Yes, terrible weather, sadly, although if you do >30mph the rain doesn't get into the cabin. It was filmed on the historic loop at Donington, a great venue, more so on the 3 days a year it doesn't rain. Thanks for all the comments!
I've had my '99 for over 10 years now. I love this car so much that when I recently wanted to give a vehicle to a family member in need it never entered my mind to let the Miata go.
never thought much of the mx5......until I drove one. You could drive it so hard and it always predictable. and boy its amazing how sideways you can get these things and bring it back into control.
dear me, there are some really insecure people posting here , or some very sad trolls looking for attention . I can't decide which , but hairdressers car ! Ha what bullshit . I'm 6ft tall weigh in at around 16 stone , look pretty scruffy most of the time due to the fact I do crew work . lifting stupid heavy decking and sets. Not that it makes any difference whether I'm gay or straight , but I'm straight . I drive my Mx5 because it's a cheap and fun car. not because it's a fast macho motor . not because I'm out to impress anybody with how loud the engine or the stereo is . drive the car for your own enjoyment and let the posturing muscle car muppets keep spending thousands on new gadgets in order to fuel their ego .
Absolutely. In fact, I'd go just a tiny bit further and say that this car's made for those of us who can enjoy life without other people's consent. Who cares if you drive the same car as your hairstylist's ? They're pretty much like what go karts are. The ignorant scoffs at them, while the lucky pilot enjoys, making the ignorant cough with two - stroke and tire smoke by the side of the track. Did he notice him ? I don't think he did, 'was too busy grinning. To the ones who have problems with their penises' sizes : go pick a hummer and leave the true enthusiasts on their own, we didn't need you anyway.
Guys, you're missing the point. This is a Roadster, not a Drag Racer. This car is NOT about racing. It's about handling in a tight curve. It's about driving twisting, winding, mountainous, country roads. It's damn fun to drive, is what it is. Pure. And. Simple. Either you get it, or you don't.
My personal favourite MX-5 is the Australia-only "SP" model of which only 100 were made. They were based on the second generation model and had a turbocharged version of the 1.8l engine which had a "blistering" 211 bhp.
So basically the MazdaSpeed edition here in the States?? Those are the ones to find. Redtop 1.8L turbo w/six speed, MazdaSpeed exhaust and suspension upgrades, ground effects, and larger wheels with low profile tires. A great package but rare and expensive.
I've had my MX5 coming up to nearly a year now. Love it, love it, love it. It's practical enough to use everyday, fun enough and nippy enough on our roads, and never boring. It's been thrashed on track, and on the road, and all it asks for is some petrol! Certainly won't be the last one I own :)
may not be the worlds best but thank Mazda for making it the most accessible and a byproduct of that is the awesome aftermarket support. Can't wait to get mine.
Alright, you guys asked, "Where's the S-2000 and the MR-2?" Don't forget the Mercury Capri, BMW Z-3, Ford Thunderbird and new Lotus Elan. Lots of cars were going to topple the Miata and have come and gone but there were also a lot of cars that were a direct response to the Mazda Miata which served to save their makers. One was the Porsche Boxster which arguably kept Porsche going when their 911 went out of financial reach. The Jaguar XK-8 was a direct response to the Miata and has sustained that company for years. Corvette convertibles had been history until the MIata came on the scene and the Corvette was near death until the sportscar revival started by the Miata. But I think the most interesting Miata substitute of all was the Mazda RX-7 convertible. Another car Mazda rushed onto the market to sell to potential Miata buyers who couldn't find a Miata to buy. The simple fact is, convertibles and sports cars were all DEAD until the MIata came along. The Miata brought us everything from Camry and Cadillac convertibles to the Ferrari Modena. If it were not for the Miata, the automotive world would look very different today.
332,000 miles on my 1991 says I'm a fan. 270,000 of those miles were mine, and I'm going to tour it through every one of the United States in 2020. I love this car!
I had a 1991 Mark I MX-5, bought it used in 1997, drove it for thirteen years. I'd still be driving it if it hadn't been totaled by a semi rear ending me. I loved the 4 cylinder, 16 valve engine. I loved the fact that it was a really good, reliable simple design. And most of all, I loved the consistent 30 mpg gas mileage. Best car I ever owned, and the cheapest. Worked out the cost over those 13 years including maintentance, original cost, and gas, and it came out to something like 12 cents a mile. Give me back that engine!
Think of it as more of a facelift. From the wall between engine and footwell to the back, the cars are completely interchangeable. The NB just got a more modern front, stronger engines and a slighty softer suspension.
