A couple of things that I want to add, one of the big reasons that I am going with a soft top is the extra headroom. It's still tight, but I can more easily put a helmet on for track use. I want the Grand Touring because they put a thicker top on it to reduce the road/wind noise slightly (among other things). This was not a full review by any means, check the description for that! I'll make a more thorough video when I get mine, but that will come next year.
I did the same. I had a 2019 MX-5 Club with the soft top and the reason I picked the soft top is that extra 1/2 inch of headroom or whatever it is. At 6'2", it was just enough to go from hair sticking to the roof all the time to only doing that with extreme static electricity. Wife and I will be having twins soon though, hence I had to trade it in for a 2024 WRX. But there is no question that the Miata is possibly the best sports car under $100k and arguably at any price if you demand a manual. It is pure. You drive the car, you drive it hard if you want. Beyond that it has a radio and AC that kinda sorta works. Hell, it only has a backup camera because of federal regulations. I put 66k miles on mine before I traded it in, it was my only car. You can definitely live with it if you aren't hauling kids around.
Love your stuff! A few things 1. I own a 23’ RF Club with the BBR package(an ND2 specked like the one here in the video). I’m also 6’3” about 215 lbs. I’m also 19 and in the Indianapolis area if you would ever want to get together! 2, You can buy some aftermarket seat rails for about $150 per seat. 3. The recaros actually give you more room than stock seats about 2 inches on leg and about 1 inch on height compared to GT seats but that’s just my build. 4. I personally like the Brembo brake calipers because the brake pedal feels so much nicer and gives me more confidence. 5. 100% PPF your car. As a daily driver myself, nothing enrages me more than rock chips and this paint is hard to match and look at with those white marks. So worth it.
Mazda, the company, gets my undying respect for continuing to build this amazing car. They have never compromised their fun-to-drive priority for the MX-5, keeping it relatively simple, lightweight, and tactile.
Unlike most manufacturers that share parts across multiple vehicles, the Mazda Miata is a standalone car that doesn't share chassis or suspension parts with any other vehicle (which is expensive, and why Toyota & Subaru (GR86/BRZ), and Toyota & BMW (Supra/Z4) share the same platform). It's all about saving money and R&D for them.
@@Billn1971 Keep in mind that $25k these days gets you a fully base model Toyota Corolla hatch or Mazda 3, and the budget class below that (your honda fits, ford fiestas, Toyota Yaris) isn't available in the US anymore at all. The MX-5 is tiny, but it's extremely obvious where the money goes - look at the suspension systems, the use of aluminum for weight savings, the high-quality cabin compared to these other base models. The other thing to consider is quantity - Toyota sells over 1 million corollas in a year. The Miata seems to be closer to 50,000 from what I can find. That inevitably increases the cost per car due to smaller production scale, plus there are fewer cars to spread out the engineering overhead costs. To be honest, the closer I look at this car, the more astonished I am that it's as close in price to the base-model econoboxes as it is, even with the smaller footprint.
I just got rid of my ND2 RF for an FL5 Civic Type R. I miss my miata SO much! The Type R is an amazing car as well but I don't go out for drives just for fun in it like I did the Miata. Enjoy it! They are amazing.
I own a 2019 MX-5 RF Club and the bottom line is that it drives like no other car on the road, like a big go-kart. And a real bonus is the amazing fuel economy even when you drive it really hard. Good choice my friend.
As someone who went through the exact process and came to the exact conclusions, I am thrilled to see another Miata owner emerge! And I also went with the soft top, which has easily increased the times that I’ve driven top down compared to if I had gotten the RF. Very happy and excited for you!
Same here! I went with the RF though because (1) I live in New England, it's cold and (2) top slashings might be rare, but my car lives on the street in a major city and the reduced anxiety alone is worth it haha
Hey man, just found your channel after choosing an MX-5 as a daily last week. There were a lot of reasons I went with it (including many that you mentioned, like low cost of ownership, and having just enough practicality to be viable), but I think you hit the nail on the head with this line: "I don't know if we'll be able to buy a car like this very soon" I have no doubt that there will be many high-tech, turbo-charged or electric rocket ships to choose from in years to come. But affordable, naturally aspirated cars with a clear focus on raw fun are hanging by a thread, and there are only two left (the GR86 and the MX-5). I don't know how much longer we've got before manufacturers decide these aren't worth the engineering cost, but I decided it wasn't worth the risk of waiting around and finding out. Congrats on the decision mate!
It's interesting you considered the Type R. My ND2 Miata was rear ended a few months ago and it worried my wife a little about me commuting in it. She asked me about the idea of me possibly getting a different car to commute with. The one that instantly came to mind was Civic Type R. But I love my ND too much to replace it and we can't really afford a third car again, so the ND is staying. Best car I've ever owned. I've had it for 2 years and it never fails to put a smile on my face. Also, if you've lived with an earlier Miata, like I had an NA for 10 years, the ND by comparison is actually kind of luxurious. Working AC? Heated seats? Instant up or down softtop? I was sold.
Good choice. I bought an 18 miata club and do to an injury sold it a year later. I know have a 23 platinum quartz bbs, recaro package and staying with this one till the wheels fall off. There is nothing in that price range or 20 to 30K more that can come close to how fun this car is to drive. Enjoy the drive my friend.
This may sound odd as a (FK8) Type R owner but it is refreshing to hear someone picking something other than a CTR in a comparison. With that being said, I highly doubt most are cross shopping the two due to differences in practicality. While one is a purpose built sports car (Miata) the other is a hopped up version of an econo car with the practicality of a small SUV (back seat room and hatch). What makes the CTR so good is the Honda name (reliability), the ability to put kids/pets/random shit from Home Depot in the back comfortably, but then take it out of the track the next day. Its damn near a Swiss Army knife, granted it’s not the best/most fun in inclement weather/road conditions
You might be surprised but here I am! I was looking for a "for fun" and airport hopping car and was looking at: i30 N -> was the first one i actually went to look for since i knew it was cheaper than anything else (usually between 33 and 36000EUR), but sadly it was not available anymore in Europe. Honda Civic Type R -> was 54000 Euros and no allocation both of which put me off Mustang GT -> was seriously considered but at 60000 EUR plus 2.400 Euro in yearly ownership tax put me off Mazda MX5 -> the moment I heard that the 2L motor will no longer be offered in Europe as of August 2024 due to Euro 6e, and at 40000 EUR in the RFs top trim I went for that. There are many times that I get buyers remorse after making an expensive purchase. This time was VERY different. I have owned mine since June and am very happy with it. The Subaru BRZ also came into contention but only after I had already paid the deposit on the MX5. That car was not typically offered in Romania so I didnt expect to see it. There are some ways in which I would have liked that one too, but on the other hand it was more expensive, putting it at less than 10000 EUR away from the Mustang at which point i might as well have bought that one since it was just a little bit better in every way (faster, bigger inside, etc. )
Mate I loved this review. Your priorities and reasons behind choosing the MX-5 matches my thoughts exactly (even RF vs soft top), and your comparison has helped me cement my choice amongst all the competition out there. P.S massive fan of Still Woozy, had a good giggle seeing them pop up!
It is a treat to see a review by someone who likes small cars. I drove a Miata once and it was a complete hoot just on city streets. Unfortunately I needed a bit more practicality when I bought my next car and ended up with a GTI which I love. Similar idea. Faster and better handling cars out there, but fun to drive. Maybe next time.
11 months ago I purchased a 2020 MX-5 RF GT and I absolutely love it, I've been wanting one for a long time and I finally got one and it is the greatest car I have ever driven from the moment I get in to when I get out of it, I have to turn around and take another look at it, it is the most beautiful sports car I've ever seen and driven and it drives incredible.
I’d have a hard time going back but sometimes life doesn’t accommodate a roadster and the GR Corolla is a great car on its own (even if it’s character is entirely different) I hope it treats you well like it has for me🤠
Watching your channel and others plus car magazines narrowed it down to the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring soft top with the manual transmission. We bought one in Soul Red on Black Friday 3 days ago, with great incentives. First weekend and 300 miles in, absolutely love it. It is what I expected and so much more. We never had a 2 seat sports car convertible. So much fun and joy with top up or down. I learned how to drive a manual car 32 years ago in driving school, no automatics in Germany then! Then the last manual car we sold in 2014. Now my boys are 16 and 14 years old and they are eager to learn how to drive it. I have to add it is not our only car, not selling the Mazda CX-9. Thank you very much for your channel, recommendation and advice!
Do it if you never owned a sub 3000 lbs car. For me weight is the biggest factor for having fun. Luckily today you can have some power. I use to switch between lightweight & muscle. Now in VB BRZ and enjoying life. The ND MX-5 is better sports car I just needed room for subwoofer
As someone who has had the blessing to own many of the cars from your list over the years, we always talk about how much we miss the Miatas. They are special. Enjoy the drive.
I did the same thing and came to exactly the same solution as you did. Love my 24' snowflake white RF GT! It is my daily, and I actually traded in my 22' RF GT on the new one. Point is, you can daily a MX-5 & I drive 250mi a week to/from work with no issues for several years now (& I'm an old dude at 50+).
