Wow this is the best review I've seen on mx5 and I've watched hundreds. No gushing and warts and all review. thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am now considering to buy the 2020 RF with Recaro and Biltstein but no Brembo (That my best option) and this 2022 has something called Kinematic Posture Control which i suspects is a software update that applies braking on cornering. Some would not like this as it might wear out pads but so far I can't tell if its able to be turned off. I can only get one car and need to order this or the Model 3 tesla (yes, you may say strange options but that's it for me and given the tax situation in portugal its more or less the same price) Could I ask for you advice 1) Some people say the gear shifts keep popping? I am surprised at this as i am told the gearing is excellent. 2) What do you suspect about Kinematic Posture Control? This helps with cornering and Im led to believe its software that will mess around with the brakes 3) Would you recommend but seat lowering kit for person 185 So appreciate your feedback any viewers also

I looked at the Mazda Miata and Mustang 5.0 I test drove them both, researched them both, Bought the Mazda, paid half the price and got twice the car. Perfect choice. Sold the motorcycle I had as I didnt need it anymore. The Miata redifines driving for me. Now it's fun its relaxing its exciting. This all happened in March of this year. Nine months and 11000 miles later Miata is the Answer in my opinion.

Sold mine the beginning of this year. WORST decision ever! Watching your video almost brought tears to my eyes, thinking about all the memories i had with it of owning this car just for a year :') This car is about lightness, agility, fun, cruising, attacking slow speed corners on the street :p Off course more power on track would be nice to keep up with the big boys on a straight line. But driving this little thing on the limit is more rewarding than creating some kind of over the top turbo horsepower monster xD

Great vid. Dailying a ND1 for about 1.5yrs now with plenty of interstate time and no regrets. Storage is plenty for 99.9% of activities, never felt like it needs more power. Not a fast car, but small and quick makes if feel fast. Feels more like a motorcycle on the interstate with how small it is, received "the salute", plenty of times so far when the little tiny miata "comes out of nowhere" probably time for a dashcam too.

we live by the saying of better drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow and for me personally miata is always the answer

Thank you, I sometimes am worried about the gearbox driving the cold engine and it’s reassuring to hear it’s normal. Very honest review I can also confirm the brake-lift but learned to love it to corner faster but it can be a tricky thing. You covered somewhat every point, I can say that with 6”2 I am at the limit of the seating space but do drive 1000 km on a day for holiday without problem. The seating position and space on NC was better, and the only remark I have as a negative is the hard surface hitting my leg and the engine note that can be a bit deeper and angrier to match the cars dynamics. You solved it nicely with after market parts. As for driving dynamics yes you got it right and as for sportiness it’s more than enough for the legal part of things. For me it’s still the most fun you are legally allowed and the most fun for the money. More competent cars like PORSCHE 911 or Alpine 110 need speeds above the legal limit to be enjoyed to the same level. By the way I had my reservations on the orange color when it came to the market but it has grown on me and I admire your car as its build today.

I agree. But for the times that it actually is the answer, I love it!

Good review. Another important point:- while all other sports cars have come and gone and now most of the others now going EV. This car is still real manual with three pedals, real analog dash, real hand brake, real original sports car plan. There’s really no competitors. I’ve ordered the new 2024 still the same concept 😊

From what you have said. You probably need a Lotus Elise. A bit harder. More precise and with 50 more horses. You gotta be quick thou as the final edition is running out soon.

Miata is always the answer -- unless you are over about 5'11" tall, and / or have long legs. I would have bought a Miata a _long_ time ago, if I fit comfortably. When I was sports car shopping a couple of years ago, my $10k budget would have covered a fairly solid NC, including all the necessary refurbishing of bushings, shocks, joints, electronics, paint correction, and what-have-you that is pretty much always necessary to make me happy. After much research and elimination, other possibilities were: Early Porsche Boxster BMW Z3 / early Z4 BMW 3-series Coupe (e36/e46) Nissan 350Z Chevy Corvette (C4) In the end, the right Corvette became available at the right price. The C4 Corvette is among the most misunderstood and misrepresented of cars, it solves _all_ of the space and ergonomic problems that come with a Miata, and it is absolutely loaded with cool personality. I do think I would have been happy with any of these cars. The Porsche cabin is also a bit tight for my long-legged 6'1" frame, and it can be pricey to maintain, but it's a flat-six / mid-engine Porsche. The BMWs are all terrific cars, but I've already had a bunch of classic BMWs. The 350Z is a very good car, solid and dependable (which matters a lot to me), with no big flaws but also no truly outstanding virtues.

Out of all the high performance cars I’ve had the pleasure of owning and driving, non makes me smile quite like the mx5 does, this modest roadster is just more enjoyable to drive than practically everything else I’ve experienced, a 2015 911 is the only one that’s had the same effect on me, but costs a lot more, and is much higher risk of ownership.

