Ooops !
Just On Your Final Paragraph 
Iâve PMâed You
Everyone has their own opinion, but dissing the ND on an MX-5 forum is not a good way to win friends!
2 Likes
Not really looking to win friends, at least not in the context of the original post, which specifically asked for opinions.
That âcrouching tigerâ , or whatever itâs called, design philosophy ⊠is not dating well. It looked pretty good when applied to the Mazda3, very nice on the Mazda2. But years down the way, the Mazda3 looks dated. It still holds up quite well on the Mazda2. But on the MX5, it has never looked well. And it looks even worse now.
AgainâŠ, my opinion. As requested.
1 Like
Thatâs because you have a Grey RF ND.
But they (RF) are not a genuine open top MX5 though are they. 
We can only go by our own opinions, some will like it and some not.
Personally a âGREATâ looking car with the roof up. 
But down⊠
Does anyone âGenuinelyâ get upset because someone else doesnât like a particular brand/model of car.
I hope not.
In addition to my opinion as asked (see above).
3 Likes
I donât care if itâs not a âgenuine open-top MX-5â (which is your personal opinion, once again, and a debatable one at that?) I didnât buy the car either because itâs an MX-5. I bought it because I liked the design and have always bought coupĂ©s in the past. (Alfas, Fiats, Hondas). No, people probably donât get upset by someoneâs opinion, but why offer a negative opinion on an enthusiast forum on a car that looks amazing (not just my opinion), is well-designed and engineered, and millions of people love, and potentially put them off a great purchase? I would have thought only good vibes here? And Iâm not interested in having the last word either, Iâve done with this now. All the best.
the âWhat is the best MX5 to buyâ debate is becoming as popular as the âWhat is the best oil to buyâ closely followed by the âWhat is the best fuel to buyâ 
1 Like
I say it again itâs a Forum, (a meeting or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged).
Because that is what we do and what itâs for.
Itâs like saying the iPhone is better than Android, (personal choice).
If every one said the ND (or any of the others) was a fantastic car, what would be the point in having a friendly discussion.
If I said that the ND was a great car and someone bought one and found they didnât like it, (it happens) that would be wrong.
Not putting anyone off as it is their choice, because they want views either positive or negative.
You canât offer a positive opinion if your brain tells you itâs a negative opinion, we are all different.
I will leave the room on this subject now.
Perhaps a bit early to have a beer. 
All the best too.
3 Likes
I was not aware it was such a volatile subject. But I have found peopleâs views very interesting. 
3 Likes
Its a perrenial subject, been ongoing since 1998 (at least, because there is also a debate about B6 v BP*, which is best).
Enthusiasts tend to be enthusiastic, and passionate. Its never a topic that a MX5 (or Miata or Roadster) owner can be disspassionate about. In this context, an âownerâ takes on another dimension.
*B6; 1.6 motor in early MX5s
BP; 1.8 motor in MX5s from 1993 to 2005, in various tunes, and modifications.
1 Like
Well, itâs all academic because you canât buy the best MX-5 ever, because I own it, and itâs not for sale! 
4 Likes
Donât diss the ND, it is superb, so long as it fits you.
I loved driving the three I tried, each different in their own way, each very pointy precise and willing. However the driving position is just too small and cramped for me, and I soon suffered from acute back ache, typically after about ten minutes.
Compare this with my slightly bigger old NC (Niseko) where I can drive it all day and feel comfortable and still be free from aches or cramps when I climb out at the end. Itâs almost as good to drive as the ND, and for me infinitely more comfortable.
Horses for courses - or owners.
2 Likes
I would love an early one but I canât cope with the rust and a good low milage example is like finding rocking horse shyte. . The NC looks a bit over weight as in chubby looking all though I believe its a good car. Which Iâm afraid leaves the ND. I have located one with a 200 BHP tweek professionaly done and well looked after. I canât see Mazda making another petrol model so it maybe a good long term investment.
1 Like
2 Likes
This one is 100% rust free, and you literally wonât find a RHD thatâs older on the market.
http://samgoodwin.com/?page_id=146
Safe investment? Certainly, based on pre-Pandemic price rises (current price rises have certain artificial element, given general shortages of cars). Cheap to run? Yes (a fully renewed NA like this one will want for nothing for many many years, and most parts are stupidly cheap). Everyday usable? Probably not (124k kms on it).
I will predict, and this is not just MX5s, that demand for late model petrol cars will fall between now and 2030. Petrol cars, for the majority of people, will become increasingly a faff to own and run, whether thats due to ever increasing fuel prices, or declining forecourt availability. Older cars (of any collectable model) will inhabit a different automotive universe, as they do right now, where owners are more likely to put up with inconvenience.
This is not much to do with which is the best MX5 to buy, but I donât see any ND being a âgoodâ long term investment.
2 Likes
The best mx5 is mine. But you canât buy it, sorry.
1 Like
I own a 2011 2.0L SE RC in Copper Red and I think sheâs gorgeous. I previously owned a 2001 1.6 Isola.
I like the folding hardtop and feel it is more secure. I am 75 and not a âboy-racerâ but I enjoy driving spiritedly on winding country roads.
I am almost 6 feet tall and the NC is comfortable to drive for quite long periods without stretching my legs.
I quite like the look of the ND although it strikes me that it is very much aimed at the US market. I havenât sat in one but it looks very cramped and, unlike the NC, there is a distinct lack of interior storage space.
I will happily stick with my NC which has done only 33500 miles.
1 Like
From this thread you can see that itâs âeach to their ownâ. The best MX-5 to buy is the one you like the most 
With a bit of due diligence you should be able to get a good one of what ever that is.
3 Likes
Funnily enough, and I did find it quite amusing although out of politeness ( yesâŠfrom me) I did not show it, I had a brand new ND park up right beside my NA at the Green Welly.
He looked a bit curious, and asked very nicely what it was. So I told him it was the great great Gramps of what he was drivingâŠpretty much. He was such a gent, and his wife was very pleasant too.
Up from the Midlands I think. My car is totally debadged by the way. Detest badgesâŠutterly and I do not really know why.
Thatâs what I meant earlier about different sorts of purchasersâŠbut I think itâs more likely there have always been different sorts. SWMBO bought her hers 16 years back for itâs colour and shape.
Had it sinceâŠso still likes itâs colour and shape and itâs getting to an age where a few folk comment on it too which is nice. However, and I think you know whatâs coming, the MKBRG gets a lot more of itâŠwhich is nice.
People seem to like them all for one reason or another and it really is of no great consequence is it?
Iâm bunging up my dual fuel DD today by 100.0 per month, Thatâs what I call a consequence .
Which is not so nice.
Letâs all be nice. Iâts easy when you try. And a lot less stressful.
Have a great week all. If you are planning to head for the coast or an airport this weekend dont.
Just dont. Be not that lemming. Take care all.
4 Likes
Iâve had the comment, is it a Mercedes staring at the large Mazda badge on the front of the car. Mind, that was from a local councillor touting for votes, he didnât get any.
4 Likes