Thing to consider too is, I have a Jeep 2dr JK that has been paid off since 2013, its has been upgraded tons to make occupants very confy during hot hot hot summer months. A month ago I went to my Mazda dealer an tested the RF AC in 103 temps. Compared to my 2012 Jeep JK, the Miata was minuscule even on high raising RPM up too 2300 RPM's. The small compressor in the engine bay just couldn't deal as even the interior was hotter than a firecracker inside. That was a big turn-off making me realize, unless a guy didn't care about the heat, it would be a no big deal as I totally understand. Other folks would definitely say suck it up buttercup. There is no free lunch.
Miata life hack: there's a phone holder designed to fit in a cup holder mount. It has both magnetic and clip attachments. It's expensive but worth every cent.
San Jose is my hometown! My personal cars (2015 Mini Cooper S and 1991 Miata) are both manuals. I would never recommend an automatic Miata unless the person was physically unable to drive a manual. I typically drive the 85, 880 and 17 and still don’t regret getting a manual. The clutch is light and you’ll get used to driving stick in traffic. Thanks for watching! Happy to answer more questions if you have them.
I have an ND automatic loaner. Doesn't lay the power down as well as my manual. While it is a bit more relaxing, and you can drink coffee or whatever while driving, it doesn't feel as spirited as the shifts are a bit slower. That said in sport mode it is still a lot of fun. I agrees with Should I Get It, the manual shifts so smoothly and it becomes an automatic motion. Besides the torque curve is flat so you don't have to shifts as much.
Here in europe, yes, it's called the "sports package". I have a soft top with lsd, heated recaro seats, navigation, bilstein shocks, ¨he red stitching on the inside.. the only thing it doesn't have is the brembo brakes. I think this is a way nicer choice than the US trims.
+Rafael Cordoba I️ need to make a whole video about that but I️ have reasons for owning a 91 MX-5 alongside my Cooper S. They’re both very fun and exciting but the Miata is more intimate and enjoyable for backroad driving while the Mini is a better daily car and more of a “sleeper”
I tried sitting in the RF... but adjusting the seat had my head pressing up against the roof insulation. When I adjusted the seat one or two notches (recline) my head was tilting forward uncomfortably.
Funny you mention that you would love this car coming from a Mustang. I have a 2000 mustang gt convertible and just recently bought a laguna and tan NA manual. Even being fairly stock, it is absolutely loads of fun to drive. My favorite car i've ever driven.. and I work at a car dealership so that saying something. Side note, what do you think about Megan Racing 2 Coil overs? I was thinking about throwing them onto the NA
Awesome comment! Thanks for watching! As far as coil overs go I actually recommend springs unless you are going to track the car and adjust coil overs to your needs.
great video, quick questiosn soft top is it quite, or loud and if it's loud how much louder is it to the RF? soft top maintenance and taking care of it, easy? annoying ? simple? soft top durability good ?
Thank you! I've only driven the RF once and it was on Laguna Seca so I can't speak about how much louder the soft top is, but it's quiet enough to have a conversation at highway speeds. The soft top is easy to take care of if you use the right tools/methods about once a month. The soft top durability is good I would say. I don't have a garage and I wouldn't be too worried about it for 5-10 years.
Should I Get It I appreciate you taking time to respond back I know this is kind of an old video just does help me though slowly choose my options I can get either one but I am leaning towards the RF it's going to be my everyday driving
Anytime! As always, I recommend test driving both but if it's going to be your daily driver and not kept in a garage, can't go wrong with the RF, it looks beautiful and still drives just as terrific. If you have any other questions, let me know!
I'v driven both. The RF is louder with the top retracted than the soft top. The buttresses cause it and plus they restrict your vision. I prefer the soft top. A bit louder than the RF with the tops up. I have the Goodwin RoadsterSport Race muffler which is pretty loud on WOT much more than stock. I love it. The noise level shouldn't be a consideration for picking one over the other. If I lived in cold climate or such and had the top up a lot I'd probably get the RF if a daily driver or If parking in a bad area might get it also. Not sure.
