This review is so strange. The delivery of everything is so neutral and deadpan, and I can't tell if he's happy with the car or hates it... yet it's so captivating, no BS, and honest. Damn, this is one of my favourite reviews.
Mark's criticism of the engine's lack of power and unwillingness to rev has been addressed in the 2019 version. I hope he tests a Miata roadster (not the silly RF) in the near future.
You put a really unique spin on car reviews. 95% of them are all the same. They all say the same BS. You have found a great niche in bringing in the mechanic and discussing the under side of cars. I have learned so much that. It has really showed me what auto makers truly make good cars and which ones are putting lipstick on rental cars (Ford). Great work! Keep em’ coming.
Just bought a 2019 RF GT. Extra power certainly helps. And in a cold climate city, you just don't see many sports cars so it really stands out. Also, Out Run sounds at the end?? Epic.
20,000+ miles on my '16 ND, Summer and Winter on NH roads, it's a wonderful car. I'll stick with the soft top, it goes down every chance I get, even 15 degrees in Winter. Best bang for the buck to be had. Great review, the best site to be had.
dude I actually jealous you, like really, test driven that car, but want to buy, even its not even practical at all. And I cant take it to the mountains for skiing.
How does the suspension hold up on NH roads?? Bend any wheels or flatten any tires?? I was gonna buy a Kia Stinger but was afraid to winter drive it because of low ground clearance and the low profile tires
You are completely right. After owning hot hatches, 5 Porsches and lastly a Ferrari for 8 years, I am getting fed up with a high maintenance costs and servicing without ever being able to really enjoy the car on public roads. So I just bought a new ND2. A lot of fun for a lot less money.
You said at the end this is one of the best sports cars ever built at this point. 2019 model has significant power and redline bump, we need a follow up review Mr. Goose!!
One thing I'd ALWAYS put on a Miata is a good set of coilovers. I haven't driven an ND yet, but from all the videos, it looks like they are the same as the NCs in this regard: they sway and pitch around like a ship in stormy weather. And it makes the car unstable in quick direction changes-but aftermarket suspension is easily able to cure it.
Hi, the power problem can be solved with tune and aftermarket header. I have 2016 ND club and I changed to aftermarket header with reputable tune and it revs to 7500rpm and I think it's legitimately quick car. And it only cost me $1000. For the cost and performance gain, this is awesome and I wish you could try my car and review but I live in California. Thanks for your review and you were the one that got me into ND miata a year ago and I love it every time I drive it.
Near the beginning of the shoppe segment (and after the track clip), the way they stand, the way the light bounces off their satisfied and slightly tired faces made me feel like I was interrupting something intimate. Very intimate. I swear I was looking for a fireplace, a bear skin rug, and a couple empty wine bottles in the background.
@@johntechwriter I haven't driven a soft top so I can't speak out of experience. But I can see where the theory comes from and would want to test it out myself. Just like this video I've seen another video where they claim the weight distribution is closer to 50:50 (front:back) in the RF because of the additional 100lbs. In a StraightPipes review, they talk about how the soft top is more tail happy cause it's lighter in the back.
I'm amazed at the ease of direction change and transitions on the autocross. To me, as a noob, that seems like a very hard thing to get right without turning every corner into a scandinavian flick and end up in a tree.
As you all know, I love baseball analogies, and once again Mark proves that he is the Goose Gossage of car reviewers. Not only does he throw heat, like a turbo charged baller, but he knows how to close the deal. Any way you look at him, it's a WIN for UA-cam and ladies of the greater Chicagoland metropolis
LOL I love how you know all these people with crazy names and tie their personal stories into these videos even though they have absolutely nothing to do with the car and you don't even remember if your friend was a car designer or owned a dealership or whatever it was, once you get to the girlfriend bit I was cracking up. Love these little random nuggets!
I just picked up an older 2001 miata and sparked my interests in the car. This new one must be awesome as I really enjoy mine. Great review dude! My favorite reviewer.
Like the previous reviewer hinted at. Man are you going to love the 2019 refresh. I think I’m going to buy that car! Although they still haven’t figured out the wind noise issue on the RF. A new engine with 7,500 RPM and 15% power gain. I think Mazda will hit it out of the park with that car.
Just got the 2020 soft top. I love the RF's look, but the soft top is definitely much more interesting when the weather allows. Yes it does have more wind noise above 50 mph, but that's like me driving my Honda with the ski rack on at 75 so it's nothing crazy for me. The fact that I can turn my head and look at the blind spot when the top down is so fun and funny to me, you can't do that with the RF.
