I recently bought a 2024 RF Club (Soul Red Crystal). For me part of the charm is the manual nature of this car. It starts with the transmission, but the lights, HVAC, etc are an extension of that ethos. The entire car is MANUAL. It forces you to pay attention to it if you want it to work well. I have a Ford Expedition Platinum as a daily driver. It has all of those automated conveniences and much more. When I drive the Miata I want an authentic manual experience reminiscent of the cars I drove decades ago.
@@N82SV agree with your manual take. Make everything manual and it creates a cohesive package. When I jump into any of the other family cars and simple things like climate control is automatic it feels appropriate and kind of luxurious. Very much ‘tool for the job’ approach
I bought my soul red soft top Miata GT 7 weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I waited years until my daughter graduated from college. She graduated 2 weeks ago, but I couldn't wait so I took the plunge sooner. I was paying most of her expenses. I thought that I might regret getting a 2-seater. I now know that I'll never ever regret getting my Miata. The only requirement my wife asked for was the AT transmission. I prefer the manual but it's a good compromise. She actually absolutely loves it too! It's my daily driver and I get a ton of smiles per gallon. I enjoy every second I'm in it. And I agree the GT is the best choice for daily driving.
Club without the BBR package is the best deal. You get the limited slip diff, the slightly more controlled Bilstein dampers and strut brace, and none of the added fluff you don't need. Out the door for less than $35k.
As someone who's owned an ND with and without the Recaro seats--and $5,000 is steep--but I will say the Recaros are *way* better imo. Much more comfortable, and held me in better.
Absolutely! I have a 2024 ND3 Club and chose not to go with the BBR package and it’s definitely the way to go! The Club seats are extremely comfortable and provide excellent support for a daily driver, as mine is! I don’t need or want any of the extra crap like auto this and dual zone that, it’s a Miata not a Lexus!
@@scottamy6496 I thought the same thing. While I want to have fun on the twisties I have no interest to track it. Felt I didn't need the BBR package as the stock break are perfectly fine for public roads. But I *did* want the double-lined soft top for noise mitigation. So I went GT (gently used 2022), after 2020 all GT cars w/ manuals come with the Bilstein / LSD "sport tuned suspension" package. So the only difference between Club and GT are more creatures comforts (and tech) on the GT and the aero / cosmetic body trim kit on the Club. But you know what? &@*#$ if I didn't end up really coming to like the extra tech goodies. I've driven a few Sport and Club models without the auto dimming / directional headlights or the rain sensing windshield wipers, and some of the other bits. No one *needs* these but I now really like having them on the Miata and I don't think they take anything away from the Meatiness. Go figure. Frankly, I think the GT is perfect for how I want to use the car: sporty driving on public roads with no intension to track.
If I was go back in time before buying my rf nd2 gt I would have bought it used because I could have got it for 10k less under 5k miles. There a lot of people who buy this and realize they can’t live with it on practical daily use
Went back and forth between the Club and GT RF version for about a month before I decided on a white GT RF with tan interior and manual transmission. No regrets. It’s my daily and I absolutely love it.
I think low mileage used is the way to go here. You can save $10K and pick up a club or GT for mid to upper 20's w/ less than 10K miles if you put in the time to search. Even cheaper this time of year if willing to travel to buy. Loaded Miata at upper $30's never felt worthwhile to me. Mid to upper $20's w/ 5K miles felt like a steal!
That’s what I did. Got a used GT RF that is fully loaded (nappa leather, aluminum pedals, aero package, nav pack, all the trunk accessories, all weather mats... literally everything they offer on GTs) for $20k. I live in New England, so people realize quick that they can only drive it five months a year and trade in for an suv or something. Found mine at a Mitsubishi dealer.
@@mikedaleiden7725 I agree but updated steering rack is probably by Kevin got it a new one rather than saving the money in a ND2. ND2 any trim would have been the most cost effective option otherwise
I have a 2019 MX-5 ND2 GT-S soft top manual. I got it for $32.5 K brand new. I think it was by far the highest value offering. I regularly do high performance driving and it never disappoints. The GT manual on later models come with the same performance options as GT-S: LSD, bilstein dampers, shock tower braces. I am 5'9" tall and stocky xl shirt size.... car fits me like a glove...no need for Recaro seats. Car only weighs 2350 pounds....no need for brembo brakes. GT also comes with luxury drivability extras for very little extra cost. QED
Bought my 2020 mx5 nd 2 bbr in 2021 right before all the cars went crazy expensive and came back down... Bought it for 31k used with only 1200 miles. I can honestly say i have no regrets its a forever car and with all the new cars that have came out over the years it has solidified my purchase. I truly think this car is going to age like fine wine
Might have been useful to clarify that the GT and the club are identical performance wise outside of the bbr package. Ie same bilstein shocks, same diff, same shock tower brace etc. Driving them back to back even in canyons it’s hard to tell them apart- the brakes might be the biggest difference. So the GT is not just for people who want luxury , it’s pretty much the same performance as the club. PS- GT also has adaptive headlights which follow the road and works great.
And the rain sensing windshield wipers. As someone from Seattle, we get a lot of rain and sprinkles throughout the year and in other cars I'm CONSTANTLY adjusting the intermittent setting since we get a ton of micro conditions with heavier or lighter rain. With the GT package and the rain sensing wipers I don't have to adjust anything. Just leave the wipers on all the time. if it rains, they swish, if it's dry they don't. This may sound dumb to many but it's kind of huge.