@@Wasabi9111 Well money isn't an issue I'd go for the 24'. Daily driving both, I'll say the steering upgrade is a great improvement and needed for highway commutes like I do. It was the first thing I really noticed. Diff upgrade is also nice and the ability to have a "track" mode vs just off is nice. Infotainment update is also much better, even though that wasn't a deciding factor. It's all subjective and subtle for sure but it does improve the car overall in my opinion. Even though 23' and earlier are fabulous cars, the small changes just made it better for me all around. Good luck in your purchase. No matter which year you choose, I promise you will not be disappointed.
oh man this video is really making me miss my miata. I had it for about 1 year and a half and did so many road trips on it but it was too impractical for me as an only vehicle. My wife and I loved it and it was sooo tough letting go. I will definitely buy another one to pair it with my truck when the right time comes.
After years of resisting I purchased a '21' GT soft top 10 months ago. If you’re an enthusiast you don’t even need to explain why you own this car. Although I also have a '21' GR Supra and a Honda Fit, my MX5 is such an involving drive, I love to make excuses to do errands in it just to feel the sublime 6 speed. Congrats on your future purchase! 👍
GR, Type R, and Miata are all killer choices. We're truly still living in an automotive golden age. Just wish I was still middle class and could afford one.
Yeah, that’s a stupid comment. It would be the golden age if these vehicles were still affordable, and most of them aren’t. We are lucky there has been a resurgence in choice, I’ll give you that The BRZ is what I went with, and it was BARELY fairly priced for what it is. Everything else is ABSURDLY priced, MX5 included.
@@sshah2545everything is expensive. That doesn’t make this a stupid comment. There are a lot of options that are affordable BY TODAY’S STANDARD. Sports cars are not a need but a luxury and they have always been that way
@@gudboic1208 dude, were not having a subjective debate about our opinions. I’m right and you’re wrong, and that’s ok. Go look at pricing on things LIKE a BRZ back in 2014. And that’s just “the last generation” - one full cycle before modern cars and current economic conditions (everyone’s favourite buzzword, inflation) Look at the Acura RSX, old Miata, mustang, civic si, type r, Camaro, WRX, sti. And so on. Look at the MK3 vs Mk4 Supra. It’s a poor example because the mk4 was a far more capable vehicle, but still. Look at the skyline vs the GTR. All of these vehicles have become WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY more expensive than they used to be, per capita. That’s just auto makers taking advantage of consumers because they can. Like I said, the BRZ was almost unfairly priced for what it was, but it was just about doable. Everything else in this man’s video is insane. For that money you’d get an entry level Porsche or a Lexus or similar. Not a civic. Stupid comment. Golden age of resurgence of options. Platinum age of corporate greed and price gouging. You’re welcome to disagree, that won’t make me wrong.
Hey man congrats on the car I love mine too. I have a 23 ST. I changed the transmission fluid at 12,000 miles and the fluid oxidized from heat. I have never tracked or auto x. I do have a road in my area where I can enjoy the car and seems that was enough to get transmission hot. I might drive it spiritedly for 20-30 min at a time. I changed the fluid to redline MT-90 and I put an under panel that scoops the air towards transmission by Godspeed. Will do another analysis at 8,000 miles and will see how the fluid is doing.
Friendly suggestion: Instead of a special order, use your purchase as an excuse for a road trip! Find the best deal you can far away. You'll hit bucket-list roads in the middle of nowhere that you'd otherwise never get to (e.g., CO 141), you'll get to know your car well, and realistically, it's harder to do this when you're older. You'll also get a vacation with as much city or nature time as you want. I've done it with two ND's, looking forward to the next time. Thanks for the nuances you mentioned comparing this to the Civic Type R!
Nice choice. You got me. I thought the type R had it in the bag. I know of a tiny issue with a brass piece in the manual but it may have been rectified. Plus Mazda jumped on the ones that needed repairs. Look forward to future episodes. Nothing like going topless. But that could lead to a minivan. Take my word for it. You don't want one.
2 Miatas, and a 2019 FK8, the Type R is the amazing practical daily driver for me. Worst stereo, best everything else (except FWD). Gently driven 32 mpg (premium). Great review, there are no losers here.
I'm in Toronto and I have a friend who drives a previous gen Miata even in winter, but he makes sure he has a sand bag or two in the trunk for extra traction!
Congrats on the new purchase. This is the PERFECT car when you’re single. I had one when I was. (Hard it shove wife, kids, dogs into one of these. And I don’t have the money nor space to have “weekend car.” The CTR was the right choice, but this was better. Looking forward to future Miata Moments!
Excellent choice! I just purchased my 2nd Miata, a 2024 GT soft top manual which is the best Miata spec in my opinion. I love the simplicity and quick operation of the soft top. The RF is too slow to operate (13 seconds and only up to 6mph), it's too expensive, and the buttresses generate deafening wind noise when the is top open. The Club omits too many features that I want, and even with the overpriced performance package it doesn't bring any more performance. The Recaro seats are quite nice, but they aren't worth buying a nearly $5000 option package. For around $35000, you simply can't beat the GT soft top manual.
The nice thing about watching mx-5 reviews as an owner is the positive validation you get for having somehow made a good decision despite likely going into tens of thousands in debt unnecessarily.
I just purchased an NC Miata around the same time you were doing this review and I’ll be doing the 2.5 Ford fusion/Mazda3 2.5 engine swap on it… I bought it with a bad engine for this reason but very nice car and can’t wait to get it out on the road after finishing the swap.
My 2022 GT ST sadly came with a bad transmission. It went bad in the first 2k miles. Mazda was very good with replacing it under warranty as was my local dealer with the wrenching. Now at, 12k miles now problems. This is not my daily and spends winters in hibernation. I plan on keeping this car forever and passing it to one of my kids. Though only one of my three can drive a manual 🤣 Mods: Racing Beat axle-back, Progress springs, 16" Konig wheels, PPF (full front and hood). Good luck and enjoy!
I made the same choice back in 2019.. I picked up two cars for the cost of the "1" I was looking at. I ended up getting a 2019 ND2 RF (later converted to a ND2 Cup car) and a 2019 Fit Sport. The other 3 cars I was shopping were Cayman GTS, 350R, ZL1 1LE. I am glad I made the choice I did, many of what you listed. The total cost of ownership, especially when you track it is so so much less than the others listed. I have now given my Fit to my youngest daughter to drive to school and picked up a 2024 Lexus ES 300H to sit next to my ND2 track toy.
Daily driving a Miata proved how versatile one can be. I liken it to living like a Monk. Also, as a side note, hopefully the transmissions in the MY24 are better than the batch in the MY23… I went through one trans already in 7k miles. Thank the Car Gods for warranty!
