@@pr0faker I think you should be fine at 6ft, but if not you can get seat lowering brackets to help give you more headroom. I have no issues with visibility.
Just to reassure you guys Miata's seem to be bullet proof. I have a 2006 with 243,000 miles on it. It still does not loose or use oil between olive changes. Still love it. Orlando Florida.
I'm now on my 4th MX-5. I started with a 2016, then a 17, then the 184hp came out, so I traded up for a 2019. I put approx. 70~80k miles on each. I just bought a 2023 and as usual, can't keep out of it. My sportscar habit started back in 1964, purchasing a '64 MGB, then a '66 MGB. I drove the shit out of those two also. I might add, all were ragtops.
Dropped my RF with FM springs, Koni sports shocks, FM sways. Not only does look great, it handles amazing, and something no one ever seems to talk about, the wheels being deeper in the wells keeps the car cleaner! Like a win/win/win !
Great video. I purchased a (Machine Gray) 2022 RF Grand Touring in mid August, 2022. It sat idle in the garage for four months last winter, but I still have driven it nearly 16,000 fun filled miles. I smile every time I get behind the wheel. It’s an absolutely amazing machine.
Interesting and enjoyable listening to your views on the MX-5 RF. I'm currently on a 3 month lead time at the moment. Waiting for the delivery and can't wait to be totally honest. Iv'e ordered mine in the same machine grey as yourself, great colour. Iv'e wanted the MX-5 for a few years but life situations have got in the way. BUT, I'm not far away now. Thank you again
Sounds exciting! As yours is a new car I would recommend getting Paint Protection Film applied to at least the front end of the car as the paint is very delicate and stone chips easily. You will definitely enjoy it 👍🏼
Thank you for the fantastic review. I've always been curious about how the MX-5 RF holds-up over time. I agree that the hard-top is more appealing than the soft-top. It's reminiscent of a vintage Jaguar. The tires you added really take this car to another level and it's obvious that you have taken great care of it. Cheers!
I love the looks of the RF but I didn’t care for air flow when I drove it. I had an NB and loved it but I wanted a hardtop that didn’t need to be left in the garage so after driving the RF, I picked up a NC2 PRHT and absolutely love it! These cars no matter which generation you have is sure to put a smile on your face every time you get it out for a run! Enjoy your beauty!
I drove a NC a while back and it was a courtesy car so it probably didn’t feel as good as it should have. I do like the 25th Anniversary Edition in red with the light interior I think it looks great 👍🏼
It’s a trade off with the air flow, but it’s a bit better removing the wind deflector. The soft top is great and I almost went there, but the hard top coupe feeling is nice.
I Own a 2017, driving it every winter here in the Austrian Alps with tons of salt and snow. 100.000km now on the car and I'm changing breaks on the rear now. nothing else has to be done so far. Except I made a cavity sealing in the very beginning. Most reliable car I've owned and service is rather cheap even better than Lexus.
How‘s the rust prevention on the Mx 5 ND? I‘m from southern germany and planning on daily driving the miata if I decide to buy one. Did you notice any rust under the car? Any problems with salt/snow?
2 things they need to do. 1. Make the rear bumper lower and with a nice defuser. 2. Give it more power. At least 240hp and turbo charge. Now that I would buy one in a heart beat.
@aceytoja That's true, but in today's standards, it's way under power and nearly 40k after taxes is kind of a waste of money. With that kind of weight, it needs like 50hp to keep up with the gt86.
In four days I will have my 2022 RF Club for a year. I keep looking at it ! lol I had wanted a two seater for a very long time. I had friends that let me drive their: MGB, MGB-GT, MBC, Triumph Stag, MG-TC, and Fiat 124. There's nothing like driving these two seaters. Thanx for your video!
Even though your in the UK driving an RF / in the United States driving a 2016 Club soft top the driving experience is very close. Low cost / fun to drive / reliable cars. I daily drive my car in 4 season weather so my winter tires are stacked on a dolly in the garage. The soft top is really good & avoiding parking under ANY trees to avoid flooding the interior applies to both the soft top & the RF with very similar roof drainage systems. The soft top takes a little more care during the year with a specialized 303 Convertible Kit & a soft bristle bush for cleaning. I've been thru so many snow / ice / sub zero F degree days in winter while also taking the extremely hot / humid / monsoon rain filled summer days also. This car has exceeded my expectations in almost every way. Not the weekend toy everybody claims it should be. Also easy for oil changes & modding because its relatively simple to work on having the right tools. Never drove an RF because when I bought this car in the 1st week of March 2017 the RFs were already SOLD off the transport trucks at local dealerships. I believe this helped me get a great deal on my 2016 Club soft top with the Brembo / BBS package which looks amazing in Artic White with the Black ground effect trim. BTW the RFs were selling $3,700 to $5,000 over the soft tops back then - supply & demand !
Thanks for the comment, very detailed! My RF is my daily too and I do my best to look after it. I regularly check the drain holes to make sure everything is clear as I’ve heard a lot of horror stories with interior flooding.
Beautiful setup, very clean. I'm about to receive my 2023 RF in few weeks and yours look exactly how I would like mine to look with the wheel/tire and suspension height.
Thank you! Definitely get the lowering springs and there are loads of options for wheels. Depending on the wheel offset you get you may need spacers. Mine are ET45 so no spacers were needed.