Gone from '88 F250 7.3L to a '92 300ZXTT to my current '01 miata. Love the hell out of the car. So much more fun to drive. Not the fastest,scrape alot, but it is a quick and agile little car.
Cannot wait for the gen 4. Mazda's new KODO design on a miata would produce one beautiful little roadster. Stay tuned for September 3. Wooooo zoom zoom
The car is massive fun to drive and perfectly balanced, despite the body roll due to weak factory springs. Double or triple the spring stiffness and it will become a handling monster. Start from the Flyin' Miata suspension kits for budget to Ohlins for the well financed, the car doesn't disappoint in it's ability to chase other cars with more power on the track.
You don't need a souped-up version to drift this car, but without stiffened suspension, you really feel it. lol. Loved my Mk1, miss it every day. When you sit behind the wheel of this little baby, it just feels like you've slipped it on. I used to call mine my little blue tennis shoe. I agree with whoever said you really want to reach for more power, not because it doesn't have enough, but because you know by the way it handles that it could handle a whole lot more and still behave as if it was an extension of your own body. May have to get my hands on a 2016 Sport now.
Thinking of buying one of this beasts! But kinda afraid of the rust issues... What should I look out for? Oh! And I'm kinda curious to know what kind of MX-5's do you guys own
Look out for rust on the rear wheel arches and door sills (on the mk1's at least). Japanese imports are plentiful and less likely to suffer this than UK examples. Roof catches can be relatively pricey to fix too, so make sure they're alright. Apart from that, not much. 1.6 or 1.8 engines have little to choose between them in terms of performance, so either one is good. My old 1.8is (a UK car), now sadly sold, was tight as a drum mechanically, but had severe corrosion problems. I also made the mistake of adding a few aftermarket bits that actually made the driving experience worse. So look for a stock example too. Alternatively, keep saving and get an AP2 S2000. Much more fun!
I've owned a 1992 NA for 4 years now. Don't worry about the rust. It's just the wheel arches and doorsills that tend to rust easily. Get one that has been looked after properly or that has been repaired recently and you won't have to worry about it for many years. If it does start to rust, it's not that expensive to fix. Or turn it into a track car and get another :D They're dirt cheap these days.
I bought a red 1989 NA 1.6L about 8 months ago. Deliberately bought one in really bad condition so that I'd have a project. The windscreen surround had rust bubbles everywhere and unfortunately, due to the windscreen being bonded, I couldn't fix it myself. However I had the rust taken care of professionally with new windscreen rubbers and a fresh lick of paint on the surround and it cost me less than AU$500. The work has also been guaranteed rust free for 20 years so I'm happy :)
Mine has had 18 years of "british summertime" and only now have the sills started to go. Will likely cost around £400 to put right, including paint, and good to go again. They are good cheap wholesome fun, you won't worry about the rust when you are driving one, dooo iiit! :-)
I've been watching alot of enthhusiast videos lately and a majority of them from Britain. Aside from all the great automotive information I have learned another thing from these videos. The weather sucks most of the time.
Ive had an (NB) as a hire car in both Tasmania (Aus) and in NZ, brilliant little car and good for a fang on those world class roads enough luggage space if you now what you're in for ;)
The rotary mx5 mk1 is the best one there. But im wondering how fuel economy is vs a turbo'd 1.6l engine? And whats more cost effective? Also which one is more reliable?
Where the I-4 will get you around 30 mpg highway, the rotary might get up to 20. In addition, the rotary is a serious oil burner. And, longevity has never been a strong suit of Mazda's rotaries. Which is a shame because a Mazda rotary is exhilarating to drive.
One more thing -- I've owned three Gen 1 Miatas and put a turbo kit on one of them. Wouldn't do it again. The turbo had big-time lag and it took away from the stock car's easygoing character. You can go quite fast in a standard Miata because you don't have to slow down for the corners. Making good time in a low-powered car brings its own kind of satisfaction. You need to be smooth and precise and learn not to push too hard. When you get it right, it's fun to blow off faster cars in the twisties.
John Techwriter Using oil is part of their design. They inject oil onto the rotor to keep the apex seals lubricated. The engines run hot. Most of the problems with RX7's were when they added the turbos. RX8 for some reason the early ones had some oil injectors removed which didn't work as well. They changed the configuration twice adding one in the center in 2009 so that's the best year if you don't mind the more conventional styling. There were a couple of firmware updates in 2005 - 2006 to offset the missing injectors in hot climates. Anyway, you need to keep oil changes regular and top up for the injectors then the engine is much more reliable. I'm actually looking for a RX8 to complement my MX5 so I can stick my dogs in the back seat (for some reason I don't like practical cars lol). Only problem is finding one that you feel the previous owner knows their stuff and looked after it properly.