I've got an ND2, the base Sport, not the Club. I saved thousands buying the Sport -- I got my 2019 brand new with no options in black for $24,800. If I want I can use the money Ive saved for a set of coilovers that greatly reduce lean, squat, and dive, as well as lower the car an inch or two to remove the empty space above the wheels. But I probably won't. I don't intend to compete, and I like the base trim's comfortable ride. The Club also leans, squats, and dives. That's why many Club buyers end up spending spend a couple grand on coilovers and maybe a front sway bar, effectively throwing away the brand new super-expensive Bilstein shocks that come with the Club. In other words, they spend thousands more than me to achieve the same effect.
I own an ND2 and drive it with extra caution. Those texting nitwits in their sky-high SUVs have enough trouble avoiding each other. The blind spots and sense of isolation driving an SUV put drivers of small cars at elevated risk. To reduce that, I always drive with the running lights on. One gloomy days I’ll use the headlights for increased conspicuity. I’m watchful of cars coming toward me on a two-lane - if an approaching car's front end dips a bit, he might be preparing to turn left in front of me. (And old motorcycle trick.) At traffic lights when the green goes on I take a moment to see if somebody is about to run the light. By the same token I try to stop at yellow lights rather than risk a collision with somebody anticipating the green.
Awesome reviews! Have this in mind for my next car, so I'm glad to have a chance to hear from you about it. Looking forward to all your future content.
I drove an FR-S recently... man, this formula works well. That thing was a ton of fun on the street without being obnoxious. I can't do a car that does like 4K at 80 MPH on the highway with my ~400 miles a week of commuting though. I envy people who can do these kinds of cars.
Hey, in 1960's, my Morris Minor convertible was a blast; once we replaced the ragtop. On a summer day, around London top down was so much ... yeehaw. Nice!
We finally agree on something, Geese. The Miatta is the perfect little sports car. However, it's a sunny day on a winding road. I just don't see it as a daily driver.
I got a 2014 Mustang V6 automatic as my first car, then I went through a manual 2011 Mustang GT with 420hp thought I want more power and a manual transmission, years later I switched to 2001 986 boxster S because of I realize how fun cornering is, then picked up a 2015 WRX STI because of the practicality and how fun of a turbocharged car is, and now I am driving an E92 M3 because how addictive the 8400rpm V8 is. In the year of 2022, when we are getting $5/gallon gas price (California), I am planning to sell my e92 M3 and my 2001 nb miata and looking to buy a ND miata for my daily driver, that really reflects the quote @16:26
Thanks Gooseman for another pro video,great 4k and pro audio,just FYI traded in my beautiful 2015 mustang GT for the RF,,downsizing now that I have retired,,hope I did not make a mistake,I dont think so.
I bought a new ND1 soft top almost two years ago, and I absolutely love it. I looked at the RF, but besides being about $3K more expensive, I just liked the open air roadster better. Plus, I’ve read of some wind buffeting issues at freeway speeds with the RF, and since I do some highway miles that was a turnoff. That being said, it would be nice to have a quieter interior with the top up, plus I’d feel like I had a little extra security where someone couldn’t just slice my top open to get into the car. Still, the roadster is worth the tradeoffs.
I had the RF for over two years and loved it. The wind was...noticeable. I've had full convertibles, and this one definitely had a lot more buffeting. I didn't care :) The only reason I sold is because I moved to a compact city where owning a car is a burden, but I may be getting a soft top next year (if I move a bit further out).
@@timothycoyne5874 It was great fun, and truly lovely. Living in a snow-less climate year round, I think the soft-top will be fine as now you have used ones for around $17,000 (keeping close to a budget) and the blind spots in the RF were definitely there.
Thanks for touching on the one thing that I'm interested in: How much does the RF feel like a convertible? Most reviews don't touch on that. Having owned the MazdaSpeed MX-5 and loving the fact that it was a convertible, I'm trying to decide if I want the soft top or the RF. My brain says I want the soft top, but I also aesthetically am loving the looks of the RF more than the soft top! I suppose I won't really know until I sit and drive each one back to back.
Yep....you got it right. I'm the guy that's had a heap of cars including turbo charged limpets that can do sub-8 minute Nurburgring lap times. I also live is a country that bleeds motorist dry with road revenue cameras set at tiny tolerances. The RF is probably both the most sensible and one of the most fun cars I've ever owned. If get MX5s now. Why did it take me so long?