Nice real honest review of the mx5. I've just ordered the RF 2.0 lt exclusive line in black.. Doesn't arrive until September can't wait I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning..🤩 ...cheers
Thanks and congrats on your new purchase! I’d advise getting paint protection film applied on at least the front end as the paint chips easily and also rust protection on the underside.
@@Mike-ip8hg My RF was 2 years old when I bought it so it already had a few chips on the front bumper but it’s not something I’m personally worried about, but since yours is brand new it’s definitely something to consider. I’ve heard XPEL Paint Protection Film is good.
I bought a 2011 MX5 68,000 miles in Nashville, TN for $15,515 with a 3 year warranty. I know a 12 year old car should have problems.I have owned it for 4 months. My mechanic said it was very well maintained. I put a chip for better fuel consumption and to add more power. I raced for 10 years in my 30's I stop racing at 42. The MX5 could have laped all the cars I raced with the modification I made. I took it to the track I used to race on my 3rd lap I beat my average speed 2,8 seconds on the half mile track. at 5000 rpm in 6th gear I hit 135 mph and as I slowly let off the gas pedal it maintained 135 it 7:31 didn't start to slow down until I had let off about 3 or 4 cm. Wow how much fun I think every time I drive this car. It doesn't have a turbo. All I did was replace a cold air filter and a chip that claims to add 60 hp. I 'm 66 years old and have own many cars. This is the best handling car I've own. It looks great and powerful. It spins the tires in 2nd gear. I drove home yesterday at interstate speeds and got 37.1 mpg. The only drawback is it doesn't have much low in torque, it loves high rpms.😊
I love the car mate. I normally prefer original rims but you nailed it with your selection. Your ND looks stunning. Hopefully I'll have the exact same car parked next to my little Fiesta ST150 for my perfect two car garage one day :) Thanks for the upload. Keep up the great content!
Thanks mate! I always wanted wheels of this design and I knew it would suit the car. I do still like the original wheels and they are one of the best wheels from factory in my opinion. Thanks for your support!
They are brilliant cars. There are different versions of the ND. ND1, ND2 and ND3. I’d recommend you read up on that before you buy to make sure you know what you’re after.
I wrote my soft top off in december. Gutted. Id had it for 5 years and put 90,000 miles on it. Was brilliant. To get better youd have to spend 3 times as much. Alpine has no soft top option.
What went wrong is they didn't make a real PRHT. If you're going to have the extra weight anyway, just do it right to begin with. That and the seats. If Mazda listens to anything customers say, make seat revision a top priority. They managed to make a top that doesn't lose trunk (boot) space with the NC, maybe they could put that kind of thinking towards developing actual street performance seats that are COMFORTABLE. Like long extended "USA" type 500+ mile (900+ Km) in a single day trip comfortable. If I can avoid it in any way or fashion, I'll never give up my 2013 PRHT. If Mazda just "rebooted" that year model with a 20 more HP, with the improved Skyactive fuel economy, stiffer and LOWER springs, and added actual decent seats it would be the perfect Miata. I mean that, it would be the PERFECT roadster.
I can see where you are coming from especially as a 2013 PRHT owner. I've not driven a NC PRHT 'yet' but I'd definitely like to try it out to compare it with the ND RF. I guess Mazda wanted to try something different with the ND to give it more of a fastback look. You can maybe look into getting the seats retrimmed and add some extra padding for better lumbar support?
@@bobreno4042 Bob, I think you are correct. My 2008 Mazda 3i had the copper red mica. 2017 Miata is soul red metallic (not crystal...that came in 2019, I believe). Either way, my non-garaged Mazdas started fading in late year four. Granted, I live in Florida, so boo-koo hot sun. Still seems too early to start fading. These new, EPA compliant, 3 stage paints are thin, chip easily, and fade.
Did you have any problems with the water drain? Did you come across with flood or clogged? How often do you need to pull everything apart to clean it.. for anyone who is planning to get a ND RF really have to look into this issue… which wasn’t mentioned from most reviewers which can lead to a deal breaker.
I check the drain holes regularly especially after periods of heavy rain. The only areas that have gotten clogged are the drain holes next to the rear view glass, but even with those clogged, there was no flooding. I would say the main things to look for in a used RF are for any damp patches or smells in the cabin especially under the seats and condensation under the boot lid. You can always retract the hardtop into service mode to inspect the drain holes before you go ahead with your purchase. I'm going to try and make a video about this in the future.
Thank you, glad you found it useful! I’ve got a few chips on the front bumper but I don’t really worry about it too much I just want to enjoy the car and not worry about little things like these. I just hope Mazda improve their paint quality for future models.
Thank you. I had just washed the car and took it to a car park and just as the sun was setting I captured the picture. Machine Grey looks amazing during sunset!
Picture hasn’t been edited it’s just the angle it was taken. I think the proportions are perfect. A lower roofline for the RF would make headroom an issue for a lot of people!
I owned a ND2 RF. The steering and handling were amazing. I wish it had a touch more power. The bad was the seats had absolutely no lumbar support and the wireless CarPlay was terribly slow. All things said, I'd own another.
There is a hack for the seats which is to place a lumbar cushion through the back. I will be installing wired CarPlay soon so hopefully there will be no lag.
Hey there, just test drove the prime-line edition of the MX5 RF today, the 1.5 litre engine felt extremely disappointing, im going to be testing the 2 litre next week so im hoping its going to be more worth while. Other than that, it was extremely comfortable and very reactive which i really appreciate.
