I own and daily drive a ND3 Miata Club roadster and it’s perfect for my needs! I live in North Carolina, so I have no worry about winter driving conditions and it’s just me and my girlfriend, so it’s definitely capable of handling all our needs as for as truck space is concerned. It gets great gas mileage and the smile it puts on my face every time I drive it is so worth the very few little downsides of a Miata! I am 6’ 170lbs and I fit comfortably and have zero issues getting in and out of the car and I find the driving and seating position to be almost perfect! If you have any qualms about being able to have a ND Miata as your daily driver, it really all just comes down to your own unique situation!
I'm on my 5th MX-5 and have put approximately 40K ~ 80K miles on all of them. I had 23K miles on the 4th, of which was totaled this past January 30th. Finding another Platinum Quartz w/Terracotta Napa Leather seats took over a month to find, of which the dealership did. I have just under 3K miles on the new car presently. I can't say much about this car, but I can say all the others were trouble free and all were a pleasure to drive. By the way, I'm 6'1", 247lbs. People always ask me how I get into this car. My answer usually is, Monthly Payments. I admit, it's a little cramped, but who said life was fair? I've driven places over 5 hrs. away and enjoyed every hour on the roads. There are a lot of people that have to squeeze a little to get in and out of these cars, but they do. It's worth it.
I got my 6 month old 2022 MX5 in April 2023, for $A42k, and the original owner had only done 101 kilometres. It came with full new car warranty and roadside assistance. This was a replacement for my Harley, which I had ridden since 1992, as it was the closest thing to being on a bike in the wind. The car handles extremely well, and has an illusion of speed well within legal limits. I drive it every chance I get, even if it’s just to the shops, which are only 3k away. I’ve done about 950k thus far, or 9 times more than first owner. Apparently the first owner returned the car, saying it didn’t suit him. We own a 2015 Tucson, mainly to fit my wife’s electric wheelchair, but since getting the MX5, we’ve done a few hour long trips together on both 110kph highway & twisty backroads, 98% of time with the roof down in autumn & winter between April & August. Downunder, September 1st is the start of our spring, so we’re looking forward to more warmer weather driving. Looking forward to many years of fun driving. The only downside has been a wear hole in the foot matt under the clutch, which given the low kls I've done, is a little disappointing.
Most reviews don't point out the fact that the seats actually slide on an incline. The further you are from the steering wheel, the lower the seats are. So people shouldn't really look at how other people of a different height fit in the car. It's like a suite that you have to try out yourself. I do wish that the seats were a bit lower though. I had the droning issue too(yes, I have an RF). I saw that it was mainly because of the trunk resonating. I've put a sheet of sound deadening material on it and it has been great ever since. Great review! There are too many "test drive" or "weekend" reviews of this car and it needs some more of the long term stuff.
I bought a 2019 softtop when they came out, 4+ years of ownership and I still love my little car. Solidly dependable, great on gas, incredibly fun to drive. You more wear a ND than sit in it, very much a cockpit, but a pretty comfy one. I have driven it long distance many times across multiple states, top down whenever I can, when I am ready to pitstop, I fill up, stretch out, and back on the road.. no problems. Oh, and I am 6 foot tall, I fit fine and comfy. I recommend if you are solo in it getting a little caddy between the passenger seat and console to put your phone and such in. Good video!
I'm up to 76,000 miles on my 2016 Club BBS/Brembo soft top. It's been a great daily driver. At 5'8", I fit great with space to spare behind me. It's no more than 2x/yr that I need more space than the trunk allows. I can always rent something for a day if needed. My gas mileage was great when I lived somewhere with roundabouts, but it's dropped considerably now that I'm surrounded by stoplights. Still great on interstate. I drive year round with 200TW tires during summer/autocross season & winter tires for the other 5 months. The only mechanical issue I've had is a wheel bearing failure after 70,000 miles. My paint is also heavily chipped, & of course the seats show some wear. It's still very comfortable to sit in. I'm totally stock besides wheels & tires. It's loud enough at 70mph that if I'm doing longer than a 1 hour drive, I like to use earplugs. Doing so, I've driven 750 miles in one day more than once with no discomfort from the drive. I expect I'll drive it another 6+ years happily as long as Midwestern rust doesn't consume it first.
