I just got an automatic because of a bad right shoulder that doesn't do well with shifting motions, and I'm super grateful to have a safe option for this super fun driving experience!
I have always chuckled when I see or hear of the old, tired manual vs auto argument. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I am fairly certain that we can choose the transmission in the car we want to buy and drive. As far as I know, no one is going to be forced to buy and drive a car with a transmission they don't like. So, as long as you are driving what you chose, and as long as you are enjoying it, nothing else matters.
I never get car youtuber's meme-like obsession with manual shifting. At this point I think it's just what everybody *has* to say. I can drive manual, learned on manual and over here in Europe it was the default choice for many years. Yet, I can say for me personally, shifting isn't what makes the driving fun. The reality is that most people don't drive alone on nice mountain roads 99% of the time. In reality, at least in urban areas, you drive in stop and go most of the time. There is zero "fun" in shifting there.
Thanks for making this. Its a real contribution. I was surprised at how quickly and smoothly the automatic shifts, especially the downshifts, and how nice the engine sounds. This is coming from a first-gen automatic 86 driver.
I have owned four MX-5'5. Two were manual and the last two auto. I still drive a 2010 GT PRHT auto and it is just as much fun to drive as the manuals are.
I agree. The manual is a bit more fun, but the overall Miata experience is fun with both the manual and auto. Such a great little car. And - they are sooo comfy
You will never out shift the computer. The auto gearbox will always be quicker. If one insists on driving like a pissed off teenager, the auto also offers manual shift mode, presumably with rev matching. As an ex professional driver, where I often had to pick up 11 gears to get to 40 mph, standards quickly lose their appeal LOL As personal preferance, I would always choose an auto over a standard.. but thats just me.
Thank you for this video! I'll be getting one soon but where I live options are very limited, so I'll probably end up getting an automatic in Soul Red. I was getting worried watching other videos just talking bad things about automatic transmissions, but your video definitely gives me another perspective.
I have a 2021 MX5 Sport with the automatic & live in N.Y.C. with nothing but wall-to-wall traffic! And I pity the other drivers who might be driving a manual. while in all the traffic. But when I am on the open highways I smile & enjoy the fun & handling of the car. Most people who complain about the automatic have never even driven the automatic MX 5 & say it is for handicapped people. I think they are the ones who have a problem & are really handicapped in the way of their thinking.
i had the choice between auto and stick when i got it, and i demo'd in the city with traffic and i chose auto because its my daily driver...i absolutely love it and am sooo happy i have it over stick, it has 4 modes: auto regular + auto sport mode (very good shift times better than me!) i can use the manual shifter to manualy shift minus clutch and i have paddle shifts on steering wheel, i use all modes and it is a blast, and when im tired of racing i just put in auto mode and kick back
You hit the nail on the head. All modern sports car, super car, formula 1 cars uses paddle shifters. You don’t buy these cars and drive in automatic mode. The only difference is how fast it shifts and how responsive the car is when it shifts. Looks like the Miata shifts fast enough for me and for its price range. Definitely gonna get me one. Nice job with the video !
Thanks for this post. I'm 74 and grew up on standard transmissions, but knees don't work as well anymore. We plan to purchase a GT automatic after our fun test drive. We're just old people that still want to have some fun. Great review - thanks.
This is definitely one of the best videos on this topic. Thanks for all the effort that went into making it. From 1990- 2023 - 33 years - all we (my wife and I) drove were manuals. From Civics to Miatas to Corollas and pick ups. We always had at least one manual in the driveway. Then, last summer, we bought a low mileage 2009 PRHT GT with the 6AT. We absolutely love this car! If you want to put it in D and go, you can sit back and allow the “shift manager” do his work. Or, if you’re like me, and crave the sound of the high revving engine and those satisfying downshifts, you slap it into manual mode. It’s a lot of fun! We have zero regrets.
Automatic gives you freedom to use your right hand like drinking coffee or water. Also less cause for concern stopping on hills with cars behind you. Rollback is much less or not at all! Hill assist is available but an automatic is less stressful for older drivers!
Thank you for this video. I appreciate this video. I planned on getting it in automatic. With traffic everyday or weekend drive. I can always add a limited slip differential and add coilovers and bilstein shocks. I already own two Manuals so Auto is good for me. Thanks for making it easy an choice.
I have an nc with the auto. The only people who criticize me for not having a manual are people who drive something other than a miata...and they drive automatics too.