Adrian Tysoe I've had three MX5s and owned Mazda's first rotary into N. America, the R100. (A jewel of a car but its little rotary burned out within a year.) I've loved the RX8 from afar but it's just got too many flaws and apparently its real world fuel economy is abysmal, much worse than 20 mpg. And then there are the engine flooding horror stories! Nevertheless, if I could afford it (and the unknowns that come with it), I'd own an RX8. I tested one and never wanted to go back to the dealership. My favorite builders are Jaguar, Mazda, and Citroen, and I've had cars of each type. (Citroens are amazing but not built to last.) Currently I'm on my fourth Jag, a 2001 XJR which I've had for five years; it's got 133k miles on the clock and remains tight. I know this model's shortcomings and have avoided problems by doing preventive maintenance. It's a brilliant car.
I'm currently saving up for one. But decent NAs don't come below 2.500€, so it may take until next spring. And importing a cheap RHD from the UK is no option, since I'd daily it and in Germany an RHD-daily would be a pain in the ass.
I want one of these for my first car. Handling comes before power in my book, and unlike more powerful sports car the Miata is one you can push on public roads and not break the law
Rust isn't that big of a problem, not much more compared to other vehicles of this age. They only rust on the wheel wells and on the rocker covers, but those areas are not that expensive to fix. And you can prevent it by cleaning out the wheel wells of mud and debris, keeping the 'rain gutters' below the B-pillar clean and poking through the draining hole below the rain gutters now and then.
Does anyone else absolutely hate overly cambered cars? The wheels on the speedster are awful they look like they were damaged and never repaired properly.
I dearly miss my MK1, intend to get back into a Miata as soon as I can. I'm a bit sad you chaps didn't bring a Monster Miata over for this vid. Sure, putting a Ford 302 V8 in an MX-5 is more than a little bonkers, but it's another tick in the car's tinkering column.
September 4th reveal of the new Miata is just around the corner and some spy-shots are begging to surface. But here is what the 25 year old Miata family looks like.
2019 and still not too late for Mazda to make a rotary model, or make plastic body panels like a Corvette. Heck a V6 version, naturally aspirated, and/or a supercharged V6 (they done did turbo).
Those of us that have one enjoy the reliability, handling, and the 'top down fun at any speed' ness about them. When cars with more horsepower pass me, I have to laugh. The joy is truly in the journey and not how fast you get there. Besides, mine gets GREAT gas mileage!
I almost got one, then I got a gen 1 Insight instead. Compared to the 92 Miata I was going to buy It handled considerably better, had better steering feel, and there is mileage but eh. It just wasn't as fun as I thought it should be.
Interesting you say that - I've owned a '91 Miata before and currently own a Mk1 Insight. I'd disagree that the Insight handles better and has better steering feel - I'd say the Miata is way ahead in those departments - but on the other hand, my Insight is averaging over 60 mpg whereas I never got more than 30 mpg from the Miata! There are similarities though - they're pretty much the same length and width (the Insight is a few inches taller though) and they both have that thoroughly-engineered feel. The Insight is the more intriguing car from an engineering perspective but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want another Miata...
There is a lot of variation in used cars, maybe the one I was looking at was just a bad example. But it didn't feel tight, I dont know how to explain it.
Funny how every time somebody mentions either MX5 or Miata on the internet, suddenly there is a few of «straight line warriors» with their 900hp muscle cars calling one of the cars with the finest handling ever a hairdresser car. I'd get one, but dog :(
Nice car to drive but the problem of the Mk2 :1st, brakes are not as good , 2nd, don`t get upset if a Fiat Punto Sport overtake you,3rd, the coil fail( expensive to buy new) plus they rust, so if you own one, keep it in a warm garage in winter.
I have owned lots of very hot cars. Some 160+ mph . They were muscle cars. The Miata is not a muscle care but is more fun to drive then any of them.. Don't criticize the car until you have owned one for a year. I love mine and have had it for 7 years.
The deal with them losing the key and getting mobbed with people asking questions and ogling, I hate when that happens. Or when you are just running into the store in a hurry and you come out to a crowd trying to guess what your car is. Everyone wants to talk and you just want to get the milk.
It is not a sportscar but a convertible which, in its latest version at least (the one that I've driven), understeers more than a fwd like the Mini even over a slippery road, with a lazy underpowered engine, and the price of a Megane Sport 265. However I like its gearbox.
