Does The NC Mazda MX-5 (Miata) Deserve The Hate? My First Drive

Today I'm driving the black sheep of an automotive dynasty - the third generation Mazda MX5. Derided by the community as being far too heavy and slow for its own good, can you still have fun in it?
#Mazda #MX5 #NC
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[@blondegirlsezthis8798]

There are two kinds of people: those who love Miata's, and those who haven't driven Miata's.

[@Flowermouth]

And Chris Harris

[@ΔημήτριοςΡάπτης-ρ9χ]

Give me your ig

[@The9meister]

Bang for buck driving

[@Flowermouth]

@@ΔημήτριοςΡάπτης-ρ9χ go to horny jail

[@blondegirlsezthis8798]

@@Flowermouth thank you

[@andreiarama8745]

In my eyes this is the best looking MX5

[@86surge90]

it's not bad looking out of the bunch. nb's and nc's are the better looking ones

[@lordsaishu9157]

then you are probably that type of person who likes the new bmw m4

[@andreiarama8745]

@@lordsaishu9157 no I don't like the new M4. I was never into pop up headlights and I don't like the last gen MX5 either. Best looking MX5 for me is this one with the last gen engines and interior

[@KUTProductions]

Get some new eyes.

[@andreiarama8745]

@@KUTProductions get some manners

[@stevenmitchell7830]

I've had all the MX5 NA to ND. I really like my ND, but if I'm going for a longer drive I tend to go in my NC because it is really comfortable. For the money, NC is great value and a lot of fun.

[@louiearmstrong]

I dont fit in NA/NB/NDs because im a fat fuck. I have been told the NC is the way to go

[@hendersonli6594]

Which is most fun?

[@schakalicious6023]

@@hendersonli6594I’ve driven all four, the NA and NB are probably tied (I have a VVT swapped 1989 NA with some stiffening mods, so it’s really the best of both worlds). The NC probably has the best handling overall, which is mostly owed to the excellent chassis it shares with the RX8. I wanted to like the ND, and it is good, but stock it is REALLY soft feeling. I haven’t driven one with upgraded sway bars and stiffer struts, but I have a feeling it would feel great then - almost like an S2000. For my money the NA is my favorite but they are getting expensive. You can’t beat new car reliability if you can afford the ND and are willing to have some light suspension and brake mods done. The NC is a bargain right now. They’re all good!

[@DreamCarGarage1]

I don't know what you mean? Anyone who's actually driven one of these knows they're really good fun to drive. A great little sports car.

[@giulioposenato9332]

Comparing it to the na/nb miata is a more mature package imho, they deliver more comfort and more diveability than the earlier miatas.

[@richardwanamaker9080]

@@DreamCarGarage1 I have a 21 civic type R and still LOVE driving my low mileage 09 mx5 auto!

[@voituer]

We had one from new for 7 years. Fabulous car. With roof down it made me feel like I was driving an old English sports car. Very reliable and in every day situations it is impeccable. Push it and it performs extremely well

[@richardbradley1598]

Got to say one of the most fun cars I've ever owned, not the fastest but it feels fast, and handles beautifully, get the roof down and smile

[@sonofjak1971]

I think the NC is the best looking of all MX5's but then again i think the best looking Golf is the MK4 so what do i know!

[@mattewj1268]

You are close on both counts.

[@MasterMalrubius]

MkIV? Ridiculous. MKII for me though I only owned an MkIII.

[@richboy900]

I agree with the mk4 golf. Was one of the worst gens of the car, but mk4s done up can look great

[@benistingray6097]

Agree, MKIV was the best looking Golf, still hate the NC's look.

[@ihavenousername1805]

Mk4 golfs only look good in r32 spec IMO.

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

They aren't bad but I'll stick with my pop up headlight version because these are worth at least 50bhp in my head.

[@chrishieh]

The 0-60 time in my ‘96 of 2 and a half minutes would beg to differ

[@nova-oy4qy]

It doesn't have to be pick one over the other. In stock form, the NA is a "jolly" car. It makes you giggly with amazement. The NC is a more "serious" driver's car. It a stiffer, precise driver with enough power. They have different characteristics. I can't say one is better than the other. That is why I keep both.