I've got the 1.5 soft top and the power is enough to enjoy a drive without going excessively fast. I suppose it depends what other cars you driven previously.
@@andrewstevenson6540 I've put a deposit down for the 2 litre after test driving it, excited to get it! Currently driving an Audi A3 which has been great to me but excited for the shift to a more compact roaster 🏌️
Wheels: 17x8 ET35. Perfect fitment, no spaces needed. Tyres: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 215/45/17. I think they would look great on your car. They also have these in black and nice sliver finishes so any of them would look great!
I love the Alpine A110 but I feel it’s quite overpriced. You can get a used Supra for around £40k but the A110 will set you back at least £50k for a used one.
I think ET45 is what the OEM offset is but the wheel size is 17x7 instead of 17x8 which is what I have. No rubbing with my setup, just need a proper alignment to eliminate that.
You should have purchased the 2019 version it's much better .ALSO The RF is nice with the top up but has lots of wind noise when it's down .The handling in the RF also if isn't as good because the roof changes the center of gravity I have a new 2023 Miata in Canada with the better shocks and limited slip but to be honest all you need is the base model with soft top and crystal soul red paint and you have the best looking car at the best value money can buy .Base is ace
I did consider an ND2 but the price difference was a bit too much for me at the time, so I got the ND1 instead. Still a fantastic car and no regrets whatsoever!
@@KunziDoesStuff Any Mista is a classic but even the new one in the base model is a great car and it's all anyone needs.Mone is the model up from that so it has the limited slip but to be honest the car is so good it's very rare it kicks in .You pretty much need to force it to kick on.So a new base soft top is almost as cheap
My friend I see many low price but high miles likke 60 plus NY question is how long does clutch and transmission last is there any issue to check for if say is 2019 with 50 to 60k miles? Also how much cost to replace clutch etc
Mine has done 55k miles and I'm still on the original clutch and transmission. I would suggest contacting a local dealer to find out the cost as each country has different prices.
@@KunziDoesStuff I did some quotes on the 2022 versions and all came back decent. Not sure if it varies, cuz I've been told by ppl it's based on Credit history too
Bose system is brilliant in my opinion. Also when you are on a phone call the audio comes through speakers in the headrest to make it easier to hear when you have the top down.
Mazda do offer this as an upgrade but I think they charge around £300. You can buy the unit yourself for around £50 and do a DIY installation. I’ll be doing it myself in a few weeks so look out for the videos!
The 124 Spider was discontinued because of all the engine problems & very slow sales. The engines were made in Italy & shipped to Mazda in Japan to install. The engines in MX 5 engines are made by Mazda in Japan & are trouble-free. Italian engine quality problems are nothing new. And can not compete with the Japanese quality!!
Thank you! I’m not too sure about the weight and if the brembo brakes will fit as my brakes are standard. They are called Bola B15 if that helps as you may be able to find out online somewhere.
@KunziDoesStuff my friend should I get 0 2018 or 2019 and above? 2018 I think little cheaper but the 2019 and above slight bump horsepower. Also I see good price
@@KunziDoesStuff thanks for update. I have a 22 Grand Touring trim level. Bought it this past March. 205s seem too skinny. Not that 215s are much wider, but I would imagine they look better? No mods yet….still getting to know her :)
@@KunziDoesStuff How talkative are the Michelin PS4's? I like the stock tires bc they tell you about the limit of grip so far in advance, any thoughts on your set up?
To be honest the PS4's are so good there is no limit of grip haha. I feel way more confident with the car as there's so much more grip. Even in the rain the PS4's perform really well. Combining this with the Eibach Pro Sport lowering springs the car feels just how it should have been from the factory.
These are built in Japan so if you take care of the vehicle, it should run flawlessly until well past 200,000 miles. Japanese built cars are the best! If the VIN doesn’t start with a J, stay away!
I always wondered why the UK and Europe got such a microscopic engine. I can't see this car with anything OTHER than it's 2 liter 180hp engine. Hell even the junker 2 liter that came before it is at least boostable easily (and then will be much better). The 1.5 doing 20,000 rpm and going 40mph is just so weird to me. Even for a miata, this is surely a crime. No "sports car" should be punished like that. In the recent past, Europe used to get better things than the US. They could have a 2 Liter with 300hp and all of a sudden, everythings anemic.
I think the 1.5 is fine since the car is so lightweight. But I think the 2.0 makes the car feel more complete especially for the RF version. Nothing worse than Jaguar offering a 2.0 for their F-Type which I think is an insult. That car should only have been sold as a V6 and V8!
@@KunziDoesStuff not at all. 1.5 is damn near unforgivable. the lightweight is an excuse at that point because the 2 liter in it's current form is JUST enough. and still eventually leads to being out grown. I say this with confidence coming from my 2004 1.8 with 140hp it did not feel slow at all and arguably feels as fast as the 2 liter from 0-60 (through the bum anyways). In the same way that a 1990 civic hatchback only weighs 1950lbs, having a 1.0 liter engine (japan spec) doesn't mean that the light weight helps at all, it just makes the car have a power to weight ratio of a school bus instead of an aircraft carrier with an outboard.
@@twrcrew8852 Think it depends what you want a car for. Certainly in the UK many MX5 owners are older/retired people and it’s a weekend car for them and the 1.5 L is a popular option. My wife has a 2022 2.0L RF and she potters around in it, the thought of blasting across twisty back roads would never cross her mind much less taking it on a trackday. That’s why it’s such a great little sports car, it suits so many different driving styles.