I'm debating this vs the RF vs getting another Golf. I mostly use my car for long road trips (e.g. Montreal to Chicago) and would love that long-distance driving discussion when you get the RF. For the soft top, I already want sway bars, those cup holders and the never-closed screen and glovebox issues will drive me nuts. Oh and the screen selector being in the way when you want to rest your arm. And the antennas. And the price for the RF. Gah.
I'm in contact with Mazda now in regards to getting behind the wheel of an RF. I'll try to setup a loooooooong roadtrip type drive and let you know. I have taken my Mini Cooper S (2015) on many roadtrips and love it.
Should I Get It I wound up putting my deposit down for the Golf R, for the same price as the RF. Think about how crazy that is - Golf R is not an Audi but it’s pretty close, has Haldex, digital dash, 300 hp....Basically a deal I couldn’t ignore from my dealer, and the Mazda experience was shit even though I was contemplating dropping about $45k Canadian at the dealers I went to. I will maybe hold the Golf for a couple of years and then buy a used or CPO RF - after they get a clue and offer Android Auto. Other disincentives - RF is a kind of cruiser but has not cup holders or glove box, and the sound insulation for multiple highway hours...not there. Great car at $29k, not okay at $39k; though the R arrives at end of January I’m lusting still after the Mazda. I’ll wait a few more years for the mx-5 to depreciate. Looked hard at the NC as well btw; thanks again for the video.
how do you downshift and upshift so smoothly? I can't never drive my ND smoothly I always jerk when shifting. I've been driving manual for only a month now. Is there a driving difference feel between the club and Gran touring , I drive a grand touring ND
Seat time will make a difference. But remember the basics. When up shifting you need to drop the rpm a little before letting the clutch out, but not to much or else you get that "jerk". Basically you're slowing the car down when you do that. When the clutch and tranny speed match its smooth as can be. On a down shift you need to speed the rpm up. That's a little harder to do but blipping the throttle while simultaneously letting the clutch out works. Watching the tachometer will give you a feel to where the rpm should be. Over time it becomes very natural.
That depends. Where are you driving? Have you learned to drive stick? Do you need a lot of trunk space? What other cars are you looking at? Personally I think this is a great car for anyone because it’s easy to drive, won’t get you in too much trouble and is a ton of fun.
Should I Get It I learned just the lever and not stick. I was hoping to get automatic because I don’t have experience with manual. Is stick driving safe for someone with little experience on the road? Trunk space isn’t a huge deal but anything to bring groceries home.
The Miata is enough to bring groceries home and a stick is safe(r) once you learn to drive it right with a few hours of practice in a parking lot. Definitely enough space for groceries in that trunk. Do yourself a favor and get a stick shift Miata, you'll thank yourself in a few months :) Unless you live in an area with a TON of traffic.
Nice review. i don't mind the cubby or missing glovebox, the only thing that kills it for me are the cheap plastic sun visors - shame when everything else is of much better quality. Definitely agree on the sunblock, i look like I've been at the beach and its winter downunder at the moment 😎
Oh yeah I totally forgot to mention those airplane seatback tray looking, cheap feeling sun visors. Rarely used them but definitely don't like the feel. Glad you liked the review, thanks a ton for watching and commenting!
Yeah if it was done to save a few grams, I don't agree with the choice here. The rest of the interior is beautiful and it makes the sun visors look out of place thus standing out more.
Great car had mine for a year now but completely impractical, cant do shopping with that small boot and hits speed bump every time in the parking lot at work.
Toyo Masauce I don't know what you're talking about. I've done shopping runs with the ND perfectly fine for a household of 6 (when it's summer vacation and all the kids are back home). It's way more practical considering in the suburbs it's SUV / mini van haven, you have to tip toe around them in the parking lot. With the Miata I can easily zip around them and never have to worry about tight parking between mammoths - VERY practical.
Should I Get It are you joking ? Do you imagine something else that we could see except of you ? Are you serious ? The CAR of course !!! I help you : body, tires, engine, interiors, displays, roof, lights, suspensions, exhaust ... especially with a so beautiful model. Hope you'll do better :-)
Sylvain COMPAGNON there are a lot of vidoes with what you describe. But I guess that's not your issue you rude, nasty weirdo. Bet you like to boss people around online because nobody in your life listens to you. Have I got you right?