[@drpiv]

At least

[@keithjackson4985]

Lol 😆 lol 😆 hilarious. I love that.

[@fuchnorris6277]

But there isn't a version I wouldn't own but nc is very attractive to me especially with silver or black clubs with the black wheels

[@markjohnson5276]

When I drive in cold weather with the top down. I dress in a World War one leather pilots helmet, a heavy parka and black patent leather gauntlet gloves. When I stop at the store they say, 'you look like your about to go flying'. I say, 'I am'.

[@tlf6858]

Makes a great track car! And you can fit in it if you're over 6 foot.

[@denzilpenbirthy5028]

TLF i agree, and particularly in the wet, they hang on really well.

[@recepcakirel9641]

I had to crawl on my knees to get out of the ND but i fit just fine in the NC

[@TheCowboyOfEpic]

That's why I got an NC! It's the 2.0L hardtop and it's so much fun to drive! Outdrives my friends' NAs and is a lot mroe comfortable! Just wish I had some pop-ups!

[@R-Tap]

This model Mx5 is actually my fav. Looks good, nice stance.

[@ValFinale]

throw on coils and its even better.

[@Raven-uu7lb]

The NC Miata is the best overall. Honestly I really like this MX-5/Miata. Such a beautiful car

[@OG-Silesian]

Nope. The ND. (Its expensive tho)

[@waynepurcell6058]

@@OG-Silesian Retractable hard top says it all. I love my NC and the hard top retracting while still leaving a usable trunk is the #1 reason. I don't performance drive. Mine is for scenic driving with the wife while carrying enough stuff for a spontaneous night or two stay somewhere.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

WHY, I just turned down a 70K mile excellent condition NC for $6K, one owner fully serviced. Did nothing for me, I prefer my brother's NB.

[@chloedegurechaff1941]

@@OG-Silesian Until that manual box blows up on you for the 6th time XD

[@OG-Silesian]

@@chloedegurechaff1941 thats just the early models. They fixed that

[@henriklarsson7835]

The best convertible is the convertible you actually use. Is there any smarter than this? User friendly, economical, fun, comfortable enough, good looking and reliable.

[@flybobbie1449]

Z4 E89 hard top used mine everyday commute for the last 8 years.

[@henriklarsson7835]

@@flybobbie1449 the Z4 is a beauty - Bangles at his best. Heard they are very well built

[@flybobbie1449]

@@henriklarsson7835 Not the Bangle car. That was earlier.

[@henriklarsson7835]

@@flybobbie1449 sorry I was too quick. Good experience w the 89 I understand

[@EmmaHopman]

I find the NVH of the soft top never bothers me, I could take a road trip with the nc Miata and I would be happy

[@artpereira]

The NC is my favourite MX-5. Looks the best and most timeless IMO. Haven’t driven one unfortunately

[@nova-oy4qy]

You can definitely see the styling lineage between the NA through to the NC. ND?? well.. I don't know. They went in a completely different styling direction, to my eye. Not saying its bad, just no connection to the past.

[@Shakejuntmane]

I have a 2015 nc and its great

[@artpereira]

@@eddie9703 don’t think it stands for anything. I believe it is a code on the VIN

[@artpereira]

@@eddie9703 Yes, I know it is the 3rd gen, NA NB NC ND but the acronym doesn't stand for anything as far as I found. On the forums it is full of jokes but a few said it is from the VIN number indicating the model generation. So ... in a way you are right actually hahaha

[@artpereira]

@@eddie9703 ... or are you being a Miata gate-keeper? not sure why the question was asked

[@MatthewGaither]

I owned a 2008 Special Edition with a 6spd manual for almost 2 years and really enjoyed it. It was fun to drive but cheap to own and drive. Having driven all of the MX-5's except for the very latest one I can safely say that any MX-5 is a good one to drive.

