I have driven and worked on every generation of the MX-5. (Automotive Tech for 45 years) I own a 2023 MX-5 GT. I can't wait to get up on a sunny day to drive it. Going to the grocery store is an adventure. It sometimes takes me an hour to go to a place that is only a mile away from my home. I take the long route. :)
I would sell all of the furniture in my house and sleep on the floor for Miata! In fact that dollar tree pillow is looking pretty good to replace my chairs. I don’t need anything but a new Miata! Hey if I had a girlfriend I would probably trade her for the Miata too! While I’m at it I think I’ll just eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a year or two & buy one!
To be fair, some people (like me) physically cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle -- I happen to lack the appropriate pedal pusher. So, equipped with a hand control system, the automatic transmission still allows me/us to drive such a fun vehicle. I have an ND1 RF and though, sure, I'd rather drive the 6MT, I'm just happy to be in this little car every day.
My dad is the main manager at a Mazda dealership, one day he brought me to work and about an an hour half before closing he took me out in the only manual Miata the dealership had. It was my second time driving manual ever, but I learned in a Genesis Coupe (dual flywheel, it has a spring to the clutch. It's harder to learn but makes it easier to drive other cars that don't have that). It felt flawless and was some of the most fun I've ever had in my life, to this day. One day I will be leasing one of these, and most definitely in manual. 10/10 car
genuine question, but why do people lease a car instead of buying it ? The only reason I see is that the car obviously looses value throughout time but if you plan on keeping the car for life why does that matter ?
@@devoz7 Because it brings more variety to lease cars for cheaper, and in a few years when the lease is up, its time for a new car and all of the problems it had is now the dealerships problem. Unless you really plan on having a car for more than the lease time and are willing to deal with the issues it might have (and the depreciation), then buy it.
@@77trick to each it's own I guess. Idk I guess I just don't have the mentality of getting sick of toy real quick, wanting to get rid of it, only to replace it with a new toy and repeat that cycle. I like to own my things and make it my own to perfect it. Any issues that it comes with along the way isn't a problem for me since Im a mechanic for living and love putting up all the puzzle pieces together in order to fix it and learn more about the car mechanically. It gives you a thrill of achievement. Depreciation don't matter to me since I only buy cars that I plan on keeping until my grave
Maaaan, I go through a different car craving every month and ND Miata is where I'm at right now. Last week's SavageGeese video and now this seem like signs. But as an only car in Detroit that's street parked, I think I better keep the Fiesta ST until I have a garage. Great video!
I have a 2016 ND GT (Automatic I’m sorry, I got it used this year with 12k miles) and I will literally be bored in the middle of the night, put on pants, grab my keys, and drive around downtown or the highway with no traffic, it’s an absolute blast. I go to a go kart track pretty often and this car is the closest thing I’ve felt to the sensation of go karting.
I just put my 91 miata in storage to rest after being my only car for 6 years. I pick picked up an FL5 CTR and that's great, but like... I miss my miata.
I just bought my first Miata, a Soul Red Crystal ND1 and I am IN LOVE. Its the best car ive ever driven, its actually insane that this car exists at the pricepoint its at.
I have the RF GT manual and imo it’s cooler looking with top up, especially the profile! Love this car! It’s a blast to drive around town. I could use it as my daily if I had to. However I’m using for special fun ride. I like my SUV as a daily because it’s just a lot more comfortable!
I have an Automatic Nd2 RF, and I have so much fun with it. Im sure a manual one is sweet to use, but i just never learned. I want to someday! I also daily it, so a manual would be a lil more of a hassle around town! great review btw, I love this little car.
No need to apologize for what works for you! I've heard the automatic is actually quite good and decently fast to switch. I believe you get paddle shifters as well? That would be a lot of fun to drive!
If you can have two cars, ND2 all day long. Only one, then a GR86 with an extended warranty. If you want to track, ND2. Seems risky to track the GR86 with the engine issues.
Not many small roadster left, I have a 2007 350z roadster. Love it. I’m looking at Miata reviews so can make a decision on its replacement. This current body style not longer looks like jelly bean.
"This car is about putting the top down as much as humanly possible." Amen to that! Huge pet peeve is to see people driving their convertibles with the top up on a sunny, 75 degree day. Why did they buy a convertible?!!
