Should I buy one? I’m a high vibe woman, so yeah, absolutely. I bought it in January after testing it for 10 days. It brought even more joy to my life. I found any excuse to drive it, we ran out of water or milk? I offered immediately to go and find supplies. The Miata called to me, “ drive me”. This beauty is arriving in May, made to build, RF, AT, machine grey. Here in Spain it’s called the Miata Kazari. I chose automatic because the sport button blew my mind anddddd it was a dream to drive after the Miata soft top, with its stick shift. The soft top was all over the road, the RF comes in a little heavier and the difference is that it’s steadier on the road. I had to fly to another island to order it, I’ll be flying over when it arrives and bringing it over on the ferry. It’s already an experience, the wait, the anticipation, the thoughts in my mind when I imagine it in my garage. I’m upscaling in many ways and this roadster is just the start. 😊 zoom zoom ❤
I bought a used 2020 GT RF manual a couple of months ago. It had 2700 miles on it. Zero regrets so far. More fun than I ever could have imagined. I was a sport bike rider for years so I’m used to really being aware of traffic that may not be aware of me. I quit a month or so after being run off of a little 2 lane road off of Hwy 290 in Austin by an F350 4 or 5 years ago. I was very lucky and avoided going over a little berm into a 15 foot deep dry creek bed. Had I ended up down there Im’ not sure I would have been found if I couldn’t walk out. Heavily wooded and not visible from the road. It didn’t scare me much at the time but it stayed with me. Every time I drove/rode past that spot I realized how lucky I was. I have really missed the enjoyment I got from riding the bikes. The Miata fills that hole in my life. The Mazda is just about as fun as my last Ducati but a lot more comfortable in the crazy heat that we have this summer.
I just bought my 2020 a week ago. I must say i absolutely love driving it. I have wanted one since they am out in 89 but couldn't afford one at that age. Then life got in the way and it just wasn't practical. The RF drew my attention back since i live in the North East USA a soft top just didn't really do it for me. do not hesitate buying one. they are totally worth the price. Dollars per smile!
well a lot has changed in 3 months. I should have waited. I paid 31k and it had 12k miles. Now you can get one for around 22k if you look hard enough@@frankfrank9711
A few things one forgets in regards to practicality is that the passenger seat is ONE GIANT CARGO AREA. (and there's another cubby behind it, there's actually 2 cubbies in the ND, not just the one in the center). Look, I daily an ND RF. I do all my sams club runs in it. Think of it like a motorcycle with a MASSIVE saddle bag or side car built in right next to you. That empty passenger seat and footwell is 6 longitudinal feet of sheer cargo space. Yes, you are riding alone if you use it (but so is everyone else when they go shopping in their Toyota Sequoia). What's more, you get a free cargo strap in the form of a seatbelt, so there's no excuses. How often are people REALLY buying widescreen TVs and surfboards? That's the one thing I keep hearing from silly people about why they need to daily a big rig to go to work and it's laughable. They really wanna spend 8000 a year on fuel blindly for the 1 time in 5 years they buy something big. You could always have a Nissan Leaf or a fricken Kei truck parked in the grass for those rare occasions and then daily a Miata. OR even better, RENT a truck for the ONE TIME you use it, then you're not paying massive massive insurance, registration, tires, brakes, oil and gas on a whole a** truck just because of that infamous "what if" that nobody ever does. The reviewer thinks the ND is a raw bumpy go-kart. It's not. Not even close. Try driving any NB or NA. THOSE are flimsy rattlebox go karts which you can feel all the bumps and hear ALL the wind and road noise at anything above 55mph. the ND is new and rigid and has less than half the NVH. feels like a Mercedes by comparison. You can easily take the car to 70mph and still hear all of your music. Not the case at all in any earlier miata. Hell, even fully enclosed 90s sports cars (S14 240sx comes to mind) make TONS of wind noise at just 70mph. can barely hear anything while the RF is insulated nicely. I think most of his assessments forget this and he's going off of confirmation bias based on the fact that he's in a Miata and EXPECTS it to be all the things he heard about from the older generations.
You’re right! I daily drove a 2008 Miata auto for 4 years and was addicted! No problems at all! Traded it for a new RF GT Manual recently! Great daily driver but I wanted more comfort so got an SUV as a daily! I’m old! Still keep Miata as second fun car!
Totally agree, I own 2020 Rf as well and my second car is Lexus GS and I have to say I think Miata rides more softly just because it's so light and I just test driven Ford Raptor 2022, I think it drives worse than Miata. Sure if you compare it to S class MB you will feel the difference, but if you are comparing with any other avg car then you should not worry about ride comfort at all.
I’ve had both auto and manual. The auto still has great handling and is fun so don’t ignore it. Test drive both to decide. Hills are a pain in a manual stressful braking and take off even with a hill assist function. Auto gives you free stress less driving if you’re older or don’t care for the extra engaged experience. I lived with an automatic Miata as a daily in a 2008 Miata. It was still fun! Get what makes you feel best but there’s lots of fun in both transmissions!
