C’mon bro. Don’t wait for a used one. Get one with brembo bbs recaro package brand new. Help Mazda keep the culture alive. I’m dead broke or else I’d be driving one by now.
Exactly. If you want these cars to stick around, support their continued existence with a brand new purchase. That is the only way. I bought a 2019 Miata new because I wanted to be another vote showing people still want these cars. Proud of it. Have had a terrific half-decade in this car. The resale value is still pretty good... maybe I need to repeat the process.
I have owned 2 ND´s you guys, NOTHING gives me the emotions my MX5 gives me. It is one of those emotions that... are hard to explain in words, but, boy... I just love getting into mine, turn it on which always Revs to 2000 rpm´s by default, and as it warms drop the top down, let the sun sink into my skin, put it on 1st, and hear the roar... god. It gets me every time.
As a new (to me) ND2 owner, I am so glad they continue to get the formula more and more correct! And by far one of the most underrated improvements is how quickly that improved infotainment loads up the backup camera when you shift into reverse 😂
Same here! Although old infotainment can be improved upon with some 3rd party tweaks. It also saddens me, that in EU, it seems that Mazda is dropping the 2.0 litre for the ND3.
If you love to drive, the MX-5 is a must have once in your life just for the fact that no one else makes a real roadster any more. Sure, there are other two seaters, there are even crazy two seaters like the atom, but if you want a real roadster you can live with it every day, easy to maintain, and not heavy on your pockets, this is the real deal and a real joy to drive.
Coworker had a slingshot he liked in good weather but when it rained or snowed it was never seen. Even in the cold weather he didn't ride it. This MX-5 has all the creature comforts / plus the soft top in winter does a great job despite every RF owner saying you need a hard top in winter - not true ! Cheap to Insure & easy to work on. I do all my oil changes / tire wheel seasonal changes too. Plenty of great after market parts available too.
Am I crazy for being tempted to trade my 981 Cayman S for a new Miata? I agree, I want the Miata experience before they go hybrid/electric. The ND3 seems like the best one yet.
everytime i see this man in a miata i get chills. i wanted to get a proper 4 seater next year but this man is trying to change my mind to go from my miata nb to the nd2
I owned an ND1 RF Club for just over a year. I sold it b/c I had some life changes and could no longer justify a Miata as my only car. But I miss it everyday. I'll hopefully be able to get into an ND2 at some point down the road.
I hear that, but an ecoboost mustang. A 2 door as an everyday, and a mandatory 93 octane wasn't efficient enough for me. One day I'll get another as an s550 not the s650. And one day you'll get your yata. Now I have a fwd sedan.
@@andrewrossnagel9433 Easy to maintain & cheap to insure. Reliability has been great as a daily. Even in snow / ice the winter tires prove how good the chassis is 50 / 50. Lightness in this car at 2340 pounds ( 2016 Club soft top ) shows off in the corners. Really fun car to drive with the right tires.
I think we're so lucky that we still get such a well-executed small sports car in this day in age. Better enjoy them while they last because these days are numbered. I'd love to own an ND2 or ND3 in the future, for sure.
Don't ever do an extended test drive in one unless your ready to Buy one. Speaking from my experience. Late Saturday at the local Mazda dealership a short test drive but really on the fence. Had to drive home to get the checkbook & on the drive back to the dealer came off the fence. Let the Sales Manager know how I felt. So he said to leave my trade in there in the parking lot & threw back the keys to a 2016 MX-5 Club soft top. He told me to come back after work Monday & decide what I wanted to do. That Saturday night after leaving the dealer I could not get out of the drivers seat. Got home at 11:00 pm. Sunday it was about another 140 miles of driving. So after work Monday the checkbook along with my trade in sealed the deal. The sales Manager knew what he was doing. 7+ years ago 1st week of March 2017.
@@langraman8756 The Lotus Elan was what the NA was used as the inspiration to the Mazda design engineers. When the NC got heavier & started to drift from the light weight the Engineers went back to gram weight theory to add lightness in the ND. I think Colin Chapman would give a thumbs up to the Miata. He passed before the Miata was born in 1982.
It's simply the best. Everyone should experience what it's like to own a miata. I've had 4 other cars since my ND1 miata and I still miss it. Will absolutely be buying another one in the future.
That would add too much cost. This ND / ND2 / ND3 has a better price than Porsche / Audi / Mercedes for a reason. The little tweaks made every year are not big. The engineers have a continuous improvement mission.
The reason why you find that the ND3's intake sound is a bit more aggressive and sportier is because Mazda has opened up an extra hole in the airbox and modified the sound tube to give the car a sportier intake sound.
Driving an ND, you know immediately that it will be a classic for decades. People will be keeping these alive because of the joy they bring. There are a lot of other sports cars out there, but they don't have quite the same "modern classic" feeling.
I currently own a 2020 ND2 Miata with the Brembo/Recaro package, I bought that new in 2020 and 4 years later I still have it and now with 52,000 miles. I drive it every day as my daily and I still love driving it to this day!!
Thanks for this review. I am currently leasing a 2023 MX-5 GT and I like it so much that I plan to order a 2025 Club for purchase. Glad to see that the electric power steering and the wireless CarPlay have been improved. I am retiring next year and I want to do light track days for fun. This will be the perfect vehicle for me.
As the original owner of a 1990, I find Chris' cornering experience completely familiar, though at a lower speed. It's hard to beat the fun of easily balancing on the edge of traction, controlling rotation with steering and throttle, stable and predictable. Both then and now, the fun/$ ratio is off the charts. Thanks guys--I always enjoy both you Chris-s.
I just have to again reiterate how insane it is for Mazda to successfully bring a sub-2400lb car to market in 2024. The ND is the antidote to a lot of the Enshittening that's happening in the auto industry today.
A completely different design philosophy where weight is the enemy. The ND was designed to take every little bit of weight away after the NC had gotten away from the design. My 2016 Club soft top weighs 2340 pounds. Incredibly light which is felt every time you climb inside of it. Mazda engineers went back after the NC to add lightness in the ND. ND3 gained a few pounds but nothing drastic.
@@lensoprezole5322 I get underneath my car to do oil changes & all the steel frame / aluminum parts have circular holes in them to remove needless weight. If you go back to 8 years ago the Dave Coleman video talking about where the weight loss came from you will see it in detail. Its about 100 to 110 pounds lighter than the NC soft top. 😎
I love my ND2 Sport, but may have to get a 40th Anniversary in the future. Seeing you drive this ND3 gives me almost as much joy as I get out of driving my car!
I used to have a 2016 ND Miata Club w/ Brembos as my first new car AND daily. There’s nothing quite like slow car fast. It was amazing to drive in SoCal weather with the top down and sipped on gas. I traded it in for the new Supra two years ago which is more practical for me and more comfortable on longer drives, but I do miss zipping around town in the Miata.
