etc. The next simplest gadget is a turn signal reminder. With any open car, it's easy to miss that the turn signal didn't self-cancel after a gentle turn. This reminds you with a beep after 30 seconds of movement with the signal on. It plugs straight into the OBD port and also adds a nice footwell courtesy light. Five second install. The next mods are more expensive and require some installation work. First is the "Ignition" module. This allows you to have the radio stay on after the engine is stopped. I find it annoying when parking that if I want to continue listening to the radio, I have to stop the engine and then re-energize "accessory" to continue listening. There's always a delay so you miss info. This mod keeps the radio on until you open the driver's door (like many other cars do standard). Requires some acrobatics under the steering wheel but a 20 minute job at most. Next - for some reason Mazda reverted to no "one push up" on the driver's power window. Layers? Odd since so many other cars have it standard. The MX5Things module fixes that and gives you remote control over the windows so you can roll them up or down from outside. For this mod, you need to remove the door panel. I'd allow an hour for this one. Finally - the roof module. This is the best (and it requires the Ignition module as well). Most importantly to me, this allows you to increase the speed range where the roof will fold. The standard limit is only 6mph and that's useless - essentially you must be stopped. And, if you are at a traffic light and actuate the roof, if you move off when the light goes green and before it finishes, it just stops! How dumb is that? Obviously it should complete its cycle (Lawyers again?) The MX5Things mod allows you to set the speed up to 30mph (I went with 20, but you can change it with a laptop). Much better. It also "fixes" the "backwards" button operation (press up to go down and down to go up?) and finally - party trick - you can have remote operation of the roof from outside the car! How cool is that?

Consumer Reports has it number one in the nation of being reliable on top of all cars and SUVs ! MX 5

I just bought one 1 months ago. YES, it's worth the price! I've never been in love before until I got the Miata.

You won’t keep up with a mustang in a straight line but you will keep up with ANYTHING on a curvy road. I love my ND Club edition! Most fun I’ve ever had in a car.

I have seen several 2021 miata RU-vid videos and what’s not being said is there are compartments behind each seat. Move the seat forward and you will see them. They are quite large as well. 👍🏼. You don’t see them until you move the seat forward. 💺

Love my 2020 RF. Winter drove it in Canada too, and it was great.

Excellent review ! Camera work & editing 10/10 😀

Great review! And great little car! I agree, the RF is very good looking. I own a 2018 124 Spider Abarth: it drives similar to the MX-5 but adds Italian styling and a great exhaust note. It’s one of the best cars I’ve ever owned.

I'm so fortunate to be 5'9" to fit perfectly into mine.

Andre was definitely laughing during the making of this video 🤣

He sort of sum it up, there are faster, sexier, more exotic, but yep you won’t find anything more fun. I love my 2020 RF. It’s ridiculous how much I love that car. If you’re on the fence, just buy it. You won’t regret it.

Great video you guys !

I love the miata I'll be adding one to my garage this year next to my elise. That rf is gorgeous and gets alot of attention. And when I drove I didn't have a blind spot he was talking about. And I don't have a problem putting my phone anywhere but that's why they make phone clips that mount on the dash. But I definitely can't wait for mines to be delivered

This was an absolute fantastic review. Thanks.

There are also storage spaces behind both of the seats

nice vide man! ever since i saw the first Miatas in person in the 90s ive always found them so cute and special.

00:03:34 the white nappa leather seats come with pre-creased left side driver bolster on the seats straight from the factory. I just bought one brand new straight off the truck with the plastic wrap still on. The leather is also much thicker/rougher on that left driver seat side bolster because of all the future wear/tear that will happen in that particular spot from getting in/out constantly. FYI those concerned about the white leather. I love mine so far!

My dad laughs at me because I don't fit in his MX5-RF... that's because he doesn't let me drive it..haha

Love that’s white interior on blue - new for the 2021 model year - I want one.

I have a red one, its the most fun i have ever had in a car! Looks great, constantly getting compliments. Get one!

I find the passenger cup holder is a good place to place my iPhone in my 2020 RF. I purchased a Weathertech adjustable cell phone holder that fits in the cup holder and that works great!

Love your videos. I have a 2019 Mazda MX5 RF in Soul Red Crystal. Best and most enjoyable and affordable car I have ever owned. Worth every penny. Thanks for posting this.

Always the best reviews. Thanks, Tommy. An advertisement about Andre loosing his hair? WTH? lol

one and a half passenger car. I really like the whole concept of this care.