Man no matter what exotic cars you are driving, a Miata is still desirable.
+gtb5 exactly!
holy shit this video is beyond amazing i was legitimately shocked seeing how many views you have. Definitely deserve more
Thank you so much Ivan! I appreciated reading this comment! Hope you enjoy the Yaris GR video I just posted!
-Ben
Love this RF version. It elevates the MX-5 to a whole new level. Great video!
Thank you!
Thing to consider too is, I have a Jeep 2dr JK that has been paid off since 2013, its has been upgraded tons to make occupants very confy during hot hot hot summer months. A month ago I went to my Mazda dealer an tested the RF AC in 103 temps. Compared to my 2012 Jeep JK, the Miata was minuscule even on high raising RPM up too 2300 RPM's. The small compressor in the engine bay just couldn't deal as even the interior was hotter than a firecracker inside. That was a big turn-off making me realize, unless a guy didn't care about the heat, it would be a no big deal as I totally understand.
Other folks would definitely say suck it up buttercup. There is no free lunch.
For european roads, theres a soft spot for the 1.5l. Great review.
Very well described and no bulls..ting. Awesome review, makes me want to buy this car right now! Thx for the clear review! :)
Thank you Maggie! Let me know if you end up buying one :) glad you liked the review
Ur so right I wake up excited to go to work cause I get to drive my miata 😅
Very nice review! Thanks for posting. Definitely added to my wishlist
Miata life hack: there's a phone holder designed to fit in a cup holder mount. It has both magnetic and clip attachments. It's expensive but worth every cent.
That's fantastic. If I owned the ND I would definitely get that. Thanks for letting us know Jason!
Cravenspeed
so cool to finally see this video for real! nice work
+Mitch Donat thank you!
Nice review and great editing too!
Thank you!
Test drive the 2018 RF. Great video.
Thank you!
Excellent editing and review, I'm on board!
Thank you for watching!
Do u sit comfortable how tall are you I’m 6 feet so I’m wondering if I fit well without any problems and extend my hands
Excellent! Told me just what I want to know.
Gen 2 is 181 horse
I live in San Jose California where traffic is really bad sometimes would you recommend I get an automatic? (This will be my primary vehicle)
San Jose is my hometown! My personal cars (2015 Mini Cooper S and 1991 Miata) are both manuals. I would never recommend an automatic Miata unless the person was physically unable to drive a manual.
I typically drive the 85, 880 and 17 and still don’t regret getting a manual. The clutch is light and you’ll get used to driving stick in traffic.
Thanks for watching! Happy to answer more questions if you have them.
I have an ND automatic loaner. Doesn't lay the power down as well as my manual. While it is a bit more relaxing, and you can drink coffee or whatever while driving, it doesn't feel as spirited as the shifts are a bit slower. That said in sport mode it is still a lot of fun. I agrees with Should I Get It, the manual shifts so smoothly and it becomes an automatic motion. Besides the torque curve is flat so you don't have to shifts as much.
Daily driving this exact same car in LA. Loving it.
Is it possible to get the Grand touring with LSD?
You can't order a Grand touring with LSD but you can get one swapped in aftermarket (there's a few forum posts this online).
Here in europe, yes, it's called the "sports package". I have a soft top with lsd, heated recaro seats, navigation, bilstein shocks, ¨he red stitching on the inside.. the only thing it doesn't have is the brembo brakes. I think this is a way nicer choice than the US trims.
heyyy thats the camden plaza! i see you!
Spot on! Good eye Aiyana, thanks for watching!
hey how do you compare the mx5 to your mini cooper s? I'm split between these two cars :)
+Rafael Cordoba I️ need to make a whole video about that but I️ have reasons for owning a 91 MX-5 alongside my Cooper S. They’re both very fun and exciting but the Miata is more intimate and enjoyable for backroad driving while the Mini is a better daily car and more of a “sleeper”
I tried sitting in the RF... but adjusting the seat had my head pressing up against the roof insulation. When I adjusted the seat one or two notches (recline) my head was tilting forward uncomfortably.
Sorry to hear that. Out of curiosity, how tall are you?