[@huwd2292]

Great review James, glad to see this wonderful car getting the appreciation it deserves. Its bad press seemed to arise from terrible EVO reviews, but as with so many of their reviews, they totally missed the point that these cars are driven by normal people on normal roads where on the limit handling is hardly an issue. Mine is my 4th MX5, and I got back into an NC after having an ND (which was also great of course). I've had 987 Boxsters, a 993, 997 and a late S2000 . None of them have ever been as much fun to drive. As for ease and cost of ownership - there's no comparison. I have a choice of cars but I drive the NC as much as possible. Oh and I didn't want a PRHT but so few late Sport versions have a soft top, and guess what, I love it, against my expectations.

[@CosmicSeeker69]

WOW Hugh - that's some recommendation, given your past rides! (ex 944 S2 owner looking for some Fun in my retirement here)

[@SirCosta1]

Bought a 2.0L Sport two weeks ago and couldn't be happier 👌

[@CarThought]

👌 hope you like it!

[@llauncher5170]

Bought a hardtop 2 months ago to replace my beloved NB which was rear ended in stationary traffic 😦and written off. Love the NC!

[@raupenimmersatt6906]

Had one also for 1 year. Best drivers car and daily-driveable

[@DrivenDailyTrips]

Would you guys say it was reliable? I'm coming from a 2013 Peugeot 208 and had no issues would this be similarly reliable?

[@nova-oy4qy]

Bought mine 12 years ago, used with 1500 mi on the odometer. Has 17k mi on it now. Only use it for pleasure. No "junk" miles.

[@davidporeilly1]

I run one (see avatar) in MX5 Supercup here in the UK where with a few mods it's a weapon! When you look under the bonnet and see how far back they squeezed the engine it's a marvel. I spent 4 1/2years selling Porsche and was there when the Boxster launched. Later I worked for Mazda and sold these. In my view -its 90% of the Boxster of the era at 50% of the price. The NC is my preferred MX5 of them all, the looks? a kind of curvaceously rounded yet still technical look reminiscent of the 911-993 Porsche. Feels so much more grown up than the NA, doesn't rot like the NB and much more performance. Agreed the 1.8 is to be avoided. Also get the "Sport" version of the 2.0 which features Bilstein dampers and LSD (Torsen). The folding hardtop (Roadster Coupe) is also for me the lesser choice. It means extra weight up high (worst combination) and also features softer springs (so weird squeaky movements in the join are avoided). The shape of the folding top is also very noisy when up, the soft top is actually quieter on the motorway! If on an extreme budget the 2.0 litre "Option pack" (code for no options) is cheaper; No air con, soft top only, 5 speed and no LSD. An exhaust, a good air cleaner and a remap yields 180 bhp (+20). If the "herd mentality" or badge snobbery of the UK consumer has overlooked it then lucky us $$$$$. Its an amazing car at circa £4-5k.

[@TheRoybeasley]

@David O'Reilly I suspect that the NC is already proving to be just as prone to rotting (in much the same places) as the NB was. The NBs out there have had a year or several head start in the race to turn steel into iron oxide, and both versions suffer from the same absence of any factory-applied rustproofing along with the same basic design issues with multiple layers of metal in key chassis members almost as if they actually intended to trap moisture in there to encourage rusting. Oh - and I could be wrong here, but it's my understanding that all 2.0 MX-5s sold in the UK had LSD. (Just a note to add that I've owned my '09 2.0 Sport PRHT for four years now and honestly - it's simply a hoot to drive and seldom fails to put a smile on my face even when commuting (with the roof down, of course!) at 4am in December...)

[@Hypersonik]

The NC MX5 is perhaps one of the best cars I have ever driven. Sure, not going to set any records, but seeing as you can't win a track day and doing 140mph on the public road will land you in jail, this car is amazing. It has just about enough power (2.0), enough brakes and the feel of it is amazing. What a car and you can get them for peanuts. Oh yeah, Ego warriors need not apply obviously.

[@ao8271]

Its the same story with the r33 skyline. Its just because its the middle child.

[@johnjacob688]

Its because its bulbous not because its sits in between the R32 and R34.

[@warboyrb]

Bulbous but lighter, and on many tracks, faster than the R34.

[@LloydManning]

I loved my NC such a good car!

[@rutlegs]

I love my NC Grand Touring. Not only is it the best looking of the series, it's the one that actually fit in.