I've never felt stressed in a manual car, and I've owned 8 of them. Maybe when you start driving a manual, you feel things happen very quickly but after a little while, it is like breathing. You don't even think about shifting anymore, it just happens.
"Avoid highways and lots of traffic" is an odd suggestion for safety. Just because some prick in a "suburban" didn't check their blind spot. That's more of a reflection on the other driver's incompetence and not due to the Miata's visibility. The ND has daytime running lights and is only a few inches lower than a standard sedan so there's absolutely no excuse for any other driver (including HGVs) for not seeing it unless the Miata driver is undertaking or driving irresponsibly.
Just purchased my 4th MX5 - great cars. Had 911 (great car also) but headed into retirement & wanted something fun & engaging but also very easy on the pocket!
Keep your headlights on at all times / do not get that Grey Metallic color - preferably a snowflake white so other drivers see you better. Also be prepared to have a car not see you - horn or lane maneuver to avoid a collision. How do I know ? I own a 2016 Club soft top in Artic White that is my daily driver since March 10th , 2017 , in 4 season weather. Right now the winter tires sit stacked on a dolly in the garage. BTW the soft top is better top down for noise because you don't get the wind buffeting off the roof. Much better top down visibility as the roof pillars don't block your side views & headroom with the top closed is better by about 2 inches. The RF is about $3500 to $4400 extra cost. About 130 pounds extra weight for the RF too. Center glove box between the seats is bigger on the soft top plus you get cubby storage behind both seats.
@@twystedhumour 303 makes a Convertible Top Kit that comes with a cleaner I use with every car wash ( had to Buy soft bristle brush ). The Fabric Guard that comes in the kit I put on by sponge brushes every fall. Its a little extra cost / work to keep the soft top in shape each year.
We drive the Miata RF here in the Philippines through our rough roads and it's no problem at all. The size is perfect when dealing with Jeepneys, Teicycles, aircon buses and narrow barrio roads.
Been looking at the possibility of owning an MX5 in a couple of years time as a retirement gift for myself. I deserve it after years of working hard (but with little pay 😄). At best, I can only afford a used (6 or 7 year old) ND2 RF auto but it doesn't matter. I just want to experience the joy of a good handling car with an open top. This video touches on some of the concerns I have in owning this model. Perhaps you can address on the question of the cost of running this car, maintenance and reliability in your future videos. Keep up the good work!
As an actual owner for 2 years, maintenance is cheap compared to other sports cars and hot hatches due to the fact that it's a naturally aspirated Mazda 3 on the inside. Tyres and brakes last forever due to it's low weight. Downsides: space and the paint is very thin.
Thats what I drive daily right now. I'm upgrading to an RF for the heated mirrors, and a backup camera..... ok, and also because it's really nice looking. @@arricammarques1955
If it has a full service Mazda history then YES YES YES Either the RF or Convertible are remarkably reliable little sports cars, with enough driving pleasure and road manners to challenge the Cheshire cat for smiles a minute. Ive owned my 2021 Sports Venture 1.5L edition from new, and its been totally reliable, and wow is it fun. Reliability and fun factor, in bucket loads, so a well maintained used Mazda MX5 MD makes huge sense.
Over 6ft a no go? I'm 6ft 3" and had no problem fitting in, I had one for a couple years and am considering getting another. We also found boot space ample for 3 nights away for the 2 of us, 2 helmets lol
Thanks for sharing your opinions regarding the Miata!My first one was a '99. A big difference - I love doing my own mechanical work and the Miata still rewards those of us who hate taking a car to the dealership. I'm 78 so getting in and out is a bit of a challenge but it's definitely worth it!!! White 2023 MX5 RF
Picked up a 2018 automatic last February (Miss Scarlet) and smile everytime I take her out. The narrow winding roads in the South of France leave me very happy with the automatic, though I do use the paddle shifters when approaching roundabouts.
We NEED to get rid of this idea that this car is slow. I rented a 2020 Mazda 3 (full size sedan at this point). it was long, heavy and had a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder with ONLY 169hp. And guess what? it was PLENTY FAST. 100% Zero issue doing 80mph on the freeway and I still got 40mpg. If a 3200lb pig of a wagon can be fast with barely 170hp and a 6 speed AUTOMATIC. Anyone who says a 2400lb rat car with ONE HUNDRED FRICKEN EIGHTY hp all to itself through a 6 speed close ratio manual is slow or underpowered can F right off. This car IS - NOT - SLOW. You just need to learn not to be afraid to make 180hp. in other words, don't treat it like a lazy V8. you need to let it rev to 6000+rpm where it makes the power and it flies. The Mazda 3 has a 50% larger and lazier engine, so it feels faster at lower RPMs. We need to stop confusing "Slow" for not being in the right RPM that the engine was designed for. A typical off the shelf supercharger puts the ND at 200whp and this makes the car faster to 60 than a current gen mustang GT. Also, anyone who needs to be disilusioned by power creep of the modern era need only look up the 0-60 of a 1978 Porsche 911 Turbo (the infamous widow maker) and then compare it to the 2019 ND... guess what?? SAME ACCELARATION. THE - SAME. A car that was once considered fast and unsafe... a Porsche fricken TURBO. Get it yet?