I have had a 220 bbrgti conversation eibach springs and spaces and tariox discs fitted it is now the way it should have come out the factory this is my 5 th mx5 and definitely the best

Very good review sir,appreciate your thoughts.

Nice review so far, congrats mate. Right now, im considering miata as daily driver. What you say about that for long term maintenance, etc?

Swaybars are the first suspension mod I would recommend folks.

I own 2 miatas 1997 and a new 2021 the miata is the answer depending on the question if you like reliability and descent gas mileage with good handling then your good to go ! I recommend the na as a timeless car that will actually out handle the new nd

Exchanging my 5.0 GT for one of these 30AE ones today. Hype! Throughout the fun one and a half year of ownership of the Mustang, I kept missing the feeling my previous GT86 exposed me to. Instead of going back to a safe place, I'm willing to trade the extra practicallity of the 86 for a totally new to me soft top experience. An essential mod will be an exhaust because the V8 with a resonator delete has my ears spoiled.

Everything has its pros and cons. However, aside from the lack of HP, the car does exactly what it’s supposed to do. This is a toy IMO and not a grocery getter. So really not practical for a daily driver. But having a Miata with 300 whp would probably rearrange your perspective and enhance your overall experience.

Very nice review! thanks.

Mx5 is always the answer !I had a mustang Gt …..Ford Quality was not there. Ford was in the shop consistently.

Great review. How much did you sound improve when you went from "axle-back-only" to "mid-pipe+axle back" ? Thanks

Did the ring in this car with similar mods. Really capable car.

Great Video man!

Hey Maz, I have that same car and after 2.5 yrs with this car. I'm not convinced that the 30AE mx5 is complete. I watch you modify the car and enjoy the content, but I think the 30AE has shortcomings. The power should have been increased to over 200HP. The exhaust should be redesigned or sourced to sound like an Alfa 4C and get rid of that ridiculous sound tube. The car needed to be lowered so it has an aggressive stance. Make the car tighter with less roll. It's a money pit to put after-market products. When it's all said and done, you'll have sunk hours and $$$ when you could have bought a better performance car off the lot.

I’m a writer. Nice, thorough review, though I believe you gave it the wrong title. “Miata is not always the answer” suggests what follows will be significantly less than positive; your review is mostly quite favorable, so your title doesn’t match up well with what follows. You need something along the lines of “Not always the answer, but pretty darn close”. Yes, LITERALLY, saying “Miata is not always the answer” is, of course, technically correct, but that’s a title that more appropriately belongs in front of a largely negative review.

That part where you say "oh shit I'm in big trouble" that was me, owning the car only about 2 months I went in semi hard onto an on ramp with traction off and oh boy lost complete control!!! I almost T-boned an SUV on the right lane when I countersteered I almost then hit the wall to my left I somehow managed to recover but I was nano seconds from complete destruction of my new ND, its partly my fault for not knowing the car yet but I also feel the suspension has a delay & isn't linear which probably assisted in the loss of control. 😬

Great review. I am curious though? Which of the two would you choose. Mustang GT or the Miata? I known they are different cars and it is probably a bit of a long and complex answer.

Very good judgement.

Great review! You nailed the major points. Quick question. What’s with the tape/velcro against the MX5Things air deflector on the drivers side rollbar? Is that there for the deflector? I watched that video and didn’t see where you installed that. Do you still recommend the deflector? I’m considering it for my 2018 ND1 Club.

Well when it comes to small cars the options are Mini Cooper, Miata, or smart car. I think Miata has more personality

Installing a 1,5 way limited slip differential is a must for circuit driving. OS Giken LSD for example.

Damn looking to sell my Gt86 to get an ND2

The care is made according to the price it is sold.

Saying to someone to buy a mustang instead of a miata because the miata is unpractical as a daily driven car is so wrong on so many levels LOL The miata is the perfect toy AND the perfect daily-car. You need a second car AFTER the miata, not the other way around! You know what's the real issue the miata has? The price (in Europe in particular). Although... Now it's 2022 and the GR86 is out and is better on the majority of aspects when compared to the miata (I die every time I say this btw). In fact I'm awaiting for mine to arrive.

Have you tuned the engine in any way? I an thinking to mount the 4-1 BBR exhaust and remap. Any suggestions? 😉

MX-5 NC 3 + PRHT : )

Love your channel, and you drive like me….sometimes both hands are on the wheel, sometimes not! 😉

Where did you purchase the steering wheel gear knob and orange Tec dial ?

I love your spoiler, do You have the link to buy it?

can you leave a link where they bought the muffler, bumper, spoiler etc for your mx5

Supercharger will address the power issue…without making it too heavy…if Mazda made it more powerful, it would be 500lbs heavier and 10k more expensive..lol

and, as usual not ONE WORD about sound levels with the top up. Can you converse? Must you shout to the other person if you are not alone? Can you speak on the phone via blue tooth hookup, or do you need to shout? I guess "no one cares", but I do, and everyone I know cares, for long road trips when you are not alone. For that matter, if I AM alone, I care--and everyone I know cares. AND NOT ONE WORD.