The 2016 Mazda Mx-5's infotainment/navigation screen is ugly and looks like an aftermarket afterthought protruding out of the dashboard. To do this right, they should have included the infotainment/navigation screen into the dashboard screen that currently has the RPM like Lamborghini Huracan.
apache1234657 There are far more V8 conversions than rotary conversions. The LS3 swap that Flyin' Miata does is probably the best way to spend $15k that I can think of.
filmed on a nice british summer day :p
HATE IT... MISERABLE.
It's weird that roadsters do so well here with the lovely weather.
Yes, terrible weather, sadly, although if you do >30mph the rain doesn't get into the cabin. It was filmed on the historic loop at Donington, a great venue, more so on the 3 days a year it doesn't rain. Thanks for all the comments!
Zach Halliday Well but in hot countries people just want to keep out of the sun so I guess it kind of makes sense...
Pop-up headlamps MUST make a comeback. Seriously I would buy any car with a pop-up lights even if it's a Prius
The said they don't meet regulations anymore, but I'm sure they could make them collapseable or something
"headlights go up, headlights go down, up, down, up, down, up, down........UPOWNUPDOWNUPDOUNWUPDOWN!!!!!!!!" - Mr Regular
TheLeafySpring Every time he does shit like that I am waiting for something to break lol
My Nissan 180sx has pop ups, I will miss them when I sell it in a few weeks :'(
I've owned a '90 Corolla SR5, an '89 Prelude S, and now my '90 Miata B package, I love my pop-up headlights. I wish they would make a comeback
I've had my '99 for over 10 years now.
I love this car so much that when I recently wanted to give a vehicle to a family member in need it never entered my mind to let the Miata go.
never thought much of the mx5......until I drove one. You could drive it so hard and it always predictable. and boy its amazing how sideways you can get these things and bring it back into control.
dear me, there are some really insecure people posting here , or some very sad trolls looking for attention . I can't decide which , but hairdressers car ! Ha what bullshit . I'm 6ft tall weigh in at around 16 stone , look pretty scruffy most of the time due to the fact I do crew work . lifting stupid heavy decking and sets. Not that it makes any difference whether I'm gay or straight , but I'm straight . I drive my Mx5 because it's a cheap and fun car. not because it's a fast macho motor . not because I'm out to impress anybody with how loud the engine or the stereo is . drive the car for your own enjoyment and let the posturing muscle car muppets keep spending thousands on new gadgets in order to fuel their ego .
Great job guys! Top down, windows down in the rain. Love it. Real mx5 owners!
MX-5 is a test to sort the actual petrolheads from just the testosterone junkies.
bullshit.
Absolutely.
In fact, I'd go just a tiny bit further and say that this car's made for those of us who can enjoy life without other people's consent.
Who cares if you drive the same car as your hairstylist's ?
They're pretty much like what go karts are. The ignorant scoffs at them, while the lucky pilot enjoys, making the ignorant cough with two - stroke and tire smoke by the side of the track.
Did he notice him ? I don't think he did, 'was too busy grinning.
To the ones who have problems with their penises' sizes : go pick a hummer and leave the true enthusiasts on their own, we didn't need you anyway.
Guys, you're missing the point. This is a Roadster, not a Drag Racer. This car is NOT about racing. It's about handling in a tight curve. It's about driving twisting, winding, mountainous, country roads. It's damn fun to drive, is what it is. Pure. And. Simple. Either you get it, or you don't.
My personal favourite MX-5 is the Australia-only "SP" model of which only 100 were made. They were based on the second generation model and had a turbocharged version of the 1.8l engine which had a "blistering" 211 bhp.
211bhp is enough for a lightweight like the MX-5 :D
(also, your name is awesome)
So basically the MazdaSpeed edition here in the States?? Those are the ones to find. Redtop 1.8L turbo w/six speed, MazdaSpeed exhaust and suspension upgrades, ground effects, and larger wheels with low profile tires. A great package but rare and expensive.
Love my 92 MX-5! Cool clip, makes me appreciate my purchase even more. Thanks!