Nice review. The ragtop is for me, because the MX-5 would/will (dunno if I'm getting one yet) a weekend toy with the top down 99% of the time. I had a '91 so I know all about Miata's magic. It does everything right without the big numbers. I just don't know if I can let go of my FD. Original owner here. The '91 Miata was the first car I never planned to buy and I bought it after about 8 cloverleaf interchanges. I was just going for a test drive/joy ride, however I ended up buying the same car and took it home within a couple of hours. Usually I investigate all of my options before buying a car. Not in this case! My friends laughed their asses off when they first saw it and said I wouldn't keep it for 2 months. Wrong! Mind you, I did have a habit of buying new cars every year or so.
Very nice review, great to see it from below. My daily driver is a Ford focus 2013 which can take a roundabound or corner pretty quick. But i was amazed how quick you can it can be done with the mx-5 with ease! You just have to be aware of other drivers who sometimes do not see you in time or miscalculate your speed.
Hi Savagegeese. First of all, i am really enjoying to watch your extensive reviews. I have both 718 Cayman base model with PDK and ND Mx-5 1.5 . Driving MX-5 for daily urban traffic much more fun compare to Cayman if i confess with my all honesty. Cayman's turbo lag and rather long 2.gear ratio are sometimes being troublesome. I'm curious about whats your opinion about that matter? Do you think Cayman is fun to drive in city traffic? Also I wish you have tried the 1.5 version of this car.Unfortunately you dont have this option in US. Its rev happy and reving up to 7500 rpm with no issue. And sounds much better. Greetings from Istanbul btw.
What a great video.Perfect weight distribution isn't as important as what you do with it.Go with the miata soft top with bilstein shocks and limited slip it;s all you need.Don't get the recaro seats they don't breath that well and add money you could use to get a sick exhaust from flying miata.
For whatever reason, the Miata RF is 12k more than a BRZ and 5k more than a Mustang GT up here in Canada. It's reasonably priced elsewhere, but there is no justifiable reason to pay over 40k for a hardtop Miata here.
You guys are just great! Fantastic reviews and pictures! I was wondering if you guys know anything about the the next generation Mazda 6, and the new HCCI engine Mazda is about to develop? I've got huge expectations for next generation Mazda 3 and 6!! Keep up the great work!! :)
always a pleasure watching these videos...question, what are the 90*, L-bracket looking pieces at 9:43 and 10:00 that are just in front of the front wheels and on the engine splash guard? Do they have a name and what is their purpose? I realize they are there to deflect air, but for what? Are they vortex eliminators, almost as a "reverse" spoiler, to counteract lift tendencies? Cheers.
Another wonderful review of an ionic sports car. My only gripe is the engine power - it's just not enough. I own a 94 Miata which I've had for years and it's always been lacking in power. Mazda really needs to keep it naturally aspirated. Perhaps a high torque V6. Thanks for the review!
well hell... I love your reviews, awesome, they totally speak to me, the layout, format, etc. So you did a great review on the ZL1 1LE, and what really "did it for me" was the car on the rack. Same goes for the C7 GS review. I ended up buying a 2SS 1LE and what a great driving car it is. Phenomenal Now I find myself wanting an additional car, something small, and fun. Aerial? Probably not. Miata? Probably my ultimate choice here. Power is blind, driving skill... thats another thing unto itself, decent money for a little car, and for something i'm not going to get all too upset over with parking lot dings.
Danny Denihan Jr Me neither, same problem. Savage seems to come out in favour of the MX-5 in the comparison discussion. Like "the R makes much more sense so let's all get the MX-5." :)
acchaladka it's tough cuz I'm moving to Jacksonville Florida here next month so obviously the Miata is perfect for that state but then again I want the luxury an refinement of the golf too lol
Danny Denihan Jr It comes down to how much long-distance driving you'll be doing. Any drive near or beyond an hour is a bit of a chore in my 2002 Miata due to the noise and exposure to the sun (if it's raining, it flies over your head at freeway speeds). For shorter drives there's nothing better. The current Golf is a little numb makes its weight felt - it takes its time to settle into turns. More "nice car" than "fun car". But there's a time and place for that.
I have the 95 NA Miata which has even less HP but that hasn't been a issue. I live out away from the city with roads that are full of curves and you only get into trouble on these roads with a lot of HP. I love how well it can drive these roads and people have a heck of a time keeping up with me. It's geared to be quick but not to be fast. If you own one you know what I mean. I think I would rather have my older one than the new model. If I got one of the new ones the first thing I'd do is get better sway bars. I even did it with the older ones and they weren't as bad as the new model but it was still something that needed fixing. Made the ride a little harsher but it's still a easy car to use every day. Don't like the light convert. top with the new model, feels very cheap. And one really nice part of owning the older models is Mazda made removable hard tops so you just put that on in the fall and take it off in the spring. The best of both worlds. Mazda was pretty smart in their design and it was a car to model the Brit. sports cars which were not all that fast but fun as heck to drive around in and the Miatas don't break down once a month or even once every 10 years so they made the best little roadster in the world.
