I do like that model with the metal folding roof. I think it's called the RF, but you probably lose a lot of the driving characteristics with the added weight. Also, I just thought you had a collection of epic oddballs from the 80s and 90s. I'm jealous
I have owned my 2019 ND since I bought it new 3 years ago. I traded a 2 year old Porsche 911 for it, and I have never regretted the swap. At 1/4 of the $, the Miata is actually more fun. I have owned many cars over a 48 year period, and the Miata is the most enjoyable thing on 4 wheels I have come across.
I took my NC MiataMX5 through the DRAGON Highway 129 at high speed it cornered outstanding hit the bank turns at 60+ So much fun I did it 5 times 318 turns in 11 miles
For me it's the fact that the car is so light and easy to toss around. I have an ND2 that I daily and it can be fun all the time at almost any speed. Faster and more capable cars (in my limited experience) tend to feel boring at those daily speeds. A Miata feels like an excited puppy that just wants to play and is up for whatever. The inputs all feel wonderful and the way everything is balanced makes the car rewarding to drive smooth.
I own a 2022 GT, Miata, and agree with Ethan's comments. You can take one a long road trip, provided you are smart about packing. My wife and I have just returned from a month long road trip covering about 7500kms (4600 miles). We took two airplane carry-on bags plus a couple of small back-packs. The trunk opening is small, but it is deep and wide. Small or soft luggage fits easily, and if you're willing to compromise a long road-trip is not a problem. The car is a delight to drive, and I love every minute in it. It's small, light and nimble, not a fast car, but a quick car, and loves to rev as you row through that magical gear box. It's a driver's car, which means compromise in space , but you quickly forget that as soon as you turn that engine on.
I also have a Miata ND2 RF G-184 Top Revolution, we also use 2 airplane carry-on luggage and few more bags for long trips and some "loose" stuff in between - the trunk is far bigger than you would think looking at the car from outside (actually, those complaining of the trunk being small are in fact complaining about their lack of compartmental or organizational skills). If one of you doesn't use the seat fully extended to the back, you also have an usable space behind that seat. I "discovered" that in my first one month trip and it is quite helpful if you are out of trunk space already or you need some more space for what you bought during the trips (food included). If you travel light, there is no problem to do long trips - I never got to the point of washing some clothes to have some fresh ones because I don't use the Miata during the winter (except some sunny days, as it is smart to drive at least 15 minutes twice a month), when you need thicker clothes. And we also take with us our 10Kg dog 😉 This is my favourite sport/cabrio car and I am also tracking it hard - still 0 (zero) issues in 3+ years. The quality/price ratio is exceptional for Miata, that is far more fun than far more expensive cars. It is the best driver's car from hundred of cars that I tested and the most reliable car (according to Consumer Reports survey from 2020 - I also have the #2, Lexus UX 250h F Sport, because I live in a mountainous area). Drifting the car on my neighborhood curves - ofc, with the top down - is amazingly fun, even for my wife, but my dog is less appreciative 😂
@@codincoman9019 They are also complaining about their lack of being able to just pick what they really need (and will actually use) on a trip. I can't tell you the people that I have seen pack enough to actually stay somewhere two months or so (if actually using the washing machine) just to wear three pairs of shorts and maybe 5 shirts the whole time they are there. You can pack enough to go on an extended road trip with just a couple Wal Mart bags full of things if someone is adult enough to wash their clothes. I'm not talking about traveling and going to suit and tie restaurants of course but traveling for the purpose of having a good time. I stayed at the beach once for two weeks. Three pairs of shorts, three shirts. I was always clean, my clothes were clean, and I had a blast. I didn't even have a washer, I washed clothes in the sink.
@@waynepurcell6058, yes, you are right. This car is truly amazing for people able to correctly choose what they will really need (if I pack 8 shirts, 4 T-shirts and 5 pairs of shorts - no tux, ofc - it rarely happens that I don't wear one of them or I have to wash some in a 3-weeks holiday). And for the people that love driving. Tomorrow I am leaving for 10 days (from Brașov/Romania to Thassos/Greece) with our Miata, together with my wife and our dog and I can bet that I'll be packing in the evening everything in 15 minutes (needed documents included) and that maybe 2-3 things I shall not use (because the vacation will be too short) and no washing should be done. I am very excited to drift again on the curves of Shipka pass in Bulgaria, almost the entire road is beautiful. All the best!