[@stephenhookings1985]

I am 6'2" and drove and MX5 at a track day. It wasn't the NA or ND .. was a tight fit but fun. I am looking for one now - is NC likely to be best fit? Or no chance?

[@rutlegs]

@@stephenhookings1985 I'm 6'2" as well. It's a snug fit but I wouldn't call it uncomfortable.

[@sethfullerton1]

I had an MGB in high school and thought I would get another to help me through mid-life. I had forgotten about all the problems like leaking oil and the reverse gear disappearing as well as the time it popped out of gear and rolled backwards down the driveway to come to rest gently against the neighbor's garage door. The NC MX-5 was the answer. Great rear wheel drive with an easier drop top, more power, air bags, and Japanese reliability. I love the NC and will buy another when I finish wearing this one out.

[@aboyandhisdog]

"It's not rubbish" - now there is an endorsement that Mazda may be willing to pay you for!

[@roscoecoltrane6867]

I totally agree with you. It is, by far, the best looking MX5 of all the generations - even the latest one. Owned one for a few years and still, after I got out of the car always looked back to admire it. Bloody lovely. Never really understood why everyone thinks the NA is so nice. Add in a supercharger to the NC and it’s a lovely package and an absolute joy to drive down twisty roads.

[@che7wins614]

I reckon I drove no more than 20 metres in an MX5 NA before I was hooked. It is a thrilling drive.

[@tobynixon7830]

Im 17 and I have a 1.8 20th anniversary for my second car. I love it, it’s a great entry level sports car and I’ll always remember it

[@fin1168]

Mx5s are great wee cars i got mine 2 years ago (a 2.5) when i was 12 for £460 on eBay and needs the typical new front and rear wings witch are getting done by myself in the new year, but since i bought it ive done a full service, water pump and cam belt. And next year when my own garage gets put up the car will under go its rust repair. but all in all best thing ive ever bought, 1000/10

[@interlagos46]

NC has always been my favorite

[@willembaaij4098]

I drive an Elise, and I like the sound she makes, specially with the roof down!

[@SimpleOldGaming]

Lower it with RX8 Roll bars and they're great fun. Can get decent power for not much money either

[@davidstorm4015]

Good point. Mine has RX8 roll bars, so it doesn't roll very much any more, but it's not lowered. I would like a lower ride height, but it handles just fine as it is and I don't want to compromise the ride quality

[@SimpleOldGaming]

@@davidstorm4015 I have yellow dot RX8 rollbars and 35mm eibach springs. Ride is still comfortable enough and I use it every day, handles every bit as well as my NA

[@bv2289]

It has double wishbone on the front and a 5 link system at the back, same setup as the RX8.

[@mohawk5010]

I bought an NC RF Club brand new, and I love it. But I’ll readily admit I actually like how the NC handles much more than the ND. Hydraulic steering also helps give it the analog feel MX-5 fans love.

[@ODC4D6D]

Bought my NC PRHT as 2nd car, but use it more than the other...luv them and best looking of the Mx5’s. Great vid btw.

[@plottoo]

Haha, same story here. I put almost 80 tkm on my NC. Is there a better recommendation for Miata ....when your other car becomes „just an other car”?

[@85waspnest]

I've loved my 2006 NC 2.0 every day and every trip for the last 5 years. I'm a big fella, the NA, NB and ND are too cramped, the NC is just right. Having owned 84 cars throughout my 50 year driving career, none gave as much pleasure as the MX5.

[@frederick6008]

Old fart here, agree.

[@TenguDrift]

Best mx5 from the first 3 gen, the haters will stop hating as they can afford one now 😄 you have a great way with words man, great video !

[@ScottZ370]

They make great second cars for people who probably shouldn't be buying a second car 😂

[@lewisvincent7479]

Haha love this, you’ve got me looking 🤔

[@JohnSmith-dt1tw]

I am currently mildly considering one as a second car. I probably shouldn't be buying a second car.