Changing demands. Traffic has become really terrible in the Philippines (Mainly Metro Manila where a huge percentage of the population is) which made customers choose automatic more often than manuals. Manuals are mostly for subcompact hatchbacks now. Heck, even the Honda Jazz/Fit and its sedan counterpart only has one out of four trims available in manual. Although yes, there are still plenty of manuals but having them in B or C segment cars is starting to become a rarity. The soft top ND MX-5 still comes in manual but most are sold in automatics. The RF is automatic only. Only two cars in the current Mazda line-up that come in manual are the base Mazda 2 and the MX-5 soft top.
This review is so strange. The delivery of everything is so neutral and deadpan, and I can't tell if he's happy with the car or hates it... yet it's so captivating, no BS, and honest. Damn, this is one of my favourite reviews.
Welcome to Illinois/Chicago.
This is how a lot of people there talk.
Charlie trotter had a similar demeanor.
Mark's criticism of the engine's lack of power and unwillingness to rev has been addressed in the 2019 version. I hope he tests a Miata roadster (not the silly RF) in the near future.
Who's Anton??
Not every Automotive Journalist acts like a Giddy School Girl behind The Wheel…🥱
His only complaint was SOLVED in the 2019 ND2!! It revs GREAT!
And the steering wheel is more movable :)
THIS comment just sealed the deal on this car! Wow! New dream car, thx..👍
You put a really unique spin on car reviews. 95% of them are all the same. They all say the same BS. You have found a great niche in bringing in the mechanic and discussing the under side of cars. I have learned so much that. It has really showed me what auto makers truly make good cars and which ones are putting lipstick on rental cars (Ford). Great work! Keep em’ coming.
I interrupted my wife's work rant to watch this. Will probably get couch duty tonight. Worth it.
holy crap that was funny... i can totally relate with the g/f
Wow, balls man, balls. Probably gonna need that nut powder from Matt Farah.
@The Catmother Exactly why relationships perplex me. A bit stupid if you ask me.
sasquatch who hurt you...
As soon as I saw the notification. I walked out of class and sat outside just to watch this video
LOL
It's unanimous--the ND miata (2016, 2017) is a hit. Mazda knocked it out the freakin park.
Agreed
really like your no bullshit reviews keep it up .......
Just bought a 2019 RF GT. Extra power certainly helps. And in a cold climate city, you just don't see many sports cars so it really stands out. Also, Out Run sounds at the end?? Epic.
20,000+ miles on my '16 ND, Summer and Winter on NH roads, it's a wonderful car. I'll stick with the soft top, it goes down every chance I get, even 15 degrees in Winter. Best bang for the buck to be had.
Great review, the best site to be had.
dude I actually jealous you, like really, test driven that car, but want to buy, even its not even practical at all. And I cant take it to the mountains for skiing.
Actually where I ski at Hunter Mountain there is a guy with a Boxter who has a suction cup ski rack on his passenger side window.
How does the suspension hold up on NH roads?? Bend any wheels or flatten any tires?? I was gonna buy a Kia Stinger but was afraid to winter drive it because of low ground clearance and the low profile tires
@@hamerplayer1229 I've never heard of that, that's amazing haha
You are completely right. After owning hot hatches, 5 Porsches and lastly a Ferrari for 8 years, I am getting fed up with a high maintenance costs and servicing without ever being able to really enjoy the car on public roads. So I just bought a new ND2. A lot of fun for a lot less money.
You said at the end this is one of the best sports cars ever built at this point. 2019 model has significant power and redline bump, we need a follow up review Mr. Goose!!
One thing I'd ALWAYS put on a Miata is a good set of coilovers. I haven't driven an ND yet, but from all the videos, it looks like they are the same as the NCs in this regard: they sway and pitch around like a ship in stormy weather. And it makes the car unstable in quick direction changes-but aftermarket suspension is easily able to cure it.
Hi, the power problem can be solved with tune and aftermarket header.
I have 2016 ND club and I changed to aftermarket header with reputable tune and it revs to 7500rpm and I think it's legitimately quick car. And it only cost me $1000. For the cost and performance gain, this is awesome and I wish you could try my car and review but I live in California.
Thanks for your review and you were the one that got me into ND miata a year ago and I love it every time I drive it.
