Should You Buy a MAZDA MX5 RF? (Test Drive & Review 2.0) 

I bought a used 2.0 soft top. The newer one with 180 bhp. Absolutely love it. Every drive is grin inducing fun at sensible speeds. Great car.

I work in a Mazda showroom and the 1.5 really isn't as slow as you'd think. It's not much slower than this 2.0 and you can rev the car out more often more of the time. The 184 is 100% the 2.0 engine to have if you can stretch to a newer one with it fitted. It revs much higher and freer

Having previously owned an NB Nevada MX-5 and worked for Mazda I must say I absolutely love the MX-5. The 2.0ltr 184bhp model is pretty close to the most fun you can have in the real world on a British B-road. Underated cars I think. Don't knock them till you've tried one.

You are talking about my favorite car. I've had MX5s for decades, all bought new. My last one was a 2007 NC with electric hard top which I had for 14 years and it never ever had any fault at all.Last year I upgraded to a new 2.0 Sports Tech soft top in lovely Soul Red Crystal Metallic. I didn't choose the RF because I love open tops, and the RF is a targa top. Mine is 181 bhp not 160 as there was an upgrade to the engine, and has LSD and Bilsteins. I absolutely love it! Have you tried a new softop? Mine's as quiet roof up as my previous one with the electric hard top. It's a high quality double-layer hood, far far more sophisticated than old Brit hoods and can be raised and lowered in about a second with just one hand. My MX5s have all lived outside and they do not leak (I had Triumph Spitfires in my youth and put a fertilizer bag on the drivers seat to catch the puddle!). I used to fly aerobatic aeroplanes and the MX5 is the nearest I've come across to that sort of handling but in a car. And they are Ford Focus money to buy and run. Regarding why Brits buy so many open tops, it IS because of our climate. Many sunny countries are just too hot to drive one, you need a closed car with aircon. But here, as long as it's not actually raining you can drop the top and I always do! It's my everyday car (OK, the wife has something more practical with more seats and a proper boot) and I can honestly say I drive it as much top down as top up. If I lived in California or Saudi I wouldn't!

Yes... Owner of a 2019 2.0 184hp. Rf, love it. 10/10 re recommend

Never owned an MX-5 but its definitely on my "to do" list. The current model especially the RF is a very pretty car. It just looks right and well proportioned from any angle.

We owned an RF for three years, great car , fun , reliable and not flash

Matt...what a proper car man you are. One, you've put the audi in it's place and than that comment:"ugh an old XK" 😂😂😂 What a joy watching you doing your thing 👍

Matt, I'm loving more Japanese cars on your channel, but this is the best one so far! Amazing car for its price and top reliability, you cannot go wrong!

I love how Matt has a very Top Gear style way of delivering analogies and descriptions

I think people in the UK love convertibles because when it is sunny they want to make the most of it, whereas in Spain sunshine is so abundant it is no big deal.

Fantastic review thanks Matt. This really is a terrific little car. Fun to drive, nippy and enough room in the boot for the weekly groceries. Love it

Love the MX5. Had a Mk1 when I was in my 20s and it always put a smile on my face. My Dad who's a classic car nut loved it even more and used to "borrow" it regularly. The new versions look bulletproof

Great video matt I noticed a slightly different feel with some nice little touches .. keep em coming

I own a 1.5 RF and genuinely love it to bits. Thanks for the review as always!

Been watching your channel for about 6 months now and I absolutely love to see the evolution your channel and videos have gone through.

I live in Japan and I have one of these as my daily driver (and a last generation Freelander 2 petrol 2.0 litre turbo as the family car). It's so much fun to drive, even on the busy Tokyo roads. Love the channel Matt, and I'm really happy you reviewed the RF! Thanks for the great content.

Really nice video editing on this one. Loved the pan shots and the infographics.

I remember being invited to the launch and driving one of the first MX5's in the UK. Brilliant little cars, look like they have grown up, but not lost the playful side they had at the start.😊

Best generation of the MX5 so far for me, particularly in this RF guise, which I think harks back to older classic coupes with the roof up. Love it. Cheers for another great video Matt.

You'll be glad to know I specifically searched for your channel to use a Car Vertical discount code! Thanks for all the top content, Mat! Also, genuinely so impressed with all the extra info I wasn't expecting - it's given me a list of common problems to look out for when buying this specific car! How cool is that!