A month ago I purchased a 2020 Club RF BBR and I couldn’t possibly imagine owning the GT model. Yes I know the RF is a $7000 option and the BBR package is another $4500. However, on the second hand market, there’s only a $2000 difference between a similarly aged and mile GT ND2 roadster. The Recaro seats by themselves are worth every penny even from new. Although that being said buy whatever one you like most and/or can’t afford, we just gotta keep these cars on the road. They are genuinely last of their kind.
The grand touring also has rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights as well as wireless apple carplay and android auto. It also comes with the asemetrical LSD, Bilstein shocks and 17 inch wheels and the front tower brace. I purchased mine in soul crystal red and it's great. I get so many compliments everywhere I go.
Sport is best value if you don't care for convinience and just want the chassis to modify. BBR Club is best value if you're going to keep it mostly stock. GT is best trim if you want all the comfort goodies. The only thing I wish my 2023 Sport has is the colored-matched door panels of higher trims haha. I honestly like how basic and simple everything is without the fancier interior/automated features. Speakers are not bad even if they lack bass extension. I like cloth or alcantara over leather.
Agreed, more dedicated track build than Sport. I like having the built in Bose speakers in the recaros. What I’m not sure is if the recaros have integrated airbags, for dual duty car I think aftermarket bucket would compromise live ability. MSRP delta for base sport vs Club BBR is almost 10k, and that’s pretty nice budget to have dedicated track equipment. I like your point of knowing you are going to drive it stock for awhile, I’m not in a rush to build a track weapon so it’s going to be a slow build for me, and the “stock BBR” is very enjoyable out out of the box. I didn’t really consider the GT since it makes everything more expensive. I’ve accidentally just kept my lights on (and if you twist the little dial on the dash it makes all the screen brighter) and it’s just effectively on all the time, and turn off when engines turns off. Sound deadening from soft top would be nice, I can’t imagine it adds that much weight
The GT is the way to go. That is the one that I selected. If you want a race car then buy the Sport and modify it to your taste. If you want to drive and enjoy then buy the GT.
I am sorry to tell you this, but yes -- it was. Please send your Miata to me, so it does not keep reminding you of your mistake. Uh-huh. Seriously now, my favorite Miata would be the RF GT (for better noise isolation vs the soft top) and I'd therefore pass on the Recaro seats (club option, right?). I think the regular seats (tan would be my preference for a more "airy look") look and feel really good. And manual, of course, always manual with the Miata.
The Mazda name club is misleading. It can be applied to a track oriented vehicle, which would make sense for them to pack it with track oriented components i.e. big brakes better suspension a limited slip and also other components that keeps the weight of the car down.
Well, five years ago I bought a2013NC Club PHRT Miata with 29,800 on it for 16,500. Black Enkei wheels with red car and black roof. Several mods since then, maybe 5,000 dollars worth. Best car I've ever owned...and the rear of the car doesn't look like a Z4.
I have the grand touring and the seats are great, it breaks fine and the suspension is firm but smooth. If you don’t do track the grand touring is the best option imo.And for in Europe, it is more than fast enough. I really like this car. So much fun to drive.
I have a ‘23 GT and track it a few times a month. I would have gotten a club but couldn’t swing the extra dough and also wanted the creature comforts. After a year and half of ownership, I can say that I don’t regret the GT but find I don’t use the creature comforts & cannot stand that giant rear view mirror. I am envious of the Club spec but again, don’t regret my decision. I had an ND1 in the Club spec without BBK/BBR/Recaro and wish I would’ve found that same spec for my 23…
The grand touring only has adaptive cruise control if you buy the automatic transmission. It is not available with the manual. I have a 2024 grand touring with the six speed and my biggest complaint is that Mazda did not include adaptive cruise control. It’s just not available in the U.S. I recently watched a video that left me thinking that adaptive cruise control is offered on the six speed in Canada, but I’m not sure about this.
I do like the grey/tan combo, but we opted for the last 2023 ND2 GT soft top on the lot, brand new, incredible deal as ND3s were on the lot. Soul Red Crystal over black. Missed out on the updates that come with the ND3, but couldn't really feel the difference, improvements in the interior would have been nice, but not for the $$ we saved.. Love our '23 ND2!.
I passed on the Brembo/Recaro option. Wider wheels and bigger brakes are a must for me eventually. The regular club seats for 2024+ with the suede inserts look and feel good in my opinion.
I live in Australia, and every region has their own specs, so this can vary for Canada, Europe and the UK. The Brembo package only has FRONT Brembo brakes. Rear brakes are standard Mazda factory brakes with red calipers. I have a ‘22 soft top GT. In Australia it comes standard with auto headlights, auto door locking, and auto dimming rear-view mirror and adaptive LED headlights. Delighted with this choice , didn’t need to pay extra for features I don’t really need or want.
I own a 2021 GT RF. I ordered the car to my specs of Machine grey with white Nappa leather. It took three months for delivery. I was fully aware of the differences between the three trim levels. All these you tube videos recommend the club. I went with GT because in 2021 all the trims had the same power train except for sport without limited slip diff. So the GT has the same driveline including the limited slip diff as the club and the same Blistlin shocks and the under hood brace. I preferred the Mazda wheels in the gray color to the black BBS and the black Mazda wheels. The brembos and the recarro seats were not enough to sway me. So I got a bit of extra luxury look with the Nappa leather and a whole lot of modern tech that is not available in the club. Both cars are going to drive the same, and yes I get my share of compliments. Oh and the sports car it replaced for me was my 1980 MGB LE which I bought back when I was 24 tears old. The MG had only power brakes, that's it, no power steering, no A/C, no power windows or top.