$36k is nothing. This is 2021!

I wonder if Roman’s son went to college or had training in media etc. He does a good job with these videos, very professional.

Also, since you’re using great synthwave tracks, can you start posting them in the descriptions! Really wanted this one.

I just started selling Mazdas today. I hope to be driving a Miata by my birthday.

There is actually a small storage area behind the passenger seat. Most people don't notice though.

Tom, wanted to see you get out with the roof closed hahaa, not sure if you cut that out on purpose. Essential information! Haha, great video once again while car shopping, you’re the man 👍

I detail and port pre-owned cars and I found the same tiny issues with this. However it was a blast to drive around the lot.

Not even 2 min in and there's an ad

For a phone holder I use a simple clamp style that fits over the horizontal vent vanes - $10. Works fine but watch where it clamps (avoid the power button). It hides the AC controls but they are probably on Auto anyway

I rented an MX5 a couple of years ago for a long weekend and even with an automatic it was a super fun car out on the twisties. The only issue for me was lack of headroom. I’m 6’2” and had to tilt my head to the side to keep it from rubbing on the roof, or out of the wind when the targa top was open. I could never make it work for me.

Very good review 👏

Miata is the answer! 2004 NB owner here

Got my 2001 Miata three years ago - only 60K miles for $5800, garage-kept. New clutch and timing belt - like a new car. Love it! Reminds me of the Spitfire I had 50 years ago, but more power and reliable. Looks like the new one has improved power and still lightweight. Personally, 5 gears are plenty for me and all those gadgets and gizmos are just distractions from the pure fun of driving and more stuff to break (And only the dealer can fix.) I would never spend that much for a car anyway but kudos to Mazda for still building this great little car!

The 2021 RF has of the most beautiful profiles Imhabe ever seen.

You only live once...you owe yourself to own this car at least once in your life.

So I purchased basically the same as the tested except that mine has black interior and doesn't have the increased rev range (so shy about 25-ish HP) and no wireless Android Auto/Apple Car Play but I do have wired AA/ACP that I added myself for about $100 and a backup camera that looks better for another $100 - I bought used in early 2020 (pre-pandemic) for about $12k less than a new one and have been very happy with it. There's actually another bit of storage behind the passenger side seat. The touch screen is disabled after you start driving but you get used to the little controller after a while. Having owned the RF for a bit I'd say that if you really like the looks get an RF but if you don't need the added security or are concerned about the mechanicals of the top get the roadster / soft top - I'm not a convertible person but I do like the "targa" appearance in much the same way I like the removable tops on Corvettes. During the pandemic I've had offers to buy mine for more than I paid for it - unfortunately you can't find them new anywhere close to where I live and with the exception of that added power there's no real reason to "upgrade". The new key fob is just dumb - it's bigger and the buttons are smaller - you rarely need to use it anyway since it has keyless go and doors can be locked / unlocked from the button on the door handle.

If you lower the seat 1.2” with a lowering bracket it completely changes the feel of the ND Miata. It’s good stock but with the seat a little lower it’s GREAT.

Did he say weeeehee hee hee! Dude, your killing me. 😱🤔🤣

Great value! worth every penny......2017 MX5 RF with 60K miles bought new as the limited launch rollout- makes a trip to the store exhilarating catching big revs without a speeding ticket (hands down superior to my former P Boxter for everyday fun), manual transmission is intuitive, big savings at the gas pump, great on winter roads, and blindspot has never been an issue

I have a 2009 NC miata sport, in competition yellow... I love it. But my 2021 718 Spyder is amazing

Is there a video on how to clear the water vents on Miata or fiat spider?

does the 2020 model have rev matching upshifting? I have one and have never noticed it

Can the top be put up or down with the remote ?

Will the KPC cornering feature for the 2022 mx5 be available from Mazda on a 2019 club? I would pay for the update. Any info from Mazda on this?

I'm seriously considering getting an RF, putting the lowering brackets in (I'm 6'3.5") and daily-ing it year round in Minnesota.

The communist comment made me laugh out loud - love it. I would like to be able to get one of these someday.

I have never read a bad report mine is wrapped 225 michelin tyres and a after market exhaust 2019 fantastic

White leather does look nice 👌

When I'm by myself, it's the best place to be! Love my 2020 MX-5 RF GT! #ZOOMZOOM

The phone goes in the cup holder. Move the driver's cup holder to the passenger side and place the phone 😉. That's what I do.