I spoke to a dealer about this and also a friend of mine who used to work at a Mazda dealer and they said: 1. Their cars are NOT given underbody treatment, and the metal is not galvanised. 2. A few vulnerable areas are given stone-chip protection. 3. There is no underbody protection given at any point post-production from factory to retail buyer. So if they did underseal them in the past, which is very doubtful, they certainly don’t now!
Dude you got the RF with the special leather for 16k? Dear god what a deal man. Thats cheaper than I bought my bloody Mazda 2 this year. Car market has gone wild man.
Thank you all for the comments and feedback! Keep them coming! Please let me know if there is anything I should do to improve my videos. Thanks!
is a mx5 drivable comfortably when you're around 6 feet, 190cm tall? how is visibility then do you have issues with view outside front and back?
@@pr0faker I think you should be fine at 6ft, but if not you can get seat lowering brackets to help give you more headroom. I have no issues with visibility.
Just to reassure you guys Miata's seem to be bullet proof. I have a 2006 with 243,000 miles on it. It still does not loose or use oil between olive changes.
Still love it. Orlando Florida.
That’s some impressive mileage!
I'm now on my 4th MX-5. I started with a 2016, then a 17, then the 184hp came out, so I traded up for a 2019. I put approx. 70~80k miles on each. I just bought a 2023 and as usual, can't keep out of it. My sportscar habit started back in 1964, purchasing a '64 MGB, then a '66 MGB. I drove the shit out of those two also. I might add, all were ragtops.
That’s a lot of mileage in very short time! Would you ever try an RF?
The lowered ride height makes the car look a lot meaner somehow. The only mod' my car has is the stubby aerial......so far.😉
It’s completely transformed the look. It also handles much better on the road. Stubby aerial was my first mod too 😄
Haha in the pub it also adds 15bhp
Dropped my RF with FM springs, Koni sports shocks, FM sways. Not only does look great, it handles amazing, and something no one ever seems to talk about, the wheels being deeper in the wells keeps the car cleaner! Like a win/win/win !
Very nice!
Great video. I purchased a (Machine Gray) 2022 RF Grand Touring in mid August, 2022. It sat idle in the garage for four months last winter, but I still have driven it nearly 16,000 fun filled miles. I smile every time I get behind the wheel. It’s an absolutely amazing machine.
Good choice on colour! Mine has been driven all year round for the last 3 years and I've had no issues. It truly is an amazing machine!
I have a 2023 MX-5 GT RF this thing is absolutely SWEET ... best purchase i 've ever made. nuff said!
Couldn't agree more!
Interesting and enjoyable listening to your views on the MX-5 RF. I'm currently on a 3 month lead time at the moment. Waiting for the delivery and can't wait to be totally honest. Iv'e ordered mine in the same machine grey as yourself, great colour. Iv'e wanted the MX-5 for a few years but life situations have got in the way. BUT, I'm not far away now. Thank you again
Sounds exciting! As yours is a new car I would recommend getting Paint Protection Film applied to at least the front end of the car as the paint is very delicate and stone chips easily. You will definitely enjoy it 👍🏼
Thank you for the fantastic review. I've always been curious about how the MX-5 RF holds-up over time. I agree that the hard-top is more appealing than the soft-top. It's reminiscent of a vintage Jaguar. The tires you added really take this car to another level and it's obvious that you have taken great care of it. Cheers!
Thank you and I’m glad you found the video useful! The Michelin PS4 tyres really are amazing. I’m not sure how they compare to the new PS5 though.
I love the looks of the RF but I didn’t care for air flow when I drove it. I had an NB and loved it but I wanted a hardtop that didn’t need to be left in the garage so after driving the RF, I picked up a NC2 PRHT and absolutely love it! These cars no matter which generation you have is sure to put a smile on your face every time you get it out for a run! Enjoy your beauty!
I drove a NC a while back and it was a courtesy car so it probably didn’t feel as good as it should have. I do like the 25th Anniversary Edition in red with the light interior I think it looks great 👍🏼
It’s a trade off with the air flow, but it’s a bit better removing the wind deflector. The soft top is great and I almost went there, but the hard top coupe feeling is nice.
If I can’t find the right PRHT, I’m not buying Miata.
I Own a 2017, driving it every winter here in the Austrian Alps with tons of salt and snow. 100.000km now on the car and I'm changing breaks on the rear now. nothing else has to be done so far.
Except I made a cavity sealing in the very beginning. Most reliable car I've owned and service is rather cheap even better than Lexus.
I drive mine all year round too. 100,000km is impressive!
How‘s the rust prevention on the Mx 5 ND? I‘m from southern germany and planning on daily driving the miata if I decide to buy one. Did you notice any rust under the car? Any problems with salt/snow?
A very nice example, loved the colour of the car, both interior and exterior and the wheels, again a very nice example.
Great update 👍
Car looks nice, the wheels/ride height is spot on 👌
Thanks mate!
2 things they need to do. 1. Make the rear bumper lower and with a nice defuser. 2. Give it more power. At least 240hp and turbo charge. Now that I would buy one in a heart beat.
I think a mild hybrid would be better.
One of the main selling points of the MX5 is that it is naturally aspirated.
@aceytoja That's true, but in today's standards, it's way under power and nearly 40k after taxes is kind of a waste of money. With that kind of weight, it needs like 50hp to keep up with the gt86.
vehicle weighs less than the gr86 and has a quicker 0-60 I believe....HP isn't everything. @@kuvyoghmoobamelica6883
In four days I will have my 2022 RF Club for a year. I keep looking at it ! lol I had wanted a two seater for a very long time.