The whole point of buying a Miata is experiencing manual transmission at its peak. But now that you mention it, the Miata experience is so good that even getting it in AT is worthwhile.
Yes the Miata experience is so good that it’s even fun with an auto. Don’t get my wrong, I love my manual transmissions, but this thing is still a blast even with the auto. Something about the top down experience in such a small car
@@703Speedplus its low to the ground like a go cart that either transmission is fun to drive . an auto is a more tame version of the manual miata . having auto gives u a piece of mind driving without having to worry about shifting esp when one is tired that day
Thank you for posting this! I was really searching to see and hear how the automatic gearbox behaves and I found it all in your video. Great POV too. Congrats! Adrian
I do not like red all that much, but the red on your mom's Miata is eye-catching. Plus the light color leather seats is a nice contrast to the red. Also enjoyed the short drive through the back roads of historic Leesburg Virginia.
I usually don’t like red either. But I love this red. Since the video I paint corrected and ceramic coated the car. It looks sooo good. Especially in direct light. Great paint. And yes beautiful roads
Unfortunately I had to order my upcoming 2024 miata in automatic. I live in a country where these things come in only as special orders and maybe they sell like in the single digits every 2-3 years, and the mazda dealer said they only bring the auto versions. So I said any miata is better than no miata. Good thing it still has manual mode and a sports mode to keep things fun. Anyways still excited for it regardless of transmission. Very insightful video my friend, safe to say this car is fun in any flavor, shape or form.
Done autocross and Track by in my 2016 GT A/T. Drive the A/T hard, just like a manual. Don’t be shy taking it to the rev-limiter. I have a tune and mine red lines at 7200 rpm. The only limitations will be your stock suspension, including Brimbo, tires, wheels and you as the driver. If you exceed the driver limitation then consider after market engine and transmission options.
Just leased a 23 automatic GT; it's kind of got me wanting to learn to drive a manual, but it is a lot more fun than previous vehicles I've owned with paddle shifters/pseudo-manual. Still need to try out the sport mode, always forget it's there lol
Nice review! People shouldn’t be harassed and shamed for just wanting a small convertible to cruise around in for a daily. I get bad traffic and after a terrible day of work I don’t wanna shift a clutch and have to focus. The haters are always driving some lame grocery getter suv and just want to put you down. The car community is super toxic and is why I left long ago. Autos can be fun too. I really enjoy the paddles on my 370z. I always change minds after I take em for a drive and rip it, but I don’t even have the energy nor do I care anymore. It’s my money and I’ll do what I want lol
Fiat 124 Spider Abarth (same car with NC trans and Turbo) comes standard with Limited Slip, Bilsteins, and roll bars for both MANUAL and AUTOMATIC. Don't understand why MAZDA still doesn't do this for the autos.
i have an automatic you can relax and open the roof is wolderfull sensation and still fast make a wonderfull noise i came from a manual wrx sti and i like my miata more than subaru
Newsweek recently reported that just 18 percent of the motoring public can operate a car equipped with a manual transmission. That number falls into low single digits among younger drivers. The mint 2002 NB I obtained as part of a settlement with a local garage that blew up my MGB's motor is an automatic. It can be driven by 100 percent of the market, something most car dealers understand but are reluctant to admit. While I sorely miss my manual MGB, I'm slowly warming up to my new-to-me Miata's automatic. Sorta. Love the handling, convenience and the dependability of the MX-5. While I've pondered trading for a manual NB (and I still might if the right car comes along), the automatic is growing on me. This vid makes a bunch of valid selling points for keeping the automatic.
Drove an nd rf auto last night. Was plenty fast and enjoyed it, downshifting into first in manual mode is clunky BUT just let the car do that and it’s almost unnoticeable.
I'm 71 have a new gt automatic with bad hip and don't want to use a clutch I just put that thing in sport mode and use the paddles and it flys. Having a blast
Loved my prior 2 miatas and Boxster all with manual trans. But I am 6 ft 4 in tall. Also the new cars have a lot more power than the old NA cars I had. I am considering an automatic just because every miata after the NA has no knee room for me to operate the clutch!