@@user-fi9jg7vh8g sounds like either a skill issue, driving habit issue or a region issue. If you are very attuned to how much throttle you can feel through your foot and get the car in the sweet spot around 60mph it's very possible and I've done it. obviously the road needs to be flat. Also, I noticed you have a russian name, if you're actually in russia, you might not be getting fuel that allows 40mpg. Or it's too cold and you're using an oil that's too heavy for the climate. As a possibility. region, elevation, and fuel quality all play a role. you might live too high above the sea to get the fuel economy I get as well. Or you are driving in a way that you are speeding up and pressing your brakes too much. the goal is to never press the brakes and develop skill that anticipates traffic and keeps your momentum as long as possible, and do not drive faster than the air resistance pick up point (anything above 60mph the air becomes linearly thicker and the car will burn more and more fuel each mph farther it goes). You want to be driving in neutral air (below 60mph, and in calm weather if possible). if you live in a windy area and cannot prevent driving into the wind, you may need to drive even slower to counteract it. I am a hype miler though. I can often get 5-10mpg better than everyone else who doesn't know about or take advantage of all possible resources when driving cars. Someone might swear it's impossible to do 30mpg in a corvette, I watch them drive and they literally can't understand that they're smashing the pedal from every light and speeding to a stop, wasting tons of energy. and no matter how hard I explain to them why, they don't understand. Then I drive the car and do 33mpg and they're confused. It just takes understanding and feel.
@@user-fi9jg7vh8g TLDR: drive and accelerate slower. Maintain cruising speeds longer. and roll farther. Try to have nobody in front of you to avoid slinky driving. avoid ever using your brakes until you are rolling less than 10mph. improve your anticipation skills and lane positioning skills. You will see vast improvements.
@@twrcrew8852 2.5l engine on heavy enough Mazda can't get these numbers even in ideal conditions. It just can't by physic. I drive most of the time very gentle and smooth by the way, no speeding etc, 90% on empty highway.
@@user-fi9jg7vh8g where do you live? you probably have bad fuel quality or live in a high altitude/ cold weather. I easily got 40mpg in washington. What kind of "physic" you talking about? You might not understand that modern direct injection engines with variable phasing is nowhere near the same as a traditional engine with fuel injection. We have so many factors that raise MPG these days, low friction piston rings, GDI itself, variable phasing allows a large engine to burn like a small one. In the 90s a 2.5l engine couldn't get 30mpg. Now it can get 40. The Mazda is no heavier than the 10th gen civic, which uses a more powerful 1.5 liter turbo engine that gets even better MPG, but it can also get much worse if you have a heavy foot. The mass of both vehicles are around 3100lbs. So that is not a factor.
New is priced about the same if you’re getting an ND with low miles. The latest is best with upgrades etc because pricing is still ok! The RF is my choice but soft top has it good points
Regarding "no one can see you"--you might seriously consider a WHITE color. Studies show white is THE safety color. And why? Because people DO see white--both at night and in the daytime. To me, some of the white colors look just great, so no downside--for me. Also, let me kick in to start using your horn--no, not as in "f-you", no, more like "hey I'm here", that by the way IS a legit reason to use your horn, just let people know you are there. Last, avoid the other guys "blind spot" which is much larger for a tiny car. Don't "hang there". In other words, use your head when your truck is at home, and YOU are in the Miata.
This guy offered really good insight, he answered questions on safety and driving conditions, vehicles handling etc, I hope your channel continues to grow because the information you are providing is light years a head of others who are doing the same thing on youtube, yes I support you, and subscribed!!! Thanks👍
You should buy it, the car is great. I had this exact RF, but it was a 2017. I had it 5 wonderful years and loved every second I drove it. The car is quick because its only 2300 pounds. Enjoy the car if you buy it, I sure did and Im 6'1" and no issue.
When he said he was pushed of the road almost... Its not about how small the car is... Its about the damn color. You have the car that is the color of the road. If you drive white or a red car its much more visible to other people.
I have a 2016 soft top, I’m 6’ 1” and have no problem fitting into the car whether the top is up or down. I’ve taking the car on multiple overnight drives from one night to 6 and found it’s a great roadtrip car. To say a 6 ft person wouldn’t fit very well is very subjective and should be left to the individual person as to what is or isn’t comfortable.
Great video. I have owned one, but would like to have one someday. Whenever my Toyota MR2 spyder gives out. Wish Toyota would make those again, but until then , Mazda has the market cornered!
17K views...So while I agree it's a small car, your description of the interior and trunk space were wildly inaccurate. You forgot to mention the cubbies behind the seats. The storage space that is meant to act as a glove compartment is certainly larger than an average cell phone. The Car has 181 hp at just around 2400 pounds with the RF. That's a lot of power for such a little car. It sounds like you should have bought yourself a Mustang or Camaro. Please never review another Miata again because if I didn't know anything about them and I only saw your video, I wouldn't buy one, and that's a damn shame.