I had friends that let me drive their: MGB, MGB-GT, MBC, Triumph Stag, MG-TC, and Fiat 124. There's nothing like driving these two seaters.
Thanx for your video!
Happy 1 year in advance with your RF! Glad you enjoyed the video! 👍🏼
@@KunziDoesStuff thank you !
Even though your in the UK driving an RF / in the United States driving a 2016 Club soft top the driving experience is very close. Low cost / fun to drive / reliable cars. I daily drive my car in 4 season weather so my winter tires are stacked on a dolly in the garage. The soft top is really good & avoiding parking under ANY trees to avoid flooding the interior applies to both the soft top & the RF with very similar roof drainage systems. The soft top takes a little more care during the year with a specialized 303 Convertible Kit & a soft bristle bush for cleaning. I've been thru so many snow / ice / sub zero F degree days in winter while also taking the extremely hot / humid / monsoon rain filled summer days also. This car has exceeded my expectations in almost every way. Not the weekend toy everybody claims it should be. Also easy for oil changes & modding because its relatively simple to work on having the right tools. Never drove an RF because when I bought this car in the 1st week of March 2017 the RFs were already SOLD off the transport trucks at local dealerships.
I believe this helped me get a great deal on my 2016 Club soft top with the Brembo / BBS package which looks amazing in Artic White with the Black ground effect trim. BTW the RFs were selling $3,700 to $5,000 over the soft tops back then - supply & demand !
Thanks for the comment, very detailed! My RF is my daily too and I do my best to look after it. I regularly check the drain holes to make sure everything is clear as I’ve heard a lot of horror stories with interior flooding.
Soft top real convertible , rf more a targa top
Beautiful setup, very clean. I'm about to receive my 2023 RF in few weeks and yours look exactly how I would like mine to look with the wheel/tire and suspension height.
Thank you! Definitely get the lowering springs and there are loads of options for wheels. Depending on the wheel offset you get you may need spacers. Mine are ET45 so no spacers were needed.
Nice real honest review of the mx5. I've just ordered the RF 2.0 lt exclusive line in black.. Doesn't arrive until September can't wait I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning..🤩 ...cheers
Thanks and congrats on your new purchase! I’d advise getting paint protection film applied on at least the front end as the paint chips easily and also rust protection on the underside.
Thanks for your reply.. what’s the best way to protect from stone chips . What products are out the tan what’s the best have you used any. Cheers mike
@@Mike-ip8hg My RF was 2 years old when I bought it so it already had a few chips on the front bumper but it’s not something I’m personally worried about, but since yours is brand new it’s definitely something to consider. I’ve heard XPEL Paint Protection Film is good.
I bought a 2011 MX5 68,000 miles in Nashville, TN for $15,515 with a 3 year warranty. I know a 12 year old car should have problems.I have owned it for 4 months. My mechanic said it was very well maintained. I put a chip for better fuel consumption and to add more power. I raced for 10 years in my 30's I stop racing at 42. The MX5 could have laped all the cars I raced with the modification I made. I took it to the track I used to race on my 3rd lap I beat my average speed 2,8 seconds on the half mile track. at 5000 rpm in 6th gear I hit 135 mph and as I slowly let off the gas pedal it maintained 135 it 7:31 didn't start to slow down until I had let off about 3 or 4 cm. Wow how much fun I think every time I drive this car. It doesn't have a turbo. All I did was replace a cold air filter and a chip that claims to add 60 hp. I 'm 66 years old and have own many cars. This is the best handling car I've own. It looks great and powerful. It spins the tires in 2nd gear. I drove home yesterday at interstate speeds and got 37.1 mpg. The only drawback is it doesn't have much low in torque, it loves high rpms.😊
Very cool story! Have you driven an ND?
I love the car mate. I normally prefer original rims but you nailed it with your selection. Your ND looks stunning. Hopefully I'll have the exact same car parked next to my little Fiesta ST150 for my perfect two car garage one day :) Thanks for the upload. Keep up the great content!
Thanks mate! I always wanted wheels of this design and I knew it would suit the car. I do still like the original wheels and they are one of the best wheels from factory in my opinion. Thanks for your support!
Lovely car. I love both the roadster and RF models. I'm seriously considering a used ND as a weekend toy.
They are brilliant cars. There are different versions of the ND. ND1, ND2 and ND3. I’d recommend you read up on that before you buy to make sure you know what you’re after.
Great video. I own a gen 3, 2014 Unbelievable car. I bought off lease w 5k miles, and have had only one repair I can remember.
Nice! What was it that needed repairing? Glad you enjoyed the video 👍🏼
perfect stance.. had to check such car (modded newest gen) after recent driving 4 answers video!
Thank you, glad you found the video useful!
Nice video ! I'll wait until 2030 for the 40th anniversary edition, then I will be 65 😊
Thank you! There might be a 35th Anniversary edition this year if you're lucky!
I wrote my soft top off in december. Gutted. Id had it for 5 years and put 90,000 miles on it. Was brilliant. To get better youd have to spend 3 times as much. Alpine has no soft top option.
Sorry to hear but you drove it a lot within 5 years. I do like the A110 but I think it’s a bit overpriced.
No manual gear selection either
What kind of wheels are these? They look so good man!
