I have a confession: I’m a Miata addict. In total, I’ve owned four of them, including this 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, also known as the ND3 in enthusiast circles. This roadster or retractable fastback defines automotive perfection. It’s proof that excellence comes from products built with passion and intention, not through overloading them with complexity. At nearly a decade into its current generation, the Miata remains fresh yet modern. The RF model with its targa-style roof turns heads everywhere, especially in unique colors like this Zircon Sand Metallic.
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata: How We Got Here
This car came into our lives through sheer luck. While car shopping for my partner’s daily driver, we strolled over next door to the Mazda dealership and found this beauty. Turns out it’s been sitting there for nearly 100 days and had a pretty steep discount. My other half quickly understood my obsession with a couple of flicks of the shifter.
After talking to a salesman, we left the dealership to continue our main mission, followed by lunch. While we ate, I kept thinking about this little roadster, why it’s such a perfect little sports car to have as a back-to-basics driving palate cleanser. Additionally, the feeling of wearing the car and it turning into an extension of you adds to just how special the Miata is. I longed for it, and as a result, we headed back to the dealership and bought it. While its sticker price checked in at just a hair over $42,000, we got it for much lower thanks to its steep discount. Furthermore, I qualified for an extra $1,000 bonus cash and 0% APR for 3 years, sweetening the deal. In total, we got almost $5,000 off this RF Club.
What’s In the Garage
As I noted above, we got the RF Club. That means this Miata swaps the traditional soft top for a power-folding targa-style roof. It’s pretty well equipped, too. Standard features include a Bose premium audio system with speakers mounted in the headrest, heated seats, and an 8.8-inch display that turns into a touchscreen when using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Naturally, this Miata has the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Additionally, it includes Bilstein shocks, a shock tower brace, and a limited-slip rear differential, all of which come standard on manual-equipped Club and Grand Touring models. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder comes standard with 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Its redline you ask? A screaming 7,500 rpm. Keep in mind that this output only applies to 2019 and newer Miatas. The 2016 to 2018 models only make 155 hp and 148 lb-ft, while the redline is lower at 6,800 rpm.
Unlike the soft top, the BBS/Brembo/Recaro package comes standard on the RF Club. That adds lightweight forged BBS 17-inch wheels, Brembo front brakes, and Recaro seats. Miatas equipped with this package also include bright red brake calipers, an aero kit, and a black rear lip spoiler.
A New Adventure Starts
So begins another Miata ownership experience. Based on my initial impressions over the last few weeks, this takes the cake as the best Miata to date. It’s got all the traits of what makes this such a unique sports car and has just the right amount tech to keep you connected. Does this featherweight stand the test of time? We’ll find that out as we live with it during our entire ownership period!