You're right! His trunk description was terrible. There's actually plenty of trunk room for 6-9 grocery bags or several large duffel bags. Interior is perfect for me and my dog. I did a 24hr test drive the other day. I put down a sheet over the seats and my Chihuahua could easily jump in! We took it through the Chick-fil-A drive-thru because I was curious how it would be since it's so low to the ground. No problem, such a fun little car.
I got side swiped by a guy in his lifted Silverado. I was on his right side at a traffic light, he turned into me. He didn't see me because I simply out of view being so low.
Hey shnozberry, not all of us have the ability to drive a manual due to physical restrictions. I used to drive only manuals, then I broke my left hip a few years back. If I ever get a miata again, it'll HAVE to be an auto.
IMO the automatic is more fun overall than the manual.Mine has paddle shifters and is not sluggish like you say.city driving in a manual is no fun for me
Thank you very much, but you said nothing at all about interior noise--can one have normal conversation, can you listen to a CD? Can one travel a good distance without interior noise driving you nuts? Kind of important to know.
car reviewers repeat the same thing they've heard over and over and perpetuate bulshit this car is not slow at all it is an extremely well priced car and quite quick and a lot of fun
I feel sorry for all the mentally confused sports car owners that opt for an automatic. It's like being in love with a woman that doesn't love you the same way back
Over all, not a bad video. Does he have journalistic training or a presence to do field reporting? Absolutely not. Take a communications class or acting, buddy. You’re very stiff. My favorite was the comparison of a dishwasher versus a Rolex versus a MX-5. Ya lost me.
Not necessarily so. I get a little tired of seeing video after video where invariably the reviewer says how great the manual is and is how much more fun it is than the automatic. I have no doubt that the manual is fun to drive, but not everyone wants a stick shift. These videos do a disservice to the excellent automatic on the MX-5. If, on occasion, you want to shift manually, you can put it in manual and use the paddle shifters. I purchased an automatic 2022 RF GT with an automatic and it is very zippy and fun to drive. It is, after all, a matter of personal preference.
@@jamesstelly995 I promise you my friend, if you take the time to learn how to drive a manual it will transform your love for the automobile. Manual= more driver involvement, engagement, and overall fun trust me on this one. Please just take the time to learn how to drive a manual transmission properly I promise you won't regret it.
@@dougmaverick3287 I learned to drive on a manual. I have owned a 1957 Chevy with a manual, a VW beetle with a manual, and 2007 Mustang GT with a manual. Your vehicle does not have be be a manual to enjoy the driving experience. Don't paint everyone with the same brush.
In fact, the basic definition of a sportscar, especially the roadster comes to mind: Ragtop is essential. Why buy a sports vehicle if it isn't a Ragtop? Motorcycles don't have tops! This guy needs a Cadillac with a manual transmission.
I have a 2017 RF manual. It’s piss funny, and it’s the antidote to modern cars. SUVs, trucks, everyone driving the same bullshit vehicle. My MX5 is the polar opposite of the modern car
Should I buy one? I’m a high vibe woman, so yeah, absolutely. I bought it in January after testing it for 10 days. It brought even more joy to my life. I found any excuse to drive it, we ran out of water or milk? I offered immediately to go and find supplies. The Miata called to me, “ drive me”. This beauty is arriving in May, made to build, RF, AT, machine grey. Here in Spain it’s called the Miata Kazari. I chose automatic because the sport button blew my mind anddddd it was a dream to drive after the Miata soft top, with its stick shift. The soft top was all over the road, the RF comes in a little heavier and the difference is that it’s steadier on the road. I had to fly to another island to order it, I’ll be flying over when it arrives and bringing it over on the ferry. It’s already an experience, the wait, the anticipation, the thoughts in my mind when I imagine it in my garage. I’m upscaling in many ways and this roadster is just the start. 😊 zoom zoom ❤
Well done as life is short .
I bought a used 2020 GT RF manual a couple of months ago. It had 2700 miles on it. Zero regrets so far. More fun than I ever could have imagined. I was a sport bike rider for years so I’m used to really being aware of traffic that may not be aware of me. I quit a month or so after being run off of a little 2 lane road off of Hwy 290 in Austin by an F350 4 or 5 years ago. I was very lucky and avoided going over a little berm into a 15 foot deep dry creek bed. Had I ended up down there Im’ not sure I would have been found if I couldn’t walk out. Heavily wooded and not visible from the road. It didn’t scare me much at the time but it stayed with me. Every time I drove/rode past that spot I realized how lucky I was. I have really missed the enjoyment I got from riding the bikes. The Miata fills that hole in my life. The Mazda is just about as fun as my last Ducati but a lot more comfortable in the crazy heat that we have this summer.
I just bought my 2020 a week ago. I must say i absolutely love driving it. I have wanted one since they am out in 89 but couldn't afford one at that age. Then life got in the way and it just wasn't practical. The RF drew my attention back since i live in the North East USA a soft top just didn't really do it for me. do not hesitate buying one. they are totally worth the price. Dollars per smile!