Miata is the best selling roadster in the entire world so...... yeah it’s worth every penny! Most reliable roadster in the world as well so....

just bought a new 21 rf gt. so glad for telescoping steering wheel. I like to have my arms stretched out further when driving.

Iam torn between the soft-top and RF. It will be a daily driver for the most part, I have a Sequoia as second car and mileage is pitiful. My concern is how often I would use the convertible feature plus the possible soft top degradation over time. But I also heard the RF has wind issues when open and the blind spot defeats the convertible feeling.

How do you not have friends? Your a good guy. Your regular viewers like you.

Have a 2004 MX Speed. Going to keep it. Bought new for my wife and only 40,000 miles! Love driving it!

Traded in my RF for a roadster and couldn't be happier, to be honest. The RF might look a bit better, but you can't beat the roadster's amazingly open feeling with the top down. (not to mention that's the only way to get rid of the atrocious blind spots)

Did you complement the rev hang? That complaint about the nd2. That isn't a feature, that is a flaw.

I own the soft top. I love the look of the RF but i test drove it and it didn't give me the same feeling of al fresco driving. it just felt like a large sun roof. I love how the air feels around you with the roof down on the soft top. You cannot deny how pretty the RF is though. If you are considering one firstly do it its so good and so fun secondly do not buy an automatic, you won't enjoy it as much.

I own a Miata RF manual and it’s a blast to drive. There are compromises for sure as it’s tiny with few places for storage. The cup holders are stupid as they are totally unstable awkward and impractical! The car is noisy but it’s a roadster. Overall it’s a BLAST TO DRIVE AND MORE FUN THAN YOU CAN EXPECT FOR THE MONEY! So if you like to drive you must test one soon! Used or new they’re affordable and fun! Poor man’s Porsche!

I rented this car for a couple of days and enjoyed it very much

Can you guys please expose this issue with the 2020/19/18 Camry (non-hybrid). There’s a post about it. Make sure the car is on, all windows up so you can hear, no AC or music on. It needs to be really quiet. There’s an annoying buzzing, static, electric frequency sound when you press and release the brake pedal. It’s a little loud and annoying. Toyota said it’s normal but very annoying and haven’t offered to fix it. There’s a great write up on the issue which was difficult to find. The write up has pictures from the findings of the specialist from Toyota stating normal. It’s the SE Camry. Not hybrid. If you guys can put this out there it will help out many if Toyota chooses to fix the problem.

Is the Miata still available in an Automatic?

Good looking car, but I would never put the top down. Seems like the top button is backwards. You should push down to put the top down and lift up to put it up. Would be nice if it didn't have that screen on the dash.

I'd like to see you test the LSD performance on your rollers. Miatas over the years have had a variety of limited slip diffs (or none) but I find the current offering to be pretty soft. It's easy to spin a wheel on a turn from a stop and I was amused by its lack of performance on some wet grass this summer. Mind you, both wheels were spinning but I was going sideways :-) I do wonder if it would be able to drive off if it was on a roller on one rear wheel

The metallic gray is growing on me.

Best thing you can do with your cellphone when driving a Miata is throw your phone out the window. : )

I use a car dock. Center cubby is for change knife and glasses

There are storage area behind the seats!

Can we please see Nathan get in the car? :) A friend had a Miata. We'd take his car and my head pressed up on the roof crossbar. Every bump was OUCH!

It's really not a bad price considering that it's the only new convertible/targa you can get now for under $70k. Then there's also inflation which went up 4% in 2020 and another 6% in 2021.

Those white seats are perfect but mannnnnn I'd be so mad keeping that thing clean

Think for that price I would rather skip the convertible and get a Type R

Is the auto way better than the basic standard package

Great video Tommy!

I have a 2020 RF GT polymetal grey with burgundy seats

Younger and better Doug D. Well done Tommy!

I have this car from 2017. It rules

Nice!! Awesome car, a fun drivers car...:-)

I wear the same snickers and jeans 🤣

You mentioned the lack of space in the passenger foot well, Imagine how tight it is for the driver in the right hand drive model...

Man those are sharp! It’s a shame it’s not a little bit bigger. Driving in Texas with such a tiny car is terrifying. But those miatas are really cool.

My HTC smart phone is not bothered by the shifter, I keep it there!

I found out I need alighment when I changed my steering wheel