RF!! please, great review.
On it, thank you for the comment!
Funny you mention that you would love this car coming from a Mustang. I have a 2000 mustang gt convertible and just recently bought a laguna and tan NA manual. Even being fairly stock, it is absolutely loads of fun to drive. My favorite car i've ever driven.. and I work at a car dealership so that saying something. Side note, what do you think about Megan Racing 2 Coil overs? I was thinking about throwing them onto the NA
Awesome comment! Thanks for watching! As far as coil overs go I actually recommend springs unless you are going to track the car and adjust coil overs to your needs.
I just really need to know what a 19991 brg miata is....
Watch my other Miata video, it compares this Miata to my personal 1991 BRG.
British Racing Green....
great video, quick questiosn
soft top is it quite, or loud and if it's loud how much louder is it to the RF?
soft top maintenance and taking care of it, easy? annoying ? simple?
soft top durability good ?
Thank you!
I've only driven the RF once and it was on Laguna Seca so I can't speak about how much louder the soft top is, but it's quiet enough to have a conversation at highway speeds.
The soft top is easy to take care of if you use the right tools/methods about once a month.
The soft top durability is good I would say. I don't have a garage and I wouldn't be too worried about it for 5-10 years.
Should I Get It I appreciate you taking time to respond back I know this is kind of an old video just does help me though slowly choose my options I can get either one but I am leaning towards the RF it's going to be my everyday driving
Anytime! As always, I recommend test driving both but if it's going to be your daily driver and not kept in a garage, can't go wrong with the RF, it looks beautiful and still drives just as terrific.
If you have any other questions, let me know!
I'v driven both. The RF is louder with the top retracted than the soft top. The buttresses cause it and plus they restrict your vision. I prefer the soft top. A bit louder than the RF with the tops up.
I have the Goodwin RoadsterSport Race muffler which is pretty loud on WOT much more than stock. I love it. The noise level shouldn't be a consideration for picking one over the other. If I lived in cold climate or such and had the top up a lot I'd probably get the RF if a daily driver or If parking in a bad area might get it also. Not sure.
I'm debating this vs the RF vs getting another Golf. I mostly use my car for long road trips (e.g. Montreal to Chicago) and would love that long-distance driving discussion when you get the RF. For the soft top, I already want sway bars, those cup holders and the never-closed screen and glovebox issues will drive me nuts. Oh and the screen selector being in the way when you want to rest your arm. And the antennas. And the price for the RF. Gah.
I'm in contact with Mazda now in regards to getting behind the wheel of an RF. I'll try to setup a loooooooong roadtrip type drive and let you know.
I have taken my Mini Cooper S (2015) on many roadtrips and love it.
Should I Get It I wound up putting my deposit down for the Golf R, for the same price as the RF. Think about how crazy that is - Golf R is not an Audi but it’s pretty close, has Haldex, digital dash, 300 hp....Basically a deal I couldn’t ignore from my dealer, and the Mazda experience was shit even though I was contemplating dropping about $45k Canadian at the dealers I went to. I will maybe hold the Golf for a couple of years and then buy a used or CPO RF - after they get a clue and offer Android Auto. Other disincentives - RF is a kind of cruiser but has not cup holders or glove box, and the sound insulation for multiple highway hours...not there. Great car at $29k, not okay at $39k; though the R arrives at end of January I’m lusting still after the Mazda. I’ll wait a few more years for the mx-5 to depreciate. Looked hard at the NC as well btw; thanks again for the video.
Thanks for the update! Congrats and enjoy the new ride :) Happy new year!
for the softtop when it closes does back windshield had holes i thought hardtop has holds that wind flows through not sure about softtop.
No there are no holes in the soft top for airflow.
how do you downshift and upshift so smoothly? I can't never drive my ND smoothly I always jerk when shifting. I've been driving manual for only a month now. Is there a driving difference feel between the club and Gran touring , I drive a grand touring ND
Try blipping the throttle a bit more towards the end of your shift. You'll get it with more time driving, I've been driving manual for 3 years now.