That steering wheel blew my mind? 4:33
I've had my MX5 coming up to nearly a year now. Love it, love it, love it. It's practical enough to use everyday, fun enough and nippy enough on our roads, and never boring. It's been thrashed on track, and on the road, and all it asks for is some petrol! Certainly won't be the last one I own :)
That speedster is really cool. Maybe the coolest MX-5 I've ever seen. Stick the rotary in that, and it would be perfect.
may not be the worlds best but thank Mazda for making it the most accessible and a byproduct of that is the awesome aftermarket support. Can't wait to get mine.
ffo6 5, I have
ffo6 5, I have
ffo6 5, I have
ffo6 5, I have Pl p
ffo6 5, I have Pl pqqqq
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The new version that's going to be unveiled next month is going to be epic.
I miss my MX-5 (mk2), was such a fun car to drive.
Alright, you guys asked, "Where's the S-2000 and the MR-2?" Don't forget the Mercury Capri, BMW Z-3, Ford Thunderbird and new Lotus Elan. Lots of cars were going to topple the Miata and have come and gone but there were also a lot of cars that were a direct response to the Mazda Miata which served to save their makers. One was the Porsche Boxster which arguably kept Porsche going when their 911 went out of financial reach. The Jaguar XK-8 was a direct response to the Miata and has sustained that company for years. Corvette convertibles had been history until the MIata came on the scene and the Corvette was near death until the sportscar revival started by the Miata. But I think the most interesting Miata substitute of all was the Mazda RX-7 convertible. Another car Mazda rushed onto the market to sell to potential Miata buyers who couldn't find a Miata to buy. The simple fact is, convertibles and sports cars were all DEAD until the MIata came along. The Miata brought us everything from Camry and Cadillac convertibles to the Ferrari Modena. If it were not for the Miata, the automotive world would look very different today.
332,000 miles on my 1991 says I'm a fan. 270,000 of those miles were mine, and I'm going to tour it through every one of the United States in 2020. I love this car!
I have 1.8 mk 2 from -98, bought it from Germany for about 2k € and brought it to Finland, It's the most fun car to drive! I love it.
I had a 1991 Mark I MX-5, bought it used in 1997, drove it for thirteen years. I'd still be driving it if it hadn't been totaled by a semi rear ending me. I loved the 4 cylinder, 16 valve engine. I loved the fact that it was a really good, reliable simple design. And most of all, I loved the consistent 30 mpg gas mileage. Best car I ever owned, and the cheapest. Worked out the cost over those 13 years including maintentance, original cost, and gas, and it came out to something like 12 cents a mile. Give me back that engine!
Bought this car senior year, never regretted it and now cannot stand to drive anything else while I give mine a little TLC
Fantastic car, acquired one built in 1989, September. 65k and no mods. I love it.
Nice video. Wish you guys had done a bit more on the NB though. Trying to find good reviews of it to put it into perspective of the other gens.
It's basically a NA but new looking.
Think of it as more of a facelift. From the wall between engine and footwell to the back, the cars are completely interchangeable.
The NB just got a more modern front, stronger engines and a slighty softer suspension.
That bit I didn't know. Thanks for the info!
Had one and loved it (2nd model). Thanks!
Gone from '88 F250 7.3L to a '92 300ZXTT to my current '01 miata. Love the hell out of the car. So much more fun to drive. Not the fastest,scrape alot, but it is a quick and agile little car.
Absolutely love my hardtop NC Club. Best car I've ever owned / driven.
Cannot wait for the gen 4. Mazda's new KODO design on a miata would produce one beautiful little roadster. Stay tuned for September 3. Wooooo zoom zoom
God i love my NA miata, wouldnt trade it for anything!
Same! :D
Same :D
As an NB owner i'm insulted that you only spent about 30 seconds talking about it before moving on to the NC.
I love them to bits
Why no mention of the mazdaspeed?
We should have covered that, sorry! So many other specials too.
Cracking video guys, I got my NA given and I've restored it and would never sell it.FPV with TBS Discovery
The car is massive fun to drive and perfectly balanced, despite the body roll due to weak factory springs.
Double or triple the spring stiffness and it will become a handling monster.
Start from the Flyin' Miata suspension kits for budget to Ohlins for the well financed, the car doesn't disappoint in it's ability to chase other cars with more power on the track.
I own one! :D and I absolutely Love it!!
I have a mk 2.5, paid 2k for it and it's a good laugh on a sunny day! Going to take it to the track soon :)
The first generation RX-7 was also styled to look like an Elan, funnily enough.
I guess the first generation RX-7 was a proto MX-5.
I own one!
You don't need a souped-up version to drift this car, but without stiffened suspension, you really feel it. lol. Loved my Mk1, miss it every day. When you sit behind the wheel of this little baby, it just feels like you've slipped it on. I used to call mine my little blue tennis shoe. I agree with whoever said you really want to reach for more power, not because it doesn't have enough, but because you know by the way it handles that it could handle a whole lot more and still behave as if it was an extension of your own body. May have to get my hands on a 2016 Sport now.