You're killing me here. I recently sold a '23 ND2 6-speed manual soft top to get my '24 Type R, so I'm 100% your target audience with this thing. Having real-world ownership experience with both cars, here are my takes... First off, yes, skip the RF. Besides having less head room and being heavier, slower, and more expensive, it's a lot noisier and way more turbulent with the top down, compared to the quieter, smoother windflow of the soft top. Also, it's not a convertible. A targa top is not a convertible, so you lose the classic British roadster experience the Miata was designed to recreate. True top-down driving is the Miata's raison d'être, and you simply don't get that with the RF. Instead, what you have with the RF is a tiny, cramped, very slow Corvette. Okay, that point aside, you're right, the Miata does feel more special than the Type R. The Type R feels special as well, but not quite to the same degree. The simple act of lowering the Miata's top immediately puts you into the mindset of "vacation!" Any short errand in the Miata feels like an escape, like you're the main player in a fun video game while the rest of the world is bogged down in their NPC nonexistence. It's nearly impossible to be in a bad mood, or at least to stay in one, when you're zipping around in a Miata. It's pure whimsy, all the time. It also has a shifter that's the equal of the Type R's, and that's really saying something. The Type R's is more precise, like a Swiss watch, plus it has automatic rev matching which the Miata lacks, but the Miata's shifter is so wonderfully tactile. It feels alive. Everything about the Miata feels alive. Analog, and alive. Can't beat it. The Miata clutch is feather light compared to the much more serious Type R, which feels like a purpose-built track car for the street...because it is. Hopping straight from the Type R back into the Miata, the clutch feel is so much lighter in the Mazda. I definitely prefer the Type R's clutch. It's more defined, more positive feeling. It also feels sturdier. Speaking of sturdier, I have infinitely more confidence in the Type R's transmission, vs the Miata's. My '23 MX-5's manual tranny failed and had to be replaced under warranty at only 5,000 miles, and there were zero track days, autocross sessions, money shifts, or abuses of any kind on that transmission. This isn't the old situation of trannies not being able to handle the additional power of modified motors. Not at all. The Miata forum is rife with examples of bone stock, pampered 2022-2024 MX-5 manual transmissions that either blew their second- and/or third-gear synchros, or a rear bearing, which is what happened to mine. Yes, Mazda replaced the entire transmission under warranty, but in many cases the replacement transmission also blew within another 5,000 miles. There are already accounts of THIRD transmissions blowing. It's not driver error, driver abuse, or anything driver related. Mazda seemed to have the transmission issues sorted out with the 2019-2021 models, but beginning with the 2022 model year those issues returned with a vengeance, and Mazda has no answers for us as to why it's happening. This is not a small problem. It's a real, ongoing issue. On one message board alone there are upward of a hundred reported failures for these model years, and that doesn't factor in those people who haven't bothered to report it. Obviously, it also doesn't count all the people who aren't members of that message board. That's why I sold my '23 ND2 and bought the '24 Type R. The thing is, I still miss my Miata. The Type R is faster, sharper handling, roomier, more comfortable, and better in nearly every objective way. It's also crazy fun, with a magical front end that seemingly defies the laws of physics. Still, the Miata is more gratifying, more special, and it suffers from far fewer interior rattles and buzzes. Despite being the more affordable car, its interior feels more premium. The Miata also gets much better fuel mileage, and its tires are significantly less expensive. No turbo to worry about down the road, either. One has to weigh the higher running costs of the Honda against the transmission worries of the Mazda, along with the knowledge that the soft top may eventually need to be replaced. The latter is not a factor for you, though, since you won't be keeping the Miata long enough for the soft top to wear out. There are always trade-offs. I think the Type R has more curb appeal...more wow factor. It certainly looks more badass, and it certainly is more badass. Still, as great as the Type R is in so many areas, is it as engaging as the Miata? Is it as satisfying? On public roads, I'd say...no, it's not. In order to tap into the Type R's satisfaction, you have to be going stoopid fast. Dangerously fast, for the street. The Miata is different. It satisfies with every shift, at any speed. It's all fun. It's all special. It's also semi-legal, yet somehow still thrilling. It offers a visceral experience that nothing else can match. I love both, and want both. The Type R is clearly the better only-car solution, fuel mileage/consumables costs notwithstanding, but the Miata is, like you say, more special. It's not easy to be more special than a brilliant red or gleaming blue Type R in all its red-trimmed finery, but the Miata manages it. The moment you hit the start button and set your hand on that perfect little shifter, you know. You just know. I'm considering going back to another Miata. I took advantage of the Type R's killer resale value, which is much better than the Miata's, and sold my Type R. Now I'm left brain/right brain debating. Camry hybrid, or another Miata? Were it not for the Miata's transmission worries, there would be no debate. Hell, were it not for those transmission worries, I'd still be in my '23 ND2. Now that there's an ND3, though, I'm tempted again. I like the idea of a higher-resolution backup camera, a larger screen, and a better infotainment system. When I test drove a '24 the other day, I couldn't say that I noticed any difference in the vaunted new steering rack, vs my '23. I would need to drive them immediately back to back. I certainly wasn't able to feel any difference with the new rear differential, but that was never going to come into play during a brief test drive on city streets along with a short bit of freeway time. In your case, I think you made the right call. Your reasoning is sound. You're at a specific time in your life during which you can forego practicality, so YOLO it up while you still can. As a car enthusiast, you owe it to yourself to experience owning a Miata, and the ND3 is the best Miata ever...as long as you don't roll snake eyes and see your tranny grenade on you. Just don't get the RF. For all that is good and holy, get the soft top. For your first MX-5, it needs to be the Pure Miata Experience. You absolutely must get the soft top . Do it. You won't regret it.
That is a detailed excellent comparison between the cars. I have been retired for two years and one of my hobbies has been owning several cars. This includes Miata, GR Corolla, Civic Hybrid and now FL5. They are all great cars and at MSRP, a good value in today’s higher prices. I think I will be keeping the FL5 for quite a while. It is very practical, fun to drive and I really like the styling. Maybe could do without the big spoiler but the styling is more subdued than FK8. Also enjoy the interior, including the seats and audio. Much better than the other cars. It amazes me how comfortable the seats are considering how well they hold you. And with the damper module from ITS, the ride is a lot more compliant and livable. Even though I consider myself to be a responsible driver, sometimes the FL5 can be tempting to be a little too aggressive. The handling is amazing for FWD. Occasional 2nd and 3rd gear pull is fun also. 😂 You mentioned the Camry Hybrid as possible new car. I have not driven the Camry but I assume it is a nice car. You may want to check out the Civic Hybrid. I had the Sport Touring. It is not cheap at $33k, but it is very nice. The torque with the electric motor is impressive. It does not penalize you for driving a hybrid. I got mid 40’s driving it normal to slightly aggressive. I was just looking for something a little more exciting.
@@brianr14190 Yes, the stereo and overall interior of the FL5 are fantastic. Wish it had heated seats and a heated steering wheel, and lumbar control. Otherwise, my lone gripe with the FL5 is the dashboard buzzing beneath the infotainment screen. It doesn't do it all the time, but it does it enough to annoy me in a $46K car. I bought mine for msrp only, and no dealer add-ons, but I still felt that at $46K I should be able to expect no interior rattles or buzzes. As for the Civic Hybrid, I like it, especially in the hatchback version, but it costs more than the Camry LE despite offering less power, roominess, comfort, and fuel mileage. Even the top Touring trim of the Civic doesn't offer lumbar control or a heated steering wheel, and those 19" wheels transmit a lot more tire noise, along with a harsher ride. More expensive tires, too, and the rims are more susceptible to dents. I don't want a moonroof, either. If someone is going hybrid, the Camry LE is the obvious value choice. By far, it offers the most bang for the buck. In addition to being the cheapest Camry it's now the fastest Camry, and also the quietest and plushest, with the highest MPGs. 53/50 for a proper midsize sedan with bombproof reliability is tough to beat, and it's only $30K.
@@vlj1133Wow, that is a great value for the Camry to have adjustable lumbar and heated steering wheel for $30k. I agree the Civic can’t top that value. As you know, the Bose audio is good in the Civic. It sounds quite a bit better in the Hybrid compared to the CTR because of better road isolation. The Civic wheel size is only 18” and they have resonators for improved NVH. Ride quality and NVH level is a lot better than the CTR. I had the Sedan. The hatchback would be nice for cargo flexibility. Also a few inches shorter which can be nice sometimes, like parking in the garage.
@@brianr14190 I just checked, and yep, you're right. The Civic Touring Hybrid wheels are 18s, not 19s. Nonetheless, the Camry LE with its 160-series sidewalls riding on narrow 16" wheels makes for a plusher ride than the Civic, with less tire noise, even despite the Touring's wheel resonators. I drove both back to back, and the Camry is definitely quieter, smoother, and simply more substantial. It also comes standard with rear AC, which isn't available in any Civic, and the Civic's standard moonroof creates an additional layer of wind noise that's absent in the Camry. In the end, it's still a compact-class Civic vs a midsize Camry, and somehow the Camry also manages to get better fuel mileage: 53/50, vs 50/45. Combining a very low msrp (lower than last year's LE Hybrid, in fact), fuel mileage, comfort, standard and available features, ride quality, roominess, low running costs, and long-term reliability, the Camry LE really can't be beat. For anyone wanting a dead nuts reliable ten-year-plus appliance, it's the best overall value on the market right now.
Thanks for the review. Just for your information the 2024 MX-5 grand touring also has wireless Android Auto. I purchased the 2024 MX-5 in the same confirmation you wanted. Soft top soul red crystal. I had to order mine. I placed the order at the end of April 2024 and it arrived at the dealership the first week of August 2024. It's a great car. I can't wait to see your 2025.
Hey man congrats on the car I love mine too. I have a 23 ST. I changed the transmission fluid at 12,000 miles and the fluid oxidized from heat. (Had it analyzed by blackstone labs) I have never tracked or auto x. I do have a road in my area where I can enjoy the car and seems that was enough to get transmission hot. I might drive it spiritedly for 20-30 min at a time. I changed the fluid to redline MT-90 and I put an under panel that scoops the air towards transmission by Godspeed. Will do another analysis at 8,000 miles and will see how the fluid is doing.
@@Realistick shiiiii- of course my dude! A bonus to me as a much smaller Automotive YT channel would be if you put me on (only if you think I’m worthy lmao)! Have been following you for a while and it’s fantastic to see you grow! Cheers!
I chose a Mazda MX-5 over a Civic Type R, over a Toyota GR86, over a Toyota GR Yaris, over a BMW, over a Porsche Boxster, over a Golf GTI, over every freaking else. And I do not regret anything.
Excellent choice! I settled for a Mini Cooper S LCI for the same reasoning (albeit FWD) but was also in the market for the Type R and Focus RS… never looked back. Cheers!
You will LOVE the Miata!! ALWAYS the answer!! My ND2 ALWAYS puts a smile on my face!! And that’s everyday as I both commute and have fun in it!! Zoom zoom 🏁🏁
I have a 2023 RF. Fun car for sure. I used to ride motorcycles but got out of it because it has gotten very populated where I live in the past 10 years. The Miata is my 4 wheeled motorcycle....or gokart.
I had a ND2! It was amazing. Except for the seat's headrest did not come forward enough so I had neck pain when I drove longer than an hour 😢. Eventually, though, child duty required me to get a car with backseat so I could take them around. Got a GTI. It's fine.