A few weeks ago I got a 2024 ND3 GT soft top snowflake white pearl mica with nappa tan leather interior and I couldn't be more happier. I would love to track my car but at my local track (COTA) it cost well over $1k for a track day which its insane and also they only do it a couple times a years. So the GT it is.
I own a 2024 GT in aero gray with tan nappa leather just like the one you’re driving and I have not regretted my decision for a second. Especially since in 2024, the GT comes with the same asymmetrical limited slip differential and Bilstein shock absorbers that come in the Club.
It all comes down to use case(s). Track toy? Sport and customize. Dual use street toy with occasional track use? Probably club. I don't track my 2nd car but I do road trip with it. Have had an NA and two NBs over the years. The 24 GT is my perfect Miata, esp. b/c of reduced road noise, auto lights, and auto wipers... YMMV
Mazda should have put the equivalent of Konis with Sport springs on the BBR model. That paired with the other BBR upgrades would make it even more of THE sports car at or under 40K.
If you have no plans to track a stock Miata, I think the GT is the way to go. The ride / handling balance is excellent, the added creature comforts are "just enough" and definitely appreciated. The stock brakes are perfectly fine for hard driving on public roads, never had an over heating issues at all. The double-lined soft copy quiets the cabin a little better. And I actually prefer the stock seats to the Recaro package. I find their more comfortable and easier to get in and out of than the well bolster Recaro's. The reality is splitting hairs here. Any Miata is going to be great, but as cool as the BBR package on the Sport is, I don't see the point unless you're going to track it.
In Canada the options are a bit different. I went with the RF “GS-P” (the Canadian version of the BBR package). The club version up here comes with auto dim mirrors (both rear and side view) as well as auto lights. The main things it didn’t come with compared to the GT were wireless Apple CarPlay, a “street sign” recognition feature and auto climate control, none of which pried me away from the bbr trim. The only item I would have liked to have would have been the wireless CarPlay, but I think audio quality through cable is better anyhow.
Picking the Club+extras was a good decision. Buyers remorse is a core human condition. Stop second guessing yourself and love the one you're with. 😉 My 2 cents... M
I have zero interest in the Grand Touring extras. I bought my 2023 RF Club (with Brembo/Recaro/BBS package) last February because it’s a drivers car, pure and simple. I now have almost 9k on it, all but 6 of those miles with me in the drivers seat. I haven’t tried zero regrets, I love my RF Club!
Here in the UK I bought a Sports Venture in blue similar to Riyal Air Force blue with ivory leather seats. A beautiful car but only available with 1.5 litre engine - probably fast enough for an 8o year old. Sold it for a bright red GT 86 Pro . More room, quieter ,a little faster but the ICE on the dash is lamentable. Thinking of going back to MX5 2 litre next spring - miss the soft top.
I didn’t realize the Club had fewer standard features than my base BRZ. Not comparing or flexing, just surprised. I’m with you on the auto dimming mirror. I’d rather flip it manually.
In Canada we get the auto headlights on all models, I think it's a government requirement. Anyway, I'm picking the Club with or without the BBS package. I always like controlling the fan speed, so don't care for auto climate. Personally I really like the BBS wheels and the recaros, so I think it's worth it.
Love that the “Sport” trim isn’t really the Sport trim. The Club is the Sport trim while the Sport trim is the base trim. Why not just have accurate trim names? Sorry minor tangent
Buoght the 2024 Club with the BBR & waited a long time. Versus the GT model. Auto headlights ? Lame keep the cost down I can turn them on. Auto climate control ? Again not hard the do it yourself keep the cost down. The extra canvas in the soft top liner would be nice but I've never had to put in pods or ear plugs & have been in a 2016 Club soft top for 7+ years previously. Color interior choices would have been nice too but this not a high selling model in Mazda's lineup. The fact Mazda keeps the MX-5 alive is amazing & they keep improving it ! The asymmetrical differential / KPC / extra HP with extended RPMs / the new infotainment system / the Recaro seaats all these things have been added since my 2016 Club soft top with the Brembo brakes / BBS wheels. No 2nd doubts here.
A bit different in the EU, no idea why. There is no BBS, Brembo, Recaro package. It's a part ot the top trim only, so you also get the auto climate control, headlights and stuff. But no adaptive cruise control
I don't agree with your assessment about the features offerd on the club level trim. What if a buyer wanted that feeling of owning a 2 door sports car with minimal options (sport or club)? A Lotus Elise S1 only had like four buttons and fan control knob and two levers for cabin temperature control, two stalks on the steering wheel. Many of the options on the GT tier are luxury items we take for granted now, and each one a feature that can break as the car ages. I wanted to stick to lightweight as possible, minimize the features, focus on the drive. I only need to reach a few inches to change the cabin temperature rotating a large easy to feel dial, hardly an inconvenience. The headlights are amazing, and everything I need is on the stalk just like cars have been for decades. Each automatic feature removed from the car means I get to interact with the car I enjoy driving more. Cars for decades did not have many of these features and they are not bad cars. I am glad Mazda has the passion to allow the sport and club level trims to exist. What I will agree with you on is that whoever determins trim and package options in the USA, should allow the BBS, Brembo, Recaro package on the GT level trim, like you can in Canada. There is no reason to seperate them today is my logic. Let us keep the sport and club, let the US GT owners have the BBR package on special order. Problem solved and none complains about not getting everything they want.