It's cool that I made such a video. I personally think that a person does not shift gears better than a modern automatic machine. and you absolutely do not need mechanics if you are not a racer or you are not going to raise the car's capacity to very high values. and we will not forget that in all the insisted super cars, there are AUTOMATIC transmissions in one sense or another. yes, of course there is a robotic transmission, BUT BY and LARGE this is the same automatic switching, and for some reason no one says that in pagani, Koenigsegg, or 911 there is less pleasure from driving due to the fact that there is a modified transmission, although it differs from the mx5 transmission, but the price also differs as well as money.
Great video! One question, exactly what type of automatic transmission does the 2024 Miata have? I understand that it's a torque converter transmission from over 10 years ago. It would be great if someone could share more technical details :)
I'd probably get the automatic because then my wife would drive it too. She can't and is not interested in driving a manual. Does anyone know if the manual has a hill-holder?
yes the manual does have a hill hold assist but it only holds for about 3 seconds which is more than enough to shift into gear and be ready to roll . But i have had both the manual and currently the auto Nd2 miata and both are great . both have its pros and cons . so go with what suits u and your wife
The hill hold assist is in 1st gear and only lasts for a few seconds. sometimes if the grade is too steep, it's not enough to hold the car even while activated. however, one can always use the parking brake for this
I like a good auto. Watching your vid it looked as if the auto was shifting at around 5k most of the time and with a manual you could be taking it to7 plus with each shift and taking advantage of all that extra power and fun at the upper range where the car really likes to shine. I believe for this car a manual would be a very good choice.
Brother who cares what other people think. Although the same thing happened to me when I was 17. I was going to get an Auto 10’ Camaro SS but had to go with the manual. Just get what YOU want. You will pick up on how to drive manual rather quick. You just kinda have to jump into it
My husband and I have wanted to learn how to drive a manual for many years and 2 years ago (age 55) we bought an MX-5 in order to do it. We watched several different RU-vid channels on learning how to drive a manual a few months prior to purchasing the car and once it arrived we were ready to go. We applied what we had learned from the videos and it helped a great deal. The only thing I was concerned about was stopping on hills, but I just went out in the evenings and practiced. The hill start assist on the MX also makes it easy.
Thanks for posting this. I just started looking into the Mita's & kind of wrote off the auto, but the auto might save it for the wife. It's a shame you don't get the LSD though.
No, it’s not slow. Especially with only one person in the car - it’s quite peppy. We have a family friend who is 6’4 and he daily drives the same car but in blue and he fits just fine. I think you would be totally fine and comfortable in it
I do NOT want an automatic BUT there are times I HATE having to use a clutch....the ANSWER? An E clutch or IMT I want the same EClutch Honda is putting on a motorcycle already! The motorcycles ecu senses wheelspeed etc and automatically disengages the clutch when it knows you are stopping and conversly when your foot nudges the shift lever while in nuetral it immediately pulls in the clutch and then waits for throttle when it will perfectly begin engaging the clutch for you.....same for shifting you NEVER need to pull the clutch in though it is ever an option ....THIS is what I want for my manual sport car! It is all totally possible these days because of the computers the cars have already with the sensors tracking rpm throttle position wheel speed....so all ANY manu transmission vehicle needs these days is the robotics to operate the clutch and the the programming of course. One of the main reaon people with sports cars might shun a manual transmission is how MISERABLE the clutch becomes in stop ad go traffic! A true E clutch is SO overdue! WHY dont we have them already for years now! The simplicity and wonderful fun and character of a manual with all the benefits of and automatic! Well a lot of the benefits you still have to shift ....imagine just banging through the gears with no clutch pedal needed! Plus yu CANT screw up! The computer makes sure the clutch is disengaged before you shift as opposed to the possibility of error without that!
Is not that Automatic transmission is bad, is a very engaging car nevertheless. But is definately not the same and not as engaging/connected tithe car as having a manual transmission. Same goes with the LSD diff. You can drive it without it and will be fun but is not the same as having it fitted.
J'aime et j'adore les transmission manuel ,mais avec les nouvelle transmission automatique ,je crois surtout si tu fais bcp de ville et que le trafique est bumper a bumper , tu trouve le temps longs , automatique maintenant équivaut presque a la manuel et en plus l'automatique est plus économique sur autoroute et moi je n'ai plus vraiment le choix , j'ai un Spondylolisthesis et il y a des jours que je pourrait conduire la MX-5 et d'autres non pas du tout , donc je suis vraiment content de pouvoir m'amuser et avoir du plaisirs avec cette super MX-5 😍😜🤔😛
Both transmissions can be fun for sure! I wouldn’t buy a Miata / MX-5 as an automatic though. It’s a "driver’s car" and way more fun as a manual! I would rather buy Mazda 3 as an automatic! 🙂
Kids today think it's some kind of big deal to be able to drive a stick It really doesn't make you cooler, but at the same time if someone had predicted that im future everybody would get together and talk about their cars with each other while drinking coffee instead of being out living their lives driving cool cars I'd say that was the dumbest thing anyone ever ever said so what do i know. what are they gonna tell me next that they make videos of these bores gettin together and then put them on the Internet and then other people watch them?