The Open flash tune and header add around 16 wheel hp. Pushing out far more power than stock above 5500 rpm.
fatboy19831 that's exactly what I have. plus flyin Miata hush o matic exhaust.
Tae Nam do your modifications add weight to the car? I have a gt grand touring 2016 and want more power without adding weight
Miguel Lopez weight saving is negligible but I think they are lighter by 10-15lbs. but power gain is really good especially with increased rev ranges.
The aftermarket header is about 12 or so pounds lighter than stock and that weight comes off the front wheels.
Near the beginning of the shoppe segment (and after the track clip), the way they stand, the way the light bounces off their satisfied and slightly tired faces made me feel like I was interrupting something intimate. Very intimate.
I swear I was looking for a fireplace, a bear skin rug, and a couple empty wine bottles in the background.
Sounds like the beginning of the true SavageGeese/Turbowski fanfiction we all not only want, but need.
🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿
I drove a 184 hp soft top in machine grey with tan leather 2 days ago - Looked absolutely fantastic and very classy.
The 100 pounds the RF adds is ALL over the back wheels. Everyone seems to agree the RF is a better handling car than the true convertible.
+fatboy19831 It was faster than standard miata in autox.
I've never read anywhere that the RF outhandles the roadster.
@@johntechwriter I haven't driven a soft top so I can't speak out of experience. But I can see where the theory comes from and would want to test it out myself. Just like this video I've seen another video where they claim the weight distribution is closer to 50:50 (front:back) in the RF because of the additional 100lbs. In a StraightPipes review, they talk about how the soft top is more tail happy cause it's lighter in the back.
So then just put 100lbs in the trunk of the convertible
Chad Stuetzel you would have to also re-tune the Suspension.
Please never stop making car reviews!!!! you are the best in the business!
I'm amazed at the ease of direction change and transitions on the autocross. To me, as a noob, that seems like a very hard thing to get right without turning every corner into a scandinavian flick and end up in a tree.
Miatas are just easy to drive. Plus this guy got the top time on the Miata and top time on the GTI, so he knows how to drive them.
Best car reviews. Period. Not even just UA-cam. Everywhere.
Very high praise at the end: "one of the best sports car ever made " I agree
These kind of review is what i've been waiting for! Honest and direct to what every Driver are longing to know.
As you all know, I love baseball analogies, and once again Mark proves that he is the Goose Gossage of car reviewers.
Not only does he throw heat, like a turbo charged baller, but he knows how to close the deal. Any way you look at him, it's a WIN for UA-cam and ladies of the greater Chicagoland metropolis
Gosh guys. The production quality is superb! Thanks for the honest no bs content.
Scott's comments always have me dead. "I thought we weren't going under the car"
I love your content, Mark. This is absolutely the best car review channel.
How can anyone not love this car? I had the original in 1989...still a great car.
LOL I love how you know all these people with crazy names and tie their personal stories into these videos even though they have absolutely nothing to do with the car and you don't even remember if your friend was a car designer or owned a dealership or whatever it was, once you get to the girlfriend bit I was cracking up. Love these little random nuggets!
best car review channel on youtube.
I just picked up an older 2001 miata and sparked my interests in the car. This new one must be awesome as I really enjoy mine. Great review dude! My favorite reviewer.
never stop doing what you're doing. your reviews are so well done, i can't quite put into words how to compliment you but damn, bravo.
Your reviews are getting better n better buddy
Just bought me a 2019 GT. Such a fun car to drive.
Awesome vid for an awesome car. I always love your reviews! Keep it up. It just sucks theres no manual trans from mazda here in the Philippines.
wow... that really sucks...
Only the regular soft top Miata has Manual. My friend who works at Mazda confirmed there's no MT on the RF.
Michael Joseph Bautista We do have manuals but only for the base MX5 and base model 2 (which they are phasing out since nobody is buying them)
Like the previous reviewer hinted at. Man are you going to love the 2019 refresh. I think I’m going to buy that car! Although they still haven’t figured out the wind noise issue on the RF. A new engine with 7,500 RPM and 15% power gain. I think Mazda will hit it out of the park with that car.
Your reviews are awesome. Extremely thorough and even a bit entertaining. Thank you.
Just got the 2020 soft top. I love the RF's look, but the soft top is definitely much more interesting when the weather allows.
Yes it does have more wind noise above 50 mph, but that's like me driving my Honda with the ski rack on at 75 so it's nothing crazy for me.
The fact that I can turn my head and look at the blind spot when the top down is so fun and funny to me, you can't do that with the RF.