Thanks mate. They are Bola B15 17x8 ET35
@@KunziDoesStuff Thanks buddy!
great video. Thanks for making. Hey, what is the diameter size of your Michelin Pilot Sport tires? They look great
Thank you. Tyre size is 215/45/17.
What went wrong is they didn't make a real PRHT. If you're going to have the extra weight anyway, just do it right to begin with. That and the seats. If Mazda listens to anything customers say, make seat revision a top priority. They managed to make a top that doesn't lose trunk (boot) space with the NC, maybe they could put that kind of thinking towards developing actual street performance seats that are COMFORTABLE. Like long extended "USA" type 500+ mile (900+ Km) in a single day trip comfortable.
If I can avoid it in any way or fashion, I'll never give up my 2013 PRHT. If Mazda just "rebooted" that year model with a 20 more HP, with the improved Skyactive fuel economy, stiffer and LOWER springs, and added actual decent seats it would be the perfect Miata. I mean that, it would be the PERFECT roadster.
I can see where you are coming from especially as a 2013 PRHT owner. I've not driven a NC PRHT 'yet' but I'd definitely like to try it out to compare it with the ND RF. I guess Mazda wanted to try something different with the ND to give it more of a fastback look. You can maybe look into getting the seats retrimmed and add some extra padding for better lumbar support?
The paint!
My 2017 RF copper red started to fade milky white in 4 years!
Oh dear. Did Mazda do anything about it?
Copper red? Not familiar with that color on the ND MX-5. My Soul Red 2016 still looks great with minimal care.
@@bobreno4042
Bob, I think you are correct.
My 2008 Mazda 3i had the copper red mica.
2017 Miata is soul red metallic (not crystal...that came in 2019, I believe).
Either way, my non-garaged Mazdas started fading in late year four.
Granted, I live in Florida, so boo-koo hot sun.
Still seems too early to start fading.
These new, EPA compliant, 3 stage paints are thin, chip easily, and fade.
Did you have any problems with the water drain? Did you come across with flood or clogged? How often do you need to pull everything apart to clean it.. for anyone who is planning to get a ND RF really have to look into this issue… which wasn’t mentioned from most reviewers which can lead to a deal breaker.
I check the drain holes regularly especially after periods of heavy rain. The only areas that have gotten clogged are the drain holes next to the rear view glass, but even with those clogged, there was no flooding. I would say the main things to look for in a used RF are for any damp patches or smells in the cabin especially under the seats and condensation under the boot lid. You can always retract the hardtop into service mode to inspect the drain holes before you go ahead with your purchase. I'm going to try and make a video about this in the future.
@@KunziDoesStuff amazing you really know your stuff inside out!! Thanks for being helpful!
Only a minute into the video, but sounds like you got this for a steal of a price!
It was a bargain to be fair compared to others at that time!
great video! I've heard that paint chipping has been an issue. Have you experienced this?
Thank you, glad you found it useful! I’ve got a few chips on the front bumper but I don’t really worry about it too much I just want to enjoy the car and not worry about little things like these. I just hope Mazda improve their paint quality for future models.
Great video. I just got mine MD2 Miata And would like to know how do you get such a deep color on the car? 😍
Thank you. I had just washed the car and took it to a car park and just as the sun was setting I captured the picture. Machine Grey looks amazing during sunset!
I’m glad you love it. For me those tires are just crazy too big.
They’re not much bigger than the standard tyres 😄
It looks better here, the picture being squished a little. I wish it the car actually has these proportions: a longer and lower roof line.
Picture hasn’t been edited it’s just the angle it was taken. I think the proportions are perfect. A lower roofline for the RF would make headroom an issue for a lot of people!
I owned a ND2 RF. The steering and handling were amazing. I wish it had a touch more power. The bad was the seats had absolutely no lumbar support and the wireless CarPlay was terribly slow. All things said, I'd own another.
There is a hack for the seats which is to place a lumbar cushion through the back. I will be installing wired CarPlay soon so hopefully there will be no lag.
With the RF You get a win wing, when the top is down. my MX 5 is 4 years old 2019, 8,000 miles.
You need to drive it more! 😁
Hey there, just test drove the prime-line edition of the MX5 RF today, the 1.5 litre engine felt extremely disappointing, im going to be testing the 2 litre next week so im hoping its going to be more worth while. Other than that, it was extremely comfortable and very reactive which i really appreciate.
I’ve test driven a 1.5 soft top and it wasn’t too bad, but the 2.0 is perfect for the RF I think.
I've got the 1.5 soft top and the power is enough to enjoy a drive without going excessively fast. I suppose it depends what other cars you driven previously.
@@andrewstevenson6540 I've put a deposit down for the 2 litre after test driving it, excited to get it! Currently driving an Audi A3 which has been great to me but excited for the shift to a more compact roaster 🏌️
Do you find it comfortable for long highway trips? Could you compare the RF to a classic coupe when closed?
I use the car on the motorway sometimes and I find it comfortable. When the roof is up it feels like you’re in a GT car which is nice.
Gorgeous looking car 👌
Thank you Paul!
Love the height of your car. What lowering springs did you get?
Thanks. They are the Eibach Pro Sport Spring Kit from MX-5 Parts
what size wheels/tires, mate?
they look great! I bet they'd look wonderful on my Platinum quartz w/ terracotta interiro
Wheels: 17x8 ET35. Perfect fitment, no spaces needed.
Tyres: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 215/45/17.