Excellent points and review! I daily drive a 2008 NC with the PRHT. I agree it’s fun and practical enough for my needs. The ND is my next Miata which I just ordered. It’s like yours except a 2023 which has the black leather interior. My only concerns are the lack of a glove box and the fact it’s only a targa top convertible. But I love the styling and that red paint. So I’m waiting for it to arrive. I will miss my reliable NC which I’ve daily driven for 4 years. It’s perfect for Florida weather and still gets compliments on its roadster looks!
Appreciate you! Looking to order one for myself. I have a family and my spouse has a car, too, so we've been wondering if having the one option for the "whole family" is feasible. This helps!
I got an RF two weeks ago. I’m 6’1” and it fits me comfortably. I move the seat 2 clicks forward from the most rear position, then I recline a click away from where the headrest touches the back to prevent squeaking. I have the 2020 model so the telescoping steering wheel really helps.
The best drivers car for the money. I had one from new for 3 years. Loved the nimbleness and the easy maintenance,but that was until I sat in a 718 and made a short spin in it.
Well, drone is what I love about a true roadster, provided the right muffler is installed. Stock mufflers have zero drone, that's why I replace them immediately with one that will give me that drone. Presently I have a Goodwin RoadsterSport Race muffler, which is a straight pipe with a perpendicularly connected anti-drone chamber. The chamber does nothing to reduce drone, but it came with the straight pipe design, and it provides an easier install, meaning it attaches to the original rubber muffler hooks. I shall drone my way into oblivion with a smile on my face.
Don't get me wrong, I live the sound of my miata, I just have the Flyin' Miata exaust from the factory (i think it sounds freat as is), but I could see how it might get on someone's nerves if you're taking a longer trip in it.
I have 40K on my CLUB RF Recaro 19' manual ordered from Hiroshima, current tires are CrossClimate2. Summer allows you to throw your end out easy squeeling fun. In OH we had 18" of snow in one storm a couple years ago. I pushed the snow up hill like a snow plow and I was in 4th gear doing 120Mph in a 25mph zone flinging snow everywhere leaving icy patches for a week smeared into the road. Because 2500lb weight the stopping distance is three times better than normal truck/suv in winter. Winter is now my favorite time to go drive because I feel so confident. Have a blessed safe time Zoom Zooming.
Thanks for sharing winter experience. I have seen some reviews that states it is unpredictable in wet so I thought winter drive would be even worse but it looks it’s quite opposite
I have been driving a new 2023 ND for about three weeks now. It is my first Mazda and first proper sports car ever. I am 170 cm tall roughly and a very skinny body type. I have always driven small city cars, my previous car was a 595 Abarth and in all honesty I find the driving position of the ND VERY cramped. Leg space is zero and when going in and out of the seat it is unavoidable to scratch internal plastics and seats with your shoes. My door and seal are already full of scratches after only a few daily drives and I am a super careful person. Every time you need to seat or stand up from the seat it feels like a contortionist trick, if you don't want to leave annoying marks on internal plastic. Another thing that annoys me about this car is that when the oil is cold, you can't basically use the gear stick in low gears. It feels clunky and stiff and it is incredibly easy to grind your gear. I often find myself having to slow down to zero kmh in order to select first gear. Shifting from first to second at the traffic light when the oil is cold is kind of a feat. Things I love about this car are: it feels solid, safe and well assembled, the interior features are simple and yet super functional. No electronic bells and whistles, simple car, you just focus on driving. Things are where you should expect them to be. The air conditioning is manual, classic turning knobs, I love it. You can select the fan speed and temperature in a second, without having to press several times a button. It has a decent stereo system (I have the base trim). The best thing about this car is that when you sit in it and drive, you can literally keep going for hundred of km without even noticing. It flows so well, turning is so easy. There is no body roll, bends I used to slow down in with my Abarth are literally obliterated by this ND. Traveling is so easy, especially in twisty roads, heavier cars will disappear in your mirrors. And last thing, the steering is point-and-shoot precise. This car is a pure grand tourer, despite the aggressive looks, this car wants you drive far and in total relaxation. It is a week-end mind-clearing therapy. To say it in a few words, the ND is a satisfying F*** OFF to people who spend big money on modern, super technological cars that can't be used in a rewarding way unless you break the law.
@@indyventures4241 same...I'm driving a metallic gray club convertible with the recaro, brembo, bbs package. Only had it a week, so happy to be back to a manual.