If only Mazda made a fixed hard top version of the Miata; I'm not a convertible guy and would never put the retractable hardtop down, so I would be paying for something I'd never use (which is an extra point of failure to boot). Having said that, if it were my money, I'd get the Toyota GR over either the Miata or the Type R; it's the perfect mix of sportiness, practicality (that AWD would come in handy in Toronto, where I live) and reliability and is hard to beat in its price range imo.
I'm on the miata forums I've only heard about people having transmission issues with ND1 and only the first couple of years. I have a 21 the only complaint is the infotainment. It's slow like a minute or so to boot up, wish the screen was bigger and touch screen.
IMO a BRZ\86 is superior. For those who actually like a convertible, I guess the miata makes sense. But in every other meaningful\measurable way the BRZ\86 beats the miata. Everything from performance, handling, hell even practicality.
I have a 2021 RF Club with BBS Package and the #1 gripe for me...or better yet, the #1 wish is that Traction Control could be tunred Off as the Default setting, instead of having to turn it off every time I start the car.
On August 31st, I bought a 2018 Fiat 124 Spider. I prefer the complication of forced induction, but I totally understand why you chose this platform. I'd probably own a newer one if they were still making them and I found the trim/features I want.
I wonder how safe these are with so many giant trucks and suvs out there these days. Also would be interesting to see how it does in the snow as a daily.
I think the best strategy is to use the quick nimble handling of the Miata and avoid crashes. Based on the size, weight and reduced side rigidity, I would assume crash toughness is not good.
Traded in an Audi S4 with supercharged V6, upgraded torque vectoring diff, active suspension and way faster than an MX-5, while being able to take my parents to the theater. 85K miles later with 40k on a ND1, 45k on my current ND2, and I am still looking at Miata reviews. Last job I would take an hour-long highway commute home with some in bumper-to-bumper traffic, get off the highway and still take the long way home.
Totally agree with you. Issue I have is my height. Hatches are faster but require little driver input for the speed, plus dull as a Porsche. Elise is the tall chaps MX5.
If you don’t need the practicality of four door it is really hard to beat a Miata. Rented one in Japan with a 1.5L engine and just 130HP even that was a ton of fun. I would love to own one.
I chose the same as you :). I bought the MX-5. The body roll reminds me of my 68 MGB. The car digs in on the outside rear tire and then it whips through the turn. Once you get it you master it quickly.
I did not give it much time, but the amount of body roll in the Miata surprised me. I never lost control but it just felt strange to me. Also, that was my first RWD car, so maybe that contributed to it.
@@brianr14190 that's right, it feels strange until you understand it. even with the traction control off you learn the limitation of when the rear is going to break loose. That is what makes the car so much fun. You have perfect control and balance as you drive.
I’m hearing that you know there are compromises, but you don’t care. That’s precisely what’s nice about the Type R. It’s very practical and 90% as good or better in all of the driving categories. The nice thing is that we are not all the same and it is up to each of us to determine what fits our needs and desires best. Both of these cars are amazing.
I've owned the Integra Type S and the ND2 Miata. Everything in this video is true, all of it. I'd drive the Miata before you're used to the comfort of other cars. On long trips, little things get to you. Road noise. The rattle in the stick. The fact that you can't hear the stereo. Ideally, you get to enjoy both cars for what they are good at. I think it comes down to: buy the MX-5 for the time in your life when you don't need a back seat. But they're both incredible cars and deserve all the accolades.
Wanted one real bad. But I am in sales and can't afford a second car as a toy. As bad as I wanted Miata to be the answer, the need to carry samples, host visiting suppliers, and occasionally carry the family made it too distant a dream. Type R mark ups were INSANE at the time (early 2023) so I bought a 2023 Si. Zero complaints though, the car is super fun, frugal, useful, and I always look forward to driving it. But I still jones for an MX-5 LOL
I just bought a Integra type s coming from a 2019 Rf . I just wish I could have 1 of each . Definitely each car is the best of its kind . Loved my 2010 phrt Miata just as much as these 2 cars .
I cannot believe that you can fit in the MX-5. I'm a couple inches shorter than you and I could NOT see due to the Windshield frame being directly in my line of sight. I seriously considered the MX-5 for many of the reasons you cited but I'm NOT Superman. I tried every manner of seat adjustment and no go. I cannot see THROUGH the metal windshield frame . I guess I sit higher in the saddle than you do. Oh well, it's far more crude, but I get plenty of enjoyment out of my base model 2023 WRX. Enjoy that MX-5!
I have a 2016 ND with a AVO turbocharger with a LSD, performance clutch and the transmission is holding up just fine. I also installed fox coil overs which makes it feel much flatter. The only disappointing thing is the fragile paint.
Excellent videos! Hats off to such clean and informative channel. I spend all of last year doing the same. Only I took it all the way up to the Supra. Believe it or not, 50k for a Supra while the miata exists was messing with my head. Supra is great and all, still my dream car. But the Miata offers same level of fun for half the price imo. "Drive a slow car fast" instead of "drive a fast car slow" for me and my commute es better Traded in my Supra for a GR Corolla, and after 4 months I couldn't resist the Type R. It does everything better. Toyota transmission is kinda clunky. Plus limited space and the cheap interior when compared to the Type R made my decision to change easier I made the executive decision to pay full the Type R and then go for the miata as a 2nd car 1. Miata 2. Type R 3. GR Supra 4. GR86 5. GR Corolla 6. Golf R
I can't say that I've gotten much of any seat time with a Supra but I'd second that ranking otherwise. Congrats on having the best new two car solution imo!
i'm a huge Mazda fan boy ever since,. been eyeing the mx5 for months but ended up buying the mazda 3 turbo 2025 due to extra power and practicality. but will definitely buy MX5 if i'll be given a chance to own another car for sunday driving. and of course, with a stick shift!
I like the thicker top of the GT, but found that the Recaros give just a bit more tall guy legroom. In the GT, my right knee touched the dash. I have about an inch of room with the Recaros. I'm seriously thinking about this as well.
I was looking for a GR86 and GR Corolla for a while but watching your series make me rethink if i whould get rid of my NC or trade it in for a ND...the bug mazda put on the miata is just wayy to poisonous to move away from. I think im going to look for a ND2/3 Club with Recaro Package. Im in no hurry so i can wait for one.
A couple of things that I want to add, one of the big reasons that I am going with a soft top is the extra headroom. It's still tight, but I can more easily put a helmet on for track use.
I want the Grand Touring because they put a thicker top on it to reduce the road/wind noise slightly (among other things).
This was not a full review by any means, check the description for that! I'll make a more thorough video when I get mine, but that will come next year.
You should lower the stock seat few options out
You think is more worth it to go with GT over the Club with Recaro?
I did the same. I had a 2019 MX-5 Club with the soft top and the reason I picked the soft top is that extra 1/2 inch of headroom or whatever it is. At 6'2", it was just enough to go from hair sticking to the roof all the time to only doing that with extreme static electricity. Wife and I will be having twins soon though, hence I had to trade it in for a 2024 WRX. But there is no question that the Miata is possibly the best sports car under $100k and arguably at any price if you demand a manual. It is pure. You drive the car, you drive it hard if you want. Beyond that it has a radio and AC that kinda sorta works. Hell, it only has a backup camera because of federal regulations. I put 66k miles on mine before I traded it in, it was my only car. You can definitely live with it if you aren't hauling kids around.
Love your stuff! A few things
1. I own a 23’ RF Club with the BBR package(an ND2 specked like the one here in the video). I’m also 6’3” about 215 lbs. I’m also 19 and in the Indianapolis area if you would ever want to get together!
2, You can buy some aftermarket seat rails for about $150 per seat.
3. The recaros actually give you more room than stock seats about 2 inches on leg and about 1 inch on height compared to GT seats but that’s just my build.
4. I personally like the Brembo brake calipers because the brake pedal feels so much nicer and gives me more confidence.
5. 100% PPF your car. As a daily driver myself, nothing enrages me more than rock chips and this paint is hard to match and look at with those white marks. So worth it.
@@HarrisonHulbert At 6'5 and 185lbs, with a...runner's ass...I found the Recaros actually left me with less headroom.
Mazda, the company, gets my undying respect for continuing to build this amazing car. They have never compromised their fun-to-drive priority for the MX-5, keeping it relatively simple, lightweight, and tactile.
Just too expensive for the new ones. Such a tiny car. No reason for the top trims to be over 30k. Total BULLSHIT 🙄
Unlike most manufacturers that share parts across multiple vehicles, the Mazda Miata is a standalone car that doesn't share chassis or suspension parts with any other vehicle (which is expensive, and why Toyota & Subaru (GR86/BRZ), and Toyota & BMW (Supra/Z4) share the same platform). It's all about saving money and R&D for them.
@@Billn1971 Keep in mind that $25k these days gets you a fully base model Toyota Corolla hatch or Mazda 3, and the budget class below that (your honda fits, ford fiestas, Toyota Yaris) isn't available in the US anymore at all. The MX-5 is tiny, but it's extremely obvious where the money goes - look at the suspension systems, the use of aluminum for weight savings, the high-quality cabin compared to these other base models.