[@acchaladka]

I talked to a sales rep just this week about an RF... We don't even really use the Tesla enough, so I'm probably risking my marriage. 😅

[@ScottZ370]

@@JohnSmith-dt1tw This or a MR2 and I think this is probably the wise choice

[@JohnSmith-dt1tw]

@@ScottZ370 The only real complication is that I'm 6'4", so it would be a squeeze either way

[@flyness39]

My 2015 Grand Sport has been an absolute joy! Granted I've replaced the exhaust, tuned it, added anti roll suspension, new head unit... Etc, and it's just so much fun to toodle around country roads!

[@Bluesilentpro]

I had one for eight years. Put Ohlins in and AD08R on and tracked it around Europe. Its one of the best sportscars out there. It just needs a proper suspension, alignment and tires. I only sold it for a Porsche. And it was still a bit more fun in certain situations.

[@giorx5]

Great review, totally agreed! The facelifted version is clearly my favourite NC and the hardtop ever more. With the 2 liter engine ofc. This chassis and suspension made for this and the RX8 are one of the best.

[@DrMikeOxgreen]

Owned my NC3 2.0 for 4 years. Brilliant car for the money. Handles nicely with plenty of feedback through the controls. Economical for commuting with the roof down, and fun on a b road. Not as fast as my previous Monaro V8, not as pin sharp as my old mr2 roadster, but as a package ideal for my needs.

[@Synchrimedia]

i had the exact same car, even the same color. it was fantastic. it's not particularly powerful but really fun to drive. nice to be able to press a button and put the top down while sitting at a light. the top folds down kind of vertically between the seats and the trunk so you still get a full trunk. very reliable. never had any mechanical issues. when you drive one, turn the review mirror on yourself so you can see how cool you look driving it.

[@AliasHSW]

The retractable hardtop looks great and would be my choice too.. I am however not a fan of the headlight and taillight designs.

[@Locomattive8572]

I have a NC. Iv had a real mix of car from Jags to Hot fords over the years. But my NC is my Favourite. I love it.

[@oddyseus99]

Have driven MX5s for the last twenty plus years. Had NAs, NBs and now have a NC Sport Black in white with a black PRHT (2.0l). I love it. It's not as fun as the early models but a far better daily. Wouldn't swap it for virtually anything...well maybe for an Eagle E Type :)

[@SantoRedentor]

Having a convertible in Scotland is so sad, man.

[@ekim000]

My wife wrote her Lexus off last Friday and being in the throes of a mid-life crisis has decided that a retractable hardtop NC is what she needs to take the edge off. Will be driving a few tomorrow and hope to surprise her with one in the week. Thanks for the review!

[@ekim000]

Surprise was sprung with a mint racing green 2L. Happy wife!

[@jackleonard2088]

I’ve owned one almost exactly like the one your driving. I found it to be one of the more comfortable yet fun cars I’ve owned. Like the looks far better than the nb Miata. I believe the values will be going up in the future.

[@paulhall170]

I bought my PRHT (Power Retractable Hard Top) MX-5 three years ago with 150,000 kms on the clock. It's now got 212,000, hasn't cost me a cent in repairs, it's done two 3,000km+ multi-day tours (you have to be very stingey with the packing), and is an enduring delight. I'm a sports motorcyclist; if I want to go really quick, I get the bike out of the garage. But for a solo, or even better, two-up trip, in the twisties, with the fabulous six-speed gearbox and the limpet-like road holding, it's at least as much fun as the bike, and far more practical. Just one technical point, the NC borrows the chassis from the RX7, not the other way around. Mazda America wanted the car to have a bit more cab space for their market, the RX7 donated its floor-pan. The top opens and closes in 12 seconds, and over 80kph you can drive in the rain and stay dry. But, as you observed, a hard roof is infinitely better than a flappy fabric one.

[@jamieogorman9461]

Love em, never owned one but would to.

[@ridgmont61]

Had one, NC 2.0 Sport folding hardtop, absolutely loved it.

[@gky3019]

with some coilovers and the bbr 220 kit, this thing is a weapon.

[@CivicMikey]

they do a 225 PS Throttle Body kit now .. not cheap .. but nearly S2000 power!

[@another3997]

With enough money, you can turn any car in to "a weapon". Why not buy something that already has the capabilities you want, and quite probably save yourself some money in the process? I wonder why people buy a car that doesn't do what they want it to, then set about spending lots of money 'improving' it. If it was something rare, unique or exotic, or just a track car, then perhaps... but a Mazda MX-5 or hot hatch for the road? Just accept them for what they are.