Sheesh! Is it supposed to be expected to have that much play on the steering wheel? I'm thinking about getting one as a second fun car, but I'm not sure. The seat looks sunken and not very supportive. I got to test drive one.
The Toyota GR 86 sports car is great BUT is NOT A CONVERTIBLE so it’s apples and oranges. No other affordable convertible except the Mustang which is huge and heavy in comparison to the nimble lighter Miata.
I think my 04 Mazdaspeed Miata has more character and beauty than the ND Club I recently test drove. Albeit, it was only a 10 minute drive in the city. I'll keep my NA and NB MSM!
It really gets boring to hear how the only good Miata is a manual transmission Miata. I have had a number of manual transmission vehicles early on in my driving life and I really got tired of the experience, if you can call it that. I much prefer to sit back, enjoy the ride, with as few distractions as possible including massaging a gear shift knob which seems to have some sensual affect on the majority of male drivers. I test drove an automatic Miata recently and thoroughly enjoyed the other 90% of the driving experience of the vehicle without distractions!
"better" is tough to answer. The Camaro has an excellent chassis, but it's heavier than a Miata and is therefore less toss-able. There's less body roll in the Camaro, however, and it can corner at higher speeds. The type of road will surely dictate how "well" each car will perform (Miata will be better suited to tighter curves, and visa versa for the Camaro), but in almost every context, the Miata will be more fun to drive.
The new are mini coopers don’t seem like what they once were in the 60s and 70s!! The only way that Mazda Miata could get better in my opinion is if they had round pop-up headlights or at least round glass headlights. Although I don’t believe I would miss the pop-up headlights since just about everything else is better and it really is only two or $3000 more new for a much better car than what they cost with about 40 or 50 less horsepower and none of the modern features!! While even the minimum wage is much better now!! It would take you less time to save up for a better Mazda! Adjusted for inflation it’s actually a much much better deal than the old Mazda Miata! British sports cars that helped with the roots of the Miata are overrated!
Drive mine on the highway all the time. If you think it is too small to pass a big rig or a Tahoe, then it is just too small for you anywhere there is other traffic.
I work with used cars and I had a chance to drive a 95 NA Miata and from the second I sat down, I couldnt take the smile off my face. When I got to drive a 21 ND, it was the exact same way, but with modern amenities. It really is a perfect car.
If I bought such a car I would always want to drive it, even in winter times, therefore for me it would be the RF Targa style one to get in khaki green.
FWIW I drive my soft-top with the top down in the winter. With the heated seats and legendarily potent miata heater blowing it's comfortable down into the 20s F, let alone if you close the roof. I think I would go with a GR86 or BRZ vs the RF version, both of which are better coupes which is what the RF feels like, even with the top down, (that B pillar on the RF is a dealbreaker for me).
That's why I bought an RF to daily drive in New Hampshire. I'm about to do the snow tire change over and the top won't be down again for 4-5 months. It is just as much fun in the winter.
Im military and im able to fit my Duffelbag and assault pack in my trunk, if i need my big rucksack itll go in my passenger seat, Paco lowered brackets will help out if you’re tall, im 5’11 with lowered rails im as comfortable as i can be in any sedan. I been daily driving my ND for 3 years 40 minutes drive one way in california traffic manual transmission no regrets
The best video review of the miata I've seen in all of youtube. You drive the car normal unlike the rest of the youtube car journalists which immediately drive the miata like a lunatic race driver, and you even did the horn test which literally nobody does. Thank you 🙏
I actually prefer the smaller screen. After working on a computer screen and looking at my phone all day, if I get in my car for a drive, I want to be as far away from screens as possible
This is the only answer for those who don’t have the money, or want to spend the money to buy a new Porsche Boxster ($80k or more) but still love the driving experience of a roadster! There is not a better option at all! You can look for used Boxsters but they are still more expensive and repairs will break the bank… unless you can get a good warranty? I have purchase two used Boxsters but the prospect of a break on the road was stressful. Now I just have a 2023 MX-5 Manual GT RF. It’s the hardtop retractable targa but still fun! Great car and only option unless I won the lottery and got a. Porsche. For,the average working person who loves a fun car to drive, THIS IS THE ONLY ANSWER!