The other thing to consider is quantity - Toyota sells over 1 million corollas in a year. The Miata seems to be closer to 50,000 from what I can find. That inevitably increases the cost per car due to smaller production scale, plus there are fewer cars to spread out the engineering overhead costs. To be honest, the closer I look at this car, the more astonished I am that it's as close in price to the base-model econoboxes as it is, even with the smaller footprint.
@@Billn1971👈😂then embrace your shitty Kia.
'MX-5 does not compromise, you do' that is right up there with 'the answer is always Miata' - it is a compromise but it is so much fun, great choice!
Fantastic quote. As an MX-5 RF owner, I am going to steal that when people ask me why I drive one.
Miata is the perfect compromise.
as soon as you said "I might not be young enough to own one again" I knew you were buying one
Nice catch🤠
I’m 69 and looking to buy an RF Homura. You’ve got a few years yet!
The man who I bought my Miata off of was 92 years old which means he bought it around 70 years old, you are never too old to own a Mx5
Fantastic choice. You can always borrow, or rent, something more practical when you need it. 90% of the time you won’t. Enjoy!
Yup Uhaul rents pick up trucks for $20 a day. How often do you need this probably not much
My thoughts exactly, we’ll see how my body handles it🤕
I daily drove my phrt for 3 years at 56 years old on . Work was 25 miles each way . Loved it. .
@Realistick be very picky when you do suspension maybe use the clout to test drive few setups first
Excellent choice Sir! Sold a GT350 for a ND3 all my friends were shocked but I still have more fun driving miatas 😊
Traded in a supercharged Audi S4 with active suspension and torque vectoring diff. MX-5 is just more fun.
Im 5’4 filipino
Im short miata is for me
“The MX-5 does not compromise - you do”. Lines like this is why you are great at what you do.
I just got rid of my ND2 RF for an FL5 Civic Type R. I miss my miata SO much! The Type R is an amazing car as well but I don't go out for drives just for fun in it like I did the Miata. Enjoy it! They are amazing.
just go scoop up a cheap NA or NB, i have an NA and FK8 Type-R, perfect pairing
Whoops!
That is funny I drove my ND2 RF Cup car to the Honda dealership in STL and test drove a FL5 and was highly underwhelmed by it.
I own a 2019 MX-5 RF Club and the bottom line is that it drives like no other car on the road,
like a big go-kart.
And a real bonus is the amazing fuel economy even when you drive it really hard.
Good choice my friend.
As someone who went through the exact process and came to the exact conclusions, I am thrilled to see another Miata owner emerge! And I also went with the soft top, which has easily increased the times that I’ve driven top down compared to if I had gotten the RF. Very happy and excited for you!
Same here! I went with the RF though because (1) I live in New England, it's cold and (2) top slashings might be rare, but my car lives on the street in a major city and the reduced anxiety alone is worth it haha
I'm a Corvette guy, but I absolutely love a good driver's car and the Miata is a wonderful choice. Congrats!
Thank you for buying a new Miata. Mazda needs to keep making them so we need to keep buying them.
Exactly!
Hey man, just found your channel after choosing an MX-5 as a daily last week. There were a lot of reasons I went with it (including many that you mentioned, like low cost of ownership, and having just enough practicality to be viable), but I think you hit the nail on the head with this line:
"I don't know if we'll be able to buy a car like this very soon"
I have no doubt that there will be many high-tech, turbo-charged or electric rocket ships to choose from in years to come. But affordable, naturally aspirated cars with a clear focus on raw fun are hanging by a thread, and there are only two left (the GR86 and the MX-5). I don't know how much longer we've got before manufacturers decide these aren't worth the engineering cost, but I decided it wasn't worth the risk of waiting around and finding out.
Congrats on the decision mate!
It's interesting you considered the Type R. My ND2 Miata was rear ended a few months ago and it worried my wife a little about me commuting in it. She asked me about the idea of me possibly getting a different car to commute with. The one that instantly came to mind was Civic Type R. But I love my ND too much to replace it and we can't really afford a third car again, so the ND is staying. Best car I've ever owned. I've had it for 2 years and it never fails to put a smile on my face. Also, if you've lived with an earlier Miata, like I had an NA for 10 years, the ND by comparison is actually kind of luxurious. Working AC? Heated seats? Instant up or down softtop? I was sold.
The 1.5L roadster (132 HP) is considerably lighter and less nose "heavy"
Good choice. I bought an 18 miata club and do to an injury sold it a year later. I know have a 23 platinum quartz bbs, recaro package and staying with this one till the wheels fall off. There is nothing in that price range or 20 to 30K more that can come close to how fun this car is to drive. Enjoy the drive my friend.
I have a 91 Miata and had a 99 Miata as well, you will love having a Miata. Great choice!
which one you like more, the NA or NB?
This may sound odd as a (FK8) Type R owner but it is refreshing to hear someone picking something other than a CTR in a comparison. With that being said, I highly doubt most are cross shopping the two due to differences in practicality. While one is a purpose built sports car (Miata) the other is a hopped up version of an econo car with the practicality of a small SUV (back seat room and hatch). What makes the CTR so good is the Honda name (reliability), the ability to put kids/pets/random shit from Home Depot in the back comfortably, but then take it out of the track the next day. Its damn near a Swiss Army knife, granted it’s not the best/most fun in inclement weather/road conditions
You might be surprised but here I am!
I was looking for a "for fun" and airport hopping car and was looking at:
i30 N -> was the first one i actually went to look for since i knew it was cheaper than anything else (usually between 33 and 36000EUR), but sadly it was not available anymore in Europe.
Honda Civic Type R -> was 54000 Euros and no allocation both of which put me off
Mustang GT -> was seriously considered but at 60000 EUR plus 2.400 Euro in yearly ownership tax put me off
Mazda MX5 -> the moment I heard that the 2L motor will no longer be offered in Europe as of August 2024 due to Euro 6e, and at 40000 EUR in the RFs top trim I went for that. There are many times that I get buyers remorse after making an expensive purchase. This time was VERY different. I have owned mine since June and am very happy with it.
The Subaru BRZ also came into contention but only after I had already paid the deposit on the MX5. That car was not typically offered in Romania so I didnt expect to see it. There are some ways in which I would have liked that one too, but on the other hand it was more expensive, putting it at less than 10000 EUR away from the Mustang at which point i might as well have bought that one since it was just a little bit better in every way (faster, bigger inside, etc. )
Miata
Is
Always
The
Answer
Mate I loved this review. Your priorities and reasons behind choosing the MX-5 matches my thoughts exactly (even RF vs soft top), and your comparison has helped me cement my choice amongst all the competition out there.
P.S massive fan of Still Woozy, had a good giggle seeing them pop up!
This video made me so happy. 95M turbocharged miata I spent a stupid amount of money on modifying and a GRC daily is the perfect combo.
It is a treat to see a review by someone who likes small cars. I drove a Miata once and it was a complete hoot just on city streets. Unfortunately I needed a bit more practicality when I bought my next car and ended up with a GTI which I love. Similar idea. Faster and better handling cars out there, but fun to drive. Maybe next time.
11 months ago I purchased a 2020 MX-5 RF GT and I absolutely love it, I've been wanting one for a long time and I finally got one and it is the greatest car I have ever driven from the moment I get in to when I get out of it, I have to turn around and take another look at it, it is the most beautiful sports car I've ever seen and driven and it drives incredible.
I went the opposite way. Miata RF to a GR Corolla and I miss the Miata so much. It just put a smile on my face every drive.
Do you regret it?
@@gudboic1208in a lot of ways yes. But the GR Corolla is way more practical. The steering and shifter aren’t nearly as good in the GR.
@@scoobers90 still a sweet car, it’s hard to put value on practicality. I hope you get many more smiles out of it !
I’d have a hard time going back but sometimes life doesn’t accommodate a roadster and the GR Corolla is a great car on its own (even if it’s character is entirely different) I hope it treats you well like it has for me🤠
Watching your channel and others plus car magazines narrowed it down to the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring soft top with the manual transmission. We bought one in Soul Red on Black Friday 3 days ago, with great incentives. First weekend and 300 miles in, absolutely love it. It is what I expected and so much more. We never had a 2 seat sports car convertible. So much fun and joy with top up or down. I learned how to drive a manual car 32 years ago in driving school, no automatics in Germany then! Then the last manual car we sold in 2014. Now my boys are 16 and 14 years old and they are eager to learn how to drive it. I have to add it is not our only car, not selling the Mazda CX-9. Thank you very much for your channel, recommendation and advice!
3:00 RWD 50/50 >> FWD 60/40
5:00 Topless > Fixed roof/No sunroof
6:20 Cheaper to own
7:30 Interior
9:00 Nothing other like it
I'm 6'2", 330, wide shoulders, and I fit in the ND fine. Couldn't believe it. Thinking about getting one before it's gone.
Do it if you never owned a sub 3000 lbs car. For me weight is the biggest factor for having fun. Luckily today you can have some power. I use to switch between lightweight & muscle. Now in VB BRZ and enjoying life. The ND MX-5 is better sports car I just needed room for subwoofer
As someone who has had the blessing to own many of the cars from your list over the years, we always talk about how much we miss the Miatas. They are special. Enjoy the drive.