How much did you pay and @what mileage? RF? I’m also thinking 😊.
well a lot has changed in 3 months. I should have waited. I paid 31k and it had 12k miles. Now you can get one for around 22k if you look hard enough@@frankfrank9711
A few things one forgets in regards to practicality is that the passenger seat is ONE GIANT CARGO AREA. (and there's another cubby behind it, there's actually 2 cubbies in the ND, not just the one in the center). Look, I daily an ND RF. I do all my sams club runs in it. Think of it like a motorcycle with a MASSIVE saddle bag or side car built in right next to you. That empty passenger seat and footwell is 6 longitudinal feet of sheer cargo space. Yes, you are riding alone if you use it (but so is everyone else when they go shopping in their Toyota Sequoia). What's more, you get a free cargo strap in the form of a seatbelt, so there's no excuses. How often are people REALLY buying widescreen TVs and surfboards? That's the one thing I keep hearing from silly people about why they need to daily a big rig to go to work and it's laughable. They really wanna spend 8000 a year on fuel blindly for the 1 time in 5 years they buy something big. You could always have a Nissan Leaf or a fricken Kei truck parked in the grass for those rare occasions and then daily a Miata. OR even better, RENT a truck for the ONE TIME you use it, then you're not paying massive massive insurance, registration, tires, brakes, oil and gas on a whole a** truck just because of that infamous "what if" that nobody ever does.
The reviewer thinks the ND is a raw bumpy go-kart. It's not. Not even close. Try driving any NB or NA. THOSE are flimsy rattlebox go karts which you can feel all the bumps and hear ALL the wind and road noise at anything above 55mph. the ND is new and rigid and has less than half the NVH. feels like a Mercedes by comparison. You can easily take the car to 70mph and still hear all of your music. Not the case at all in any earlier miata. Hell, even fully enclosed 90s sports cars (S14 240sx comes to mind) make TONS of wind noise at just 70mph. can barely hear anything while the RF is insulated nicely. I think most of his assessments forget this and he's going off of confirmation bias based on the fact that he's in a Miata and EXPECTS it to be all the things he heard about from the older generations.
You’re right! I daily drove a 2008 Miata auto for 4 years and was addicted! No problems at all! Traded it for a new RF GT Manual recently! Great daily driver but I wanted more comfort so got an SUV as a daily! I’m old! Still keep Miata as second fun car!
Miata is THE ANSWER! (Unless u want more space and more luxury comfort ride!)
Totally agree, I own 2020 Rf as well and my second car is Lexus GS and I have to say I think Miata rides more softly just because it's so light and I just test driven Ford Raptor 2022, I think it drives worse than Miata. Sure if you compare it to S class MB you will feel the difference, but if you are comparing with any other avg car then you should not worry about ride comfort at all.
@@luknei Yep also X3 BMW terrific daily. Test one some day!
The passenger seat. Best comment ever!
I’ve had both auto and manual. The auto still has great handling and is fun so don’t ignore it. Test drive both to decide. Hills are a pain in a manual stressful braking and take off even with a hill assist function. Auto gives you free stress less driving if you’re older or don’t care for the extra engaged experience. I lived with an automatic Miata as a daily in a 2008 Miata. It was still fun! Get what makes you feel best but there’s lots of fun in both transmissions!
I've never felt stressed in a manual car, and I've owned 8 of them. Maybe when you start driving a manual, you feel things happen very quickly but after a little while, it is like breathing. You don't even think about shifting anymore, it just happens.
With all do respect...uggggh
i have an automatic 2012 .They can keep the manuals.This is still a fun little car to drive
I just bought one 2 days ago..
Brand new GT RF stick in Zircon Sand.
Cant wait to pick it up in 2 days!
well, how is it?
I rented a RF Automatic and I Fell in Love With It! The Handling was Mind Blower Great!👊🏻
"Avoid highways and lots of traffic" is an odd suggestion for safety. Just because some prick in a "suburban" didn't check their blind spot. That's more of a reflection on the other driver's incompetence and not due to the Miata's visibility. The ND has daytime running lights and is only a few inches lower than a standard sedan so there's absolutely no excuse for any other driver (including HGVs) for not seeing it unless the Miata driver is undertaking or driving irresponsibly.
I actually thought to myself, you want me to drive it around the block and avoid highways??
I'm in NYC and see Miata fairly often. I doubt someone will run over a Miata because they didn't see you. Just as visible as any other car.
Just purchased my 4th MX5 - great cars. Had 911 (great car also) but headed into retirement & wanted something fun & engaging but also very easy on the pocket!
Keep your headlights on at all times / do not get that Grey Metallic color - preferably a snowflake white so other drivers see you better. Also be prepared to have a car not see you - horn or lane maneuver to avoid a collision. How do I know ? I own a 2016 Club soft top in Artic White that is my daily driver since March 10th , 2017 , in 4 season weather. Right now the winter tires sit stacked on a dolly in the garage. BTW the soft top is better top down for noise because you don't get the wind buffeting off the roof. Much better top down visibility as the roof pillars don't block your side views & headroom with the top closed is better by about 2 inches. The RF is about $3500 to $4400 extra cost. About 130 pounds extra weight for the RF too. Center glove box between the seats is bigger on the soft top plus you get cubby storage behind both seats.
Thank you for your insight! Any difficulty in maintaining that soft top?