I want Mazda to change 3 things on the Miata. (1)Release a Shooting Brake version of it: it'll solve cargo space problem, it'll stiffen up chassis by the solid roof and even probably save weight by not having to add weighty chassis bracing like on convertible ones. You also don't have to worry about leaky convertible tops after 10 years. (2)Another thing is to add dual-injection to the engine for longevity. (3)And for non-manual people, fast shifting automatic. That'll be sweet.
True! But not really the comparison I intended. I was comparing a base miata to the cheapest RF, on Mazda's website base miatas start at 28k, the base RFs starts at 35k, not exactly apples to apples, but it someone was just getting into the rf for the hard top alone it's a pretty expensive upgrade.
I just decided to get the RFGT over the base soft top and you’re right about the cost difference. I like the idea of hardtop and the styling. Car wash less of an issue with hardtop. Soft too harder to maintain with bird crap and other dirt etc. styling of RF is better. Leather Seats in GT better than the hard Recaros for comfort.
I found that going around corners flat with a little slip is more fun than leaning my bike through them, I'm not proficient enough to drift a bike. My Miata corners better than a bike because I'm not afraid of kicking the rear out. MIata offers more fun with less risk.
I own and daily drive a ND3 Miata Club roadster and it’s perfect for my needs! I live in North Carolina, so I have no worry about winter driving conditions and it’s just me and my girlfriend, so it’s definitely capable of handling all our needs as for as truck space is concerned. It gets great gas mileage and the smile it puts on my face every time I drive it is so worth the very few little downsides of a Miata! I am 6’ 170lbs and I fit comfortably and have zero issues getting in and out of the car and I find the driving and seating position to be almost perfect! If you have any qualms about being able to have a ND Miata as your daily driver, it really all just comes down to your own unique situation!
I love it when I sit with my beloved RF and am greeted every day by other MX drivers on German roads. It is simply a small masterpiece from Japan.
I'm on my 5th MX-5 and have put approximately 40K ~ 80K miles on all of them. I had 23K miles on the 4th, of which was totaled this past January 30th. Finding another Platinum Quartz w/Terracotta Napa Leather seats took over a month to find, of which the dealership did. I have just under 3K miles on the new car presently. I can't say much about this car, but I can say all the others were trouble free and all were a pleasure to drive. By the way, I'm 6'1", 247lbs. People always ask me how I get into this car. My answer usually is, Monthly Payments. I admit, it's a little cramped, but who said life was fair? I've driven places over 5 hrs. away and enjoyed every hour on the roads. There are a lot of people that have to squeeze a little to get in and out of these cars, but they do. It's worth it.
I got my 6 month old 2022 MX5 in April 2023, for $A42k, and the original owner had only done 101 kilometres. It came with full new car warranty and roadside assistance.
This was a replacement for my Harley, which I had ridden since 1992, as it was the closest thing to being on a bike in the wind.
The car handles extremely well, and has an illusion of speed well within legal limits. I drive it every chance I get, even if it’s just to the shops, which are only 3k away. I’ve done about 950k thus far, or 9 times more than first owner. Apparently the first owner returned the car, saying it didn’t suit him.
We own a 2015 Tucson, mainly to fit my wife’s electric wheelchair, but since getting the MX5, we’ve done a few hour long trips together on both 110kph highway & twisty backroads, 98% of time with the roof down in autumn & winter between April & August. Downunder, September 1st is the start of our spring, so we’re looking forward to more warmer weather driving.
Looking forward to many years of fun driving.
The only downside has been a wear hole in the foot matt under the clutch, which given the low kls I've done, is a little disappointing.
Most reviews don't point out the fact that the seats actually slide on an incline. The further you are from the steering wheel, the lower the seats are. So people shouldn't really look at how other people of a different height fit in the car. It's like a suite that you have to try out yourself. I do wish that the seats were a bit lower though.
I had the droning issue too(yes, I have an RF). I saw that it was mainly because of the trunk resonating. I've put a sheet of sound deadening material on it and it has been great ever since.
Great review! There are too many "test drive" or "weekend" reviews of this car and it needs some more of the long term stuff.
Red RF’s are absolutely gorgeous to look at!