The shifter really is a dream. I had a manual Mazda3 and it was smooth as butter from the day I drove it off the lot to the day I sold it 7 years later. Drove my friends Miata for the first time a couple months ago and shifted just from first to second and was immediately at home.
I’m 21 and I picked up my RF GT 2 weeks ago and have already done nearly 4,000km in it 😂 I love the car sooo much. Ever since I was a kid I wondered if the hype was real and oh my god it is so much fun everywhere
4:47 your impression was right ! Mazda officially said they improved the intake sound tube drawn directly into the cabin ! you can read this in the official ND3 press release.
Idk what it is about your recording stuff, but you pick up the engine sounds a lot better than most reviewers. Sometimes I come here just to be able to feel the engine sounds in my head.
Hi Chris, I have been sent on a work delegation to Germany for 10 months. I’ve always loved watching your videos, but now even more so because I see the roads I’m familiar with from back home. When I miss home the most, I watch your newest upload. Awesome video, they really dialed in the ND3 :)
I’ve owned a 2016 Miata Club from brand new till now. The little upgrades over the years on the newer models do tempt me but the sentimental value just out weighs it. GWR Sport Axel back exhaust, front/rear sway bars, lighter wheels, Flying Miata lowering springs, Fab9 E85 all have made this more enjoyable over the years. The only thing I’m really jealous of is that new infotainment and telescoping steering wheel lol.
I think this could be my father's dream car. Sadly, it's way to expensive for him, but the design, the color, the interior, this is it. Also one of my favorite cars, I'd love to drive it. Sporty, yet still a good daily driver and probably a good fit for people who love to drive. Really enjoyed the video, thanks!
I bought a 2018 ND1 Club because of a massive combined rebate and discount. It was a very enjoyable car. The ND1 tune had such great midrange torque. But after driving the ND2 I know I need the new engine. Plan to replace my CX-5 Turbo lease with the ND3 Club.
I've ever worn a hat yet in my 2016 Club soft top & the top has been down in zero degree weather many times. Put the side windows up & crank the heater its a great winter ride top down.
Bought a 2019 ND2 RF and love it. It's like driving a big go-kart and makes even the mundane trips so enjoyable. I've owned an Ariel Atom, Porsche Boxster and the Miata is right up there with them.
My friend owns a Built 1.6 NA Miata. Its got slicks and an NC lsd, makes about 143 horsepower. Best car i have ever ridden in :) Miatas just have something that no other car has - that being insignificant weight.
Just traded in my 2019 Camaro SS 1LE with the 2SS package for a 2024 MX-5 Club. Talk about extremes of the spectrum. The Miata is wonderful but still somewhat sad about the Camaro. It was an incredible car with a lot more amenities than the Miata and punched way above it's weight at the track. However the insurance was getting to the point of being aggravating. The Miata is satisfying in a different way. Wish I could have kept both but that would have been impractical.
I had a '19 Camaro 1SS A10. I sold it 2021 for more than I paid for it OTD b/c of inflated car market. I miss my SS too but I'm going to get a 2nd fun car to avoid getting back into motorcycles. Was thinking another 1SS or LT1 but the prices are nuts. I'm most likely going to get a Miata Club convertible. Like $10K less, better gas mileage, lighter, and can wring it out without going double the speed limit.
What a great review, and it is a joy to watch a couple of pure car enthusiasts enjoying a simple and honest sports car. One minor suggestion: if you have a Miata press car for a week, is it possible to get a mild-performance alignment for the POV test drive? A sports car like this one where the improvements from prior facelift is measured in a couple percentage points difference, a proper alignment would add credibility to the impressions shared behind the wheel. Keep everything else as they come including tires. Again, just a suggestion. Keep the awesome content coming!
BTW- I love the brief comparison to the Lotus. I have a 2006 Exige and am contemplating upgrading to the Emira. But your comparison with the Miata had me thinking, why not keep the Exige and get a ND3 instead?
5:40 the lift off oversteer happens only in high speed corners above 60 mph at maximum attack! At 5:40 in this video you're in a roundabout at low speed, so there can't be lift off oversteer. Have a good day mates.
I have an MX-5 automatic with panels and love it. However, I previously had a 2020 in soul red with the saddle color interior, which I adored. Right before I was about to purchase it off lease, we hit a car running a red light (with no insurance, of course), and it was totaled. When I went to replace the vehicle, the soul red car had a black-and-red interior - very tacky and hot here in Florida. So I purchased the car in Opulescent Pearl (I think) with a pumpkin interior. That I’m alive and well from that accident should be enough, and I am appreciative of that. But I REALLY loved that soul red car. I just want to mention - in the event you haven’t gotten to page 400 of the manual - especially if you, your significant other, or any kids who ride with you are short like me, DO NOT SIT ON ANY PILLOW to raise you up so you can see out the window. The seat belt regulates the passenger seat airbag and SOMEHOW it can tell that it’s not a butt on the seat and the airbag won’t work. And if you don’t heed my warning, don’t hit someone with no insurance as he’s running a red light in his BMW.
I had a ND2 GT soft top manual for a couple years and I absolutely loved adored it. I regret selling it every day, so much that I'm planning on buying a ND3 next year. I prefer the extra features of the GT, so I'm definitely going that route again, but the Club with the performance package does look amazing. The $5k for that package is just too much, not to mention having to give of the extra GT features. A GT soft top manual for about $35k is still a great deal.
As the owner of a 2019 ND2, I have very few gripes with the car, and can see and hear the changes even in the video. They've definitely dialed the car in better as this generation is reaching the end of its run. On center steering looks more precise and an interesting observation is that it looks like downshifts into the lowest gears look effortless here too. These cars famously have to be muscled into 2nd gear with a solid pull from 3rd when decelerating and the revs are high, which isn't the end of the world considering all the transmission problems they had on the ND1. Same thing with shifting into first from neutral, the first two gears are always fighting back when you try to engage them, like they won't engage into the shift gate. I don't know if that's due to a synchro problem, a clutch issue, a bad linkage, or whatever else but I've never beat on my transmission and my car has less than 20,000 miles. On the other hand, the downshifts in this video from 3rd to 2nd, 2nd to 1st, and neutral to 1st all look effortless, it slides into each gate and snaps in place like a rifle bolt. 👍 I also have a full racing header and exhaust, so I'm familiar with how it sounds on an aftermarket exhaust, and the factory exhaust here definitely has a bit more of an attitude than in prior years. Could just be the recording quality, but I don't think it's just my imagination that they may have done something to give it a raspier sound that's closer in spirit to an aftermarket sound. One of the big nitpicks I've had even after years of ownership I haven't been able to isolate rattles behind the seats. It's not the top, it's not the latch, and it happens whether it's up or down. It's like something is loose in the cheap plastic trim somewhere around the glovebox or the cowling around the top. I hope Mazda is learning to button down the interior trim better on these cars better by now; they still add little strips of foam to trim pieces as an improvised band aid fix, but they've gotten a lot better at NVH tuning on all their other models, just not the MX-5. And being a roadster isn't some kind of excuse, this isn't a road noise issue or complaining about being in a roadster, it's an issue of interior materials and construction not being sorted as well as they should be. Don't know how much that's changed with ND3 (if at all) but adding some real insulation behind the cheaper plastic trim is not going to completely ruin the handling of this car, so "weight savings" isn't an excuse at this point. In fact, it'll make the car feel even more polished and upmarket which is clearly a quality they want it to have now.