Seat time will make a difference. But remember the basics. When up shifting you need to drop the rpm a little before letting the clutch out, but not to much or else you get that "jerk". Basically you're slowing the car down when you do that. When the clutch and tranny speed match its smooth as can be. On a down shift you need to speed the rpm up. That's a little harder to do but blipping the throttle while simultaneously letting the clutch out works. Watching the tachometer will give you a feel to where the rpm should be. Over time it becomes very natural.
Cerámic metallic or Red if you will drive daily forma the next 5 years and maybe will own it for 10 years?
I'd personally go Ceramic but both will look great for that long!
Is this a recommended car for beginner drivers? I’m getting my license next month and I love convertibles.
That depends. Where are you driving? Have you learned to drive stick? Do you need a lot of trunk space? What other cars are you looking at?
Personally I think this is a great car for anyone because it’s easy to drive, won’t get you in too much trouble and is a ton of fun.
Should I Get It I learned just the lever and not stick. I was hoping to get automatic because I don’t have experience with manual. Is stick driving safe for someone with little experience on the road?
Trunk space isn’t a huge deal but anything to bring groceries home.
The Miata is enough to bring groceries home and a stick is safe(r) once you learn to drive it right with a few hours of practice in a parking lot.
Definitely enough space for groceries in that trunk. Do yourself a favor and get a stick shift Miata, you'll thank yourself in a few months :) Unless you live in an area with a TON of traffic.
@@Cynthetik Miata is also offered for automatic.
Nice review. i don't mind the cubby or missing glovebox, the only thing that kills it for me are the cheap plastic sun visors - shame when everything else is of much better quality. Definitely agree on the sunblock, i look like I've been at the beach and its winter downunder at the moment 😎
Oh yeah I totally forgot to mention those airplane seatback tray looking, cheap feeling sun visors. Rarely used them but definitely don't like the feel.
Glad you liked the review, thanks a ton for watching and commenting!
Yeah if it was done to save a few grams, I don't agree with the choice here. The rest of the interior is beautiful and it makes the sun visors look out of place thus standing out more.
Agreed.
Thank you for watching.
-Ben
MrJorgie73 sun glasses
Review the hardtop!
Kenroy❤
Thanks for watching!
Great car had mine for a year now but completely impractical, cant do shopping with that small boot and hits speed bump every time in the parking lot at work.
I've even done a Costco run in my 95 Miata, it can be done! Do you have a second car as well now?
Toyo Masauce I don't know what you're talking about. I've done shopping runs with the ND perfectly fine for a household of 6 (when it's summer vacation and all the kids are back home). It's way more practical considering in the suburbs it's SUV / mini van haven, you have to tip toe around them in the parking lot. With the Miata I can easily zip around them and never have to worry about tight parking between mammoths - VERY practical.
Why did they not put an LSD in this. Biggest flaw of the grand touring
Because the Club Edition is also available!
@@shouldigetit I know but they really should have put the lsd on all of ‘em
Shark fin isn’t for navigation lol
What's it for? HD radio?
your funny. They should give you a free one.
haha thank you! I'll try my best to get an RF for review
do you play guitar?
+Manco Kwan what makes you ask? Yes I do
Cause your finger nails were long
mmm hot pockets
Thanks for watching all the way to the end :)
I'm long in the upper body, 30 inch inseam in my legs. 5'10 to 5'11 only when I've had my protein drink... 😈
Omg merry me
You just want the Miata huh?
Should I Get It Reviews LOL 😆
Isn't it marry? :)
Great review mate but the 'Miata' name was dropped 10 years ago. So let's call it an MX5 which it is ;)
Thanks mate! But check the link ;) www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/mx-5-miata
Do you see me ? Sure I am on the video ? I am the star.... please show something else than you !!!!
What would you like to see?
Should I Get It are you joking ? Do you imagine something else that we could see except of you ? Are you serious ? The CAR of course !!! I help you : body, tires, engine, interiors, displays, roof, lights, suspensions, exhaust ... especially with a so beautiful model. Hope you'll do better :-)
Sylvain COMPAGNON there are a lot of vidoes with what you describe. But I guess that's not your issue you rude, nasty weirdo. Bet you like to boss people around online because nobody in your life listens to you. Have I got you right?