I bought a 2019 softtop when they came out, 4+ years of ownership and I still love my little car. Solidly dependable, great on gas, incredibly fun to drive. You more wear a ND than sit in it, very much a cockpit, but a pretty comfy one. I have driven it long distance many times across multiple states, top down whenever I can, when I am ready to pitstop, I fill up, stretch out, and back on the road.. no problems. Oh, and I am 6 foot tall, I fit fine and comfy. I recommend if you are solo in it getting a little caddy between the passenger seat and console to put your phone and such in. Good video!
I solved the 2 seat issue by getting my wife an RX30, btw.
I'm up to 76,000 miles on my 2016 Club BBS/Brembo soft top. It's been a great daily driver. At 5'8", I fit great with space to spare behind me. It's no more than 2x/yr that I need more space than the trunk allows. I can always rent something for a day if needed. My gas mileage was great when I lived somewhere with roundabouts, but it's dropped considerably now that I'm surrounded by stoplights. Still great on interstate. I drive year round with 200TW tires during summer/autocross season & winter tires for the other 5 months. The only mechanical issue I've had is a wheel bearing failure after 70,000 miles. My paint is also heavily chipped, & of course the seats show some wear. It's still very comfortable to sit in. I'm totally stock besides wheels & tires. It's loud enough at 70mph that if I'm doing longer than a 1 hour drive, I like to use earplugs. Doing so, I've driven 750 miles in one day more than once with no discomfort from the drive. I expect I'll drive it another 6+ years happily as long as Midwestern rust doesn't consume it first.
My 1990 has almost 176 000 miles on the odometer. Love the car
It’s SUPER RELIABLE! …….Consumer Reports raves over the ND2 ……. Perfect. Your Soul Red is beautiful ❤
Side note ; It’s also EXTREMELY EASY & fast , TO HAND WASH 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 , 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️❤️❤️
This car is my dream Car
thank you for POV and Honest review.
I Love it .! Praying to have this car too
In Europe you can also opt for a 1.5 liter 130 hp four, manual only.
Very Helpful, Thank you. Greetings from Indonesia :)
Excellent points and review! I daily drive a 2008 NC with the PRHT. I agree it’s fun and practical enough for my needs. The ND is my next Miata which I just ordered. It’s like yours except a 2023 which has the black leather interior. My only concerns are the lack of a glove box and the fact it’s only a targa top convertible. But I love the styling and that red paint. So I’m waiting for it to arrive. I will miss my reliable NC which I’ve daily driven for 4 years. It’s perfect for Florida weather and still gets compliments on its roadster looks!
Appreciate you! Looking to order one for myself. I have a family and my spouse has a car, too, so we've been wondering if having the one option for the "whole family" is feasible. This helps!
I got an RF two weeks ago. I’m 6’1” and it fits me comfortably. I move the seat 2 clicks forward from the most rear position, then I recline a click away from where the headrest touches the back to prevent squeaking. I have the 2020 model so the telescoping steering wheel really helps.
Fantastic! I'm glad it fits, I based that on my brother, he's 5'11" but has a longer torso, so its a bit tight on him👍
Good to know I never thought of that.
The best drivers car for the money. I had one from new for 3 years. Loved the nimbleness and the easy maintenance,but that was until I sat in a 718 and made a short spin in it.
Logical next step! Also double the price 😅
"I bought a thing, but then I decided to get a different thing that costs twice as much." 🤡
4x the maintenance
Well, drone is what I love about a true roadster, provided the right muffler is installed. Stock mufflers have zero drone, that's why I replace them immediately with one that will give me that drone. Presently I have a Goodwin RoadsterSport Race muffler, which is a straight pipe with a perpendicularly connected anti-drone chamber. The chamber does nothing to reduce drone, but it came with the straight pipe design, and it provides an easier install, meaning it attaches to the original rubber muffler hooks. I shall drone my way into oblivion with a smile on my face.
Don't get me wrong, I live the sound of my miata, I just have the Flyin' Miata exaust from the factory (i think it sounds freat as is), but I could see how it might get on someone's nerves if you're taking a longer trip in it.
I have 40K on my CLUB RF Recaro 19' manual ordered from Hiroshima, current tires are CrossClimate2. Summer allows you to throw your end out easy squeeling fun. In OH we had 18" of snow in one storm a couple years ago. I pushed the snow up hill like a snow plow and I was in 4th gear doing 120Mph in a 25mph zone flinging snow everywhere leaving icy patches for a week smeared into the road. Because 2500lb weight the stopping distance is three times better than normal truck/suv in winter. Winter is now my favorite time to go drive because I feel so confident. Have a blessed safe time Zoom Zooming.