I did the same thing and came to exactly the same solution as you did. Love my 24' snowflake white RF GT! It is my daily, and I actually traded in my 22' RF GT on the new one. Point is, you can daily a MX-5 & I drive 250mi a week to/from work with no issues for several years now (& I'm an old dude at 50+).
How come you got the 2024 instead? Debating if it’s worth getting used or new….
@@Wasabi9111 Well money isn't an issue I'd go for the 24'. Daily driving both, I'll say the steering upgrade is a great improvement and needed for highway commutes like I do. It was the first thing I really noticed. Diff upgrade is also nice and the ability to have a "track" mode vs just off is nice. Infotainment update is also much better, even though that wasn't a deciding factor. It's all subjective and subtle for sure but it does improve the car overall in my opinion. Even though 23' and earlier are fabulous cars, the small changes just made it better for me all around.
Good luck in your purchase. No matter which year you choose, I promise you will not be disappointed.
Got NC & ND we road & track hard… Luv ‘em sooooooo much!!! 👍😊💥
oh man this video is really making me miss my miata. I had it for about 1 year and a half and did so many road trips on it but it was too impractical for me as an only vehicle. My wife and I loved it and it was sooo tough letting go. I will definitely buy another one to pair it with my truck when the right time comes.
that shot of the car from below the hill at the end of the video makes its rear end look awesome 😁
Thanks for making videos/reviews of vehicles that are actually attainable to the majority of drivers.👍
After years of resisting I purchased a '21' GT soft top 10 months ago. If you’re an enthusiast you don’t even need to explain why you own this car. Although I also have a '21' GR Supra and a Honda Fit, my MX5 is such an involving drive, I love to make excuses to do errands in it just to feel the sublime 6 speed. Congrats on your future purchase! 👍
GR, Type R, and Miata are all killer choices. We're truly still living in an automotive golden age. Just wish I was still middle class and could afford one.
Yeah, that’s a stupid comment.
It would be the golden age if these vehicles were still affordable, and most of them aren’t. We are lucky there has been a resurgence in choice, I’ll give you that
The BRZ is what I went with, and it was BARELY fairly priced for what it is. Everything else is ABSURDLY priced, MX5 included.
@@sshah2545everything is expensive. That doesn’t make this a stupid comment. There are a lot of options that are affordable BY TODAY’S STANDARD. Sports cars are not a need but a luxury and they have always been that way
@@gudboic1208 dude, were not having a subjective debate about our opinions.
I’m right and you’re wrong, and that’s ok.
Go look at pricing on things LIKE a BRZ back in 2014.
And that’s just “the last generation” - one full cycle before modern cars and current economic conditions (everyone’s favourite buzzword, inflation)
Look at the Acura RSX, old Miata, mustang, civic si, type r, Camaro, WRX, sti. And so on.
Look at the MK3 vs Mk4 Supra. It’s a poor example because the mk4 was a far more capable vehicle, but still. Look at the skyline vs the GTR.
All of these vehicles have become WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY more expensive than they used to be, per capita. That’s just auto makers taking advantage of consumers because they can.
Like I said, the BRZ was almost unfairly priced for what it was, but it was just about doable. Everything else in this man’s video is insane. For that money you’d get an entry level Porsche or a Lexus or similar. Not a civic.
Stupid comment. Golden age of resurgence of options. Platinum age of corporate greed and price gouging. You’re welcome to disagree, that won’t make me wrong.
tbh a type R was expensive 30 years ago as well
Haha the golden age of Japanese sports cars were the early 90s.
Hey man congrats on the car I love mine too. I have a 23 ST. I changed the transmission fluid at 12,000 miles and the fluid oxidized from heat. I have never tracked or auto x. I do have a road in my area where I can enjoy the car and seems that was enough to get transmission hot. I might drive it spiritedly for 20-30 min at a time. I changed the fluid to redline MT-90 and I put an under panel that scoops the air towards transmission by Godspeed. Will do another analysis at 8,000 miles and will see how the fluid is doing.
Are you in the UK? They stopped making the focus ST in 2018 in the USA. 2019 was the last year for the fiesta ST
Friendly suggestion: Instead of a special order, use your purchase as an excuse for a road trip! Find the best deal you can far away. You'll hit bucket-list roads in the middle of nowhere that you'd otherwise never get to (e.g., CO 141), you'll get to know your car well, and realistically, it's harder to do this when you're older. You'll also get a vacation with as much city or nature time as you want. I've done it with two ND's, looking forward to the next time.
Thanks for the nuances you mentioned comparing this to the Civic Type R!
Nice choice. You got me. I thought the type R had it in the bag. I know of a tiny issue with a brass piece in the manual but it may have been rectified. Plus Mazda jumped on the ones that needed repairs. Look forward to future episodes. Nothing like going topless. But that could lead to a minivan. Take my word for it. You don't want one.
I still think the N is the best most fun option that sounds the best
2 Miatas, and a 2019 FK8, the Type R is the amazing practical daily driver for me. Worst stereo, best everything else (except FWD). Gently driven 32 mpg (premium). Great review, there are no losers here.
Great choice! I daily a 2023 GT soft top manual in VT! Snow and all.
I'm in Toronto and I have a friend who drives a previous gen Miata even in winter, but he makes sure he has a sand bag or two in the trunk for extra traction!
Congrats on the new purchase. This is the PERFECT car when you’re single. I had one when I was. (Hard it shove wife, kids, dogs into one of these. And I don’t have the money nor space to have “weekend car.” The CTR was the right choice, but this was better. Looking forward to future Miata Moments!
Excellent choice! I just purchased my 2nd Miata, a 2024 GT soft top manual which is the best Miata spec in my opinion. I love the simplicity and quick operation of the soft top. The RF is too slow to operate (13 seconds and only up to 6mph), it's too expensive, and the buttresses generate deafening wind noise when the is top open. The Club omits too many features that I want, and even with the overpriced performance package it doesn't bring any more performance. The Recaro seats are quite nice, but they aren't worth buying a nearly $5000 option package. For around $35000, you simply can't beat the GT soft top manual.
The nice thing about watching mx-5 reviews as an owner is the positive validation you get for having somehow made a good decision despite likely going into tens of thousands in debt unnecessarily.
The Miata is a dream. Congrats!!!
I just purchased an NC Miata around the same time you were doing this review and I’ll be doing the 2.5 Ford fusion/Mazda3 2.5 engine swap on it… I bought it with a bad engine for this reason but very nice car and can’t wait to get it out on the road after finishing the swap.
Can't blame you for choice! A Type R is still in the cards for us, but I guess there's a pretty good reason that we bought an MX-5 first as well!
Awesome! First mod: a GWR roadster sport exhaust :)
Heck yus. Good choice.
Did Mazda already tip you off on the color choices for 2025? Anything exciting?
They are the best cars ever made! You made a great choice and even if you had all the money in the world the mx 5 with the roof down is priceless
Beautiful car!! Love that mazda red, any particular reason you chose this over lets say the GR86?
My 2022 GT ST sadly came with a bad transmission. It went bad in the first 2k miles. Mazda was very good with replacing it under warranty as was my local dealer with the wrenching. Now at, 12k miles now problems. This is not my daily and spends winters in hibernation. I plan on keeping this car forever and passing it to one of my kids. Though only one of my three can drive a manual 🤣 Mods: Racing Beat axle-back, Progress springs, 16" Konig wheels, PPF (full front and hood). Good luck and enjoy!
I made the same choice back in 2019.. I picked up two cars for the cost of the "1" I was looking at. I ended up getting a 2019 ND2 RF (later converted to a ND2 Cup car) and a 2019 Fit Sport. The other 3 cars I was shopping were Cayman GTS, 350R, ZL1 1LE. I am glad I made the choice I did, many of what you listed. The total cost of ownership, especially when you track it is so so much less than the others listed. I have now given my Fit to my youngest daughter to drive to school and picked up a 2024 Lexus ES 300H to sit next to my ND2 track toy.
Daily driving a Miata proved how versatile one can be. I liken it to living like a Monk.
Also, as a side note, hopefully the transmissions in the MY24 are better than the batch in the MY23… I went through one trans already in 7k miles. Thank the Car Gods for warranty!
You're killing me here. I recently sold a '23 ND2 6-speed manual soft top to get my '24 Type R, so I'm 100% your target audience with this thing. Having real-world ownership experience with both cars, here are my takes...
First off, yes, skip the RF. Besides having less head room and being heavier, slower, and more expensive, it's a lot noisier and way more turbulent with the top down, compared to the quieter, smoother windflow of the soft top. Also, it's not a convertible. A targa top is not a convertible, so you lose the classic British roadster experience the Miata was designed to recreate. True top-down driving is the Miata's raison d'être, and you simply don't get that with the RF. Instead, what you have with the RF is a tiny, cramped, very slow Corvette.