I’ve had that same exact issue sometimes with 2nd where it goes into gear like 75% of the way but won’t go in fully unless I go to neutral and come back in. No grinding but it feels like it hits a wall. I guess it’s just the nature of the trans?
Had a 2019Sport and now a 2023 Grand Touring , first mod is definitely an exhaust! Stock is way too quiet! Nothing else really compares, pure classic 2 seat convertible sports car.
Love the Miata and it totally works with the power it has. But not gonna lie, another 25 hp would have been sweet. We saw how the BRZ benefited from a bump in power with the new gen.
@oemj7147 I'm aware, but having driven both, the GR86 definitely feels like it has better mid range torque. Besides, why not making not make that little bit quicker, considering Miata is quite a bit more expensive.
The MX-5 is amazing, I genuinely think the MX-5 and the 86 are the best cars currently on sale. Sure other cars are faster, more luxurious and sound better, but for a driving experience? NOTHING can defeat the MX-5 and the 86. It's all about fun, these are the sort of cars we need specially in the looming EV era where everything is fast!
10:40 fun fact the passenger side has less bolstering makes sense if you think about it. passenger can be a lot of diff shapes but drivers needs to be held in for performance reasons
I currently own a 94 miata, bought it in blue then got it repainted in sunburst yellow like the 93s. Absolutely love the car but recently test drove and ND miata and absolutely loved everything about that experience. I might make the tough decision to sell my NA and put that money towards and ND. As much as I would love to keep both I know that the NA will be neglected if I have an ND.
also with the comment about the weight of the NA miata, I also bought an aftermarket shift knob for my NA and ended up putting the original back on after about 2 weeks because it is just shaped and weighted so perfectly for that car
I'm selling my 2023 ND2 as soon as an ND3 Manual Grand Touring in Soul Crystal Red is available in my area. Owned both ND1 and ND2 and have loved everything but the infotainment systems. On a recent drive through SoCal canyons the system got stuck in a repeating restart loop every 10 min. This is after I already removed the SD card and had the dealership flash the system because it would take more than 3 min for any music to play on Carplay or Android Auto, if it connected at all. Parked in a scenic area and let the car rest completely off for 30 min and it still wouldn't work right. Miraculously, it returned to normal right when I was about to drive to get it checked out a couple days later. It's still slow though. Hoping for better with the new infotainment. Wireless Android Auto would be nice too.
You can reset your infotainment by holding Back, Volume, Navigation button at the same time for a few seconds while on your drive. Had to do it once on my nd-2
Having driven back to back my 23 nd2 club with my friends new nd3 club, there’s virtually no difference. The shift action, noise and cabin all feel identical except for the screen and the blank buttons they added to the nd3 steering wheel. Steering was imperceptible outside of that initial 5% turn in off-center. The difference is felt more in the LSD than anything else, his car wanted to push the front where mine slide the back when entering a corner off throttle. We both agreed that if you can get a good deal of a ND2, do that, if you like the updated screen then that’s kinda the only worthy upgrade.
are you guys bbs package or the regular club? I'm thinking about an nd2 GT 2020+ to get the suspension and lsd. Not sure how the standard brakes are compared to the brembos.
@@mystictrunks5508 both are bbs packs. Honestly if you don’t care about having the recaro seats the GT is the trim to get. The brembo brakes are probably 15-20% better bite than the standard brakes. But feel is the same and you can just get better pads for the standard brakes. We both just liked the seats in the bbs pack and they’re as much to buy later as the entire bbs pack costs new.
@@Accost2u Thanks for the info, I will probably stick with my plan to go for the GT then. From my brief look so far their are much more GT's in the market than even base clubs.
can you dial out the understeer in ND3 with more throttle or alignment? or is that just the different Dif feeling on corner entry? I'd imagine ND3 is more stable in higher speed corners.
I keep hearing wildly different takes on the steering feel on the ND3s. People either say it’s so much better or it’s negligible. Makes my wallet happy that it isn’t drastically better, I love my ND2 and can’t afford to trade up. Plus I have it modded to my liking. Steering wheel is the only thing I really want to swap at this point.
Hey! Big fan, I've always enjoyed you content especially anything mx5 related so much so that im currently playing the field and looking into purchasing an ND RF. No pressure but would you justify these slight chances that this new update brings as well as the costs over a 2020-23 model
I drive an ND2. I really don't see any good reason to upgrade to the ND3 personally. If you're able to find a used ND2 for a good price, I think you'll be extremely happy with it and won't really miss the few changes that the ND3 brings.
I love how much you love this car. I'd love to let you drive my ND2 with Koni dampers and Flyin' Miata Springs to see how they compare. I can't comment on the steering but I feel like the handling is fantastic. There's no way I'd sell my ND2 for this, but I can see a compelling upgrade for those with an ND1 or people getting into their first Miata.
Where are you located? And agreed, it’s not worth upgrading to this if you already have an ND. Aftermarket support is so good you can get close with just a couple suspension changes 👍
@@TheTopher I'm in the California Bay Area. Watching your ND3 video it does sound like there's a bit more induction sound, so hopefully the modding community figures out what they did since no one sells intakes for these cars, especially in CA.
My '23 Miata Club seems identical to this car (other than the color). I love driving it daily in nice weather. Getting in and out is a bit of a squeeze (I'm 6'1), but as they comment here, once you're in and buckled, it's a great fit. Being a Miata newbie, I don't understand the difference in "driving feel" or "numbness" everyone keeps going on about in the ND3. My car "feels" great on curves as well as straightaways.
If you want these to stick around, buy one brand new. Show Mazda we still want these. Five years ago, I did exactly that, and my 2019 Miata is the most satisfying car I've ever owned, even if it falls short in a couple "only car" categories.