RF stands for retractable fastback,if you were wondering. Lovely car, with a great look.

My sister had the top spec 2 litre RF, and I think it was an absolute cracker. Torquey but also free revving, such a lovely manual to use, great handling (I think the Bilsteins and the slippy diff really add to the package), and yet it was also a daily driver for commutes. About my only problem with it is that I'm six foot on the nail and it's just a smidgen too small. In the end she's finally gone for a Benz C220 convert, with more space and comfort, old age creeping up.

Beautiful and under rated car. Mazda's in general are amazing. Looking forward to whenever you get a Mazda 6 Takuya Matt. I have an 07 NC and it's soooo much fun... Honestly one of the best cars I've ever owned.

love how the central air vents mimic the rear lights, cool detail

Production is on another level and you still haven't changed (it is a great thing), so great job and keep them comming...👏👏👏👏👏

Have had such one for almost 5 year in Denmark, it is pure fun😀 Not fast but it is extremely agile and on small curved roads you are in paradise, it newer let you down💓 And no repairs at all at any components so it is also cheap to use it all year arround as i did,- here the cold weather gives the RF an advantage as it is like a normal roof car

Always loved the MX5. Used to work for Mazda and it was my demo car back in 2007. The new versions definitely look more masculine! Totally agree. I now have a Jag XK convertible and I work in training but I’m still tempted.

the production has really stepped up

Belgian here: I got this August the Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 Skyactiv-G 184 Skycruise model in Soul Red Crystal. Like they say: this cars has the most smiles/kilometer (or mile). Using it as a daily driver and it will become a family heir loom. Just love this car.

Love the design and look of these MX5's. Mazda is really bringing out some nice looking cars nowadays. Would be great if you could do a CX3 video as well in the near future. Keep up the great content, greetings from a tall Dutchie who'd most likely not fit behind the wheel of this MX5 🤕

Hey Matt, I like the pop up details of specs. Always improving, 👍. I have Had 2 mk1s and a mk2.5. Great cars. So much fun, you can rag them without getting into too much trouble. I am getting a mk3 TT though, as I need the rear seats for the kids. They will be squashed but hey, when I was a kid I had to travel I the boot of an old fiesta if we travelled with my grand parents.

Never had an MX5 but really like them , on the list to have , excellent video Matt 👍

Great review Matt. A rare car this: looks great inside and out, reliable and relatable. It does exactly what it is designed to do. 💯

Some very good comments, lovely sense of humour! I saw one of these cars in my local dealer. Grey like this. Decided to look it up and dropped into your video. I'm changing my car and of course I've got interested in everything. Roadste r is the latest!

Love the mx5. It's a bucket list car for me. The latest one I agree is the best looker. One day when the stars align I'll have one. Great video Matt

I notice there's no chance of any kids getting in the back.... I want one! 😍

It is a great looker , great review as always , you defo have a natural talent for motoring reviews,

I chuckled all the way through this video, always entertaining Matt. Love the humour and witty narrative. Another great entertaining video 👌👏

Another great review! Top stuff Matt 👍🏻

Hi Matt my dad who is 73 watches all your videos and loves your channel. I come downstairs to find him watching your vids lol in the day time. He says you know your stuff about cars and you have great knowledge about cars. I also watch your vids and you come across as such a good humble person. I hope you don’t ever stop making cars vids as your such a natural at them. Me and my dad will continue to watch your vids we enjoy them a lot especially my dad lol.

Oh, I wish !!!!! It makes my NB look a bit spartan but there is the same fun factor I guess. Another great video Matt.

Another great video, many thanks Matt. I had an MX5 (Phoenix special edition) many years ago, 02 plate, and it was one of the most fun cars I've ever had. It was passed on to my daughter-in-law after a few years and she loved it. Great to see that the newest model is as much fun; if I wasn't such a knackered old fart, I may be tempted to relive my youth.

Nice video! I recently bought an RF. My previous car was an Audi TTS which I really loved but you’re absolutely correct about the MX-5 making it feel fat. I feel like I can feel every ounce of the weight difference between the two cars when I drive the Mazda. Having the 6 speed manual makes a huge difference as well. The car is just more engaging. A manual TTS would be nice but I still think the Mazda would always be more fun.

I own a 2022 model, the bass from the Bose sound system absolutely blew me away! I was expecting it to be good as Bose is the premium option, but it far exceeded my expectations. It really thumps through your chest.