I have a 2023 club, I love it, but only use it as second car on back roads or city rides, never on free ways! It’s not a free way car.. too loud, too small… and it is fine as it is, as little gadgets as possible, it’s a driver’s car
@@davidallen3284I have an RF and I honestly don’t really notice much more turbulence with the top down than in a soft top. I drive with the top down and a hoodie on (with the hood on my head) all the time and the wind doesn’t even make the hoodie flutter.
Before I bought my GT soft top, I test drove both the club and GT trim soft tops as well as a GT hard top and took my decibel meter (an actual meter not an app) with me. There was honestly very little difference. The hard top was about 1 db quieter on the highway than the GT soft top. The exception being when passing loud vehicles like trucks, where the difference was 2-4 db.
The LSD and the seats would be a big deal to me. I haven't driven one since the nd1 but I hated the basic seats in that car and a os giken 1.5 way LSD would probably be a pain in parking lots. I agree though. Some of those comfort things like the top and headlights should at least be options on the club.
I’m watching your Channel closely to see if anyone has issues with their '24' Miata concerning Transmission failures. Seems to affect '22'-'24' models. I want the new '25'Anniversary Edition in Artisan Red and am wondering if Mazda ironed out the problems. I have a '21' and would love to trade it in for the new Nav. System, updated diff, and steering rack. There are some interesting articles on the Forums as to why there are failures. Regardless I will always own a Miata. Any issue yet? Thanks. 👍
I'm also not so keen on the undimmed margin around the outside of the new interior mirror. You can see it in the video where the headlights of the cars behind are constantly flickering as they move accross the margins & I'd find that infuriatingly distracting. Not so bad in an SUV but not a low sports car like this that often sits in the beam of the cars behind.
For me the best package is the Club trim without the BBR. I’m out the door at under $35k. The ND3 is my 8th fun car in the garage, and the perfect “easy going” sports car that I can enjoy at any speed. I don’t have any plans to track it, but I have some mild modifications coming. Personally, I think it will be a perfect OEM+ type of car as Mazda has a total masterpiece in the ND3.
Hear hear. . . . I'm with you on the OEM+ bit. Left mine stock but for a GWR Super Street Single tip and an alignment based on Flyin Miata / Goodwin's posted specs. Excellent balance. The alignment dials out the *slightly* vague on-center feel and the exhaust wakes up the car "just" enough without being obnoxious.
The non Recaro ND Miata seats don’t fit me properly….i have a wide back and shoulders. The additional creature comforts you mention don’t really matter to me. I will say that righteous indignation about what’s not in a “$40k car” sounds odd to me when the avg price of a new car is $48k and the Miata is so damned good. It’s a bargain imho.
Hi! Do you also have sideview mirrors auto dimming? It looks like it? I have a 2024 exclusive line 2.0 here in EU, but that's only rearview mirror auto dimming.
3 knob HVAC is the ultimate design, all others are cheap imitations at reinventing the wheel. Leave the headlights on all the time, you're a small car, you need to be seen... They turn off when you park it
All these are great options. 1. The base as you say makes sense for heavy mods 2. Club IMHO needs better shocks and springs (or coils), if not in the base spec in the BBR spec 3. GT is for comfort builds. If you buy a GT then mod it kinda doesnt make sense. For me, a Club or a Club BBR is the best spec. I purchased the exact same spec as Jubbal back in July and dont plan on major mods for years (other than coilovers). Love the Recaros, brakes, the look of the club etc
Did you get the right Miata? Nah, you got the soft-top and not the RF. ;) Yeah, yeah, I get the helmet thing in the RF - but they're still prettier. Personally, I don't like the looks of any soft-top; but to each their own.
One word.... Metallurgy. Once you realize the components being used now are significantly weaker than they were a few years ago, the newer the car, the less reliable it's parts are. Low mileage ND1s & ND2s are where its at.
I just don’t get the weak engine. A turbo like my old Mazdaspeed Miata had. Would be great. It’s 2025. And 187 hp. Is a joke. A 20 yr old S2000 had 240. A new Prius has 190hp. Sold my 2020 BBR nd2. Thing is just slow. Looks dynamic in red. But so slow. Go ahead, flame me. It’s slow af in 2025
Remember that the answer to all questions in RUclips thumbnails is always a resounding no.
Yup. Betteridge’s law of headlines.
😂
Always ‘no’. I hate that channels have to do this for engagement.
I recently bought a 2024 RF Club (Soul Red Crystal). For me part of the charm is the manual nature of this car. It starts with the transmission, but the lights, HVAC, etc are an extension of that ethos. The entire car is MANUAL. It forces you to pay attention to it if you want it to work well. I have a Ford Expedition Platinum as a daily driver. It has all of those automated conveniences and much more. When I drive the Miata I want an authentic manual experience reminiscent of the cars I drove decades ago.
This
@@N82SV agree with your manual take. Make everything manual and it creates a cohesive package. When I jump into any of the other family cars and simple things like climate control is automatic it feels appropriate and kind of luxurious. Very much ‘tool for the job’ approach
Auto is pointless. It is like taking a shower without water.
I bought my soul red soft top Miata GT 7 weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I waited years until my daughter graduated from college. She graduated 2 weeks ago, but I couldn't wait so I took the plunge sooner. I was paying most of her expenses. I thought that I might regret getting a 2-seater. I now know that I'll never ever regret getting my Miata. The only requirement my wife asked for was the AT transmission. I prefer the manual but it's a good compromise. She actually absolutely loves it too! It's my daily driver and I get a ton of smiles per gallon. I enjoy every second I'm in it. And I agree the GT is the best choice for daily driving.