Sigh, I had a ND1 which I modded the steering rack for telescoping, plus android auto mod with back up camera last year. I sold it and got the integra type S as my all rounder but I miss the miata quite a bit. I'll eventually get my hands on another ND!
the biggest problem you’ll find with these Miatas are their transmissions. if you like to have some spirited driving with these, you’ll probably have to end up changing the transmission every 10k-50k miles. there’s 2 in the shop in a desperate need of a transmission after they started grinding 3rd and 4th gear. my mentor and master techs told me to be careful around them because they are pretty easy to break (i work at Mazda)
first thing i noticed as soon as you pulled out was the additional engine sound! Both of my ND2s were too quiet in the upper revs. Seems like thay fixed it with ND3.
which alignment shop do you like to go through? I'm in Lansing and I've not found a shop that I'm happy with. I'd be more than happy to drive out to the Detroit area to get a great alignment.
Try using the car in track or race mode its supposed to work beautifully and Always a great deal of slide but keeps the body more level in those hard corners. I noticed everyone still turns this off without trying it. Let us know Mazda has worked really hard trying to get this right for us.
6:27 Hello Topher, could you explain to me why you want to own a used ND3 miata club instead of a used BMW M3 for the same price ? I would like to know all your arguments please? Have a good day.
Would you consider a Z4 possibly in the future? I've thought about getting one because I'm getting sick of 4 cylinder noises especially after driving is500 around
So how does the ND3 stack up to the S2000? I love my AP1 but if I had one complaint it’s the old car issues. Would be nice to get something newer but I don’t wanna sacrifice any fun
ND3 plus coilovers and race exhaust > S2000. I owned S2000 CR new. ND3 safer, more torque, very reliable, lighter, much better steering feedback. S2000 has slightly better shifter and the Vtech pull.
So, now that the diff works so well and it seems like it is harder to get the tail out, do you feel it could be a little less exciting in terms of being a hoon?
With lowering springs and a little negative camber, it gets rid of all the snap oversteer on an ND2. Mine now just rotates predictably and very smoothly, even when it was on worn out OEM tires. I wouldn’t want it to oversteer less with the current setup…I only have -1.2 front and -1 rear. Stock was downright scary though….it was like trying to reel in a jack knifing trailer. I’m willing to bet the ND3 would still be plenty playful with a few tweaks. Sway bars would cover it. I wonder if they changed the spring rate or damping on the new cars… I bet with an alignment and the new diff you could get some serious cornering speed though. Seems like it’s smoother on putting down power.
Sticker is really high for the recaro pack cars….its a $4500 option. Pretty overpriced compared to other cars but it’s also worth it if you aren’t going to build it out as a track car. Nothing really competes in its price point overall but nearly 40k is a lot for something that’s tricky to be used as an only car. Dealers often have like 3-4k off sticker without haggling, even on Club BBS models. So it’s closer to 34-35k before tax instead of 38k. Give it like 6 months and you might be able to find one at a more reasonable price. Big reason why I bought my 2020 used….32500 OTD for a 3700 mile Club BBS pack car. I could have gotten a new GT trim for close to that, but the recaro seats and the overall appearance of the BBS package is worth it IMO Basically a brand new car for nearly 7k less… If you’re patient you can find some good deals on used ones…old dudes buy them and drive like 1k miles a year and then trade them in lol
@@NDEEZMiata I agree. I think I’ll hold off. I was also looking at used gt86/brz. Just looking for a fun rwd car that’s used. I just finished paying off my Type R and I don’t need another car payment.
Turo rented an ND2 for TOTD a few weeks ago and goddamn I want one so badly now 😭😭 Think I’ll wait for these to get onto the market used and come down in price a bit and save up in the meantime, though I’d probably go for a Grand Touring with the tan interior. Hope they pair it with Soul Red again like they did for some of the ND2’s.
Thank you (and @TopherDrives) for this. I'm' torn; should I get the GT for the extra amenities (including the perhaps finicky "steerable" headlamps and satellite radio, which I would hardly ever use). Have you heard from others about the durability of the Recaro seats versus the leather seats in the GT? Which ones seem to do better over the long-term?
C’mon bro. Don’t wait for a used one. Get one with brembo bbs recaro package brand new. Help Mazda keep the culture alive. I’m dead broke or else I’d be driving one by now.
Exactly, this is the way, the only car sale that matters is the new car sale.
Nah. Pointless to waste 9k on something you can DIY for 1k
Exactly. If you want these cars to stick around, support their continued existence with a brand new purchase. That is the only way. I bought a 2019 Miata new because I wanted to be another vote showing people still want these cars. Proud of it. Have had a terrific half-decade in this car. The resale value is still pretty good... maybe I need to repeat the process.
@@sonofagun5305Enjoy your future without new Miatas or any enthusiast car existing then, all because you wanted to save $8k 😃
@@sonofagun5305if you don't care about a consolidated and unvoided warranty. As well as a huge hit to resale value.
The word euphoric comes to mind when I see the Topher driving a Miata
Haha, I understand. It’s a Kendrick reference.
Been idolising MX5s as of recent months, perfect timing
poor mans Porsche
@@langraman8756poor mans sentence
@@langraman8756I can afford either. I’d take the Miata. (And I did.)😊
Just got a 2024 RF club, my first Miata and COULD NOT be happier! It even makes driving to the grocery store fun!
I have owned 2 ND´s you guys, NOTHING gives me the emotions my MX5 gives me. It is one of those emotions that... are hard to explain in words, but, boy... I just love getting into mine, turn it on which always Revs to 2000 rpm´s by default, and as it warms drop the top down, let the sun sink into my skin, put it on 1st, and hear the roar... god. It gets me every time.
As a new (to me) ND2 owner, I am so glad they continue to get the formula more and more correct! And by far one of the most underrated improvements is how quickly that improved infotainment loads up the backup camera when you shift into reverse 😂
Same here! Although old infotainment can be improved upon with some 3rd party tweaks.
It also saddens me, that in EU, it seems that Mazda is dropping the 2.0 litre for the ND3.
If you love to drive, the MX-5 is a must have once in your life just for the fact that no one else makes a real roadster any more. Sure, there are other two seaters, there are even crazy two seaters like the atom, but if you want a real roadster you can live with it every day, easy to maintain, and not heavy on your pockets, this is the real deal and a real joy to drive.
If you aren’t tall
I feel bad for anyone who denies themselves the experience due to their own insecurity.
@@mindspinn311 I literally can’t fit in it
Coworker had a slingshot he liked in good weather but when it rained or snowed it was never seen. Even in the cold weather he didn't ride it. This MX-5 has all the creature comforts / plus the soft top in winter does a great job despite every RF owner saying you need a hard top in winter - not true ! Cheap to Insure & easy to work on. I do all my oil changes / tire wheel seasonal changes too. Plenty of great after market parts available too.
Am I crazy for being tempted to trade my 981 Cayman S for a new Miata? I agree, I want the Miata experience before they go hybrid/electric. The ND3 seems like the best one yet.
everytime i see this man in a miata i get chills. i wanted to get a proper 4 seater next year but this man is trying to change my mind to go from my miata nb to the nd2
I owned an ND1 RF Club for just over a year. I sold it b/c I had some life changes and could no longer justify a Miata as my only car. But I miss it everyday. I'll hopefully be able to get into an ND2 at some point down the road.