+RegularCars
Headlights go up, headlights go down, up, down, up, down!!
hehehehe again. headlights go up. headlights go down.
this IS the best sportscar ever made...its cheap, fun, reliable, etc etc etc...how can you make it any better?...
Pop up lights & front grill, looks like a happy face!
This is great
Been wanting one for years, think it's time I pushed the boat out and bought one
Thinking of buying one of this beasts!
But kinda afraid of the rust issues... What should I look out for?
Oh! And I'm kinda curious to know what kind of MX-5's do you guys own
NA6 Smurf blue ;D
Look out for rust on the rear wheel arches and door sills (on the mk1's at least). Japanese imports are plentiful and less likely to suffer this than UK examples. Roof catches can be relatively pricey to fix too, so make sure they're alright. Apart from that, not much. 1.6 or 1.8 engines have little to choose between them in terms of performance, so either one is good. My old 1.8is (a UK car), now sadly sold, was tight as a drum mechanically, but had severe corrosion problems. I also made the mistake of adding a few aftermarket bits that actually made the driving experience worse. So look for a stock example too. Alternatively, keep saving and get an AP2 S2000. Much more fun!
I've owned a 1992 NA for 4 years now. Don't worry about the rust. It's just the wheel arches and doorsills that tend to rust easily. Get one that has been looked after properly or that has been repaired recently and you won't have to worry about it for many years. If it does start to rust, it's not that expensive to fix. Or turn it into a track car and get another :D They're dirt cheap these days.
I bought a red 1989 NA 1.6L about 8 months ago. Deliberately bought one in really bad condition so that I'd have a project. The windscreen surround had rust bubbles everywhere and unfortunately, due to the windscreen being bonded, I couldn't fix it myself. However I had the rust taken care of professionally with new windscreen rubbers and a fresh lick of paint on the surround and it cost me less than AU$500. The work has also been guaranteed rust free for 20 years so I'm happy :)
Mine has had 18 years of "british summertime" and only now have the sills started to go. Will likely cost around £400 to put right, including paint, and good to go again. They are good cheap wholesome fun, you won't worry about the rust when you are driving one, dooo iiit! :-)
I love my Miata Shinsen!
The best roadster of all times and a great desire.This car have all for enjoy the drive
I've been watching alot of enthhusiast videos lately and a majority of them from Britain. Aside from all the great automotive information I have learned another thing from these videos. The weather sucks most of the time.
A Wong Yes, Donington is famous for rain, but rain brings exciting racing so it isn't all bad. :)
Yeah sketchy conditions would be fun to watch... true
Yes, I own one. A 99 “MIATA”. White with a tan ragtop. Most fun car I’ve ever had, and I’m 69...
Half tempted to abandon my 330ci track car project and buy one of these. Everything's so bloody expensive for the BMW
the NA just looks so cute and happy to be driven
Ive had an (NB) as a hire car in both Tasmania (Aus) and in NZ, brilliant little car and good for a fang on those world class roads enough luggage space if you now what you're in for ;)
Nice video, But very popular mx-5 V8 engine swaps are missing from content...
The rotary mx5 mk1 is the best one there. But im wondering how fuel economy is vs a turbo'd 1.6l engine? And whats more cost effective? Also which one is more reliable?
Where the I-4 will get you around 30 mpg highway, the rotary might get up to 20. In addition, the rotary is a serious oil burner. And, longevity has never been a strong suit of Mazda's rotaries. Which is a shame because a Mazda rotary is exhilarating to drive.
One more thing -- I've owned three Gen 1 Miatas and put a turbo kit on one of them. Wouldn't do it again. The turbo had big-time lag and it took away from the stock car's easygoing character. You can go quite fast in a standard Miata because you don't have to slow down for the corners. Making good time in a low-powered car brings its own kind of satisfaction. You need to be smooth and precise and learn not to push too hard. When you get it right, it's fun to blow off faster cars in the twisties.
John Techwriter Using oil is part of their design. They inject oil onto the rotor to keep the apex seals lubricated. The engines run hot. Most of the problems with RX7's were when they added the turbos. RX8 for some reason the early ones had some oil injectors removed which didn't work as well. They changed the configuration twice adding one in the center in 2009 so that's the best year if you don't mind the more conventional styling. There were a couple of firmware updates in 2005 - 2006 to offset the missing injectors in hot climates. Anyway, you need to keep oil changes regular and top up for the injectors then the engine is much more reliable. I'm actually looking for a RX8 to complement my MX5 so I can stick my dogs in the back seat (for some reason I don't like practical cars lol). Only problem is finding one that you feel the previous owner knows their stuff and looked after it properly.