[@gky3019]

​@@another3997 There is nothing on the market that weighs as much as a Miata, with 225 hp. Unless you want to spend 40-50 grand for a lotus... Modifying a car for its potential is something every Car Guy does, accepting them for what they are is a lazy comment and you clearly haven't got a clue what you're talking about.

[@CivicMikey]

+1. The NC is special as it was based on the RX-8 chassis and so fits the taller driver. The 225 kit and decent coilovers (BBR, Meisters, BC Racing) could be around £5k which is quite affordable and will put smiles on your face.

[@smilepermile8165]

@@another3997 You have no idea what you're talking about.

[@FuelwithDave]

I bought the 3.5 mx5 for my wife as her first little sports car she used it for a few years. Chucked some winter wheels on and it's amazing even in the snow... Just have to clear the arches out occasionally 😂

[@kev7118]

Nc looks the best IMO. Driven two, loved em both. The manual gearbox reminded me of a bolt action rifle in a good way

[@davidr2975]

Speaking of a bolt action rifle, my Japanese type 99 ww2 rifle was made at the same factory my mx5 was built , love them both. Mazda bought the arms factory sometime after ww2.

[@paintup46]

@@davidr2975 Badass!

[@Rjhs001]

My wife got an MX5 NC 1.8 a few months ago and I've gotta say, she loves it and so do I. It exceeds all our expectations and that's just fine and dandy.

[@mickl8212]

Constructive criticism here, I love the videos but the microphone near the exhaust doesn't work. It doesn't capture the true sound of the car that you'd hear in person. You're better off leaving the microphone in the car or doing a drive by at a distance.

[@erictol]

Class review. If I get tired of my NB, I'll go for exacty this one. 2.0L, foldable hardtop, love it

[@mikeciba5862]

I love my 02LS, had it for 3yrs, garaged now for winter, unless a 50 degree day arrives

[@mihaiserbanescu8676]

I just bought one and it's arriving tomorrow. My first car! Yoo-hoo!😂

[@neilmcguinness4422]

As a four wheel drive turbocharged hot hatch owner and addict looking in I feel that I must defend the NC MX5.. It is a fine looking and handling and riding touring sports car that would not cost an arm and a leg to run. Performance is not everything if you value protecting your driving license and just want to chill a little when driving.. Why do so many people dislike this fine car?...

[@arigato7788]

My dream car is the RX8 (I have odd dreams, I know), but I'd never want to own one (due to the reliability concerns over the rotary engine aging not too well, like with the apex seals issue or the engine flooding). But since the MX-5 NC is very closely related to the RX8 (I've even heard that the NC wouldn't have existed without the RX8), this is the car I'd much rather have. Such a shame that where I am across the Channel car prices are so outrageous, you'd be lucky to find a decent one for less than 7000€...

[@Swarm509]

@leviathanr53 They are not unreliable overall, but they are getting old and the rotary is a major maintenance item that will eventually cause an issue, and many being sold need that done (which isn't cheap if done at a shop). I think daily driving it is actually better, so many people let them sit and don't keep them up like someone who drives it all time will.

[@timhancock6626]

What hate ? They are fantastic cars. I'd love one. In fact this version is my favourite MX-5 / Miata.

[@SeanFlaherty]

NC looked odd, but I appreciate it since it shares its bones with my RX-8.

[@zsb707]

I have a galaxy grey NC1. I didn't like the front end, but added some black racing stripes and it looks great now 👍

[@SeanFlaherty]

@@zsb707 I just got my 2010 RX-8 back from having an engine rebuild, so hopefully I'll enjoy another 100k miles of mostly trouble-free driving.

[@zsb707]

@@SeanFlaherty RX-8 👍👊👏

[@aidan.w.carolan]

Very good. I always marvel at how you always sync the visuals with the audio in your editing. It gives a live feeling to your videos

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Yeah that is the way I edit, all the cameras are synced so I cut it like live TV

[@aidan.w.carolan]

@@JayEmmOnCars 👍

[@a.anderickx7819]

Having driven both the nd and the nc: in my opinion the nd is the much better car, but the nc still has some rawness to it, and is more fun to drive. As a daily, nd (Quite frugal too), for fun: nc.