I hear that, but an ecoboost mustang. A 2 door as an everyday, and a mandatory 93 octane wasn't efficient enough for me.
One day I'll get another as an s550 not the s650. And one day you'll get your yata.
Now I have a fwd sedan.
Why sell it? They are so cheap to keep
@@andrewrossnagel9433 Easy to maintain & cheap to insure. Reliability has been great as a daily. Even in snow / ice the winter tires prove how good the chassis is 50 / 50. Lightness in this car at 2340 pounds ( 2016 Club soft top ) shows off in the corners. Really fun car to drive with the right tires.
I think we're so lucky that we still get such a well-executed small sports car in this day in age. Better enjoy them while they last because these days are numbered. I'd love to own an ND2 or ND3 in the future, for sure.
Don't ever do an extended test drive in one unless your ready to Buy one. Speaking from my experience. Late Saturday at the local Mazda dealership a short test drive but really on the fence. Had to drive home to get the checkbook & on the drive back to the dealer came off the fence. Let the Sales Manager know how I felt. So he said to leave my trade in there in the parking lot & threw back the keys to a 2016 MX-5 Club soft top. He told me to come back after work Monday & decide what I wanted to do. That Saturday night after leaving the dealer I could not get out of the drivers seat. Got home at 11:00 pm. Sunday it was about another 140 miles of driving. So after work Monday the checkbook along with my trade in sealed the deal. The sales Manager knew what he was doing. 7+ years ago 1st week of March 2017.
theres Lotus
@@langraman8756 The Lotus Elan was what the NA was used as the inspiration to the Mazda design engineers. When the NC got heavier & started to drift from the light weight the Engineers went back to gram weight theory to add lightness in the ND. I think Colin Chapman would give a thumbs up to the Miata. He passed before the Miata was born in 1982.
@@langraman8756 The Skyactiv engines have been rock solid. Better ?
@@ag4allgood rock solid as the Subaru boxer engine? lol
It's simply the best. Everyone should experience what it's like to own a miata. I've had 4 other cars since my ND1 miata and I still miss it. Will absolutely be buying another one in the future.
I wish you could just push that screen into the dash when its not needed. That would make the design so clean.
I'm gonna order one next weekend ,gonna trade in my crosstrek. the subaru and the miata are my 2 dream cars !
That would add too much cost. This ND / ND2 / ND3 has a better price than Porsche / Audi / Mercedes for a reason. The little tweaks made every year are not big. The engineers have a continuous improvement mission.
The reason why you find that the ND3's intake sound is a bit more aggressive and sportier is because Mazda has opened up an extra hole in the airbox and modified the sound tube to give the car a sportier intake sound.
Engineers ☕️
Driving an ND, you know immediately that it will be a classic for decades. People will be keeping these alive because of the joy they bring. There are a lot of other sports cars out there, but they don't have quite the same "modern classic" feeling.
I currently own a 2020 ND2 Miata with the Brembo/Recaro package, I bought that new in 2020 and 4 years later I still have it and now with 52,000 miles. I drive it every day as my daily and I still love driving it to this day!!
Hey I might buy an NC or NB as my first car and tell me, are Miatas great for someone who drives around 30km per day
Thanks for this review. I am currently leasing a 2023 MX-5 GT and I like it so much that I plan to order a 2025 Club for purchase. Glad to see that the electric power steering and the wireless CarPlay have been improved. I am retiring next year and I want to do light track days for fun. This will be the perfect vehicle for me.
As the original owner of a 1990, I find Chris' cornering experience completely familiar, though at a lower speed. It's hard to beat the fun of easily balancing on the edge of traction, controlling rotation with steering and throttle, stable and predictable. Both then and now, the fun/$ ratio is off the charts. Thanks guys--I always enjoy both you Chris-s.
I just have to again reiterate how insane it is for Mazda to successfully bring a sub-2400lb car to market in 2024. The ND is the antidote to a lot of the Enshittening that's happening in the auto industry today.
A completely different design philosophy where weight is the enemy. The ND was designed to take every little bit of weight away after the NC had gotten away from the design. My 2016 Club soft top weighs 2340 pounds. Incredibly light which is felt every time you climb inside of it. Mazda engineers went back after the NC to add lightness in the ND. ND3 gained a few pounds but nothing drastic.
The miata is lightweight partly due to the fact it is a very small and short car.
@@lensoprezole5322 I get underneath my car to do oil changes & all the steel frame / aluminum parts have circular holes in them to remove needless weight. If you go back to 8 years ago the Dave Coleman video talking about where the weight loss came from you will see it in detail. Its about 100 to 110 pounds lighter than the NC soft top. 😎
I love my ND2 Sport, but may have to get a 40th Anniversary in the future. Seeing you drive this ND3 gives me almost as much joy as I get out of driving my car!
Everyone I see or read about always says the same thing - you cannot help smiling all the time you drive an MX5. I do too!
This is awesome, I didn't even skip any part of the drive. Such an epic car.
I used to have a 2016 ND Miata Club w/ Brembos as my first new car AND daily. There’s nothing quite like slow car fast. It was amazing to drive in SoCal weather with the top down and sipped on gas.
I traded it in for the new Supra two years ago which is more practical for me and more comfortable on longer drives, but I do miss zipping around town in the Miata.
First car 40k cali money be different
The shifter really is a dream. I had a manual Mazda3 and it was smooth as butter from the day I drove it off the lot to the day I sold it 7 years later. Drove my friends Miata for the first time a couple months ago and shifted just from first to second and was immediately at home.
I’m 21 and I picked up my RF GT 2 weeks ago and have already done nearly 4,000km in it 😂 I love the car sooo much. Ever since I was a kid I wondered if the hype was real and oh my god it is so much fun everywhere
4:47 your impression was right ! Mazda officially said they improved the intake sound tube drawn directly into the cabin ! you can read this in the official ND3 press release.
I love when they start giving the Miata headpats and pets at 2:42 🖤
They love a scratch behind the ear!
The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want.
Idk what it is about your recording stuff, but you pick up the engine sounds a lot better than most reviewers. Sometimes I come here just to be able to feel the engine sounds in my head.
Hi Chris, I have been sent on a work delegation to Germany for 10 months. I’ve always loved watching your videos, but now even more so because I see the roads I’m familiar with from back home. When I miss home the most, I watch your newest upload.