Adrian Tysoe I've had three MX5s and owned Mazda's first rotary into N. America, the R100. (A jewel of a car but its little rotary burned out within a year.)
I've loved the RX8 from afar but it's just got too many flaws and apparently its real world fuel economy is abysmal, much worse than 20 mpg. And then there are the engine flooding horror stories! Nevertheless, if I could afford it (and the unknowns that come with it), I'd own an RX8. I tested one and never wanted to go back to the dealership.
My favorite builders are Jaguar, Mazda, and Citroen, and I've had cars of each type. (Citroens are amazing but not built to last.)
Currently I'm on my fourth Jag, a 2001 XJR which I've had for five years; it's got 133k miles on the clock and remains tight. I know this model's shortcomings and have avoided problems by doing preventive maintenance. It's a brilliant car.
0:36 riding the clutch like a pro. :D
In September (I think), Citroen XM will also celebrate 25 years! All though the last XMs were made in mid 2000's. :P
Nice video, yeah I want one......
0:33
I'm pretty sure it is smiling.
Cool video
It's a shame Toyota doesn't make the MR2 anymore, good video guys!
Buying my NB two years ago was the best thing I ever did!
Even better it is unbelievably cheap to insure in my country. :)
Funny to see that just today, because I'm searching if I take one of these for my second car or not X-D....
buy a 2011 Camaro. Please, you wont regret it lol
***** £800 mx5 or £20(ish)k on a Camaro. hmm
No camaro in my country (and the fuel is very expensive here X-D ) (ok not exactly true, we can find camaro, but it's not cheap here)
$800 Mx5 + $4000 Monster Miata kit + $1000 Mustang engine and the Camaro never gonna see ya ha ha ha lol
TheHeftyDanielson i didnt know it was that cheap.
I just sold my mk II 1.6. Loved it to bits but it played havoc with my back. Fantastic cars though!
I'm currently saving up for one.
But decent NAs don't come below 2.500€, so it may take until next spring.
And importing a cheap RHD from the UK is no option, since I'd daily it and in Germany an RHD-daily would be a pain in the ass.
2006 miata owner here, anyone commenting something is better than miata should state the fact if they ever driven a miata and which one.
I love my 1991 MX5. Paid too much for her but still she is beautiful and great to drive
No doubt a good little sports car, it's just a pity that 90% of them seem to be driven by middle aged women in the UK.
The amazing thing is here in Germany because of the same fact is is DEAD cheap to insure. Like cheaper than a Fiesta!
That is the exact reason to buy one as well..
The exact reason why they've not all be thrashed on
How times have changed in 2 years,90% of owners now are male and these cars get thrashed consistantly !
TR4man really? i have never seen a women drive these. only men here in the US
I love my early NA it has a 1.8 and a LSD out of a later model with a borla exhaust
I want one of these for my first car. Handling comes before power in my book, and unlike more powerful sports car the Miata is one you can push on public roads and not break the law
How come the mx 5 are hard to find in automatic?
Rust isn't that big of a problem, not much more compared to other vehicles of this age. They only rust on the wheel wells and on the rocker covers, but those areas are not that expensive to fix. And you can prevent it by cleaning out the wheel wells of mud and debris, keeping the 'rain gutters' below the B-pillar clean and poking through the draining hole below the rain gutters now and then.
Does anyone else absolutely hate overly cambered cars? The wheels on the speedster are awful they look like they were damaged and never repaired properly.
I dearly miss my MK1, intend to get back into a Miata as soon as I can.
I'm a bit sad you chaps didn't bring a Monster Miata over for this vid. Sure, putting a Ford 302 V8 in an MX-5 is more than a little bonkers, but it's another tick in the car's tinkering column.
I have a 97 mx5 as my first car, its not on the road as its a project but i love it 😂
September 4th reveal of the new Miata is just around the corner and some spy-shots are begging to surface.
But here is what the 25 year old Miata family looks like.
the mk 2 is the prettiest of the bunch.
Maybe if you've never seen a mk1
I'd say the mk 3, while the mk 1 is the cutest.
givemeajackson 4th gen is all me baby! that thing is sexy af!!!
MultiNutterbutter agreed
They really are hands down the cheapest most reliable fun you could have.
