Author Topic: Test Drive: 2014 Mazda MX-5 GT (Read 13345 times)

Autos_Editor · « **on:** May 26, 2014, 06:30:35 am »

Jacob is converted by Mazda's ultra-capable convertible hero car ' the MX-5.

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superukr · « **Reply #1 on:** May 26, 2014, 08:13:56 am »

sorry still take my Z4, twice luggage volume, yes 400 lbs heavier but engine is much better. Seating position is more like in the real car and you dont have to put your head down to see the road and not the e roof front mount.

johngenx · « **Reply #2 on:** May 26, 2014, 09:14:54 am »

Didn't realize the Z4 was in the same category as the MX-5. Do you know of some special pricing? The cheapest Z is $55K, way, way, above the most expensive MX-5.

For about 1/2 the price, I expect Mazda would have to have some compromises somewhere compared to BMW...

OliverD · « **Reply #3 on:** May 26, 2014, 09:35:32 am »

I interpreted his post to mean that he would take a used first-gen Z4 over a new MX-5.

DriverJeff · « **Reply #4 on:** May 26, 2014, 09:42:04 am »

Wow, the GT is up to $40 big ones now, eh? When I got my '06 GS it was just over $30k and had the six-speed, 17" wheels, LSD and Bilstiens. Plus it didn't have the silly power top. Without leaving the driver's seat, I think I could raise or lower the top in 5 sec or less. "Click, flip, click".

Geez I miss that car.

Great_Big_Abyss · « **Reply #5 on:** May 26, 2014, 09:50:15 am »

I will own one of these cars one day. Sure, it may be a slightly clapped out, used Miata, and it could take a decade, but there WILL eventually be one in my driveway. If I can convince my wife that we can go down to one car (I have), it wouldn't be a stretch to say that, eventually, when we can afford it, we can have second vehicle that is 'impractical'.

dkaz · « **Reply #6 on:** May 26, 2014, 10:24:16 am »

Quote from: DriverJeff on May 26, 2014, 09:42:04 am

Wow, the GT is up to $40 big ones now, eh? When I got my '06 GS it was just over $30k and had the six-speed, 17" wheels, LSD and Bilstiens. Plus it didn't have the silly power top. Without leaving the driver's seat, I think I could raise or lower the top in 5 sec or less. "Click, flip, click".

Geez I miss that car.

Your GS is up to $36k now yea. The GX is $30k. Getting up there.

I still want one.

Fobroader · « **Reply #7 on:** May 26, 2014, 10:40:09 am »

Great review Jacob, only took one drive in a Miata to convince myself that this thing was the exact opposite of a chick car for me as well. Im happy and you and your daughter had such a great time and made some good memories to get you through the piercing weird body parts and "I hate you!!!" years

firewired · « **Reply #8 on:** May 26, 2014, 11:59:29 am »

I agree on the sticker-shock pricing for a new MX-5. I would never buy a new one anyway. The used market is just too good. I paid $13K five months ago for my '07 MX-5 GS, and I love it. I prefer the manual top and the GS came with the 6-speed manual and the LSD, and the non-GT suspension is just fine for spirited driving. I did not want the fancy things that the GT adds to the mix, and solved the bluetooth and stereo problem by installing an after-market head unit.

superukr · « **Reply #9 on:** May 26, 2014, 12:22:53 pm »

Quote from: johngenx on May 26, 2014, 09:14:54 am

Didn't realize the Z4 was in the same category as the MX-5. Do you know of some special pricing? The cheapest Z is $55K, way, way, above the most expensive MX-5.

For about 1/2 the price, I expect Mazda would have to have some compromises somewhere compared to BMW...

there is no 27k mx-5
to have something close to Z4's 55k you gotta go up to 40k for MX-5
dont get me wrong, MX-5 is great little car but not for my taste

PJ · « **Reply #10 on:** May 26, 2014, 12:53:27 pm »

Quote from: superukr on May 26, 2014, 12:22:53 pm

Quote from: johngenx on May 26, 2014, 09:14:54 am
Didn't realize the Z4 was in the same category as the MX-5. Do you know of some special pricing? The cheapest Z is $55K, way, way, above the most expensive MX-5.