@@twystedhumour 303 makes a Convertible Top Kit that comes with a cleaner I use with every car wash ( had to Buy soft bristle brush ). The Fabric Guard that comes in the kit I put on by sponge brushes every fall. Its a little extra cost / work to keep the soft top in shape each year.
We drive the Miata RF here in the Philippines through our rough roads and it's no problem at all. The size is perfect when dealing with Jeepneys, Teicycles, aircon buses and narrow barrio roads.
Been looking at the possibility of owning an MX5 in a couple of years time as a retirement gift for myself. I deserve it after years of working hard (but with little pay 😄). At best, I can only afford a used (6 or 7 year old) ND2 RF auto but it doesn't matter. I just want to experience the joy of a good handling car with an open top. This video touches on some of the concerns I have in owning this model. Perhaps you can address on the question of the cost of running this car, maintenance and reliability in your future videos. Keep up the good work!
NC + PRHT : )
As an actual owner for 2 years, maintenance is cheap compared to other sports cars and hot hatches due to the fact that it's a naturally aspirated Mazda 3 on the inside. Tyres and brakes last forever due to it's low weight. Downsides: space and the paint is very thin.
@@paulklp8262
Thanks for sharing your experience of owning your MX5. Much appreciated.
Thats what I drive daily right now. I'm upgrading to an RF for the heated mirrors, and a backup camera..... ok, and also because it's really nice looking.
@@arricammarques1955
I just did buy a used Miata RF ND 2017. So much fun to drive.
If it has a full service Mazda history then YES YES YES
Either the RF or Convertible are remarkably reliable little sports cars, with enough driving pleasure and road manners to challenge the Cheshire cat for smiles a minute.
Ive owned my 2021 Sports Venture 1.5L edition from new, and its been totally reliable, and wow is it fun.
Reliability and fun factor, in bucket loads, so a well maintained used Mazda MX5 MD makes huge sense.
What you said about not being seen and being run off the road is scary. May put be off getting one. Excellent, practical review.
You must have read my mind. You answered all my questions. Thanks!
The answer is yes. It’s that easy. 21 RF Club manual, it’s perfection.
Over 6ft a no go? I'm 6ft 3" and had no problem fitting in, I had one for a couple years and am considering getting another. We also found boot space ample for 3 nights away for the 2 of us, 2 helmets lol
Thanks for sharing your opinions regarding the Miata!My first one was a '99. A big difference - I love doing my own mechanical work and the Miata still rewards those of us who hate taking a car to the dealership. I'm 78 so getting in and out is a bit of a challenge but it's definitely worth it!!! White 2023 MX5 RF
Very good review. I couldnt tell it more well
I'm 6'4" and LOVE my MX5!
I recently purchased a 2020 MX-5 RF GT and I absolutely love it, I love getting in and just driving it, it's such an amazing experience.
Picked up a 2018 automatic last February (Miss Scarlet) and smile everytime I take her out. The narrow winding roads in the South of France leave me very happy with the automatic, though I do use the paddle shifters when approaching roundabouts.
Looks like he's got a lot of headroom in that thing, doesn't seem to be like someone who's 6 feet tall would have a hard time fitting in at all.
I’m 6,2 and feel perfectly comfortable? Strange you find it small! Maybe we have diff torso leg ratio!
We NEED to get rid of this idea that this car is slow. I rented a 2020 Mazda 3 (full size sedan at this point). it was long, heavy and had a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder with ONLY 169hp. And guess what? it was PLENTY FAST. 100% Zero issue doing 80mph on the freeway and I still got 40mpg. If a 3200lb pig of a wagon can be fast with barely 170hp and a 6 speed AUTOMATIC. Anyone who says a 2400lb rat car with ONE HUNDRED FRICKEN EIGHTY hp all to itself through a 6 speed close ratio manual is slow or underpowered can F right off. This car IS - NOT - SLOW. You just need to learn not to be afraid to make 180hp. in other words, don't treat it like a lazy V8. you need to let it rev to 6000+rpm where it makes the power and it flies. The Mazda 3 has a 50% larger and lazier engine, so it feels faster at lower RPMs. We need to stop confusing "Slow" for not being in the right RPM that the engine was designed for. A typical off the shelf supercharger puts the ND at 200whp and this makes the car faster to 60 than a current gen mustang GT. Also, anyone who needs to be disilusioned by power creep of the modern era need only look up the 0-60 of a 1978 Porsche 911 Turbo (the infamous widow maker) and then compare it to the 2019 ND... guess what?? SAME ACCELARATION. THE - SAME. A car that was once considered fast and unsafe... a Porsche fricken TURBO. Get it yet?
You can’t get 40mpg on Mazda 3 on highway at any chance. Only if you drive it downhill, may be…
@@user-fi9jg7vh8g sounds like either a skill issue, driving habit issue or a region issue. If you are very attuned to how much throttle you can feel through your foot and get the car in the sweet spot around 60mph it's very possible and I've done it. obviously the road needs to be flat. Also, I noticed you have a russian name, if you're actually in russia, you might not be getting fuel that allows 40mpg. Or it's too cold and you're using an oil that's too heavy for the climate. As a possibility. region, elevation, and fuel quality all play a role. you might live too high above the sea to get the fuel economy I get as well.
