Seeking advice: best interior accessories for a Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Yo! Making it yours is half the fun. Here are some high-impact technical picks: * Shift Knob: For heat resistance with good weight, a Delrin Raceseng Sphereology Shift Knob is tough to beat. Or a BFI Heavy Weight Shift Knob if you prioritize pure feel, just watch the material specs for thermal properties.

• Phone Mount: The CravenSpeed Gemini Phone Mount for the ND is perfection. It integrates cleanly, no vent obstruction, and is rock-solid secure. Definitely a high-impact upgrade.

TL;DR: My journey with shift knobs and mats had some budget misses initially, but I found some good value options eventually. I went through this last year, honestly. Trying to make the cabin mine without breaking the bank on the first go. For shift knobs, I actually picked up a relatively cheap heavier aluminum knob first, thinking it'd be great. Unfortunately, that thing was literally a heat sink in summer and an ice cube in winter. Ended up ditching it for a Cravenspeed Shift Knob which is Delrin and just a much better experience; the weight is good, feel is solid, and no extreme temps. It's a bit more, but you truly get what you pay for in terms of material science, imo. Floor mats were another one. I started with a really basic set, but they just kinda slid around and didn't feel robust. I eventually splurged on Lloyd Mats Luxe (specifically the black ones for my interior) and ngl, the difference is night and day. They feel super plush, they stay put, and honestly, they just elevate the whole cabin feel. Definitely a high-impact item for comfort and perceived quality. Yeah, a bit more than I wanted to spend initially, but I wouldn't go back. It's like comparing a regular towel to a really thick, absorbent one, you know? Worth the upgrade for that daily touch point.

Ok so, I am gonna go against the grain a bit here. Everyone loves the flashy name-brand parts, but honestly, you can get way more impact for your budget if you do some of the work yourself and focus on the actual ergonomics rather than just swapping out bits for the sake of it. Spending big money on a shift knob is fine, but it doesnt fix the lack of storage or the slightly thin feel of the factory trim. Here are two quick DIY tips that realy changed the game for me:

• Grab a center console organizer or shelf like the MX-5 ND Center Console Tray. It is a cheap self-service fix that makes that deep storage bin actually functional for daily stuff like keys or change.
• Instead of just a knob, look at RedlineGoods for a DIY leather or alcantara wrap kit for your center console or door armrests. It takes some patience to install yourself, but the result looks way more high-end and bespoke than any off-the-shelf accessory. Basically, focus on the touch points you use every single minute. Definately look into the IL Motorsport Center Console Shelf too. It makes the cabin feel way more driver-centric without that cluttered look you are worried about.

I totally agree with focusing on ergonomics and DIY improvements to get the most bang for your buck. One quick tip that most people overlook is the door bushings. Replacing the stock ones with Cravenspeed Door Bushings is a super easy DIY that significantly tightens up the cabin feel and reduces NVH by providing a more rigid contact point for the doors. If you want to tackle the sound levels for those long cruises, I highly recommend adding some Noico 80 mil Sound Deadening Mat under the trunk carpet and behind the seats. It is a cheap way to lower the decibel levels from road noise without adding much weight. Those two together make the interior feel way more solid for under a hundred bucks total, leaving you plenty of room in your budget for other bits later.

Exactly what I was thinking

Heyyy, congrats again on the ND2! Seriously, Miatas are just pure joy, right? Super exciting you wanna personalize it and make it truly yours. I totally get that feeling! Before I dive into some practical upgrades I've loved, I've got a quick clarifying question for ya to help narrow things down. Since you mentioned "longer cruises" and "comfort," are you leaning more towards accessories that physically support you better – like seat inserts or specific lumbar pads – or more about things that reduce cabin fatigue, maybe through sound dampening or specific visual elements that just make the space feel more serene on those longer drives, you know? Cuz, honestly, when it comes to any interior mods, especially if comfort or safety is a priority, you really gotta watch out for: * Material quality: Cheaper stuff can literally degrade fast, sometimes giving off weird smells or even leaching chemicals in the sun. Not good.

• Fitment issues: Improperly fitting mats or trim pieces can actually interfere with pedal operation, which is a big safety NO-NO. Seriously, I've seen some scary stuff.
• Airbag obstruction: Be super careful with anything around the dash or steering wheel that could block airbag deployment – not worth the risk, tbh. Knowing your comfort focus will help me point you to the best 'high-impact' but safe choices! Can't wait to hear what you're thinking!

Hey, congrats on the ND2, dude! I totally get wanting to make it unique. For shift knobs, honestly, I've had issues with some 'budget' weighted ones getting literally scorching hot, ugh. Definitely go for a quality brand, they usually have better thermal properties. Mats? You can't beat a good all-weather set, like WeatherTech or similar; they're durable and look good. Phone mounts, you know, I've tried so many vent ones and they just kinda suck. Seriously, aim for a secure dash mount. Trust me on that one.