Club without the BBR package is the best deal. You get the limited slip diff, the slightly more controlled Bilstein dampers and strut brace, and none of the added fluff you don't need. Out the door for less than $35k.
As someone who's owned an ND with and without the Recaro seats--and $5,000 is steep--but I will say the Recaros are *way* better imo. Much more comfortable, and held me in better.
Absolutely! I have a 2024 ND3 Club and chose not to go with the BBR package and it’s definitely the way to go! The Club seats are extremely comfortable and provide excellent support for a daily driver, as mine is! I don’t need or want any of the extra crap like auto this and dual zone that, it’s a Miata not a Lexus!
what im trying to get honestly. Everything I want and nothing more.
@@scottamy6496 I thought the same thing. While I want to have fun on the twisties I have no interest to track it. Felt I didn't need the BBR package as the stock break are perfectly fine for public roads. But I *did* want the double-lined soft top for noise mitigation. So I went GT (gently used 2022), after 2020 all GT cars w/ manuals come with the Bilstein / LSD "sport tuned suspension" package. So the only difference between Club and GT are more creatures comforts (and tech) on the GT and the aero / cosmetic body trim kit on the Club.
But you know what? &@*#$ if I didn't end up really coming to like the extra tech goodies. I've driven a few Sport and Club models without the auto dimming / directional headlights or the rain sensing windshield wipers, and some of the other bits. No one *needs* these but I now really like having them on the Miata and I don't think they take anything away from the Meatiness.
Go figure.
Frankly, I think the GT is perfect for how I want to use the car: sporty driving on public roads with no intension to track.
For the recaro seats alone it’s worth it. They are much better to sit in and hold up much better with time!
If I was go back in time before buying my rf nd2 gt I would have bought it used because I could have got it for 10k less under 5k miles. There a lot of people who buy this and realize they can’t live with it on practical daily use
Went back and forth between the Club and GT RF version for about a month before I decided on a white GT RF with tan interior and manual transmission. No regrets. It’s my daily and I absolutely love it.
I think low mileage used is the way to go here. You can save $10K and pick up a club or GT for mid to upper 20's w/ less than 10K miles if you put in the time to search. Even cheaper this time of year if willing to travel to buy. Loaded Miata at upper $30's never felt worthwhile to me. Mid to upper $20's w/ 5K miles felt like a steal!
That’s what I did. Got a used GT RF that is fully loaded (nappa leather, aluminum pedals, aero package, nav pack, all the trunk accessories, all weather mats... literally everything they offer on GTs) for $20k. I live in New England, so people realize quick that they can only drive it five months a year and trade in for an suv or something. Found mine at a Mitsubishi dealer.
I bought a 2017 rf club a few months ago and love it. No regrets yet…
@@mikedaleiden7725 I agree but updated steering rack is probably by Kevin got it a new one rather than saving the money in a ND2. ND2 any trim would have been the most cost effective option otherwise
I have a 2019 MX-5 ND2 GT-S soft top manual. I got it for $32.5 K brand new. I think it was by far the highest value offering. I regularly do high performance driving and it never disappoints. The GT manual on later models come with the same performance options as GT-S: LSD, bilstein dampers, shock tower braces. I am 5'9" tall and stocky xl shirt size.... car fits me like a glove...no need for Recaro seats. Car only weighs 2350 pounds....no need for brembo brakes. GT also comes with luxury drivability extras for very little extra cost. QED
I got a 24 GT RF and changed to 8" wheels, pre-ordered tecna coilovers, changed the exhaust, couldn't be happier.
I vote for Sport trim with $4000 sunglasses and $4000 earbuds.
Bought my 2020 mx5 nd 2 bbr in 2021 right before all the cars went crazy expensive and came back down... Bought it for 31k used with only 1200 miles. I can honestly say i have no regrets its a forever car and with all the new cars that have came out over the years it has solidified my purchase. I truly think this car is going to age like fine wine
Might have been useful to clarify that the GT and the club are identical performance wise outside of the bbr package. Ie same bilstein shocks, same diff, same shock tower brace etc.
Driving them back to back even in canyons it’s hard to tell them apart- the brakes might be the biggest difference. So the GT is not just for people who want luxury , it’s pretty much the same performance as the club.
PS- GT also has adaptive headlights which follow the road and works great.
Oh yes the swiveling lights are useful too!
Well said .....I agree 100%.
And the rain sensing windshield wipers. As someone from Seattle, we get a lot of rain and sprinkles throughout the year and in other cars I'm CONSTANTLY adjusting the intermittent setting since we get a ton of micro conditions with heavier or lighter rain. With the GT package and the rain sensing wipers I don't have to adjust anything. Just leave the wipers on all the time. if it rains, they swish, if it's dry they don't.
This may sound dumb to many but it's kind of huge.
A month ago I purchased a 2020 Club RF BBR and I couldn’t possibly imagine owning the GT model. Yes I know the RF is a $7000 option and the BBR package is another $4500. However, on the second hand market, there’s only a $2000 difference between a similarly aged and mile GT ND2 roadster. The Recaro seats by themselves are worth every penny even from new. Although that being said buy whatever one you like most and/or can’t afford, we just gotta keep these cars on the road. They are genuinely last of their kind.
The grand touring also has rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights as well as wireless apple carplay and android auto. It also comes with the asemetrical LSD, Bilstein shocks and 17 inch wheels and the front tower brace. I purchased mine in soul crystal red and it's great. I get so many compliments everywhere I go.
Sport is best value if you don't care for convinience and just want the chassis to modify.