Hope we get an unbiased Type-R review soon! Keep it up, best car channel on UA-cam by far
I can't wait for the high-revving 181hp update coming for 2019! If they get rid of a chunk of body roll in the club it will be perfect.
I've got an ND2, the base Sport, not the Club. I saved thousands buying the Sport -- I got my 2019 brand new with no options in black for $24,800. If I want I can use the money Ive saved for a set of coilovers that greatly reduce lean, squat, and dive, as well as lower the car an inch or two to remove the empty space above the wheels. But I probably won't. I don't intend to compete, and I like the base trim's comfortable ride.
The Club also leans, squats, and dives. That's why many Club buyers end up spending spend a couple grand on coilovers and maybe a front sway bar, effectively throwing away the brand new super-expensive Bilstein shocks that come with the Club. In other words, they spend thousands more than me to achieve the same effect.
A safe fun car that gets good gas mileage....what is NOT to like?
Fulton Jack Waterloo Except it‘s anything but safe
Look at the side crash tests and come back with an edit
I own an ND2 and drive it with extra caution. Those texting nitwits in their sky-high SUVs have enough trouble avoiding each other. The blind spots and sense of isolation driving an SUV put drivers of small cars at elevated risk. To reduce that, I always drive with the running lights on. One gloomy days I’ll use the headlights for increased conspicuity. I’m watchful of cars coming toward me on a two-lane - if an approaching car's front end dips a bit, he might be preparing to turn left in front of me. (And old motorcycle trick.) At traffic lights when the green goes on I take a moment to see if somebody is about to run the light. By the same token I try to stop at yellow lights rather than risk a collision with somebody anticipating the green.
Dont forget...reliable.
Im 6“7 and i dislike that its too small. 😭
Can´t think of a better way to end a video, nice review with all the pros and cons
Awesome reviews! Have this in mind for my next car, so I'm glad to have a chance to hear from you about it. Looking forward to all your future content.
Dude... I love your videos so much. You cover everything. This is my next car. Keep it up!
A joy to watch you review cars.
I've had more cars than I remember- my #1 car is my ND mx5 GT 6spd
When can we get some of that savage geese swag?? shirts, hats
The body color on the doors is very cool.
I hit a traffic cone in my Miata today at 85 and it handled it really well. Went right under the tire.
Love the quality of the vid, dissapointed to see ANOTHER mazda review
Love how you line up the multi shots man great work
Love the hat logo placement. Lower right so it's always in the pic when the passenger side camera is on you. Happy 4th!
these shots with scott got me in tears
Bought a 2020 RF-GT mx5....best car ever
Another great video! What does a Miata and your channel have in common? Both are 100% all the time!
I drove an FR-S recently... man, this formula works well. That thing was a ton of fun on the street without being obnoxious. I can't do a car that does like 4K at 80 MPH on the highway with my ~400 miles a week of commuting though. I envy people who can do these kinds of cars.
This is my daily driver and I wish my commute was longer
Will you test the 2019? :D
Hey, in 1960's, my Morris Minor convertible was a blast; once we replaced the ragtop. On a summer day, around London top down was so much ... yeehaw. Nice!
We finally agree on something, Geese. The Miatta is the perfect little sports car. However, it's a sunny day on a winding road. I just don't see it as a daily driver.
I got a 2014 Mustang V6 automatic as my first car, then I went through a manual 2011 Mustang GT with 420hp thought I want more power and a manual transmission, years later I switched to 2001 986 boxster S because of I realize how fun cornering is, then picked up a 2015 WRX STI because of the practicality and how fun of a turbocharged car is, and now I am driving an E92 M3 because how addictive the 8400rpm V8 is. In the year of 2022, when we are getting $5/gallon gas price (California), I am planning to sell my e92 M3 and my 2001 nb miata and looking to buy a ND miata for my daily driver, that really reflects the quote @16:26
Thanks Gooseman for another pro video,great 4k and pro audio,just FYI traded in my beautiful 2015 mustang GT for the RF,,downsizing now that I have retired,,hope I did not make a mistake,I dont think so.
+wayne miller I think aside from power output and space the RF will bring you plenty of smiles and much less fuel blown.
I just got my ND2, and I can't wait to get thru the break in period. Awesome car really smiles/gallon is real.
2:20, Yuri @TheStraighPipes demonstrated that the blind spot is non-existent in a Miata in their 2018 review, oddly entertaining. lol
I bought a new ND1 soft top almost two years ago, and I absolutely love it. I looked at the RF, but besides being about $3K more expensive, I just liked the open air roadster better. Plus, I’ve read of some wind buffeting issues at freeway speeds with the RF, and since I do some highway miles that was a turnoff.