Another fantastic video 🤩

Great review, and the MK4 is top of my next car list, I'll probably go for the soft top 1.5 as they are just Fun 👍.

Yup, great review Matt, you've tapped into the MX5 ownership vein very accurately. This is 4 wheeled Oramorph. Mine makes me grin like a t1t everytime I take her out. It's impossible to be in a bad mood when you're driving one.

Awesome vid Matt…I love Mazda’s, can’t wait too see your opinion on the Mazda 3, that’s the one I had, the manual gearbox felt amazing. The only minor problem was the front alloys 18inch, started to peel/oxidise less than 2 years old. Mine was a facelift 18 plate, but not driven the brand new 3 yet.

Hi Matt I fell for this car when I picked up my A1 today, great experience dealing with the 3 of you and I would highly recommend.

I'll be in the market for some fun next year, might give the MX a good course of looking at, cheers!

I really fancy an MX5 as a fun car although an ND would be out of my price range - NA's are gaining classic status now but getting very pricey, so would need to be either an NB or NC. The thing they all seem to have in common is being great fun to drive. The RF appears to offer the best of both worlds and although it looks good and is probably the best as a daily driver I prefer the looks of the rag top version. Great video you really highlighted the positives of owning an MX5👍

Used to love my Silver MK 3. It was only the1.8 basic trim but it didn’t matter as it was such fun to drive and well engineered. Also the leg room is was no problem - Im 6.2 and was always very comfortable. Zoom on Mazda MX5 👍

You've kept that video back looking at all the leaves on the trees and the weather, such a great car the MX-5

Thanks for this. Simply a terrific car even in 1.5 mode as they are great to rev. 2 litre is ok but 1.5 is best for chassis.

Ahh! The venerable MX5. I still hope to own another once the kids have f***ed off. I had a 1997 Mk1 (P330FPL)1.6 Monza that some maniac had put a Jackson Racing supercharger in. Bought it with 50k on the clock and ran it up to about 140k, then sold it to a mate. Still in my top two cars I've ever owned. Loved that thing. Wish my mate was quicker with the DVLA transfer - I got a visit from the police 'we saw you coming over the bridge and all four wheels were off the ground' - took me ages to get off the hook for that one! Edit: Now I'm an old fart, an RF is just the ticket. I haven't got the space to buy an abandoned Westfield/7 project and live my childhood dream.

British weather, a good heater and a convertible are a magical combination.

I've had two MX5s brilliant fun in the sun . They love corners on a country road .

I've been driving a 2.0 Mk3 model with the folding hard top since I bought it new in 2012. It is probably the most reliable and fun car to drive I've ever owned. I was planning on replacing it with the RF when they came out but didn't like the targa roof - I like the hard top to disappear completely when it's down so I'm hanging on to the one I have. On all the other points made in the video I'm in complete agreement. It also teaches you that it is possible to pack lightly and bring only what you need for a week away. Great little car, would buy again.

Great review matt, well done.

Correct me if I am wrong, but the mx5 has been dominating customer satisfaction surveys since It was first launched. Fun, reliable, cheap to run, gorgeous... Stay out of Deutsche money pits

thank you for putting metric measurements and dollar measurements for us outside of UK and USA 👍👍👍

I love my 2019 roadster. It’s brought back my love of driving.

Great channel and always interesting reviews. I have the exact same MX5 RF. it’s my dally driver. I ave 45mpg. And I’m 6’4” tall. I didn’t think I would fit. I do …. Just. I didn’t think I’d like the MX5 as much as I do. Previously had a 330ci E46. Lovely car but began to cost me money in silly ongoing faults. No issue with the MX5 RF whatsoever. Keep up the great reviews.

You got a great day for that drive on the B5055 what a nice road to put your foot down nice video plus a nice car,

Love the Mazda MX5 RF. They are great value for money and amazing to drive. I own a scaled down version of this a Suzuki Cappuccino. Good review Thanks.

A slick looking car and a slick video to boot !