I just so happen to have both of them. I know the feeling when you bring up the 86. Its splitting hairs when choosing between the 2 honestly. You review almost sounds like mine lol.
I really like how far the MX5 has come. Nice interior, pretty body, good power, and the choice to put the transmission 1:1 way up at 6th gear makes for a fun, row through the gears, close ratio transmission. It's a nice car. I even test drove one. However, I've bought two other cars competing against it instead. One is the RX8, and I think it's just a more interesting and more practical car. The engine's more interesting, and the suspension is better. What if roadster is the whole goal? Well, I've also bought an old Z4 (E85, aka back when you could still get the NA inline 6), which feels and looks like a grown up version of the Miata. However, I do think Mazda does suspension a bit better.
You kept saying "dampening" but you weren't actually wetting anything (I hope). I'm obsessed with this car and I'm compelled to watch all videos featuring it, thanks for making it entertaining. Your video really captures the joy and excitement I feel driving my Club on the backroads.
I’ve owned lots of fun, fast, great cars but there is nothing like a Miata. You’re right. You can’t drive this car without smiling. You can buy faster cars but they aren’t as much fun. I LOVE my RF!!!
I sold Mazdas for 9 months and it opened my eyes to the manufacturer and what they're doing. Easily one of the best. If you're in the market for a new vehicle (that isn't a pickup or van) test drive something from Mazda that appeals to you. Honda, VW, Nissan...I wouldn't even compare them. I'd sooner compare Mazda to BMW or Subaru. Oh, and we had the MX-5 in MT at the time, but I never did get a chance to take it out for a burn. This was in 2013, which was the year that introduced the SKYACTIV engine, but it wasn't in the MX-5 at the time because that uses a 2.5L and it only existed in 2.0 back then. The 2.5L SKACTIV would be in all models now. If I won the lottery tomorrow, an MX-5 is the first thing I'd buy.
Nice job on your review. I'm thinking seriously about a 2024 RF GT. Owned a new '96. Loved it. I'm older than sh%t now though and my wife thinks I'll look ridiculous driving it. It isn't how I'll look in it. It's all about how I'll feel driving it. What do you guys say?
Thanks Carlos. I’m 72. I’ll be 73 when I buy it. I’ve survived broken bones, separated shoulders, dislocated clavicle, heart attack, cancer, a gunshot wound, and a MK-82 500 pound bomb exploding directly beneath my attack jet. I’ve had more lives than a cat. I’m definitely reaching my “sell by” date. May as well go out happy. Yeah or nay.
My mx5 has one rule. If the wheels are moving the top is down. For Every time one of these incredible cars are driven with the roof up there’s a Mazda engineer in Japan crying 😢.
Yes, the manual tranny is ideal for this car, but don’t dismiss the automatic too quickly. I recently discovered that couldn’t do the manual due to a progressing disability with my feet/legs. I could go through all the gears no problem when rolling, but couldn’t release the clutch properly off the start, and I was really bummed out. But while test-driving the automatic just out of curiosity, I was completely & utterly blown away by how good it was. When in “Drive” you can pop the shift lever a titch over to the left, taking it out of full auto mode into a manual control, and then simply blip the lever forward & backward (with a tiny throw) to shift up & down. The paddle shifters are also there as another shifting option too! It was so shockingly good, and it allowed me to have and experience this car. I bought it! Also, the automatic is much more relaxing during those times when you do want to just cruise and enjoy your coffee, or when you’re dealing with city traffic. Have you tried one?
I do like driving, I also walk with crutches and drive with a hand control.. I NEED An automatic... and it's never in the wrong gear... Course mine is an RF Otherwise I agree!
Easy pick against Toyota and I have a 95 Celica gt convertible 5pd stick ! ; The mx5 ND has the body lines and curves all over the Toyota ! The Mazda is lighter and a true roadster ! Done. Easy pick
I don't see how people can look at THIS interior and praise it, but pretend that the 2009 (yes, even the 2009) Nissan 370z has an "outdated" interior. They both have stitching and leather, they're both small cabins, they have minimal-looking head units, the controls for door locks, windows and side-mirrors look almost the same, they have similar shift-knobs (though I think the silver cap on the Miata looks tacky) and, for my money, the 370z's instrument cluster is more interesting and stylish than the Miata's, even though they're both fairly basic needle-in-circle designs. Sure, the Miata isn't meant to be a sports car as much as a fun, personal cruiser, but I'd expect with all the criticism that the 370z gets, we wouldn't have a 2023 vehicle like this coming out with such a similarly "outdated" interior.