Or you are driving in a way that you are speeding up and pressing your brakes too much. the goal is to never press the brakes and develop skill that anticipates traffic and keeps your momentum as long as possible, and do not drive faster than the air resistance pick up point (anything above 60mph the air becomes linearly thicker and the car will burn more and more fuel each mph farther it goes). You want to be driving in neutral air (below 60mph, and in calm weather if possible). if you live in a windy area and cannot prevent driving into the wind, you may need to drive even slower to counteract it. I am a hype miler though. I can often get 5-10mpg better than everyone else who doesn't know about or take advantage of all possible resources when driving cars. Someone might swear it's impossible to do 30mpg in a corvette, I watch them drive and they literally can't understand that they're smashing the pedal from every light and speeding to a stop, wasting tons of energy. and no matter how hard I explain to them why, they don't understand. Then I drive the car and do 33mpg and they're confused. It just takes understanding and feel.
@@user-fi9jg7vh8g TLDR: drive and accelerate slower. Maintain cruising speeds longer. and roll farther. Try to have nobody in front of you to avoid slinky driving. avoid ever using your brakes until you are rolling less than 10mph. improve your anticipation skills and lane positioning skills. You will see vast improvements.
@@twrcrew8852 2.5l engine on heavy enough Mazda can't get these numbers even in ideal conditions. It just can't by physic. I drive most of the time very gentle and smooth by the way, no speeding etc, 90% on empty highway.
@@user-fi9jg7vh8g where do you live? you probably have bad fuel quality or live in a high altitude/ cold weather. I easily got 40mpg in washington. What kind of "physic" you talking about?
You might not understand that modern direct injection engines with variable phasing is nowhere near the same as a traditional engine with fuel injection.
We have so many factors that raise MPG these days, low friction piston rings, GDI itself, variable phasing allows a large engine to burn like a small one. In the 90s a 2.5l engine couldn't get 30mpg. Now it can get 40. The Mazda is no heavier than the 10th gen civic, which uses a more powerful 1.5 liter turbo engine that gets even better MPG, but it can also get much worse if you have a heavy foot. The mass of both vehicles are around 3100lbs. So that is not a factor.
Something to keep in mind, the soft top version gives you a couple inches or more head room vs the hard top
Still deciding between a dishwasher and an MX5
Have you made up your mind yet?
@@davidbrayshaw3529 After months of deliberation, I bought an nd2 RF in the end !
I'd wash dishes with my hands just to have an MX-5...or a vintage Porsche 911...but that's just me.
New is priced about the same if you’re getting an ND with low miles. The latest is best with upgrades etc because pricing is still ok! The RF is my choice but soft top has it good points
Regarding "no one can see you"--you might seriously consider a WHITE color. Studies show white is THE safety color. And why? Because people DO see white--both at night and in the daytime. To me, some of the white colors look just great, so no downside--for me. Also, let me kick in to start using your horn--no, not as in "f-you", no, more like "hey I'm here", that by the way IS a legit reason to use your horn, just let people know you are there. Last, avoid the other guys "blind spot" which is much larger for a tiny car. Don't "hang there". In other words, use your head when your truck is at home, and YOU are in the Miata.
I’m 6ft and it’s my daily, honestly my height feels like the perfect limit. I could see much taller than myself sacrificing comfort
This guy offered really good insight, he answered questions on safety and driving conditions, vehicles handling etc, I hope your channel continues to grow because the information you are providing is light years a head of others who are doing the same thing on youtube, yes I support you, and subscribed!!! Thanks👍
You should buy it, the car is great. I had this exact RF, but it was a 2017. I had it 5 wonderful years and loved every second I drove it. The car is quick because its only 2300 pounds. Enjoy the car if you buy it, I sure did and Im 6'1" and no issue.
When he said he was pushed of the road almost... Its not about how small the car is... Its about the damn color. You have the car that is the color of the road. If you drive white or a red car its much more visible to other people.
I have a 2016 soft top, I’m 6’ 1” and have no problem fitting into the car whether the top is up or down. I’ve taking the car on multiple overnight drives from one night to 6 and found it’s a great roadtrip car. To say a 6 ft person wouldn’t fit very well is very subjective and should be left to the individual person as to what is or isn’t comfortable.
Agreed 6,2 here no issues!
It’s a Miata the answer is yes and will
Always be yes
I have mine since 2006/3 generation still in love with her
Great video. I have owned one, but would like to have one someday. Whenever my Toyota MR2 spyder gives out. Wish Toyota would make those again, but until then , Mazda has the market cornered!
Good video. Simple and to the points! Thank you
17K views...So while I agree it's a small car, your description of the interior and trunk space were wildly inaccurate. You forgot to mention the cubbies behind the seats. The storage space that is meant to act as a glove compartment is certainly larger than an average cell phone. The Car has 181 hp at just around 2400 pounds with the RF. That's a lot of power for such a little car. It sounds like you should have bought yourself a Mustang or Camaro. Please never review another Miata again because if I didn't know anything about them and I only saw your video, I wouldn't buy one, and that's a damn shame.