Okay, that point aside, you're right, the Miata does feel more special than the Type R. The Type R feels special as well, but not quite to the same degree. The simple act of lowering the Miata's top immediately puts you into the mindset of "vacation!" Any short errand in the Miata feels like an escape, like you're the main player in a fun video game while the rest of the world is bogged down in their NPC nonexistence. It's nearly impossible to be in a bad mood, or at least to stay in one, when you're zipping around in a Miata. It's pure whimsy, all the time. It also has a shifter that's the equal of the Type R's, and that's really saying something. The Type R's is more precise, like a Swiss watch, plus it has automatic rev matching which the Miata lacks, but the Miata's shifter is so wonderfully tactile. It feels alive. Everything about the Miata feels alive. Analog, and alive. Can't beat it.
The Miata clutch is feather light compared to the much more serious Type R, which feels like a purpose-built track car for the street...because it is. Hopping straight from the Type R back into the Miata, the clutch feel is so much lighter in the Mazda. I definitely prefer the Type R's clutch. It's more defined, more positive feeling. It also feels sturdier.
Speaking of sturdier, I have infinitely more confidence in the Type R's transmission, vs the Miata's. My '23 MX-5's manual tranny failed and had to be replaced under warranty at only 5,000 miles, and there were zero track days, autocross sessions, money shifts, or abuses of any kind on that transmission. This isn't the old situation of trannies not being able to handle the additional power of modified motors. Not at all. The Miata forum is rife with examples of bone stock, pampered 2022-2024 MX-5 manual transmissions that either blew their second- and/or third-gear synchros, or a rear bearing, which is what happened to mine. Yes, Mazda replaced the entire transmission under warranty, but in many cases the replacement transmission also blew within another 5,000 miles. There are already accounts of THIRD transmissions blowing. It's not driver error, driver abuse, or anything driver related. Mazda seemed to have the transmission issues sorted out with the 2019-2021 models, but beginning with the 2022 model year those issues returned with a vengeance, and Mazda has no answers for us as to why it's happening.
This is not a small problem. It's a real, ongoing issue. On one message board alone there are upward of a hundred reported failures for these model years, and that doesn't factor in those people who haven't bothered to report it. Obviously, it also doesn't count all the people who aren't members of that message board.
That's why I sold my '23 ND2 and bought the '24 Type R. The thing is, I still miss my Miata. The Type R is faster, sharper handling, roomier, more comfortable, and better in nearly every objective way. It's also crazy fun, with a magical front end that seemingly defies the laws of physics. Still, the Miata is more gratifying, more special, and it suffers from far fewer interior rattles and buzzes. Despite being the more affordable car, its interior feels more premium. The Miata also gets much better fuel mileage, and its tires are significantly less expensive. No turbo to worry about down the road, either. One has to weigh the higher running costs of the Honda against the transmission worries of the Mazda, along with the knowledge that the soft top may eventually need to be replaced. The latter is not a factor for you, though, since you won't be keeping the Miata long enough for the soft top to wear out.
There are always trade-offs.
I think the Type R has more curb appeal...more wow factor. It certainly looks more badass, and it certainly is more badass. Still, as great as the Type R is in so many areas, is it as engaging as the Miata? Is it as satisfying?
On public roads, I'd say...no, it's not. In order to tap into the Type R's satisfaction, you have to be going stoopid fast. Dangerously fast, for the street. The Miata is different. It satisfies with every shift, at any speed. It's all fun. It's all special. It's also semi-legal, yet somehow still thrilling. It offers a visceral experience that nothing else can match.
I love both, and want both. The Type R is clearly the better only-car solution, fuel mileage/consumables costs notwithstanding, but the Miata is, like you say, more special. It's not easy to be more special than a brilliant red or gleaming blue Type R in all its red-trimmed finery, but the Miata manages it. The moment you hit the start button and set your hand on that perfect little shifter, you know. You just know.
I'm considering going back to another Miata. I took advantage of the Type R's killer resale value, which is much better than the Miata's, and sold my Type R. Now I'm left brain/right brain debating. Camry hybrid, or another Miata? Were it not for the Miata's transmission worries, there would be no debate. Hell, were it not for those transmission worries, I'd still be in my '23 ND2. Now that there's an ND3, though, I'm tempted again. I like the idea of a higher-resolution backup camera, a larger screen, and a better infotainment system. When I test drove a '24 the other day, I couldn't say that I noticed any difference in the vaunted new steering rack, vs my '23. I would need to drive them immediately back to back. I certainly wasn't able to feel any difference with the new rear differential, but that was never going to come into play during a brief test drive on city streets along with a short bit of freeway time.
In your case, I think you made the right call. Your reasoning is sound. You're at a specific time in your life during which you can forego practicality, so YOLO it up while you still can. As a car enthusiast, you owe it to yourself to experience owning a Miata, and the ND3 is the best Miata ever...as long as you don't roll snake eyes and see your tranny grenade on you.
Just don't get the RF. For all that is good and holy, get the soft top. For your first MX-5, it needs to be the Pure Miata Experience. You absolutely must get the soft top . Do it. You won't regret it.
That is a detailed excellent comparison between the cars. I have been retired for two years and one of my hobbies has been owning several cars. This includes Miata, GR Corolla, Civic Hybrid and now FL5.
They are all great cars and at MSRP, a good value in today’s higher prices.
I think I will be keeping the FL5 for quite a while. It is very practical, fun to drive and I really like the styling. Maybe could do without the big spoiler but the styling is more subdued than FK8.
Also enjoy the interior, including the seats and audio. Much better than the other cars. It amazes me how comfortable the seats are considering how well they hold you.
And with the damper module from ITS, the ride is a lot more compliant and livable.
Even though I consider myself to be a responsible driver, sometimes the FL5 can be tempting to be a little too aggressive. The handling is amazing for FWD. Occasional 2nd and 3rd gear pull is fun also. 😂
You mentioned the Camry Hybrid as possible new car. I have not driven the Camry but I assume it is a nice car. You may want to check out the Civic Hybrid. I had the Sport Touring. It is not cheap at $33k, but it is very nice. The torque with the electric motor is impressive. It does not penalize you for driving a hybrid. I got mid 40’s driving it normal to slightly aggressive. I was just looking for something a little more exciting.
@@brianr14190 Yes, the stereo and overall interior of the FL5 are fantastic. Wish it had heated seats and a heated steering wheel, and lumbar control. Otherwise, my lone gripe with the FL5 is the dashboard buzzing beneath the infotainment screen. It doesn't do it all the time, but it does it enough to annoy me in a $46K car. I bought mine for msrp only, and no dealer add-ons, but I still felt that at $46K I should be able to expect no interior rattles or buzzes.
As for the Civic Hybrid, I like it, especially in the hatchback version, but it costs more than the Camry LE despite offering less power, roominess, comfort, and fuel mileage. Even the top Touring trim of the Civic doesn't offer lumbar control or a heated steering wheel, and those 19" wheels transmit a lot more tire noise, along with a harsher ride. More expensive tires, too, and the rims are more susceptible to dents. I don't want a moonroof, either.
If someone is going hybrid, the Camry LE is the obvious value choice. By far, it offers the most bang for the buck. In addition to being the cheapest Camry it's now the fastest Camry, and also the quietest and plushest, with the highest MPGs. 53/50 for a proper midsize sedan with bombproof reliability is tough to beat, and it's only $30K.
@@vlj1133Wow, that is a great value for the Camry to have adjustable lumbar and heated steering wheel for $30k. I agree the Civic can’t top that value. As you know, the Bose audio is good in the Civic. It sounds quite a bit better in the Hybrid compared to the CTR because of better road isolation.
The Civic wheel size is only 18” and they have resonators for improved NVH. Ride quality and NVH level is a lot better than the CTR.
I had the Sedan. The hatchback would be nice for cargo flexibility. Also a few inches shorter which can be nice sometimes, like parking in the garage.
@@brianr14190 I just checked, and yep, you're right. The Civic Touring Hybrid wheels are 18s, not 19s. Nonetheless, the Camry LE with its 160-series sidewalls riding on narrow 16" wheels makes for a plusher ride than the Civic, with less tire noise, even despite the Touring's wheel resonators. I drove both back to back, and the Camry is definitely quieter, smoother, and simply more substantial. It also comes standard with rear AC, which isn't available in any Civic, and the Civic's standard moonroof creates an additional layer of wind noise that's absent in the Camry. In the end, it's still a compact-class Civic vs a midsize Camry, and somehow the Camry also manages to get better fuel mileage: 53/50, vs 50/45.
Combining a very low msrp (lower than last year's LE Hybrid, in fact), fuel mileage, comfort, standard and available features, ride quality, roominess, low running costs, and long-term reliability, the Camry LE really can't be beat. For anyone wanting a dead nuts reliable ten-year-plus appliance, it's the best overall value on the market right now.
Thanks for the review. Just for your information the 2024 MX-5 grand touring also has wireless Android Auto.
I purchased the 2024 MX-5 in the same confirmation you wanted. Soft top soul red crystal. I had to order mine. I placed the order at the end of April 2024 and it arrived at the dealership the first week of August 2024. It's a great car. I can't wait to see your 2025.
Hey man congrats on the car I love mine too. I have a 23 ST. I changed the transmission fluid at 12,000 miles and the fluid oxidized from heat. (Had it analyzed by blackstone labs) I have never tracked or auto x. I do have a road in my area where I can enjoy the car and seems that was enough to get transmission hot. I might drive it spiritedly for 20-30 min at a time. I changed the fluid to redline MT-90 and I put an under panel that scoops the air towards transmission by Godspeed. Will do another analysis at 8,000 miles and will see how the fluid is doing.