I think they would look great on your car. They also have these in black and nice sliver finishes so any of them would look great!
Great review
Thank you Tors!
Together with Alpine A110 the most fun cars imho on the market.
I love the Alpine A110 but I feel it’s quite overpriced. You can get a used Supra for around £40k but the A110 will set you back at least £50k for a used one.
My MX5 has been wrapped wider Michelin tyres sports exhaust different alloys I have had it 5years fantastic 🚗
What size tyres and wheels are you running?
@@KunziDoesStuff same 17inch tyres 225/45
Do you get any rubbing with the 225’s?
@@KunziDoesStuff occasionally but they are a bit tight mostly of the time it is ok I think you're car like mine is 181bhb
Ah okay. Mine is an ND1 so it has 160bhp.
Great miata!
Thank you! Yours looks great too 😁
Nice mods! I like the wheels and tires you got on! What are they, if you don't mind sharing? Thumbs up and subscribed! Happy driving!
Thanks for the sub, I'm hoping to start uploading more videos again soon. Wheels are Bola B15 17x8 ET35 and tyres are Michelin PS4 215/45/17.
@@KunziDoesStuff I'm so close to being able to afford a 2024 Miata RF GT, paying most of it in cash! Thanks for the info! Your car looks fantastic!
Good review 👍
Thank you for the support, glad you enjoyed it! 👍🏼
hi. is et35 good for that setup? any rubbing? what you think about et45?
I think ET45 is what the OEM offset is but the wheel size is 17x7 instead of 17x8 which is what I have. No rubbing with my setup, just need a proper alignment to eliminate that.
Can I ask what size wheels and tyres you're running? Also is it a 30mm drop you've done?
17x8 ET35 and Michelin PS4 215/45/17. Yes it’s a 30mm drop using Eibach Pro Sport Springs on factory Bilstein shocks.
@@KunziDoesStuff legend - thanks mate
You should have purchased the 2019 version it's much better .ALSO The RF is nice with the top up but has lots of wind noise when it's down .The handling in the RF also if isn't as good because the roof changes the center of gravity I have a new 2023 Miata in Canada with the better shocks and limited slip but to be honest all you need is the base model with soft top and crystal soul red paint and you have the best looking car at the best value money can buy .Base is ace
I did consider an ND2 but the price difference was a bit too much for me at the time, so I got the ND1 instead. Still a fantastic car and no regrets whatsoever!
@@KunziDoesStuff Any Mista is a classic but even the new one in the base model is a great car and it's all anyone needs.Mone is the model up from that so it has the limited slip but to be honest the car is so good it's very rare it kicks in .You pretty much need to force it to kick on.So a new base soft top is almost as cheap
I love your review. What are the specs and brand of those wheels?
Glad to hear you enjoyed the video! Wheels are Bola B15 and they are 17x8 ET 35. Tyres are Michelin Pilot Sport 4 215/45/17.
@@KunziDoesStuff not sure if I can get those wheels in the US.
Check out a few sites. There’s bound to be someone who can ship internationally or a US supplier.
Nice review. What are the details on the wheels and tires
Thanks!
Wheels:
Bola B15 17x8 ET35
Tyres:
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 215/45/27
What wheels are those? They look great…is it in a bronze colour?
They are called Bola B15 and in gloss bronze.
My friend I see many low price but high miles likke 60 plus NY question is how long does clutch and transmission last is there any issue to check for if say is 2019 with 50 to 60k miles? Also how much cost to replace clutch etc
Mine has done 55k miles and I'm still on the original clutch and transmission. I would suggest contacting a local dealer to find out the cost as each country has different prices.
2008 NC PRHT for life, yo. Do other MX-5 owners view the RF like the bastard my PRHT is?
I do like the PRHT, especially the 25th anniversary edition.
Insurance is quite low on this as well
Yep. Running costs are fairly reasonable 👍🏼
@@KunziDoesStuff I did some quotes on the 2022 versions and all came back decent. Not sure if it varies, cuz I've been told by ppl it's based on Credit history too
A lot of factors will determine insurance price such as location, driving history, etc. I assume credit history plays a part in that too.
Do you think it's warm enough without the heated seat in winter?
With leather seats I have to say heated seats are a must in winter. With cloth seats you can probably get away with it.
What oil do you use 0W20 or 5W30?
Do you have any losses on the oil dipstick?
5W30. No losses on the dipstick.
@@KunziDoesStuff Do you use Mazda oil? Orginal Oil Ultra 5W30 or ...?
Mazda oil
Did you increase wheel and or tore size? If so, to what sizes?
Wheels: 17x8 ET35 (Same rim size as stock but wider)
Tyres: 215/45/17 Michelin PS4
How are the speakers?
Bose system is brilliant in my opinion. Also when you are on a phone call the audio comes through speakers in the headrest to make it easier to hear when you have the top down.
May I ask what the cost was for lowering the rear springs please?
£250 for installation.
Are those the factory wheels
Aftermarket wheels. Bola B15 17x8 ET35
Does it require premium gas or regular?
I use regular and it’s what’s recommended anyway. I’d only use premium if I was going on a track day.
Whats the size of the rims and tires also any sway bars and which ebach springs
17 x 8 ET35. 215/45/17. Eibach Pro Sport Kit. Check out my latest video where I explain it.
So you didn't change the size of tires
@@robertshetsen8691 The standard size is 205/45/17
are you able to update the system to have android auto and apple carplay through the manufacturer?