You're right! His trunk description was terrible. There's actually plenty of trunk room for 6-9 grocery bags or several large duffel bags. Interior is perfect for me and my dog. I did a 24hr test drive the other day. I put down a sheet over the seats and my Chihuahua could easily jump in! We took it through the Chick-fil-A drive-thru because I was curious how it would be since it's so low to the ground. No problem, such a fun little car.
I got side swiped by a guy in his lifted Silverado. I was on his right side at a traffic light, he turned into me. He didn't see me because I simply out of view being so low.
Idiots will be idiots
Reminiscent of the Opal GT in appearance!
Hey shnozberry, not all of us have the ability to drive a manual due to physical restrictions. I used to drive only manuals, then I broke my left hip a few years back. If I ever get a miata again, it'll HAVE to be an auto.
Beautiful! I’ll take the limitations ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
IMO the automatic is more fun overall than the manual.Mine has paddle shifters and is not sluggish like you say.city driving in a manual is no fun for me
This was a great video, thamka for posting. Shaun of NYC
I sat in my friend's RF, and my head was a few inches above the roof. I'm 6', and more torso than legs. Not gonna lie, it made me a little sad.
I've had plenty of 6 footers in my ND and not a single one of them had any trouble fitting comfortably. 6'2" is the comfort cut off in my opinion.
Bro sold me. Test driving one soon. If I can zip past npcs then Im fine.
@adamcohen4864 No do you need a turbo?
@adamcohen4864 I didn’t say I put a turbo in I said I’m considering buying a Miata RF you blithering idiot.
i dont think you have driven an automatic one then. they really tuned those transmissions
Yes
Thank you very much, but you said nothing at all about interior noise--can one have normal conversation, can you listen to a CD? Can one travel a good distance without interior noise driving you nuts? Kind of important to know.
Or get an Alpine
I don’t understand the point of this video… When I purchased my 2021 Machine Grey Metallic ND RF W/ Cream interior I had no second thoughts 👀
Like we know that Miata’s have no space, you’re not concerned about space if you’re shopping for an MX-5
This or the GR86? Which one would you buy? That is my dilemma now
Really dude, I have 2021 RF, and I can fit 3 carry-on size bags in the trunk.
car reviewers repeat the same thing they've heard over and over and perpetuate bulshit this car is not slow at all it is an extremely well priced car and quite quick and a lot of fun
They should have atleast kept a glove compartment on this car, the interior has zero space for stuff like glasses even
Whats the name of this color shade in the video
I think machine grey or tooled grey .
1,86cm would I fit comfortably?
Thanks in advance!!!
No cd ?
Where can I buy one I live in CA 92544
I feel sorry for all the mentally confused sports car owners that opt for an automatic. It's like being in love with a woman that doesn't love you the same way back
Over all, not a bad video.
Does he have journalistic training or a presence to do field reporting? Absolutely not.
Take a communications class or acting, buddy. You’re very stiff.
My favorite was the comparison of a dishwasher versus a Rolex versus a MX-5.
Ya lost me.
No. Buy a 2019 Fiat 124Spider - much cooler car
You will regret getting an automatic Miata if you don't know how to drive manual learn.
Not necessarily so. I get a little tired of seeing video after video where invariably the reviewer says how great the manual is and is how much more fun it is than the automatic. I have no doubt that the manual is fun to drive, but not everyone wants a stick shift. These videos do a disservice to the excellent automatic on the MX-5. If, on occasion, you want to shift manually, you can put it in manual and use the paddle shifters. I purchased an automatic 2022 RF GT with an automatic and it is very zippy and fun to drive. It is, after all, a matter of personal preference.
@@jamesstelly995 I promise you my friend, if you take the time to learn how to drive a manual it will transform your love for the automobile.
Manual= more driver involvement, engagement, and overall fun trust me on this one.
Please just take the time to learn how to drive a manual transmission properly I promise you won't regret it.
@@dougmaverick3287 I learned to drive on a manual. I have owned a 1957 Chevy with a manual, a VW beetle with a manual, and 2007 Mustang GT with a manual. Your vehicle does not have be be a manual to enjoy the driving experience. Don't paint everyone with the same brush.
What a terrible review … literally based entirely on personal opinions and not very good opinions at that!
It's a real shame that no one in America, yourself included, knows how to pronounce coupé: that final e with the acute accent Is NOT silent.
So true, I always cringe when I hear this. I thought I was the only one to notice it :)
This review addresses nothing to do with it being used. It's just a car review. What a waste of time.
In fact, the basic definition of a sportscar, especially the roadster comes to mind: Ragtop is essential. Why buy a sports vehicle if it isn't a Ragtop? Motorcycles don't have tops! This guy needs a Cadillac with a manual transmission.
I have a 2017 RF manual. It’s piss funny, and it’s the antidote to modern cars. SUVs, trucks, everyone driving the same bullshit vehicle. My MX5 is the polar opposite of the modern car
I'm 6"1 and i had no problem fitting
I go poopoo on automatic