This is a direct injection motor. It’s susceptible to carbon build up on the valves…..premium fuel is a simple way to mitigate that risk. Don’t be cheap and use 87 octane.
Not that I don’t like automatic transmissions but I definitely want a manual transmission for certain automobiles and the Mazda Miata is one of those manual transmission required automobiles. However, owners may choose any kind of transmissions they feel appropriate, it’s their preference.
Its pure sacrilege ordering an MX5 with an automatic box. The Jimba Ittai has gone completely, when the driver has the gear changes done automatically. Its an American thing, where drivers are simply too incapable behind the wheel of their cars, requiring an automatic transmission. Your simply disconnected from the whole driving experience. If you cant drive a manual, then im afraid the MX5 is the wrong car for you.
If you are unfortunate enough not to be able to drive manual, for whatever reason, then yes, an auto MX5 will still be fun. But not as much fun as a manual MX5. What I do not get are folk who CAN drive a manual but still buy an auto MX5, therefore depriving themslves of a bunch of fun they could otherwise enjoy. There's a reason Mazda don't put the Bilsteins etc on the auto - the Bilsteins etc are all about having fun with the car, and so is the manual 'box. Auto are great for big mobile armchair-like cars, but do not suit an agile lightweight sports car. Just as you might put cream in your coffee, you wouldn't put it into a nice glass of Chablis (well, most folk wouldn't).
Sounds like a bunch of excuses. But it is a most def good buy for an old person w bad legs (although they’ll have a hard time getting in and out with it being so low and small). It would be good for handicapped folks (with the exception of getting in and out). And it would be good for women. Unfortunately my 25 year old lil bro just bought one.. red, automatic…. He let me down.
Sure, hating someone for deciding on a certain transmission in a vehicle is ridiculous, but I don't think all comments should be categorized as hate. I have a ND2 RF in manual and I have test driven an automatic before deciding on the manual. The only legitimate reason against the automatic is that it's a very outdated transmission from Mazda. More accurate, we hate that Mazda puts this outdated, econobox automatic inside of something this sporty. Of course, if you don't know how to drive a manual, then you'll go with an automatic, no big deal. No one has to drive for someone else's sake. However, if you are able to drive a manual just fine, but you opted for the auto then that would be a poor decision because objectively, the manual is a better transmission, more suited for this car, because it is so good to shift, the clutch is light and easy to engage, rev matching is a breeze, and in general the Miata is not a powerful car so the draw to buy the car is for the driving feel and enjoyment, and I would argue that an automatic TAKES AWAY from that enjoyment, so it doesn't make sense in that regard. The hate shouldn't be aimed at the people, but more so the transmission.
Good point, there definitely could be a better transmission put into it.. But it's not awful. Your point about the manual being a better transmission is definitely accurate. Especially because it is a Miata. But when you say it takes away from the enjoyment, yes maybe it does a little bit, but even with the auto its still a very enjoyable driving experience. Thank you for watching the video and commenting, much appreciated. ~Kenny
@@BN99239 do you think manual is still worth it even when I can’t heel-toe downshift? a bit concerned about corners at high speed when I won’t have the time to both downshift rev match and slow down and heal-toe would be ideal
@@NaumB what's the reason why you can't heel toe down shift? If it's simply because you're new then you will learn. If it's because of the way the pedals are setup, flyinmiata and others have an attachment to raise the gas pedal higher so it's a bit easier to heel toe downshift. If you absolutely just can't do it for whatever reason then it's still fine because you can always doesn't rev match further away from a corner so you don't have to heel toe downshift into the corner. If you're approaching the corner too fast that you have to be on the brakes then just downshift without rev matching and just use the clutch to rev match instead. A lot of people drive without rev match down shifting and just use the clutch to match the revs. It wears out the clutch but only minimally because that's what the clutch is suppose to do.