@@waynepurcell6058, thank you very much! My dog, Cappuccino (Cino) loves being a co-pilot, sitting in my wife's lap and enjoying the open space - he likes less the curves, but he is not getting to the point of vomiting, despite my spirited driving 😇 - we trained him well 😉 God bless you!
For those who live in countries doesn’t need to pay heavy import duty, get a Miata and you won’t regret it, it’s a really good entry convertible sports car with reasonable price tag. I have to pay much more in our country, but I am glad I got it.
Ethan, THANK YOU for mentioning pedestrian safety. I was struck by a DUI driver last just and the only GOOD news was that she was driving a 2001 Civic, otherwise I could be dead. I still spent 3 weeks in the hospital and only now are getting to me new normal. It's another reason why I don't mind that the quirky popups are gone.
FWIW, dealers I've reached out to have said they won't be able to start ordering 2023s until January and delivery would likely happen Mar/Apr/May (most likely late-April to early-May)
I own a 2022 GT Soul Red soft top. Regarding storage, you didn’t mention the “massive “ hidden storage compartments behind the seats. Also I bought the 3-piece custom fit Roadster soft luggage set. You can pack quite a lot in those bags.
I agree with many of your points. I don't like leather, don't care much for convertible, and red is not my favorite. Guess what I have been driving for the past 27,000 miles? A 21 Club, in Soul Crystal Red. Lol. Loving every mile of it. I had a 94 and 06 Miata previously, so I've always loved the Miata formula. This is the best yet. Such an exhilarating feeling to drop the top on a nice day (or even at night), driving through the mountain roads, looking up at the stars and breathing in the fresh air, with no other cars around you. The red color has really grown on me, very eye catching, got many compliments about the car.
Diggin the review! I just got me a 21' MX5 RF Club and I was blown away by just the sheer amount of feedback when driving. It's both confidence inspiring and scary at the same time! Still the most fun I've had since my first time in an NA.
I owned a 1997 miata, the 1st model remake for 4 years and I loved it. 20+ years & 7 cars later, I'm going to pull the trigger on a 2023 gt white with Napa leather. I want to experience the joy I used to get with my old Miata now that I'm divorced. My ex wouldn't be caught dead in a Miata. No worries as I'll use the passenger seat to haul my golf clubs.
About one week ago I had my NB MSM with some mods out on the Palmer track with a bunch of others Miatas, including a few ND's. My car is reasonably quick and flat with race grade coilovers, sway bars, and a few other goodies (light wheels, tires, intake and downpipe mods, body stiffening etc)....figure I'm putting down about 200 HP(-ish) at the wheel. In a straight line my car was faster than the ND's, but only just so. However in the curves it was really tight (and awesome). Those ND's (which I believe were stock) were so efficient and lithe (even with their skinny wheels and absurd body roll) I was blown away. It was a joy to hang with them. The years of development between NB and ND chassis has created a huge step forward. The ND is so unexpectedly out of hand ...it hauls ass. I would love to own one. Excellent video!
Leather seats look elegant, and are easy to clean (at least until the dirt is pretty intense), but are excruciating when the summmer sunrays hit them for a while.
Hi from France! I bought this little jewel last april. Wonderful summer over apls and riviera, it’s a kind of affordable paradise. If you hesitate, DON’T!
I love it. I purchased ‘22 GT RF, love this little sports car. I say little because compare to my Gen 2 Raptor, it is definitely undersized and underpowered but brings plenty of smile😊
A little over a year ago my father handed his 1996 Miata down to me. He was the original owner, and I was in high school when he bought it. I'm quite a bit taller than him (though shorter than Ethan). It's cramped, it's stupidly low, my head touches the bottom of the roof if it's up, and it's ungodly slow. AND I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF DRIVING IT. Ethan's right, you can't drive it and not smile, at least if you're not bogged down in traffic. I do find it funny, though, that the cupholders in my '96 are more useful and less intrusive than the '22.