That being said, it would be nice to have a quieter interior with the top up, plus I’d feel like I had a little extra security where someone couldn’t just slice my top open to get into the car. Still, the roadster is worth the tradeoffs.
I had the RF for over two years and loved it. The wind was...noticeable. I've had full convertibles, and this one definitely had a lot more buffeting. I didn't care :) The only reason I sold is because I moved to a compact city where owning a car is a burden, but I may be getting a soft top next year (if I move a bit further out).
M Squared The RF is such a great looking car, top up or down. Can’t blame anyone for buying one instead of the soft top.
@@timothycoyne5874 It was great fun, and truly lovely. Living in a snow-less climate year round, I think the soft-top will be fine as now you have used ones for around $17,000 (keeping close to a budget) and the blind spots in the RF were definitely there.
8:50 was quite the endorsement. SG reviews are awesome.
Thanks for touching on the one thing that I'm interested in: How much does the RF feel like a convertible? Most reviews don't touch on that. Having owned the MazdaSpeed MX-5 and loving the fact that it was a convertible, I'm trying to decide if I want the soft top or the RF. My brain says I want the soft top, but I also aesthetically am loving the looks of the RF more than the soft top! I suppose I won't really know until I sit and drive each one back to back.
Awesome reviews as always
Yep....you got it right. I'm the guy that's had a heap of cars including turbo charged limpets that can do sub-8 minute Nurburgring lap times. I also live is a country that bleeds motorist dry with road revenue cameras set at tiny tolerances. The RF is probably both the most sensible and one of the most fun cars I've ever owned. If get MX5s now. Why did it take me so long?
Nice review. The ragtop is for me, because the MX-5 would/will (dunno if I'm getting one yet) a weekend toy with the top down 99% of the time. I had a '91 so I know all about Miata's magic. It does everything right without the big numbers. I just don't know if I can let go of my FD. Original owner here.
The '91 Miata was the first car I never planned to buy and I bought it after about 8 cloverleaf interchanges. I was just going for a test drive/joy ride, however I ended up buying the same car and took it home within a couple of hours. Usually I investigate all of my options before buying a car. Not in this case! My friends laughed their asses off when they first saw it and said I wouldn't keep it for 2 months. Wrong! Mind you, I did have a habit of buying new cars every year or so.
Wait... your name is Blake?
Uhh I think you'll find it's mark
Or is this turbowski
Love the content, every time I'm satisfied with your videos.. Thank you!
Love the index you gave us in the details section - great idea! Love the video also. Thanks
Very nice review, great to see it from below. My daily driver is a Ford focus 2013 which can take a roundabound or corner pretty quick. But i was amazed how quick you can it can be done with the mx-5 with ease! You just have to be aware of other drivers who sometimes do not see you in time or miscalculate your speed.
I drive a mx5 1.5 ND RF 2019 131 Bhp in the UK and love it,and get 40mpg average, stunning looks.😊
Hi Savagegeese. First of all, i am really enjoying to watch your extensive reviews. I have both 718 Cayman base model with PDK and ND Mx-5 1.5 . Driving MX-5 for daily urban traffic much more fun compare to Cayman if i confess with my all honesty. Cayman's turbo lag and rather long 2.gear ratio are sometimes being troublesome. I'm curious about whats your opinion about that matter? Do you think Cayman is fun to drive in city traffic?
Also I wish you have tried the 1.5 version of this car.Unfortunately you dont have this option in US. Its rev happy and reving up to 7500 rpm with no issue. And sounds much better.
Greetings from Istanbul btw.
Thanks for this comment, I'm actually looking at cross-shopping these exact two cars and would also love to hear any input from other folks.
What a great video.Perfect weight distribution isn't as important as what you do with it.Go with the miata soft top with bilstein shocks and limited slip it;s all you need.Don't get the recaro seats they don't breath that well and add money you could use to get a sick exhaust from flying miata.
Yes another video!
Wow that engine actually sounds pretty great.
best channel. period.
For whatever reason, the Miata RF is 12k more than a BRZ and 5k more than a Mustang GT up here in Canada. It's reasonably priced elsewhere, but there is no justifiable reason to pay over 40k for a hardtop Miata here.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸Happy 4 of July Savagegeese!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
savagegeese car channel kicks ass!
Great review. And your video quality is also great.
with the shop u could easily add under body cover... use corrugated pvc sheet perhaps?
I own a 2017 and love it, so much fun
Excellent review, mate. Keep up the great work.