Class these videos, thanks mate

Fine overview. They really are terrific cars. I’m not sure if the 1.5 is a carryover from the Mazda2, but that little engine in my mother’s Mazda2 ticks along like a sewing machine - a satisfyingly smooth mill at idle, raspy when pushed. The 1.5 is an absolute breeze to self maintain as well - reminds me of ‘80’s era Toyota. Mazda’s often fall short on practicality (storage) when compared to Honda, but they’re damn fun to drive. I’d happily own any MX-5 - even an NC. 😉

Another bang on the money review Matt! I was never a big fan of the MX5 until I was business manager for a motor group with a Mazda franchise and drove them more regularly. Now I agree with everything you mentioned. They're incredible to drive for the money, and as reliable as a fight at a council estate wedding! 👌

Next level editing on this one!

Nice review matt!!!

Looked at one before we bought our Boxster. The lack of storage was a deal breaker. Sunglasses? Shopping? Love your work 👍

I have the cloth top version and agree with your comments. I rarely carry passengers so no problem with storage the only thing I don’t like is the very thin steering wheel but that’s cured with a cover. As you say access is awkward but also owning a Caterham has prepared me!

Another great review. I never noticed before, but you're the image of Scorpio from the Simpsons!

My dad pre-ordered a 2015 1.5 Sport with interest-free credit and has been daily-driving that for the last 7 years. He couldn't be happier with it. Apart from a roof replacement early on, he's had no issues with it, and has been very happy with the Mazda dealer experience, too. Having been a passenger in it many times, I can say that it's plenty quick enough and really does sip fuel. However, at 6', with disproportionately long legs, I find it an incredibly uncomfortable place to get into and to sit. God knows how my dad, at 6'-4", does it!

Very good design...again a future classic...get one while you can I say👍

Matt, you ought to be commended for the sterling work you've done for all the bean poles out there. They've been waiting months to brag about their height, and you've finally given them that opportunity.

I bought a 2.0 Sport MX5 new (57 plate) I concur with your comments, bad points no storage at all but that was it, it was a rag top and the top was only up when it rained, people could never understand how you could have the top down in the middle of winter but Japanese engineering combined with my flying jacket, and a beanie hat ensured comfort at all times, as an example one New Year’s Day I drove Manchester to Portsmouth with the top down, as I was queuing in the traffic in Portsmouth a Police Motorcyclist rode his bike alongside of me and stopped, I looked up and he gave me the thumbs up, ( it was freezing ) wonder what he would have said if I told him “ I’ve just driven from Manchester mate. “ Kept it four years ONE of the reasons I got shut my wife used to complain about being uncomfortable in the passenger seat, 😢now before anyone says I should have got rid of my wife, I had to agree with her when I ended in the passenger seat, there was a bulge on the side of the gear tunnel that pushed your legs over to the left no problem on a short journey, but on a long journey bad news! There was also a comedy value to the car, getting out of it gracefully and with dignity was an art form practiced only by MX5 owners, the amount of times passengers getting out of the car turned their exit into a Brian Rix farce bringing the whole area to a standstill with bystanders I lost count of, anyway after 4 yrs it went and I entered a 9 year era of Saab 93 Ragtop ownership. MX5 was a great car but older and wiser and with a dodgy knee and a bad back would I own another = NO, but I have fond memories of mine.

Well, you did it again. I watched this about a year ago, and it planted the seed about buying one when I got my bonus. And sure enough...I'm now the proud owner of a 2017 RF in Ceramic Pearl, with the grand total of 15000kms/9000 miles on the clock. Just do me a favour; don't do any more Porsche reviews; my bank balance won't stand up to much more damage

Getting the badge in mate? 😛love the vids pal

Having owne and dailt driven a 2016 MX5 Recaro SPort for the last 4 years I have to agreed witll most of what you say, however the soft top is the better car, yes it's a little bit noiser but it's even lighter, the roof can be folded and rasied much quicker and with the roof down you get a better open to experienc but actually less buffeting than the RF - oh and it looks better as well especially the side view. Either way you'll have a blood good reliable fun car that doesn't cost the earth to run and enjoy the ownership - In y opinon of course 🙂. Keep up the good work.

I live in a very sunny part of NZ and I see a convertible about once a fortnight. So when I moved to England for work I was rather amused at the large numbers on the local roads. The merest glimpse of sun and down went the roof and out came the ray bans . Living the dream I guess 😉

I have owned two MX5's and I agree with you they are fruggle to own and great fun to drive.

excellent review

Lovely car Matt and I see your sporting a stoney sweater, great review bud!