Great video! I remember first meeting you at Radwood Norcal (Sonoma Raceway) when we were both in line, me in my blue 94 Miata and you in your little black Chevy. It's so great to see your channel growing so well. FYI I currently daily a 2022 Soul Red Club Miata with the BBR package. :)
55th thumbs up brother and awesome episode of this Miata MX-5, and glad there still continuing Miata's and enjoyed watching and have a wonderful weekend Ethan 👍😎👊💯
Just purchased our 2022 Grand Touring soft top in Snowflake White Pearl Mica on September 13th. I love this car more than any car I have owned, It is a blast to drive. Will be heading to the North Georgia mountains next month and can wait to get in the twisties.
I regrettably sold my ND1 Miata when stupid high offers started coming out of nowhere, but I am planning to buy another one before the ND2's run ends...this time for keeps. This platinum color reminds me a little bit of 'old man champagne' from the 80s and 90s, but I love it anyway. I think this color with the terracotta seats looks absolutely amazing. It's a throwback to classic roadsters of yesteryear. I don't know if I'd actually buy this color, but it does look great.
@@andrewstevenson6540 I hope to live to a very old age, but even old men don't want to be perceived as such. We all want to hold on to our vitality, both inside and out.
I still love my 2016 Grand Touring. I wouldn't mind having a newer one because of the extra power, upgraded radio, and different colors/trim but there is nothing wrong with the one I have.
I feel the same way about my 2016 Club soft top. Mazda did add more HP / the tilted adjustable steering column / the heated seats ( in the Club ) all good things to have but there is nothing like a paid off vehicle that you own ! I have the title. Up until 3 weeks ago a letter came every 2 weeks for 2 years telling me how much the local Mazda dealer would give me for my ND1. Finally it stopped ! Happy to have this car with the crazy car market of today. Upgrade to a newer model ? This 2016 Club has been carefully modded to my preferences. There is no way this paid off Club is leaving my grasp.
You should get a model with an LSD, it makes dancing in the corners smoother and more controllable. I may replace my 2016 Club (4th Miata) with the ND2 someday, but I have so much fun with this one, I might lose my mind if it can get better!
As someone who DOES pay attention to 0-60 times...Holy cow, the Miata is suddenly legit fast! I personally dont see the Miata ever dying, as long as cars are being made, it's carved out its own special niche and I think there will always be juuuuust enough buyers who care driving a fun little roadster. Plus, it would make a great little EV in the near future.
We hope so but the na sold the most units, has been downhill since then, spikes when new model is released but still a downward trend. How many more generations it lasts who knows, I mean Ford of rid of the focus and fieta so anything is possible.
I have a 2012 Miata NC. It is great!. It has cup holders in the rifgt place, glove box, bigger trunk and exhaust on each side. Its best feature is hydraulic steering wheel. I switch cars couple of times between my miata and mi kia stinger. The miata puts a bigger smile on your face. It is manual. Great car.
Just ordered this exact car in same color and interior with the manual trans. Now I have to wait 2-3 months for delivery but am very excited! Test drove one and I was sold. Had to pay full price as the dealer is not discounting. Came in at $34,590 plus TTL. I think it is a great buy.