You guys are just great! Fantastic reviews and pictures! I was wondering if you guys know anything about the the next generation Mazda 6, and the new HCCI engine Mazda is about to develop? I've got huge expectations for next generation Mazda 3 and 6!! Keep up the great work!! :)
always a pleasure watching these videos...question, what are the 90*, L-bracket looking pieces at 9:43 and 10:00 that are just in front of the front wheels and on the engine splash guard? Do they have a name and what is their purpose? I realize they are there to deflect air, but for what? Are they vortex eliminators, almost as a "reverse" spoiler, to counteract lift tendencies? Cheers.
Another wonderful review of an ionic sports car. My only gripe is the engine power - it's just not enough. I own a 94 Miata which I've had for years and it's always been lacking in power. Mazda really needs to keep it naturally aspirated. Perhaps a high torque V6. Thanks for the review!
I thought the exhaust was too quiet; but it sounds quite throaty.
well hell... I love your reviews, awesome, they totally speak to me, the layout, format, etc. So you did a great review on the ZL1 1LE, and what really "did it for me" was the car on the rack. Same goes for the C7 GS review. I ended up buying a 2SS 1LE and what a great driving car it is. Phenomenal Now I find myself wanting an additional car, something small, and fun. Aerial? Probably not. Miata? Probably my ultimate choice here. Power is blind, driving skill... thats another thing unto itself, decent money for a little car, and for something i'm not going to get all too upset over with parking lot dings.
You are blessed with one of the most beautiful and scenic test tracks ever. I hate you.
Great review. So i gues the S2000 has some real competition now.
Definitely a good point about having a fun car with low ownership costs. Still looks like it's trying to squeeze one out from the front though.
I can't decide between getting the golf r or the Miata or an r32 skyline gts-t
Danny Denihan Jr Me neither, same problem. Savage seems to come out in favour of the MX-5 in the comparison discussion. Like "the R makes much more sense so let's all get the MX-5." :)
acchaladka it's tough cuz I'm moving to Jacksonville Florida here next month so obviously the Miata is perfect for that state but then again I want the luxury an refinement of the golf too lol
Danny Denihan Jr It comes down to how much long-distance driving you'll be doing. Any drive near or beyond an hour is a bit of a chore in my 2002 Miata due to the noise and exposure to the sun (if it's raining, it flies over your head at freeway speeds). For shorter drives there's nothing better. The current Golf is a little numb makes its weight felt - it takes its time to settle into turns. More "nice car" than "fun car". But there's a time and place for that.
Carlos Sempere smdh I guess there's no car for me out there I guess
I recommend R34 GTR.
I have the 95 NA Miata which has even less HP but that hasn't been a issue. I live out away from the city with roads that are full of curves and you only get into trouble on these roads with a lot of HP. I love how well it can drive these roads and people have a heck of a time keeping up with me. It's geared to be quick but not to be fast. If you own one you know what I mean. I think I would rather have my older one than the new model. If I got one of the new ones the first thing I'd do is get better sway bars. I even did it with the older ones and they weren't as bad as the new model but it was still something that needed fixing. Made the ride a little harsher but it's still a easy car to use every day. Don't like the light convert. top with the new model, feels very cheap. And one really nice part of owning the older models is Mazda made removable hard tops so you just put that on in the fall and take it off in the spring. The best of both worlds. Mazda was pretty smart in their design and it was a car to model the Brit. sports cars which were not all that fast but fun as heck to drive around in and the Miatas don't break down once a month or even once every 10 years so they made the best little roadster in the world.
notification squad! Love your videos, keep it up :)
where to get SAVAGEGEESE cap???
Scott: "Its more funner."
Mark: "Yeees..."
It’s also gooder
stay savage you geese, love your straightup reviews
I've driven one at an event. Automatic though since manuals aren't available in the Philippines. Still...
Now I know why the answer is always Miata.
I can't believe that! I thought there were many manual cars in the Philippines. Why isn't it available?
Changing demands. Traffic has become really terrible in the Philippines (Mainly Metro Manila where a huge percentage of the population is) which made customers choose automatic more often than manuals. Manuals are mostly for subcompact hatchbacks now. Heck, even the Honda Jazz/Fit and its sedan counterpart only has one out of four trims available in manual. Although yes, there are still plenty of manuals but having them in B or C segment cars is starting to become a rarity.
The soft top ND MX-5 still comes in manual but most are sold in automatics. The RF is automatic only. Only two cars in the current Mazda line-up that come in manual are the base Mazda 2 and the MX-5 soft top.