What shifter is that from raceseng?

Hopefully I’ll buy one of these as my second daily

What type of steering wheel is that? THX

Maz, can you give me the rim name and specs on your Miata, they’re dope

Are those badges hyperdipped?

when a car "enthusiast" starts complaining about the infotainment system, I am out of their channel in a heartbeat

Then slap in a supercharger to make it faster :)

Review *in my opinion* is good *etc*😁

I wish I could fit in the MX5. If I did I would own one. 6'2" 225 does not work in the MX5.

How in the F- will you compare a miata to a 5.0 mustang 😂😂, that's crazy...

9:41 the windshield is right next to your head. That's not good.

Jesus, this guy is the Debbie Downer of car reviewers.

Which exhaust is that?

Let me sum that up for you (and save you 30 minutes of life time): Miata IS ALWAYS the answer! If you still prefer to watch I recommend playing at 1.5 times speed.

I purchased a 2018 MX-5 GT, black with the cherry top. The first few months were great and I eventually installed coilovers, sway bars, HKS exhaust, wheels, sticky tires, and a few other things. After each mod, I enjoyed the car more and more until, I didn't. After a 1 year of ownership I began to dislike many things about my MX-5. Prior to, I had owned several Mustangs, Corvettes, and Porsche 911 (not all at once). The Miata has the best shifter feel of any car I have owned, seriously the best feel. Paint & finish: The build quality is pathetic and within 1,000 miles I had deep rock chips on the front end, and no, protective film is not the answer. I called Mazda's corporate office and they beat around the bush about their finish. Mazda cut corners on the paint, plain and simple. The same can be said for the wheels which developed rock chips. Mind you, I tracked my Mustangs, Corvettes and did mountain runs in the 911 and chips would not appear at the level they did on the ND. Interior: The entertainment system is horrible and the bluetooth worked half the time while the USB cable constantly unplugged that I eventually glued my cord to the outlet. The interior is of poor quality unless you pay extra and get the BBS package which puts an ND shy of $40,000. Even then, are plenty of cheap plastic parts throughout the cabin that scratch easily. The GT model comes with a "double layer" top to cope with road noise, except it doesn't. The Miata is a loud car and cruising at highway speeds is accompanied with annoying tire, road and wind noise. The factory Bose system even has an option to raise the volume to balance out the sounds. I didn't expect a quite cabin like those found in a Lexus LS460, but I also did not expect it be louder than my 90's Mustang convertible. Space: I commuted to work alone and carried a backpack with a laptop and a lunch bag, daily. They both stayed in the trunk during the commute and for the most part the small cargo space was bearable. In one instance my wife and I commuted for a month and the Miata was our only car. It was a nightmare to say the least, two backpacks and two lunch bags, and rain coast was enough to make the trunk look full. If a Costco run was needed, the wife would have to stay home as the front seat was used for cargo room. This car is small even for a small guy (5.5) like myself. It is perfect for a single guy who buys microwave dinners. Power: It is unfair to compare the MX-5 to any of my former cars, including my 440hp LS3 Corvette, so I'll compare it my wife's Lexus CT200h, basically a Prius with a "sport mode" that engages the full power the engine and electric motor. The MX-5 feels quick from 1st to 3rd gear but then it dies out, as does my wife's CT200H. There is no power to over pass another car on the highway and dropping a gear will only make the engine scream with minimal movement, as does my wife's CT200T. This car is slow by any standards, it's power is laughable for a 2016 model. My wife's car is slow as well, but the difference is the CT is built to be fuel effect yet feels like it would keep up with the ND. Those who say it is "plenty" fast are lying to themselves. This is why the older, outdated Honda S2000 is still king, power was adequate, something that can't be said about the ND.1 nor ND.2. It is slow, plain and simply and Mazda has no excuse for building an under powered car with 155hp (181 for ND). Does it handle well? After addressing the body roll, yes, but so does every other modern car. This argument is a weak point for ND reviews because again, even a modern Toyota Camry handles well. People who say, "just add" a turbo or a supercharger should consider this: an ND2 with some decent options is around $40,000. If you supercharge it, you can kiss the warranty good-bye and we know how weak the transmissions are. Say you purchased a new ND2 RF with the BBS and then add an Edelbrock supercharger and supporting mods, you are closer to $50,000 and will still lose to a 2000s Camaro, Cobra, Cayman at the drag strip, at a track meet or a mountain run and those guys will have paid way, way less for their car. I do think Mazda spend a pretty penny advertising the MX-5 and many KZfaq reviews were bias when the car hit the market. There was so much hype about the ND and I think that is what sold me on it, the reviews. Conclusion: I ended up selling the Miata ND and getting a Porsche Cayman 987.1. The Cayman is actually functional and was cheaper than a new MX-5. It's 2.7L flat-6 does not feel slow and pulls hard through all the gears. The 987 handles a million times better in stock form than the ND.

Bro we know its your opinion 😂