Wonderful review! I’m on my fourth (!) and, yeah, it’s hard to imagine a car that’s more f-u-n, particularly on public roads at human speeds. I, too, love it’s diminutive size; it’s one of the reasons why I bought mine, kind of a non-verbal statement against that onslaught of bloated, too wide, too tall, too heavy SUVs and CUVs. Your insight about the Miata being safer to pedestrians (and kids) is spot on; another reason why I drive one (and I don’t even have kids). Thanks for your thoughtful insights. If everyone owned one of these, there’d be a lot less depression out there. Mine is Racing Orange, and I tell passengers it’s simply The Happiest Car In the World (and I’m a cynical New Yorker). They don’t disagree. 😊
I have had my NC MiataMX5 FOR 10 YEARS I have really enjoyed the rides with the First Coast Miata club, I drove it to Key West, Deal's Gap the Dragon . I'm not too fond of those jacked-up trucks they should not be allowed on the road
Awesome review! Really cool history with the old commercials. Just found this channel and love the revival of all the legendary 80s and 90s car stuff!! You probably get this question often but where is that stretch of road you get all the awesome driving shots? Would love to go for a spin around there 🙏
@@HelloRoad see aptera owners club video on saftey reason why i dont liek electric car is that battery degradation and lack of battery recyling. dendrites that forms from battery degradation is messes with recyalability too. if you look at sandy munroe video caled wjats insize 680 battery, there could be indicator of how much of battery can be recycled by mechnaical seperation vs what chemical process would be needed, woudl it be susntinable process? recycling company called redwood. even if they fix this problem, will they dig through trash to find enviromentally damaged (rust, mud,etc) dead car batteries currently being dumped, and recycle them? in emissions, best hting to do is a ca rof where rear seats face the rear as comcpact 4 seate rreplacing 2+2 seater cars and yaris corolla cars, and rear mid engine small combustion flat 2 cyulnder wnith no rotatiing parts to send power to wheels, instead magnets moving back and forth make electricty aand or a little supplemnetary compressed air , to power electric drive and compressed air driver, possibly with no battery or at minimal battery, using supercapacitor etc. optimal combustions per second for emissions with electric and mechnaical hybrid turbocharger, sometimes engine will run beyodn optimal effiency or emissions levels for unsuually high power demand to protect long term emissiosn and fuel use reduction effetiveness of battery for common lower power use. with limited batterys to use, hybrids are already more effceint effective at reducing emissions, vs using that battery material for fewer cars who are electric cars, becaue most emissions happens in low speed high pushing power sitatuaitons of combustion car, where emissions are most likley to chemicaly harm health of nearby people becaue its usually compact city area with many people nearby. what battery size is best for longevity? see tony hellers climate change videos, maybe somone can make use of suspicious observers videos. see aptera owners club video on saftey, unqiue materials they use, lightweight is safer to peopel outsid ethe car but can be safe for people inside car compared to hevaier caar if using right materials, and even safer due to wat type of crash is more likley to happen.. linearly more ligghter weight exponentially causes less road wear damage causing less resurces and emissions and road downtimes. in effeincy per functionality, rear seats facing rear in sompact 4 seater woudl make more sense. solarpanel effeincy is only arouund 20 percent and can become lot better
I just got done trading in my 2018 Kia Cadenza for a 2020 Miata RF GT; like three days ago. I always wanted one ever since it came out in 2016, but I wasn't willing to go ahead and fork over the insurance rates that I was being offered as a 20 year old at the time. Now, you may think that I had a hard time transitioning over from a full size sedan chassis, to the miniscule chassis that is the Miata - but nope. I took a long, hard look at myself, and the Cadenza; thinking back to the last two years that I had it and thought about just how often I used the massive space that it had - which wasn't very often. At most, I had one other person in the vehicle once a month. My trunk was often empty, or had a small pile of clothes to the side. And my parents would often try to use my car instead of their own for grocery hauls because of the cavernous trunk. I also looked back at how often its hulking frame kept me from enjoying back roads, despite having the amazing LAMBDA II V6 and it's sublime 8-speed; too often the chassis pulled me back from enjoying those roads. or any roads with the near 300 HP/280- something ft/lbs. The fun would end too quickly for me. Now that I am well over the age where insurance rates would gouge your wallet, I decided to hit the reset button on my debt and get the Miata, before life comes around and tells me that I can't have that vehicle as a daily driver anymore. I don't regret it at all. I feel free when I am behind the wheel of this little, metallic bundle of harmonious metal; it's a joy to drive to work and I look forward to it because of my early morning shifts, and early clock-outs. I could have gotten an S550 Ecoboost too, but I am so glad that I didn't - because for all of the compromise that this little car has, (which I don't care about, because it's just me in the car most of the time!) it gives back fun in spades. Every. Single. Time.
Great review! Love the Miata and would love to have one. The next generation is already testing, so that is some good news in a world full of raised blobs.