This is definitely the first car I want to get. It has all of the nice modern stuff, without the gimmicky electronic dashboard It's not some 500+ HP beast, it's just a nice little car. And I like it for this reason, you can really open the throttle and get to the cars full potential easily And, it's insanely cheap for a sporty car Insanely cheap, easy, and fun
This video makes want an Mx5, but buying used scares me. It's highly likely that 99% of them were trashed like this for 30k miles and then put up for sale.
Lovely but so impractical. Anyway, getting a Mazda 3 BP sedan this weakend. Only downside is the weak engine.. plx Mazda 6 inline yesterday already! The Honda Civic is not competing with the Miata though, entirely different market. Honda doesn't offer anything that competes with the Miata, maybe S2001 some day..
The only reason to select an automatic is if you have a physical problem, e.g. a missing leg (or a bad knee). Otherwise, a manual is the only way to go. It requires that you pay attention to the revs, the relationship between the gears, power and engine braking, as requirements continuously change, uphill and down, etc., plus taking economy into account, all part of the driving experience, most of which is lost with an automatic! If you ask me, a MT is where MOST of the fun is to be had! In other words, a manual transmission is the only way to go…
I'm looking at the RF version only for a few reasons, 1 is I plan as a daily driver, and the other is because I have to park my car near a tree, tree sap and possible crazy people stabbing the roof and it's hot here in Ca. Recognize the highway, been there many times. Drove one for a week while wife's car is in shop. I was astonished how natural it feels once I got in, getting out I was "wow, that's small". lol. My only suggestion would be the ability to open the RF top, get out, use the key to close the roof (didn't check, if you can do that remotely but would make getting out a little easier.
I bought this exact car a month ago. I didn’t drive manual but every RU-vid video says, “Get the manual. You won’t regret it.” As I get better at driving this thing, I’m loving it more each time I take it out early each morning. It’s such a great experience. So glad I bought the manual. The soul red color is amazing. Thanks for the fun video with “my car” in it!
Im about to graduate and am looking at getting a new (or used) car. I have a 100 series landcruiser i plan to keep and have been looking at the miata, gr86, and civic si (8th gen to current)... Im really leaning towards the miata though. My dad has an NB an they are so much fun to drive, however it's at the cost of practicality
civic si, GR86, and Miata are all fantastic cars - just pick the one that meets your needs. I'd say since you have the 100 series, you don't need the most practical car, so I'd choose between the GR86 and Miata (personally)
Owning a '23 BRZ, I went for a test drive of an RF because I was constantly being told that I was missing something. I wasn't. The '23 RF is a great car, but not as good "fitting", handling or performing as my BRZ.
I would say out of the box, you are correct, but mods are easier on MX5 (double wishbones vs strut) and the lighter MX5 has the potential to be even better.@@robertpeet1360
A suggested drive, take Route 39, take a right ot the bridge, go all the way till you take a sharp right, sometimes the gate is closed, but when it's not, climb all the way up till you need to go right or left, take a left towards mount baldy (not a busy road even on the weekends) and that's where the fun begins but be careful, some sharp turns, and bicyclists are using the road as well, but a fun drive, you'll eventually hit the entrance to mount baldy, take a right to head back to Route 66 or left if you want to go to Mt. Baldy.
That’s way more car for the money then in the 90s!! It has more horsepower and torque than a 1999/3 2004 5000 pound Jeep Grand Cherokee! 4.0 straight six! It also has about 40 or 50 more horsepower than the old Miata! Plus modern features the old Miata didn’t have! I feel like 190 hp is enough for an SUV! I feel like it’s way more than enough power for that little tiny car!! Why do some people complain it doesn’t have enough power supposedly!! I think it’s pretty much a perfect car as far as a production car you couldn’t really miss the old Miata!! Very soon they’re not gonna make a real sports car in the US anymore!! The only cost about two or $3000 more than the 1994 Miata did when it was new!!