Mazda do offer this as an upgrade but I think they charge around £300. You can buy the unit yourself for around £50 and do a DIY installation. I’ll be doing it myself in a few weeks so look out for the videos!
@@KunziDoesStuff looking forward to it, and out of curiosity what phone mount have you been using for the car and would recommend?
I haven’t got any phone mount. I just keep it placed in front of the gearstick. If you have one of the latest iPhones you can get a MagSafe mount.
The best looking version of the MX5 is...the 124 Spider. 😎👊🏼
Haha, I would have to disagree 😄. The 124 exhaust does sound quite good though.
The 124 Spider was discontinued because of all the engine problems & very slow sales. The engines were made in Italy & shipped to Mazda in Japan to install. The engines in MX 5 engines are made by Mazda in Japan & are trouble-free. Italian engine quality problems are nothing new. And can not compete with the Japanese quality!!
Beautiful car😍 can you tell me, if the wheels fit over the original Brembo brakes? And do you know the weight of the wheels?
Thank you! I’m not too sure about the weight and if the brembo brakes will fit as my brakes are standard. They are called Bola B15 if that helps as you may be able to find out online somewhere.
What are mods,?,?? What turbo you put amd wheel
Not sure I understand your question. No turbo in my engine, its a completely stock 2.0 litre. Wheels are Bola B15.
@@KunziDoesStuff ok thanks what year? Also what exhaust would you recommend
@@ShubalooMugaloo Mine is a 2018. I have a Cobalt exhaust fitted and I’m very happy with it. There’s a lots of out there to choose from.
@KunziDoesStuff my friend should I get 0
2018 or 2019 and above? 2018 I think little cheaper but the 2019 and above slight bump horsepower. Also I see good price
@@ShubalooMugaloo If the 2019 is a good price then go for that. They made some changes to the engine and gearbox so it has 180 bhp instead of 160bhp.
how wide are the tires? Still 205s?
They are 215/45/17 Michelin PS4.
@@KunziDoesStuff thanks for update. I have a 22 Grand Touring trim level. Bought it this past March. 205s seem too skinny. Not that 215s are much wider, but I would imagine they look better?
No mods yet….still getting to know her :)
The 215s will look more flush with the stock wheels.
@@KunziDoesStuff How talkative are the Michelin PS4's? I like the stock tires bc they tell you about the limit of grip so far in advance, any thoughts on your set up?
To be honest the PS4's are so good there is no limit of grip haha. I feel way more confident with the car as there's so much more grip. Even in the rain the PS4's perform really well. Combining this with the Eibach Pro Sport lowering springs the car feels just how it should have been from the factory.
These are built in Japan so if you take care of the vehicle, it should run flawlessly until well past 200,000 miles. Japanese built cars are the best! If the VIN doesn’t start with a J, stay away!
Couldn't agree more!
I always wondered why the UK and Europe got such a microscopic engine. I can't see this car with anything OTHER than it's 2 liter 180hp engine. Hell even the junker 2 liter that came before it is at least boostable easily (and then will be much better). The 1.5 doing 20,000 rpm and going 40mph is just so weird to me. Even for a miata, this is surely a crime. No "sports car" should be punished like that. In the recent past, Europe used to get better things than the US. They could have a 2 Liter with 300hp and all of a sudden, everythings anemic.
I think the 1.5 is fine since the car is so lightweight. But I think the 2.0 makes the car feel more complete especially for the RF version. Nothing worse than Jaguar offering a 2.0 for their F-Type which I think is an insult. That car should only have been sold as a V6 and V8!
@@KunziDoesStuff not at all. 1.5 is damn near unforgivable. the lightweight is an excuse at that point because the 2 liter in it's current form is JUST enough. and still eventually leads to being out grown. I say this with confidence coming from my 2004 1.8 with 140hp it did not feel slow at all and arguably feels as fast as the 2 liter from 0-60 (through the bum anyways). In the same way that a 1990 civic hatchback only weighs 1950lbs, having a 1.0 liter engine (japan spec) doesn't mean that the light weight helps at all, it just makes the car have a power to weight ratio of a school bus instead of an aircraft carrier with an outboard.
@@twrcrew8852 Think it depends what you want a car for.
Certainly in the UK many MX5 owners are older/retired people and it’s a weekend car for them and the 1.5 L is a popular option. My wife has a 2022 2.0L RF and she potters around in it, the thought of blasting across twisty back roads would never cross her mind much less taking it on a trackday.
That’s why it’s such a great little sports car, it suits so many different driving styles.
Brit lecturing about cars is like Brit lecturing about food...
Lecturing? Just sharing my own thoughts 😁
@@KunziDoesStuff Mate, wish you all the best but you in the UK are even driving on the wrong side of the road.
Better than American junk food.
Can't you drive on both sides? Most Brits can.
Rust should't be an issue on ANY modern car. Do they not do the zinc dip during manufacturing?
I spoke to a dealer about this and also a friend of mine who used to work at a Mazda dealer and they said:
1. Their cars are NOT given underbody treatment, and the metal is not galvanised.
2. A few vulnerable areas are given stone-chip protection.
3. There is no underbody protection given at any point post-production from factory to retail buyer.
So if they did underseal them in the past, which is very doubtful, they certainly don’t now!
Dude you got the RF with the special leather for 16k? Dear god what a deal man. Thats cheaper than I bought my bloody Mazda 2 this year. Car market has gone wild man.
Yeah it was a great deal. The market is very unpredictable at the moment!