Have a Mk2 icon Mx5 and absolutely love it (had it for 13 years) and use it all year round. Today I did manage to avoid the rain to go roof down and yes I was grinning hehe

Already on Autotrader! Another great one

Nice video Matt, I was keen to watch it as soon as it popped up. My missus has a 2011 Mk3 (2.0) hard top and she loves it. She normally changes her cars every 18 months but she's had her MX for 5 years. They really get under your skin. When she allows me to drive it I have a blast. The snug cockit allows for perfectly comfortable top-down driving even on a cold but dry winters day which can really lift your mood. Not the fastest thing in a straight line, a lot of hot hatches will beat it in a straight line drag race but it'll negotiate a roundabout with a mere flick of the wrist while the hot hatch is all out of shape fighting understeer. My only gripe is the heavy clutch which if you're in traffic for any length of time gives you one fat leg. I've not driven the "new" shape one yet, hopefully this has been improved? Edit: Ooh, Monyash! Great place to pop in, usually there's a decent crop of motorbikes visiting. We often visit on ours. It's also great as there's a decent real ale pub (for her) and a nice cafe next door for coffee (me) 👍

Yes. Next question?

Great review! Love the channel, i get stick for driving "hairdresser" cars haha got a old 02 mx5 and a TT but MX5 is a true drivers car!

I've had a 1.5rf now for 4 years. I recently put a Goodwin Racing Superstreet Twin exhaust on it. I now have a gorgeous car that produces a lovely sound. I wouldn't swap my Mazda for any other car. (OK maybe a Bentley)

Lovin the graphics. cool

I could not agree more with this review. I am seriously considering one and I took the top spec rf out for a test drive yesterday…..LOVE IT!! I couldn’t stop grinning, just about as close to perfection for the money they are! The only reason I didn’t buy it that moment is practicality regarding storage. But then that misses the point of this car entirely.

I was really keen on getting one when they came out. One visit to dealership convinced me that, at 6’2”, it wasn’t for me. None of the sales staff even approached me as they watched me fail to get in from afar😂

I bought in 2019 a Miata ND2 RF G-184 Top Revolution (Recaro, Nav, LSD etc.) in the gorgeous Red Soul Crystal. Zero issues so far, despite driving it hard (some track- days included). Even the paint on the front end is fine, no chips 😉 But I do the oil and filters change often, at 7'000 km/9 months. Maintenance is key. It is the most reliable car (as per Consumer Reports reliability survey 2020), very low TCO, playful, 3 pedals, NA, very maneuverable. And in the trunk you can have luggage even for 3-4 weeks summer holiday for two (plus a small dog in my case). For my family this is like a second car, but for me is my daily driver.

Great video.

4:43: "You might struggle if you're Dutch" LOL, how true. Now I am Dutch and I am 6ft4. And I love the MX5 RF. And I am like a fucking sardine in a can in the MX5. So I can totally connect with your comment, unfortunately. Being already rather old, I hoped that old age "shrinkage" allowed met to fit in the MX5....but no.... Now driving a Z4 E89 35is, which is very nice, but heavy and costly. Driving above 30C is not very much fun :) I think that's why in Northern Europe convertibles are popular. Also, the idea of nice weather waiting in your driveway ! THX for your nice review.

I have been on an odd car journey. I used to just lease whatever car and one day I had a cheap lease in 2017 it was a "Scion iA" but it was this exact interior and engine and it was a no frills car but I LOVED to drive it and rev out the skyactive engine. I then went on to Subaru cvt bleh, ford ranger 1999 loved it got into an accident, then had a Tesla Model 3 LOVED it but still felt numb driving. I traded that in at the peak and carvana'd a MX-5 RF and I FELL IN LOVE!!!! Red with Tan interior. Oh man what a gem and whoever had it before me swapped out the steering wheel and paddle shifters and did some other stuff to it. Hopefully not too much and it is ok, but yeah love it love it love it! What a car!

Hey Mat , greetings from Western Australia. Great review as always, I share & like every one ! Noticed in few comments that tall people can’t fit in the ND (mk4) . I’m 6ft 3 “ & bought a mint NC , more room & storage & in my opinion a much better folding hardtop. I fitted a seat lowering kit & dropped the clutch pedal down about 1 inch & have plenty of space . Would love to see you do a review on one (NC) Mat ! JayEmm on cars is a big fan . Best wishes Simon