BBR Club is best value if you're going to keep it mostly stock.
GT is best trim if you want all the comfort goodies.
The only thing I wish my 2023 Sport has is the colored-matched door panels of higher trims haha. I honestly like how basic and simple everything is without the fancier interior/automated features. Speakers are not bad even if they lack bass extension. I like cloth or alcantara over leather.
4:50 "NPC mobile" LOL 😂😂😂😂
Agreed, more dedicated track build than Sport. I like having the built in Bose speakers in the recaros. What I’m not sure is if the recaros have integrated airbags, for dual duty car I think aftermarket bucket would compromise live ability. MSRP delta for base sport vs Club BBR is almost 10k, and that’s pretty nice budget to have dedicated track equipment. I like your point of knowing you are going to drive it stock for awhile, I’m not in a rush to build a track weapon so it’s going to be a slow build for me, and the “stock BBR” is very enjoyable out out of the box. I didn’t really consider the GT since it makes everything more expensive. I’ve accidentally just kept my lights on (and if you twist the little dial on the dash it makes all the screen brighter) and it’s just effectively on all the time, and turn off when engines turns off. Sound deadening from soft top would be nice, I can’t imagine it adds that much weight
The GT is the way to go. That is the one that I selected. If you want a race car then buy the Sport and modify it to your taste. If you want to drive and enjoy then buy the GT.
I am sorry to tell you this, but yes -- it was. Please send your Miata to me, so it does not keep reminding you of your mistake. Uh-huh. Seriously now, my favorite Miata would be the RF GT (for better noise isolation vs the soft top) and I'd therefore pass on the Recaro seats (club option, right?). I think the regular seats (tan would be my preference for a more "airy look") look and feel really good. And manual, of course, always manual with the Miata.
The Mazda name club is misleading. It can be applied to a track oriented vehicle, which would make sense for them to pack it with track oriented components i.e. big brakes better suspension a limited slip and also other components that keeps the weight of the car down.
Well, five years ago I bought a2013NC Club PHRT Miata with 29,800 on it for 16,500. Black Enkei wheels with red car and black roof. Several mods since then, maybe 5,000 dollars worth. Best car I've ever owned...and the rear of the car doesn't look like a Z4.
I have the grand touring and the seats are great, it breaks fine and the suspension is firm but smooth. If you don’t do track the grand touring is the best option imo.And for in Europe, it is more than fast enough. I really like this car. So much fun to drive.
My preference is club rf
I have a ‘23 GT and track it a few times a month. I would have gotten a club but couldn’t swing the extra dough and also wanted the creature comforts. After a year and half of ownership, I can say that I don’t regret the GT but find I don’t use the creature comforts & cannot stand that giant rear view mirror. I am envious of the Club spec but again, don’t regret my decision.
I had an ND1 in the Club spec without BBK/BBR/Recaro and wish I would’ve found that same spec for my 23…
Looks like grand touring has adaptive cruise control.....that is a must have for me. I absolutely love that feature!
The grand touring only has adaptive cruise control if you buy the automatic transmission. It is not available with the manual. I have a 2024 grand touring with the six speed and my biggest complaint is that Mazda did not include adaptive cruise control. It’s just not available in the U.S. I recently watched a video that left me thinking that adaptive cruise control is offered on the six speed in Canada, but I’m not sure about this.
I do like the grey/tan combo, but we opted for the last 2023 ND2 GT soft top on the lot, brand new, incredible deal as ND3s were on the lot. Soul Red Crystal over black. Missed out on the updates that come with the ND3, but couldn't really feel the difference, improvements in the interior would have been nice, but not for the $$ we saved.. Love our '23 ND2!.
I passed on the Brembo/Recaro option. Wider wheels and bigger brakes are a must for me eventually. The regular club seats for 2024+ with the suede inserts look and feel good in my opinion.
regular seats are quite good
I live in Australia, and every region has their own specs, so this can vary for Canada, Europe and the UK. The Brembo package only has FRONT Brembo brakes. Rear brakes are standard Mazda factory brakes with red calipers. I have a ‘22 soft top GT. In Australia it comes standard with auto headlights, auto door locking, and auto dimming rear-view mirror and adaptive LED headlights. Delighted with this choice , didn’t need to pay extra for features I don’t really need or want.
I own a 2021 GT RF. I ordered the car to my specs of Machine grey with white Nappa leather. It took three months for delivery. I was fully aware of the differences between the three trim levels. All these you tube videos recommend the club. I went with GT because in 2021 all the trims had the same power train except for sport without limited slip diff. So the GT has the same driveline including the limited slip diff as the club and the same Blistlin shocks and the under hood brace. I preferred the Mazda wheels in the gray color to the black BBS and the black Mazda wheels. The brembos and the recarro seats were not enough to sway me. So I got a bit of extra luxury look with the Nappa leather and a whole lot of modern tech that is not available in the club. Both cars are going to drive the same, and yes I get my share of compliments. Oh and the sports car it replaced for me was my 1980 MGB LE which I bought back when I was 24 tears old. The MG had only power brakes, that's it, no power steering, no A/C, no power windows or top.
A few weeks ago I got a 2024 ND3 GT soft top snowflake white pearl mica with nappa tan leather interior and I couldn't be more happier. I would love to track my car but at my local track (COTA) it cost well over $1k for a track day which its insane and also they only do it a couple times a years. So the GT it is.
I own a 2024 GT in aero gray with tan nappa leather just like the one you’re driving and I have not regretted my decision for a second. Especially since in 2024, the GT comes with the same asymmetrical limited slip differential and Bilstein shock absorbers that come in the Club.