Excellent choice! Now, put some good coil-overs on it and get it aligned. It's transformative.
Daily driving a Miata proved how versatile one can be. I liken it to living like a Monk.
That’s a great analogy, I might use that in a video sometime if that’s alright with you😂
@@Realistick shiiiii- of course my dude! A bonus to me as a much smaller Automotive YT channel would be if you put me on (only if you think I’m worthy lmao)! Have been following you for a while and it’s fantastic to see you grow!
Cheers!
For sure! Thanks for watching
I chose a Mazda MX-5 over a Civic Type R, over a Toyota GR86, over a Toyota GR Yaris, over a BMW, over a Porsche Boxster, over a Golf GTI, over every freaking else. And I do not regret anything.
Beautiful ❤ * perfection . Like the iPhone, micro updates 👍🏽👍🏽(I miss the snake fang day lights❤
9:38 the slomo leaves 🔥
Excellent choice! I settled for a Mini Cooper S LCI for the same reasoning (albeit FWD) but was also in the market for the Type R and Focus RS… never looked back. Cheers!
We have a GR Corolla and Fiat spyder. We tend to drive the spyder more often especially when the weather is good.
Absolutely the right choice!
You will LOVE the Miata!! ALWAYS the answer!! My ND2 ALWAYS puts a smile on my face!! And that’s everyday as I both commute and have fun in it!! Zoom zoom 🏁🏁
I have a 2023 RF. Fun car for sure. I used to ride motorcycles but got out of it because it has gotten very populated where I live in the past 10 years. The Miata is my 4 wheeled motorcycle....or gokart.
Great series, you did well
I had a ND2! It was amazing. Except for the seat's headrest did not come forward enough so I had neck pain when I drove longer than an hour 😢.
Eventually, though, child duty required me to get a car with backseat so I could take them around. Got a GTI. It's fine.
First time coming across one of your videos, I appreciate your format. Thanks!
Welcome, thanks for watching!
GLAD FOR THIS REPORT.! SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING BUYING A 2025 MX-5 ALSO!
If only Mazda made a fixed hard top version of the Miata; I'm not a convertible guy and would never put the retractable hardtop down, so I would be paying for something I'd never use (which is an extra point of failure to boot). Having said that, if it were my money, I'd get the Toyota GR over either the Miata or the Type R; it's the perfect mix of sportiness, practicality (that AWD would come in handy in Toronto, where I live) and reliability and is hard to beat in its price range imo.
Best decision you could’ve made
I'm on the miata forums I've only heard about people having transmission issues with ND1 and only the first couple of years. I have a 21 the only complaint is the infotainment. It's slow like a minute or so to boot up, wish the screen was bigger and touch screen.
IMO a BRZ\86 is superior. For those who actually like a convertible, I guess the miata makes sense. But in every other meaningful\measurable way the BRZ\86 beats the miata. Everything from performance, handling, hell even practicality.
I have a 2021 RF Club with BBS Package and the #1 gripe for me...or better yet, the #1 wish is that Traction Control could be tunred Off as the Default setting, instead of having to turn it off every time I start the car.
On August 31st, I bought a 2018 Fiat 124 Spider. I prefer the complication of forced induction, but I totally understand why you chose this platform. I'd probably own a newer one if they were still making them and I found the trim/features I want.
Always The Answer since '89.
The thin steering wheel is almost like a pinch of salt in the classic sports car recipe. Cool composed video Tyler! Have fun, drive safe.
It's ugly in my opinion though..
I wonder how safe these are with so many giant trucks and suvs out there these days. Also would be interesting to see how it does in the snow as a daily.
I think the best strategy is to use the quick nimble handling of the Miata and avoid crashes. Based on the size, weight and reduced side rigidity, I would assume crash toughness is not good.
I felt exactly the same way after driving the Type-S and ND2 Club back to back last year
Traded in an Audi S4 with supercharged V6, upgraded torque vectoring diff, active suspension and way faster than an MX-5, while being able to take my parents to the theater. 85K miles later with 40k on a ND1, 45k on my current ND2, and I am still looking at Miata reviews. Last job I would take an hour-long highway commute home with some in bumper-to-bumper traffic, get off the highway and still take the long way home.
Miata all the way! I just bought a soft top GT mx5 just to commute to work everyday😂
Totally agree with you.
Issue I have is my height.
Hatches are faster but require little driver input for the speed, plus dull as a Porsche.
Elise is the tall chaps MX5.
If you don’t need the practicality of four door it is really hard to beat a Miata. Rented one in Japan with a 1.5L engine and just 130HP even that was a ton of fun. I would love to own one.
You made the right choice!
MX5 Miata is always the answer! nice car.
I chose the same as you :). I bought the MX-5. The body roll reminds me of my 68 MGB. The car digs in on the outside rear tire and then it whips through the turn. Once you get it you master it quickly.
I did not give it much time, but the amount of body roll in the Miata surprised me. I never lost control but it just felt strange to me. Also, that was my first RWD car, so maybe that contributed to it.
@@brianr14190 that's right, it feels strange until you understand it. even with the traction control off you learn the limitation of when the rear is going to break loose. That is what makes the car so much fun. You have perfect control and balance as you drive.
I’m hearing that you know there are compromises, but you don’t care. That’s precisely what’s nice about the Type R. It’s very practical and 90% as good or better in all of the driving categories. The nice thing is that we are not all the same and it is up to each of us to determine what fits our needs and desires best. Both of these cars are amazing.
All these cars are compromised . The type r is a compromise for anyone driving outside of dry weather and smooth pavement .
I've owned the Integra Type S and the ND2 Miata. Everything in this video is true, all of it. I'd drive the Miata before you're used to the comfort of other cars. On long trips, little things get to you. Road noise. The rattle in the stick. The fact that you can't hear the stereo. Ideally, you get to enjoy both cars for what they are good at. I think it comes down to: buy the MX-5 for the time in your life when you don't need a back seat. But they're both incredible cars and deserve all the accolades.
Wanted one real bad. But I am in sales and can't afford a second car as a toy. As bad as I wanted Miata to be the answer, the need to carry samples, host visiting suppliers, and occasionally carry the family made it too distant a dream. Type R mark ups were INSANE at the time (early 2023) so I bought a 2023 Si. Zero complaints though, the car is super fun, frugal, useful, and I always look forward to driving it. But I still jones for an MX-5 LOL
I just bought a Integra type s coming from a 2019 Rf . I just wish I could have 1 of each . Definitely each car is the best of its kind . Loved my 2010 phrt Miata just as much as these 2 cars .
I cannot believe that you can fit in the MX-5. I'm a couple inches shorter than you and I could NOT see due to the Windshield frame being directly in my line of sight. I seriously considered the MX-5 for many of the reasons you cited but I'm NOT Superman. I tried every manner of seat adjustment and no go. I cannot see THROUGH the metal windshield frame . I guess I sit higher in the saddle than you do. Oh well, it's far more crude, but I get plenty of enjoyment out of my base model 2023 WRX. Enjoy that MX-5!
I have a 2016 ND with a AVO turbocharger with a LSD, performance clutch and the transmission is holding up just fine. I also installed fox coil overs which makes it feel much flatter. The only disappointing thing is the fragile paint.
I think I am going to ppf it the moment I have the keys!
Excellent videos! Hats off to such clean and informative channel.
I spend all of last year doing the same. Only I took it all the way up to the Supra.
Believe it or not, 50k for a Supra while the miata exists was messing with my head. Supra is great and all, still my dream car. But the Miata offers same level of fun for half the price imo. "Drive a slow car fast" instead of "drive a fast car slow" for me and my commute es better
Traded in my Supra for a GR Corolla, and after 4 months I couldn't resist the Type R. It does everything better. Toyota transmission is kinda clunky. Plus limited space and the cheap interior when compared to the Type R made my decision to change easier
I made the executive decision to pay full the Type R and then go for the miata as a 2nd car
1. Miata
2. Type R
3. GR Supra
4. GR86
5. GR Corolla
6. Golf R
I can't say that I've gotten much of any seat time with a Supra but I'd second that ranking otherwise. Congrats on having the best new two car solution imo!
i'm a huge Mazda fan boy ever since,. been eyeing the mx5 for months but ended up buying the mazda 3 turbo 2025 due to extra power and practicality. but will definitely buy MX5 if i'll be given a chance to own another car for sunday driving. and of course, with a stick shift!
You can use the screen as touch in android auto too...just go and set it in the settings
I love how your hair moves when you make a turn lol
I like the thicker top of the GT, but found that the Recaros give just a bit more tall guy legroom. In the GT, my right knee touched the dash. I have about an inch of room with the Recaros. I'm seriously thinking about this as well.
I was looking for a GR86 and GR Corolla for a while but watching your series make me rethink if i whould get rid of my NC or trade it in for a ND...the bug mazda put on the miata is just wayy to poisonous to move away from. I think im going to look for a ND2/3 Club with Recaro Package. Im in no hurry so i can wait for one.