Awesome video, they really dialed in the ND3 :)
I’ve owned a 2016 Miata Club from brand new till now. The little upgrades over the years on the newer models do tempt me but the sentimental value just out weighs it. GWR Sport Axel back exhaust, front/rear sway bars, lighter wheels, Flying Miata lowering springs, Fab9 E85 all have made this more enjoyable over the years. The only thing I’m really jealous of is that new infotainment and telescoping steering wheel lol.
i deleted my 2016's infotainment (kept the computer/bluetooth) and installed the telescope spacer
I think this could be my father's dream car. Sadly, it's way to expensive for him, but the design, the color, the interior, this is it. Also one of my favorite cars, I'd love to drive it. Sporty, yet still a good daily driver and probably a good fit for people who love to drive. Really enjoyed the video, thanks!
I’m 18 and just bought a 2019 RF bbs/brembo club. Worked my butt off and couldn’t be more excited to pick it up 🔥
I bought a 2018 ND1 Club because of a massive combined rebate and discount. It was a very enjoyable car. The ND1 tune had such great midrange torque. But after driving the ND2 I know I need the new engine. Plan to replace my CX-5 Turbo lease with the ND3 Club.
My guy had the earmuffs ready. The dedication 🤩
I've ever worn a hat yet in my 2016 Club soft top & the top has been down in zero degree weather many times. Put the side windows up & crank the heater its a great winter ride top down.
Bought a 2019 ND2 RF and love it.
It's like driving a big go-kart and makes even the mundane trips so enjoyable.
I've owned an Ariel Atom, Porsche Boxster and the Miata is right up there with them.
That is my dream car in the perfect spec!! Soul Red with the Recaro seats!
The want is strong with this one. Perfection on wheels!!
My friend owns a Built 1.6 NA Miata. Its got slicks and an NC lsd, makes about 143 horsepower. Best car i have ever ridden in :)
Miatas just have something that no other car has - that being insignificant weight.
Beautiful car, welcome to the club!!!
Just traded in my 2019 Camaro SS 1LE with the 2SS package for a 2024 MX-5 Club. Talk about extremes of the spectrum. The Miata is wonderful but still somewhat sad about the Camaro. It was an incredible car with a lot more amenities than the Miata and punched way above it's weight at the track. However the insurance was getting to the point of being aggravating. The Miata is satisfying in a different way. Wish I could have kept both but that would have been impractical.
I had a '19 Camaro 1SS A10. I sold it 2021 for more than I paid for it OTD b/c of inflated car market. I miss my SS too but I'm going to get a 2nd fun car to avoid getting back into motorcycles. Was thinking another 1SS or LT1 but the prices are nuts. I'm most likely going to get a Miata Club convertible. Like $10K less, better gas mileage, lighter, and can wring it out without going double the speed limit.
What a great review, and it is a joy to watch a couple of pure car enthusiasts enjoying a simple and honest sports car.
One minor suggestion: if you have a Miata press car for a week, is it possible to get a mild-performance alignment for the POV test drive? A sports car like this one where the improvements from prior facelift is measured in a couple percentage points difference, a proper alignment would add credibility to the impressions shared behind the wheel. Keep everything else as they come including tires.
Again, just a suggestion. Keep the awesome content coming!
BTW- I love the brief comparison to the Lotus. I have a 2006 Exige and am contemplating upgrading to the Emira. But your comparison with the Miata had me thinking, why not keep the Exige and get a ND3 instead?
Fun fact on the Recaro seats. The driver's seat has slightly higher bolsters than the passenger seat.
5:40 the lift off oversteer happens only in high speed corners above 60 mph at maximum attack! At 5:40 in this video you're in a roundabout at low speed, so there can't be lift off oversteer. Have a good day mates.
In the ND1 there’s a ton of lift-off oversteer at low (roundabout) speeds
The way he said buy 2 actually at the end got me dead!! Great content!
4:55 you right. the sound tube in the engine bay is much improved, got redesigned--almost every part changed
I have an MX-5 automatic with panels and love it. However, I previously had a 2020 in soul red with the saddle color interior, which I adored. Right before I was about to purchase it off lease, we hit a car running a red light (with no insurance, of course), and it was totaled. When I went to replace the vehicle, the soul red car had a black-and-red interior - very tacky and hot here in Florida. So I purchased the car in Opulescent Pearl (I think) with a pumpkin interior. That I’m alive and well from that accident should be enough, and I am appreciative of that. But I REALLY loved that soul red car.
I just want to mention - in the event you haven’t gotten to page 400 of the manual - especially if you, your significant other, or any kids who ride with you are short like me, DO NOT SIT ON ANY PILLOW to raise you up so you can see out the window. The seat belt regulates the passenger seat airbag and SOMEHOW it can tell that it’s not a butt on the seat and the airbag won’t work. And if you don’t heed my warning, don’t hit someone with no insurance as he’s running a red light in his BMW.
That 2.0 liter engine may not be much horsepower, but mated to a 2300 lbs. car and it is the ultimate driver enthusiasts car.
I had a ND2 GT soft top manual for a couple years and I absolutely loved adored it. I regret selling it every day, so much that I'm planning on buying a ND3 next year. I prefer the extra features of the GT, so I'm definitely going that route again, but the Club with the performance package does look amazing. The $5k for that package is just too much, not to mention having to give of the extra GT features. A GT soft top manual for about $35k is still a great deal.
As the owner of a 2019 ND2, I have very few gripes with the car, and can see and hear the changes even in the video. They've definitely dialed the car in better as this generation is reaching the end of its run. On center steering looks more precise and an interesting observation is that it looks like downshifts into the lowest gears look effortless here too. These cars famously have to be muscled into 2nd gear with a solid pull from 3rd when decelerating and the revs are high, which isn't the end of the world considering all the transmission problems they had on the ND1.
Same thing with shifting into first from neutral, the first two gears are always fighting back when you try to engage them, like they won't engage into the shift gate. I don't know if that's due to a synchro problem, a clutch issue, a bad linkage, or whatever else but I've never beat on my transmission and my car has less than 20,000 miles. On the other hand, the downshifts in this video from 3rd to 2nd, 2nd to 1st, and neutral to 1st all look effortless, it slides into each gate and snaps in place like a rifle bolt. 👍
I also have a full racing header and exhaust, so I'm familiar with how it sounds on an aftermarket exhaust, and the factory exhaust here definitely has a bit more of an attitude than in prior years. Could just be the recording quality, but I don't think it's just my imagination that they may have done something to give it a raspier sound that's closer in spirit to an aftermarket sound.
One of the big nitpicks I've had even after years of ownership I haven't been able to isolate rattles behind the seats. It's not the top, it's not the latch, and it happens whether it's up or down. It's like something is loose in the cheap plastic trim somewhere around the glovebox or the cowling around the top. I hope Mazda is learning to button down the interior trim better on these cars better by now; they still add little strips of foam to trim pieces as an improvised band aid fix, but they've gotten a lot better at NVH tuning on all their other models, just not the MX-5. And being a roadster isn't some kind of excuse, this isn't a road noise issue or complaining about being in a roadster, it's an issue of interior materials and construction not being sorted as well as they should be.