@@BN99239 thanks for the reply. I just can’t get the hang of heel-toe, I always either overrev and jolt forward or underrev and buck down or I hit the brakes way too hard. I guess you’re right for some reason it didn’t occur to me to rev match just with the clutch as I feel it damages the clutch but like you said once in a while it can’t hurt. Also I guess it’s better to just use the clutch and brakes than break, quickly try to downshift rev match releasing the brake and then brake again. That might be just straight up deadly at high speed - right?
Its still a nice car to drive, with the automatic gearbox, but you will always be reminded that the finest manual gear change was available, and you decided to ignore it. All original classic British sports cars from the late 60s to the early 80s were manual, having an automatic MX5 seems so go against the whole concept of small fun convertible. You want to be part of, and involved in the whole driving process of the tiny MX, and your somehow distanced from what makes driving the car so great, when it changes the gears for you.
I think no one denies the MX5 is a fun car whatever the transmission option. It’s just that the automatic gearbox makes it’s a flawed car. Just test drive a manual version and anyone would agree, except for those who refuses to learn driving manual 😂
@@Roadrunner_1000You say automatic shifts faster; who is shifting, you or the car? So for dumb guys like you who can’t shift on their own, the automatic is perfect for you
Millions of drivers stopped buying manuals & only buy automatics. I guess they are all stupid & you are the very, very smart one & a real narcissist for sure. @@kubalakhan2
@@Roadrunner_1000 Automatic is faster than manual eh? Should I congratulate the driver or the car for its quickness? The automatic is great for dumb guys like you who can't shift on his own.
Automatic is cool in traffic and if you want to drink coffee and drive!😂 Seriously, a manual is just more engaging and more enjoyable. I feel bad for those who don’t know how to drive a manual. Definitely missing the full experience.
So how about people that do know how to drive manuals and or already own manuals and don't care to deal with the constant shifting in traffic should they not be able to buy the automatic because they have an image to uphold? 😂😅 People buy what they need or want.
@@LimitedEdition0619I know how to drive manual but I still prefer auto. I broke my right hand recently and the only reason I can still drive is because automatics only need one hand to safely operate.
the only reason you buy an automatic of any car is because you're physically challenged. else you're turning an amazing car into a boring, lifeless, uninspiring contraption. no i won't be watching this video.
I have a drop-foot. I cannot drive a manual anymore regrettably. My S2000CR is collecting dust. I’m installing new sway bars and suspension on my ND2 since the stock is Awful !
Automatic is a woman's car or for handicapped people.....the resale is terrible for them. Also it's no fun to drive automatic that's what a camery is for.
@@joewhite9183 Americans are weird, they buy a brilliant driver's car (the corvette) but treat it like a cruiser, garage queen, or maybe a dragster, so yeah, they buy the auto and eventually GM stops selling them. I have a corvette from back when there was a broad choice of gear ratio and diff ratios to choose from and so many people bought silly high diff ratios with the close ratio box... awesome for a dragster but terrible for anything else. Just because a lot of people do it, doesn't make it smart or good. When corvettes dropped the manual and became rear engined, they lost a lot of what made them good driver's cars in favour or being track cars. I'm glad cars like the 86, Miata, and Nissan Z still exist for people who enjoy a driver's car, and it's sad to see corvette drop off the list.
the automatic transmission on a Miata is horrendous, in Europe 99% of Miatas are manual same thing in Japan and all over the world only you Americans have problems using a manual transmission, all it takes is a few days of practice to learn how to use the manual transmission one once you master it you will never want to go back, I can understand the automatic on a stupid SUV but not for the Miata, in driving schools they should teach you to use the manual transmission, regarding the Miata great car I have a MX-5 2.0 ND1 Sport logically with manual gearbox, I made some modifications such as map, filter manifolds, exhaust, Ohlins R&T, connecting rods, now it runs great the roll and pitch have disappeared the car is very more stable and gives more confidence since it no longer rolls in corners
Whoever made this video should get themselves a click counter, and watch this video to around the 7 minute make, and click every time that the word "fun" or "a lot of fun" is said. Hilarious. Ok, we get it, after 58 repetitions in 7 minutes, the automatic is "fun". JFC.
Own an auto nd2, before this dailied a manual for 3 years. People buy according to their needs. Fact is, still makes people’s heads whip around in public cuz yunno 👁️🫦👁️MIATA
