Physics vs. Hype: The $38,000 Miata Reality Check | 2025 Mazda MX-5 Club Review

Two years ago, Mazda told us they fixed the Miata’s steering friction and gave it a 'smarter' differential. Most people called it a masterpiece. But after 24 months of data, I’m back on a road with real consequences to find out if this is actually a better driver’s car, or if Mazda finally over-engineered the world’s favorite roadster. No marketing fluff. Just the technical truth. The ND3 revision is the headline upgrade no one can feel in a parking lot. In this technical audit, we diagnose the reality of the asymmetric LSD, tuned to match trail braking technique, and the revised steering rack that Dave Coleman’s team claimed would finally eliminate internal resistance. We move beyond the spec sheet to address the owner intel that matters: Factory Alignment: Why your car likely arrived from the factory with skewed specs and how to fix it. The Paint Fact: Why Soul Crystal Red owners need PPF immediately. The Aftermarket: Owners are addicted to suspension mods...to their detriment? 2025 Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Review: Perfection or Just Paint? https://youtu.be/FzHSPND5dxk ——————————————————————— // MY AMAZON STORE with my favorite things for drivers https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-4cc174af (this is an affiliate link) /// MERCH Pick up some sweet merch in our store! https://brian-makse-shop.fourthwall.com/ /// SUBSCRIBE Subscribe NOW to Brian Makse's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=brianmakse /// SOCIAL Instagram: http://Instagram.com/BrianMakse Twitter: http://Twitter.com/BrianMakse Facebook: http://Facebook.com/MakseAttack Spotify: https://sptfy.com/brianmakse Link In My Bio: https://makse.com/linkinbio/ /// MORE About Brian: http://makse.com/about /// WHAT I'M LISTENING TO Real AF With Andy Frisella https://andyfrisella.com/blogs/realaf-podcast Be sure to let us know what you think about this video and smash the subscribe button if you haven’t already! Test vehicles are provided by the respective manufacturers for review purposes, unless otherwise noted, and all opinions are our own. Music © 2026 Russell Soares (russellsoares.com), used with permission, all rights reserved. #ND3Miata #MX5Club #MazdaMX5 #SaveTheManuals #brianmakse