Don't know how much that's changed with ND3 (if at all) but adding some real insulation behind the cheaper plastic trim is not going to completely ruin the handling of this car, so "weight savings" isn't an excuse at this point. In fact, it'll make the car feel even more polished and upmarket which is clearly a quality they want it to have now.
I’ve had that same exact issue sometimes with 2nd where it goes into gear like 75% of the way but won’t go in fully unless I go to neutral and come back in. No grinding but it feels like it hits a wall. I guess it’s just the nature of the trans?
The video I've been waiting for! Good stuff.
Did my part. Picked up a '24 Club soft top with the BBR package just over a week ago!
Literally my dream car
keep grinding bud you’ll have it no time👍
Make it a reality car man, u got this!!
everyone's so supportive. it was my dream car too, still is and have kept my ND for coming up on eight years
same. gonna buy an ND3 as soon as i'm able.
its only a mazda
Had a 2019Sport and now a 2023 Grand Touring , first mod is definitely an exhaust! Stock is way too quiet!
Nothing else really compares, pure classic 2 seat convertible sports car.
This is my next car. This exact trim and color. Still enjoying my BRZ, but in a couple years I plan on switching to the Miata.
Love the Miata and it totally works with the power it has. But not gonna lie, another 25 hp would have been sweet. We saw how the BRZ benefited from a bump in power with the new gen.
Miata is as fast as the current BRZ.
@oemj7147 I'm aware, but having driven both, the GR86 definitely feels like it has better mid range torque. Besides, why not making not make that little bit quicker, considering Miata is quite a bit more expensive.
The MX-5 is amazing, I genuinely think the MX-5 and the 86 are the best cars currently on sale.
Sure other cars are faster, more luxurious and sound better, but for a driving experience? NOTHING can defeat the MX-5 and the 86. It's all about fun, these are the sort of cars we need specially in the looming EV era where everything is fast!
10:40 fun fact the passenger side has less bolstering
makes sense if you think about it. passenger can be a lot of diff shapes but drivers needs to be held in for performance reasons
I currently own a 94 miata, bought it in blue then got it repainted in sunburst yellow like the 93s. Absolutely love the car but recently test drove and ND miata and absolutely loved everything about that experience. I might make the tough decision to sell my NA and put that money towards and ND. As much as I would love to keep both I know that the NA will be neglected if I have an ND.
also with the comment about the weight of the NA miata, I also bought an aftermarket shift knob for my NA and ended up putting the original back on after about 2 weeks because it is just shaped and weighted so perfectly for that car
It’s because of you that I want a Miata
I'm selling my 2023 ND2 as soon as an ND3 Manual Grand Touring in Soul Crystal Red is available in my area. Owned both ND1 and ND2 and have loved everything but the infotainment systems. On a recent drive through SoCal canyons the system got stuck in a repeating restart loop every 10 min. This is after I already removed the SD card and had the dealership flash the system because it would take more than 3 min for any music to play on Carplay or Android Auto, if it connected at all. Parked in a scenic area and let the car rest completely off for 30 min and it still wouldn't work right. Miraculously, it returned to normal right when I was about to drive to get it checked out a couple days later. It's still slow though. Hoping for better with the new infotainment. Wireless Android Auto would be nice too.
You can reset your infotainment by holding Back, Volume, Navigation button at the same time for a few seconds while on your drive. Had to do it once on my nd-2
The only difficult decision for me shopping for a 2 door convertible sports car for weekend fun is an ND2/3 or a mint S2000……such special cars.
Having driven back to back my 23 nd2 club with my friends new nd3 club, there’s virtually no difference. The shift action, noise and cabin all feel identical except for the screen and the blank buttons they added to the nd3 steering wheel. Steering was imperceptible outside of that initial 5% turn in off-center. The difference is felt more in the LSD than anything else, his car wanted to push the front where mine slide the back when entering a corner off throttle. We both agreed that if you can get a good deal of a ND2, do that, if you like the updated screen then that’s kinda the only worthy upgrade.
are you guys bbs package or the regular club? I'm thinking about an nd2 GT 2020+ to get the suspension and lsd. Not sure how the standard brakes are compared to the brembos.
@@mystictrunks5508 both are bbs packs. Honestly if you don’t care about having the recaro seats the GT is the trim to get. The brembo brakes are probably 15-20% better bite than the standard brakes. But feel is the same and you can just get better pads for the standard brakes. We both just liked the seats in the bbs pack and they’re as much to buy later as the entire bbs pack costs new.
@@Accost2u Thanks for the info, I will probably stick with my plan to go for the GT then. From my brief look so far their are much more GT's in the market than even base clubs.
can you dial out the understeer in ND3 with more throttle or alignment? or is that just the different Dif feeling on corner entry? I'd imagine ND3 is more stable in higher speed corners.
I keep hearing wildly different takes on the steering feel on the ND3s. People either say it’s so much better or it’s negligible.
Makes my wallet happy that it isn’t drastically better, I love my ND2 and can’t afford to trade up. Plus I have it modded to my liking. Steering wheel is the only thing I really want to swap at this point.
I’m normally not a red car guy, but this one would convert me.
accounting for inflation, the ND miata is actually a really good value. it has more equipment and performance than the original
Hey! Big fan, I've always enjoyed you content especially anything mx5 related so much so that im currently playing the field and looking into purchasing an ND RF. No pressure but would you justify these slight chances that this new update brings as well as the costs over a 2020-23 model
No
I drive an ND2. I really don't see any good reason to upgrade to the ND3 personally. If you're able to find a used ND2 for a good price, I think you'll be extremely happy with it and won't really miss the few changes that the ND3 brings.
I love how much you love this car. I'd love to let you drive my ND2 with Koni dampers and Flyin' Miata Springs to see how they compare. I can't comment on the steering but I feel like the handling is fantastic. There's no way I'd sell my ND2 for this, but I can see a compelling upgrade for those with an ND1 or people getting into their first Miata.
Where are you located?
And agreed, it’s not worth upgrading to this if you already have an ND. Aftermarket support is so good you can get close with just a couple suspension changes 👍
@@TheTopher I'm in the California Bay Area. Watching your ND3 video it does sound like there's a bit more induction sound, so hopefully the modding community figures out what they did since no one sells intakes for these cars, especially in CA.
@@AndreThompson925 new sound tube. even looks obviously different if you compare engine bays
My '23 Miata Club seems identical to this car (other than the color). I love driving it daily in nice weather. Getting in and out is a bit of a squeeze (I'm 6'1), but as they comment here, once you're in and buckled, it's a great fit. Being a Miata newbie, I don't understand the difference in "driving feel" or "numbness" everyone keeps going on about in the ND3. My car "feels" great on curves as well as straightaways.