Great message about visibility and pedestrian safety. Vehicles in this country have become so ridiculous in size and for no real purpose. It’s good that some manufacturers can make (and hopefully sell) smaller, lighter weight cars.
Agreed. I don't know why new pickups like the Chevy Silverado need to have their hoods seemingly 5 feet or more off the ground, and even worse when the owners choose to install a lift kit!
What a great car! Cockpit and cargo space reminds me much of the AW11. A couple duffle bags and stop at all view areas when you're your thirsty makes for a pretty great weekend road trip. Such a clean design too. Headroom has disqualified Miatas from my consideration until this gen.
just bought this exact same car. i immediately added the body color splashguards, and they are a lovely embellishment, as this color combo needed something for the sides but is too mature for the side sills and front chin spoiler. The color names make no sense. The seats are in no way Terracotta, and since platinum is silver and quartz is typically white, the exterior name makes no sense either. The color combo reminds me of butter pecan ice cream. creamy slightly golden hued buttery exterior and the seats are textbook pecan, which is probably why i love it so much! The color combo drips class. I'm normally a t shirt and jeans kinda guy but can't help but find a linen shirt and fedora as a more appropriate choice when riding this. I get lots of compliments on it, especially from older folks who I will gladly sell it to in 3 years for $30k after taking a marginal depreciation loss. Because the average age of ownership is 62, the insurance is light. Only costs me an extra $50/mo when I added it to my policy. Thank you for reviewing this car and giving us some glimpses at the color combo!
I test drove a ND2 a few years back...loved how it drove but found it a little cramped. I'm still considering one but I've also got my eyes on the GR86 and next Gen Type R if I can find that for msrp anywhere in the country
A great video! I had a 96, 1999, and a 2003 Miata and all were great cars. Chrysler Hellcats are like trucks by comparison. Here is my non-professional interpretation of the inside wheel braking. The inside wheel braking forms a radius point at which the outside wheels rotate. In other words the outside wheels are the arc of the radius. Well...am I close?
One day when I make enough I want one as a second car. Could easily afford one as a daily but I have friends and need at least a little space lmao. That Retractable hard top looks so nice
Hi there. Greetings from Portugal 👍 I have what we call here a MX 5 with soft roof (dont know why you guys call it Miata 🤣 My MX 5 costs as much as that model and its "just" a 1500cc with 135HP! In Europe cars are more expensive... I wrote "Just" because even with this engine the car is great fun to drive! Really great 💪💪💪 power enough for it's weigth! I already did a trip in Europe about 8000km and the car was not only great fun with the open roof top but also extremly confortable! In the German highways i was driving at the speed of 180 km/hour and it was asking for more 😅 Liked your vídeo but... You forget to mention two boxes at the back of the seats that are great for storage! Plus... If your're not to tall and you dont need to put the seats totally to the rear position you can even put a jacket or smaller things on the back side of the seats! I love my red beautiful MX 5 (Miata) from 2021 😍
When the ND first came out I sat in one at the auto show, and it wouldnt have passed the broomstick test. I'm not even that tall, so that was weird. I had an NA and used it for lapping and some autox, but it was terrible as a street car. I can understand why people like them, but Miatas never really worked for me.
After two (gen B and C) Miatas (stick) I got a Porsche Boxster (stick). No, the Boxster did not put a big grin on my face. So I got rid of the Boxster after two years, and got ... a Miata (stick). My big grin is back.
You did a wonderful presentation here. One of the best I have seen. Covered all the bases and then some. Interesting and significant point about pedestrian safety. Nobody seems to mention this. Thank you.
Spot on review & love the review using the exterior platinum color and very hard to see this color in north east coast area, and your video shows how the color looks in various lighting 👍and covering the KPC. I have the 17RF LE, and owned all 4 generations over 25+ yrs. I ❤️ my RF LE overall and getting used to the machine gray color, but would have preferred a better color than white, black or 50 shade of gray. After seeing your video I would consider upgrading and love new technology and gadgets, kpc, backup camera, CarPlay… only mpg is not as good as my ‘17 which avg 38.5 mpg, all highway 40-42.5 mpg and city 33-34.5 mpg. Platinum are available in west coast or southern state. I wish NH or MA would get some platinum RF. A RF is ideal for me due to weather in northeast. Thanks for the review.