Thanks for sharing winter experience. I have seen some reviews that states it is unpredictable in wet so I thought winter drive would be even worse but it looks it’s quite opposite
You talked, Mazda listened re radar cruise. Now I have to buy an nd3
I have been driving a new 2023 ND for about three weeks now. It is my first Mazda and first proper sports car ever.
I am 170 cm tall roughly and a very skinny body type. I have always driven small city cars, my previous car was a 595 Abarth and in all honesty I find the driving position of the ND VERY cramped. Leg space is zero and when going in and out of the seat it is unavoidable to scratch internal plastics and seats with your shoes. My door and seal are already full of scratches after only a few daily drives and I am a super careful person. Every time you need to seat or stand up from the seat it feels like a contortionist trick, if you don't want to leave annoying marks on internal plastic. Another thing that annoys me about this car is that when the oil is cold, you can't basically use the gear stick in low gears. It feels clunky and stiff and it is incredibly easy to grind your gear. I often find myself having to slow down to zero kmh in order to select first gear. Shifting from first to second at the traffic light when the oil is cold is kind of a feat. Things I love about this car are: it feels solid, safe and well assembled, the interior features are simple and yet super functional. No electronic bells and whistles, simple car, you just focus on driving. Things are where you should expect them to be. The air conditioning is manual, classic turning knobs, I love it. You can select the fan speed and temperature in a second, without having to press several times a button. It has a decent stereo system (I have the base trim). The best thing about this car is that when you sit in it and drive, you can literally keep going for hundred of km without even noticing. It flows so well, turning is so easy. There is no body roll, bends I used to slow down in with my Abarth are literally obliterated by this ND. Traveling is so easy, especially in twisty roads, heavier cars will disappear in your mirrors. And last thing, the steering is point-and-shoot precise. This car is a pure grand tourer, despite the aggressive looks, this car wants you drive far and in total relaxation. It is a week-end mind-clearing therapy. To say it in a few words, the ND is a satisfying F*** OFF to people who spend big money on modern, super technological cars that can't be used in a rewarding way unless you break the law.
Hey, thats Hazel Dell Road. I live just off Hazel Dell and 169th. Just picked up a 2023 club, love it.
Well we're practically neighbors! If you see me around be sure to say hi!
@@indyventures4241 same...I'm driving a metallic gray club convertible with the recaro, brembo, bbs package. Only had it a week, so happy to be back to a manual.
I want Mazda to change 3 things on the Miata. (1)Release a Shooting Brake version of it: it'll solve cargo space problem, it'll stiffen up chassis by the solid roof and even probably save weight by not having to add weighty chassis bracing like on convertible ones. You also don't have to worry about leaky convertible tops after 10 years. (2)Another thing is to add dual-injection to the engine for longevity. (3)And for non-manual people, fast shifting automatic. That'll be sweet.
There a many six foot plus owners who have absolutely no problem.
What oil do you use Mazda Supra-X )W20 or Ultra 5W30? Do you have any losses on the oil dipstick?
I have 172,000 miles on my 2016 ND Club. No oil loss, and I go 10,000 miles between oil changes.
If you're comparing GT ST to GT RF, or Club ST to Club RF... the price difference is only about $2,700... not even close to $7k.
True! But not really the comparison I intended. I was comparing a base miata to the cheapest RF, on Mazda's website base miatas start at 28k, the base RFs starts at 35k, not exactly apples to apples, but it someone was just getting into the rf for the hard top alone it's a pretty expensive upgrade.
I just decided to get the RFGT over the base soft top and you’re right about the cost difference. I like the idea of hardtop and the styling. Car wash less of an issue with hardtop. Soft too harder to maintain with bird crap and other dirt etc. styling of RF is better. Leather Seats in GT better than the hard Recaros for comfort.
how many rpm does the engine have at 87 mph in 6th gear?
About 3,200
How would you compare fun of mx5 to motorcycling?
I found that going around corners flat with a little slip is more fun than leaning my bike through them, I'm not proficient enough to drift a bike. My Miata corners better than a bike because I'm not afraid of kicking the rear out. MIata offers more fun with less risk.
2:05 anyone else spot that Aston??
I did now
The red interior trim is kind of jarring to my eyes
I stopped watching immediately after he said he’s in a relationship
Clearly he meant with the car 😀