I agree that the base Club/GT differentiation was/is a marketing exercise. There ought to be a single model with more granular options.
It all comes down to use case(s). Track toy? Sport and customize. Dual use street toy with occasional track use? Probably club.
I don't track my 2nd car but I do road trip with it. Have had an NA and two NBs over the years. The 24 GT is my perfect Miata, esp. b/c of reduced road noise, auto lights, and auto wipers... YMMV
Mazda should have put the equivalent of Konis with Sport springs on the BBR model. That paired with the other BBR upgrades would make it even more of THE sports car at or under 40K.
Exactly. Mazda forced us to do it ourselves.
Mazda forced us to do it ourselves.
You have convinced me on getting the GT
If you have no plans to track a stock Miata, I think the GT is the way to go. The ride / handling balance is excellent, the added creature comforts are "just enough" and definitely appreciated. The stock brakes are perfectly fine for hard driving on public roads, never had an over heating issues at all. The double-lined soft copy quiets the cabin a little better. And I actually prefer the stock seats to the Recaro package. I find their more comfortable and easier to get in and out of than the well bolster Recaro's.
The reality is splitting hairs here. Any Miata is going to be great, but as cool as the BBR package on the Sport is, I don't see the point unless you're going to track it.
In Canada the options are a bit different. I went with the RF “GS-P” (the Canadian version of the BBR package). The club version up here comes with auto dim mirrors (both rear and side view) as well as auto lights. The main things it didn’t come with compared to the GT were wireless Apple CarPlay, a “street sign” recognition feature and auto climate control, none of which pried me away from the bbr trim. The only item I would have liked to have would have been the wireless CarPlay, but I think audio quality through cable is better anyhow.
Picking the Club+extras was a good decision. Buyers remorse is a core human condition. Stop second guessing yourself and love the one you're with. 😉
My 2 cents... M
I have zero interest in the Grand Touring extras. I bought my 2023 RF Club (with Brembo/Recaro/BBS package) last February because it’s a drivers car, pure and simple.
I now have almost 9k on it, all but 6 of those miles with me in the drivers seat. I haven’t tried zero regrets, I love my RF Club!
Here in the UK I bought a Sports Venture in blue similar to Riyal Air Force blue with ivory leather seats. A beautiful car but only available with 1.5 litre engine - probably fast enough for an 8o year old. Sold it for a bright red GT 86 Pro . More room, quieter ,a little faster but the ICE on the dash is lamentable.
Thinking of going back to MX5 2 litre next spring - miss the soft top.
Buy a tan insulated soft top from Japan for your car! Would look amazing on your red Club.
I didn’t realize the Club had fewer standard features than my base BRZ. Not comparing or flexing, just surprised. I’m with you on the auto dimming mirror. I’d rather flip it manually.
In Canada we get the auto headlights on all models, I think it's a government requirement. Anyway, I'm picking the Club with or without the BBS package. I always like controlling the fan speed, so don't care for auto climate. Personally I really like the BBS wheels and the recaros, so I think it's worth it.
Love that the “Sport” trim isn’t really the Sport trim. The Club is the Sport trim while the Sport trim is the base trim. Why not just have accurate trim names? Sorry minor tangent
So true
Buoght the 2024 Club with the BBR & waited a long time. Versus the GT model. Auto headlights ? Lame keep the cost down I can turn them on. Auto climate control ? Again not hard the do it yourself keep the cost down. The extra canvas in the soft top liner would be nice but I've never had to put in pods or ear plugs & have been in a 2016 Club soft top for 7+ years previously. Color interior choices would have been nice too but this not a high selling model in Mazda's lineup. The fact Mazda keeps the MX-5 alive is amazing & they keep improving it ! The asymmetrical differential / KPC / extra HP with extended RPMs / the new infotainment system / the Recaro seaats all these things have been added since my 2016 Club soft top with the Brembo brakes / BBS wheels. No 2nd doubts here.
A bit different in the EU, no idea why. There is no BBS, Brembo, Recaro package. It's a part ot the top trim only, so you also get the auto climate control, headlights and stuff. But no adaptive cruise control
I bought my '21 GT soft top new and have never regretted it. Sadly, I put it up for the winter.
I don't agree with your assessment about the features offerd on the club level trim. What if a buyer wanted that feeling of owning a 2 door sports car with minimal options (sport or club)? A Lotus Elise S1 only had like four buttons and fan control knob and two levers for cabin temperature control, two stalks on the steering wheel. Many of the options on the GT tier are luxury items we take for granted now, and each one a feature that can break as the car ages. I wanted to stick to lightweight as possible, minimize the features, focus on the drive. I only need to reach a few inches to change the cabin temperature rotating a large easy to feel dial, hardly an inconvenience. The headlights are amazing, and everything I need is on the stalk just like cars have been for decades. Each automatic feature removed from the car means I get to interact with the car I enjoy driving more. Cars for decades did not have many of these features and they are not bad cars. I am glad Mazda has the passion to allow the sport and club level trims to exist. What I will agree with you on is that whoever determins trim and package options in the USA, should allow the BBS, Brembo, Recaro package on the GT level trim, like you can in Canada. There is no reason to seperate them today is my logic. Let us keep the sport and club, let the US GT owners have the BBR package on special order. Problem solved and none complains about not getting everything they want.
I have a 2023 club, I love it, but only use it as second car on back roads or city rides, never on free ways! It’s not a free way car.. too loud, too small… and it is fine as it is, as little gadgets as possible, it’s a driver’s car
How does the quieter soft-top of the GT compare with the RF?