If want automatic buy something else? I love that they have automatic to! For people like me who sadly can’t drive manually because of a disability. its really nice to have that option on this great car! But if you can drive manual afcorse its better choice! I really love my automatic nd!
~25% of Miata buyers go with the auto, so clearly there is a demand! :) It's just not what I'd do. But absolutely, if I wasn't able to drive a manual, an auto Miata is a fine choice!
I will buy a Miata for sure. Tried one once in a circuit near Madrid. The handling and general feeling of the car is stunning. Interior quality is awesome. I hope next generation will maintain the same assets that all previous gens had. Love Mazda cars.
I love the Miata but one thing is like scratching on a chalkboard. I wish Mazda would delete the cheap looking and feeling infotainment screen. In its place, simply use an adjustable mount or in-dash cubby with usb-c connector for smart phones. Modern phones and tablets are far more forward looking than these antiquated infotainment screens. Get rid of them and keep the interior clean.
Might be tough! Could depend on your torso length. Test drive one! The NA and NB generations were both too small for me (6'3") with a stock seat configuration. The ND and NC generations offer a bit more space. They both have identical legroom and headroom, but the NC actually has slightly more shoulder room.
if you want fun, easy to work on and reliability get this car cons: is small not lot room to put things, it has direct injection so it build carbon faster but with proper maintenance should be fine hehe overrall this car handle really well and drive like a dream :D
I have owned NA, NB, and NC. I LOVE my retractable hard top NC (automatic and all, I got it cheap). I don't like the ND body style. I just wish they had given the NC a bit of a "slicker" modern styling upgrade. They should have kept the retractable hard top. I would even like to see a MANUAL version of the retractable hard top. A couple of handholds that two people could raise the top with. Ditch weight with the stereo and crap. I've owned three Miata's and the stereo was virtually useless in ALL of them. Ditch the power windows (really have we all gotten so pussy we can't crank a handle three times??). I'd rather pay premium for some really good seats (that are comfortable even after 500-800 miles of driving) than "power crap". Sell the car with a nice, lowered, and least body roll suspension straight off the lot. No Moss, no Flying Miata. Just low and tight from the factory. Make the interior highly water resistant so you don't "HAVE" to put the top up due to rain. On some really hot days a ride in the rain with the top down would be cooling and nice.
I'm seriously considering trading my 2022 CX-30 (which I like) for a 2025 MX-5/Miata RF in early 2025, especially since it is getting a solid refresh/update in model-year 2024. I've always wanted one, but I will have to finally throw practicality/utility to the wind to convince myself. 😆
I’ve had mine for 7 years would I buy another one. Absolutely. One other thing I don’t about USA but if you want to cut the noise in half put nitrogen in the tires instead of air.
"Aside from the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86, there aren't that many cars like it." What about the Nissan Z? It's another two seater designed for the driving enthusiast. No, it's not as small or lightweight as the Miata, but it's still designed for the same type of customer: someone who truly enjoys driving.
I really love the looks of the FR version but unfortunately here in Mexico, if you decide to get the FR version, it only comes with the automatic transmission ☹️ , if you decide to get the manual transmission you can only have it on the sports version which doesn't come in leather seats, less colors and trims to choose from... I don't know which one to get since I really want the fr version but on manual transmission 😫
I’ve been thinking about selling my 2019 mustang gt and buying a brand new mx-5. I’m still a hit hesitant I might regret it and miss the power and noise… anyone ever done something like that ?
I sold my 2019 Mustang Bullitt 2yrs ago and started daily driving a 2008 GT Miata retractable hardtop . It’s addictive fun. The Mustang is a great car too and I do miss the power and sound! I’m thinking of buying a 2023 Mach1 now and keeping my Miata! I do miss the Mustang. Best is to have both but it’s hard to drive both I ended up driving the Miata and selling my Bullitt! The Mustang was big and heavy compared to the lighter more nimble Miata!!