For about 1/2 the price, I expect Mazda would have to have some compromises somewhere compared to BMW...

there is no 27k mx-5
to have something close to Z4's 55k you gotta go up to 40k for MX-5
dont get me wrong, MX-5 is great little car but not for my taste

Bet you could get a MX-5 for $27k. Sales are slow now with an all new one on the horizon and I'll bet they'll deal.

I'm in the base car camp. It's so well designed it doesn't need the extras to be great. While the folding hard top is the best on the market the soft top is better. If you want better wheels and tires keep the base ones for winter and the aftermarket has a massive selection for your summer choice.

Not only is it half the price of the Z4 it comes with one feature the Germans don't offer. Reliability.

JacobBlack · « **Reply #11 on:** May 26, 2014, 01:00:22 pm »

I'd love to try the base model out sometime. See how different it is from this one I tested.
Like you guys though, I'd buy one used if I was buying.
Unless the new one is seriously epic. Then I'd buy that.
Anyone got photos of the process involved in the soft-top removal/installation?

johngenx · « **Reply #12 on:** May 26, 2014, 02:32:03 pm »

Quote from: PJ on May 26, 2014, 12:53:27 pm

one feature the Germans don't offer. Reliability.

ZING!!

Snowman · « **Reply #13 on:** May 26, 2014, 02:57:00 pm »

Three years ago we had a serious look when my wife wanted a roadster. Then there was the S2000.....

hemusbull · « **Reply #14 on:** May 26, 2014, 03:22:03 pm »

Oh no! MX-5 naturally have disappeared in favour of Miata! And there are at least two more Mazda 5 with something after...

tortoise · « **Reply #15 on:** May 26, 2014, 03:25:38 pm »

Well written article that I thoroughly enjoyed.

My dad had a '97 that I got to tool around in. I've had the itch ever since.

Northernridge · « **Reply #16 on:** May 26, 2014, 06:45:37 pm »

How many years has the Miata/MX-5 been around now? This is another car that has really had its original concept and design carefully and successfully evolved over time. The early versions do not look old nor obsolete alongside the 2014 model. I see bigger changes could be in store for next year...

Julie · « **Reply #17 on:** May 26, 2014, 06:52:30 pm »

Quote from: Northernridge on May 26, 2014, 06:45:37 pm

How many years has the Miata/MX-5 been around now? This is another car that has really had its original concept and design carefully and successfully evolved over time. The early versions do not look old nor obsolete alongside the 2014 model. I see bigger changes could be in store for next year...

The miata has been around since 1989

First generation ("NA Miatas"): 1989-1997.

Second generation ("NB Miatas"): 1999-2005.

Third generation ("NC Miatas"): 2006-2014

Fourth generation ("ND Miatas"): rumored to be revealed later this fall, with its first autoshow reveal confirmed to be Chicago 2015. Will incorporate some Kodo design elements, and the goal has been to reduce weight and bring it back to its roots.

Julie · « **Reply #18 on:** May 26, 2014, 06:57:00 pm »

Oh, and miatas can generally be had for significantly less than their MSRP...

Solstice2006 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 26, 2014, 07:27:41 pm »

I am torn, I like the NB series, as more affordable, and the proportions look slightly better, especially with the skirts. But I like the NC series with the hard top, to drive all year, and for better sound insulation when the top is up. The leather in the NC series is better as well...

The MX-5 has very little competition, and the Z4 isn't one of them. Nor are the pony convertibles, or the 370z. I would say the Z3 was a little closer to the MX-5 in terms of hp, pricing, and interior quality. I liked the cleaner lines of the Z3 compared to the Z4. But on the other hand, maybe a Z8 would be great, if we had the money!