If you’re used to modern cars you won’t notice. Step back to 90s and 00s sports cars you’ll see where it comes from. Mainly EPS
My 15yo neighbor thought it was a Porsche lol!
a lot of little kids yell out lamborghini or ferrari if it's the red one
If you want these to stick around, buy one brand new. Show Mazda we still want these. Five years ago, I did exactly that, and my 2019 Miata is the most satisfying car I've ever owned, even if it falls short in a couple "only car" categories.
Less oversteer......is it as fun to drive as the old diff and steering? Better steering feel though is a big plus.
Tropher, what would recommend if faced with 2 of the yhe following choices, GR86 or Nd2 MX5?
Engine sounds a lot better with roof closed on my ND2. Can really hear induction sound.
Sigh, I had a ND1 which I modded the steering rack for telescoping, plus android auto mod with back up camera last year. I sold it and got the integra type S as my all rounder but I miss the miata quite a bit. I'll eventually get my hands on another ND!
the biggest problem you’ll find with these Miatas are their transmissions. if you like to have some spirited driving with these, you’ll probably have to end up changing the transmission every 10k-50k miles. there’s 2 in the shop in a desperate need of a transmission after they started grinding 3rd and 4th gear. my mentor and master techs told me to be careful around them because they are pretty easy to break (i work at Mazda)
I've been wanting to take one of these for a test drive
Chris, It looks like on down shifts the car doesn’t rev up as freely as the ND2, did Mazda change something with the fly wheel?
The air box was updated for better sound.
It's a Mazda, it's red, and manual. Yes.
14:52 no idea what you're talking about 😂. where is it phallic and how is this design less of that?
first thing i noticed as soon as you pulled out was the additional engine sound! Both of my ND2s were too quiet in the upper revs. Seems like thay fixed it with ND3.
How much safer is it than a NC? A front plate fits and doesn't look horrible; I drive my '08 less since I'm not going to put one on.
which alignment shop do you like to go through? I'm in Lansing and I've not found a shop that I'm happy with. I'd be more than happy to drive out to the Detroit area to get a great alignment.
I go to autolab in Plymouth. Super accurate alignments down to the decimal point. Just tell them to be sure to get the wheel straight lol
You don't need garage space. My ND2 lives outside (as did my NC which I had for 14 years). No problem. In UK.
Living in Arizona, I wonder if any of the soft tops are lined?? Maybe not in the Sport, I would guess, but maybe in the Club or GT??
Try using the car in track or race mode its supposed to work beautifully and Always a great deal of slide but keeps the body more level in those hard corners. I noticed everyone still turns this off without trying it. Let us know Mazda has worked really hard trying to get this right for us.
6:27 Hello Topher, could you explain to me why you want to own a used ND3 miata club instead of a used BMW M3 for the same price ? I would like to know all your arguments please? Have a good day.
Would you consider a Z4 possibly in the future? I've thought about getting one because I'm getting sick of 4 cylinder noises especially after driving is500 around
I just got the gwr exhaust and the miata sounds so good. It howls.
Nice one. Does it have option to display speed digitally ?
Is the steering wheel adjustable in two planes in the 2024 model? or just up and down? or forward and backward?
It has telescopic reach as well as up and down
So how does the ND3 stack up to the S2000? I love my AP1 but if I had one complaint it’s the old car issues. Would be nice to get something newer but I don’t wanna sacrifice any fun
you will probably test drive one or two and end up deciding
ND3 plus coilovers and race exhaust > S2000. I owned S2000 CR new. ND3 safer, more torque, very reliable, lighter, much better steering feedback. S2000 has slightly better shifter and the Vtech pull.
They could do better with the revised button layout on the right side of the steering wheel. What's up with the THREE DEAD BUTTONS?
So, now that the diff works so well and it seems like it is harder to get the tail out, do you feel it could be a little less exciting in terms of being a hoon?
With lowering springs and a little negative camber, it gets rid of all the snap oversteer on an ND2. Mine now just rotates predictably and very smoothly, even when it was on worn out OEM tires.
I wouldn’t want it to oversteer less with the current setup…I only have -1.2 front and -1 rear. Stock was downright scary though….it was like trying to reel in a jack knifing trailer.
I’m willing to bet the ND3 would still be plenty playful with a few tweaks. Sway bars would cover it. I wonder if they changed the spring rate or damping on the new cars…
I bet with an alignment and the new diff you could get some serious cornering speed though. Seems like it’s smoother on putting down power.
Finally Mazda has made that steering wheel lose weight.
Here in Mexico we don't have the DSC track button, do you think it makes much difference? We only have a button to deactivate DSC
I was just talking to my friend about this half an hour ago. Hilarious. Maybe it’s a sign ? I was honestly surprised with the price though…
Sticker is really high for the recaro pack cars….its a $4500 option. Pretty overpriced compared to other cars but it’s also worth it if you aren’t going to build it out as a track car.
Nothing really competes in its price point overall but nearly 40k is a lot for something that’s tricky to be used as an only car.
Dealers often have like 3-4k off sticker without haggling, even on Club BBS models. So it’s closer to 34-35k before tax instead of 38k.
Give it like 6 months and you might be able to find one at a more reasonable price.
Big reason why I bought my 2020 used….32500 OTD for a 3700 mile Club BBS pack car. I could have gotten a new GT trim for close to that, but the recaro seats and the overall appearance of the BBS package is worth it IMO
Basically a brand new car for nearly 7k less… If you’re patient you can find some good deals on used ones…old dudes buy them and drive like 1k miles a year and then trade them in lol
@@NDEEZMiata Porsche is nicer
@@NDEEZMiata I agree. I think I’ll hold off. I was also looking at used gt86/brz. Just looking for a fun rwd car that’s used. I just finished paying off my Type R and I don’t need another car payment.
@@Rncfbnx skip the first gen 86, the Miata is way more fun. I had a 1st gen BRZ, the ND2 is in another league.
Turo rented an ND2 for TOTD a few weeks ago and goddamn I want one so badly now 😭😭 Think I’ll wait for these to get onto the market used and come down in price a bit and save up in the meantime, though I’d probably go for a Grand Touring with the tan interior. Hope they pair it with Soul Red again like they did for some of the ND2’s.
i want one but would never work with 2 seats in our family sadly.
Looks out at my '23 brz, why did i get rid of my '22 rf club. 😢
Thank you (and @TopherDrives) for this. I'm' torn; should I get the GT for the extra amenities (including the perhaps finicky "steerable" headlamps and satellite radio, which I would hardly ever use).
Have you heard from others about the durability of the Recaro seats versus the leather seats in the GT? Which ones seem to do better over the long-term?
I need a comparison between the ND3 Miata and the S2000
Makes me miss my last gen. Mazda 3 with a 6-speed.