Love mine, nice video chaps, ta
2019 and still not too late for Mazda to make a rotary model, or make plastic body panels like a Corvette. Heck a V6 version, naturally aspirated, and/or a supercharged V6 (they done did turbo).
Got myself the 2019 RF have to admit it's as fun as my Harley Heritage 114
Al
you missed the mx 5 sp, built in australia for mazda ,, , 1.8 bp turbo,only 100 built, in 2002
Those of us that have one enjoy the reliability, handling, and the 'top down fun at any speed' ness about them. When cars with more horsepower pass me, I have to laugh. The joy is truly in the journey and not how fast you get there. Besides, mine gets GREAT gas mileage!
I've owned a Mk1.
yayyy :)
I own one right now!
I almost got one, then I got a gen 1 Insight instead. Compared to the 92 Miata I was going to buy It handled considerably better, had better steering feel, and there is mileage but eh. It just wasn't as fun as I thought it should be.
Interesting you say that - I've owned a '91 Miata before and currently own a Mk1 Insight. I'd disagree that the Insight handles better and has better steering feel - I'd say the Miata is way ahead in those departments - but on the other hand, my Insight is averaging over 60 mpg whereas I never got more than 30 mpg from the Miata!
There are similarities though - they're pretty much the same length and width (the Insight is a few inches taller though) and they both have that thoroughly-engineered feel. The Insight is the more intriguing car from an engineering perspective but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want another Miata...
There is a lot of variation in used cars, maybe the one I was looking at was just a bad example. But it didn't feel tight, I dont know how to explain it.
You "bloody love" cockroaches?!
Listen again, "unlike a cockroach, I absolutely bloody love it" :)
dick von duisberg
Ah, my bad. Thanks Dick!
I want one as a track car
Mazda please make a coupe MX-5 someday.
The hardtop pretty much makes it a coupe.
Funny how every time somebody mentions either MX5 or Miata on the internet, suddenly there is a few of
«straight line warriors» with their 900hp muscle cars calling one of the cars with the finest handling ever a hairdresser car.
I'd get one, but dog :(
*World's favourite Roaster
Why would a trim level be called "Nevada"? Is it the one that doesn't have anything?
Good old Rodders, keeping it sideways. Fantastic.
He's a star. He also provided the blue NB and drove the arse off that too.
Nice car to drive but the problem of the Mk2 :1st, brakes are not as good , 2nd, don`t get upset if a Fiat Punto Sport overtake you,3rd, the coil fail( expensive to buy new) plus they rust, so if you own one, keep it in a warm garage in winter.
I have owned lots of very hot cars. Some 160+ mph . They were muscle cars. The Miata is not a muscle care but is more fun to drive then any of them.. Don't criticize the car until you have owned one for a year. I love mine and have had it for 7 years.
The deal with them losing the key and getting mobbed with people asking questions and ogling, I hate when that happens.
Or when you are just running into the store in a hurry and you come out to a crowd trying to guess what your car is.
Everyone wants to talk and you just want to get the milk.
I owned an '88 MX-6
Cool, but mx6's and miatas are different in almost every single way, the only thing they have in common is the brand
Matt Shmatt 1
Never said they were the same, but it was fun to drive. They are also both coupes.
+Glycerin I know you never said they were the same. I just like car stuff :P
Me too. I'll always have a soft spot for Mazda because that MX-6 was my very first car.
+Glycerin I got an mx-5 NA Miata not too long ago as my first car and I love it!
It is not a sportscar but a convertible which, in its latest version at least (the one that I've driven), understeers more than a fwd like the Mini even over a slippery road, with a lazy underpowered engine, and the price of a Megane Sport 265. However I like its gearbox.
It is technically a sports car actually, and you're talking about the later models, NA miatas handle amazingly
Also the Miata is underpowered yes, but it's fun! And it only costs £1500!
It's the BEST
The 2016 Mazda Mx-5's infotainment/navigation screen is ugly and looks like an aftermarket afterthought protruding out of the dashboard. To do this right, they should have included the infotainment/navigation screen into the dashboard screen that currently has the RPM like Lamborghini Huracan.
I'm looking forward for the Fiat's version of the new generation...maybe with japanese mechanic and italian style it will be the best one
I don't care which generation, just give me one!
Show a rotary version but not a V8???
mazda don't make v8's a rotary is more appropriate
Miata isn't rotary
apache1234657 There are far more V8 conversions than rotary conversions. The LS3 swap that Flyin' Miata does is probably the best way to spend $15k that I can think of.
Tyler Robbins No shit.
turbo311 isn't that what he asked