No comparison between fabric and a solid material when the top is up, but there is more wind turbulence in the RF cabin with the top down.
@ Yeah, for me that turbulence of an open targa top is a deal breaker, with the extra over-the-shoulder blind spots being a close second factor.
@@davidallen3284I have an RF and I honestly don’t really notice much more turbulence with the top down than in a soft top. I drive with the top down and a hoodie on (with the hood on my head) all the time and the wind doesn’t even make the hoodie flutter.
@SchmittySchfin ....I heard the turbulence on RF starts at high speed...over 60 mph
Before I bought my GT soft top, I test drove both the club and GT trim soft tops as well as a GT hard top and took my decibel meter (an actual meter not an app) with me.
There was honestly very little difference. The hard top was about 1 db quieter on the highway than the GT soft top. The exception being when passing loud vehicles like trucks, where the difference was 2-4 db.
The LSD and the seats would be a big deal to me. I haven't driven one since the nd1 but I hated the basic seats in that car and a os giken 1.5 way LSD would probably be a pain in parking lots.
I agree though. Some of those comfort things like the top and headlights should at least be options on the club.
I’m watching your Channel closely to see if anyone has issues with their '24' Miata concerning Transmission failures. Seems to affect '22'-'24' models. I want the new '25'Anniversary Edition in Artisan Red and am wondering if Mazda ironed out the problems. I have a '21' and would love to trade it in for the new Nav. System, updated diff, and steering rack. There are some interesting articles on the Forums as to why there are failures. Regardless I will always own a Miata. Any issue yet? Thanks. 👍
No issues yet
I'm also not so keen on the undimmed margin around the outside of the new interior mirror. You can see it in the video where the headlights of the cars behind are constantly flickering as they move accross the margins & I'd find that infuriatingly distracting. Not so bad in an SUV but not a low sports car like this that often sits in the beam of the cars behind.
yeah old fashioned tab to angle it is my preference too
Honestly in 2022 I got the GT over the Club for the creature comforts since I daily the car. Wheels and brakes are coming.
Is it possible to get the grand touring and replace the seats, the dampeners and wheels with parts from the aftermarket or junk yard?
I'll stick with my nc2 as i cant aford any of them at the mo. But when i can I'd like an nd2 soft top...
For me the best package is the Club trim without the BBR. I’m out the door at under $35k. The ND3 is my 8th fun car in the garage, and the perfect “easy going” sports car that I can enjoy at any speed. I don’t have any plans to track it, but I have some mild modifications coming. Personally, I think it will be a perfect OEM+ type of car as Mazda has a total masterpiece in the ND3.
Hear hear. . . . I'm with you on the OEM+ bit. Left mine stock but for a GWR Super Street Single tip and an alignment based on Flyin Miata / Goodwin's posted specs. Excellent balance. The alignment dials out the *slightly* vague on-center feel and the exhaust wakes up the car "just" enough without being obnoxious.
I got the GT with the BBS and Brembos in Canada - its a spec you can choose unlike the US. I didnt get the Recaro's though.
How's the NVH of the ND3 compared to GR86/BRZ?
Def worse. Soft top convertible vs coupe
the mazda paint chips easily, maybe green metallic wrap?
He said the Club does not have an LSD this is wrong. 00:50 The sport does not have the LSD. Club and GT do.
I meant to say Sport since I said “Club doesn’t have an LSD, it’s the cheapest one”
The non Recaro ND Miata seats don’t fit me properly….i have a wide back and shoulders. The additional creature comforts you mention don’t really matter to me.
I will say that righteous indignation about what’s not in a “$40k car” sounds odd to me when the avg price of a new car is $48k and the Miata is so damned good. It’s a bargain imho.
fair point!
Hi! Do you also have sideview mirrors auto dimming? It looks like it? I have a 2024 exclusive line 2.0 here in EU, but that's only rearview mirror auto dimming.
3 knob HVAC is the ultimate design, all others are cheap imitations at reinventing the wheel. Leave the headlights on all the time, you're a small car, you need to be seen... They turn off when you park it
All these are great options.
1. The base as you say makes sense for heavy mods
2. Club IMHO needs better shocks and springs (or coils), if not in the base spec in the BBR spec
3. GT is for comfort builds. If you buy a GT then mod it kinda doesnt make sense.
For me, a Club or a Club BBR is the best spec. I purchased the exact same spec as Jubbal back in July and dont plan on major mods for years (other than coilovers). Love the Recaros, brakes, the look of the club etc
It depends on the intended purpose of the car. You mention that it will be your tack car
S2K is always the answer.
Did you get the right Miata? Nah, you got the soft-top and not the RF. ;) Yeah, yeah, I get the helmet thing in the RF - but they're still prettier. Personally, I don't like the looks of any soft-top; but to each their own.
I also like the weight savings of soft top
It is mistake if you didn't choose wisely on what YOU needed or wanted for options....lol
You must be a laugh at a party.
Just trade your car while it is still new!
One word.... Metallurgy. Once you realize the components being used now are significantly weaker than they were a few years ago, the newer the car, the less reliable it's parts are. Low mileage ND1s & ND2s are where its at.
I just don’t get the weak engine. A turbo like my old Mazdaspeed Miata had. Would be great. It’s 2025. And 187 hp. Is a joke. A 20 yr old S2000 had 240. A new Prius has 190hp. Sold my 2020 BBR nd2. Thing is just slow. Looks dynamic in red. But so slow. Go ahead, flame me. It’s slow af in 2025