[@reinier660]

I owned an S2000 and an NC. Trust me on going for the NC. So much more fun. Way better driving. Just a bit slower, but that doesnt way up to the feeling the MX5 gives you. I know this sounds hard to believe. But get the MX5.

[@andrewwilson8317]

I have an NC with a lightly tuned 1.8 and it’s a great little car. Tyres, brakes and suspension upgraded, engine pushing 150 hp. What a laugh, never not enjoyed it. Every drive to work is a laugh. It’s been on so many long road trips without fault. It’s a keeper!

[@dimdaisjimbo]

What hate? It's the best selling Mx5 😁

[@ZetaFuzzMachine]

Really??

[@gregblack3860]

Thanks for the shot of reality!

[@gordonmccartney5648]

I had a 2.0 Sport nc as a weekend warrior for 2 years. Sold it last summer and I regret it everyday. Nothing beats a cold sunny day with the roof down and the heated seats on and the noise from the aftermarket exhaust made it a great experience. I had the NC1 so it rolled a bit more but made you feel like you were in the edge all the time. Like many cars the colour plays a big part. Mine was true red and gained a lot of nice comments. I wouldnt hesitate to get an NC again. A face-lift model would be on the cards.

[@chrisroberts1440]

Hmm, goes to check autotrader...

[@ChrissyThePoo]

Every video I watch of James's I do this.

[@gsw8734]

Checks autotrader... checks bank account... cries

[@chrisroberts1440]

@@gsw8734 Checks price of Corten-Miller supercharger kit.

[@MrAchilles113]

@@ChrissyThePoo he especially got me with his reviews of the Evora. But man, those things have gone up in price!

[@harryflacks2042]

I am currently in the process of swapping my white NC2 Venture edition for the ridiculously rare spirited green Sport Black edition, as a long time (for my age) car enthusiast it took a while before I considered getting an MX5, somehow. A year or two ago I had a GT86 which was a terrific entry into the world of sports cars, but I think I'd take my NC over the Toyota despite it being considered a worse car by many. There's just something about the feel to the Mazda, how direct and darty it is and while my 86 was stunning I love how simple the NC's are! Super easy to work on, massive aftermarket, very pretty in my opinion and the engines are mega reliable

[@mattevans4377]

There's an unpopular MX-5? I didn't think those existed....

[@darrylwebb3625]

Another well-balanced review, James. Let the haters hate. They can use their NAs and NBs at the weekend, but the NC is the one that can be used as a daily. We bought a young PRHT one for my wife (i.e. not scary to drive), that she enjoyed and later became my daily. It was so easy to DIY maintain and gave me nothing more than £150 in unexpected maintenance bills over 8 years of ownership. As a result I treated it to MeisterR coil-overs which made it a much sharper tool, dialling out the pitch/dive and roll. The pairing of this and my Elise remained my best 2-car garage even when I was commuting 300 miles a week. There can't be that much hate because PRHT Mk3's seem to be advertised at rather stronger money than other generations and models. I'd have another if sellers weren't looking for more money than I sold ours for 3 years ago.

[@harryh5620]

I love my NC - and it's the 4th Miata I've owned. It's quick fun to drive and comfy. Love the retractable hard top as well. My only gripe is the audio system is shite but I can always replace that, but the car is brilliant.

[@wychbaby]

I own a 2007 mx-5 NC its my summer car, its a soft top convertible obviously, I've never drove or owned a NA, NB or the newer ones no reason.. I love it so driving the black sheep, is cool with me

[@zsb707]

Same here. Love my 2007 NC - galaxy grey with black racing stripes, black 18'' Oz racing wheels and tinted tail lights ☺.

[@technicalscience]

If you're talking power figures with any MX-5, you don't really *get* the MX-5.

[@codeandroad3020]

I’ve had three of these plus an ND when it first came out. I’ve gone back to a 2.0 NC Sport as there is actually room in it for long journeys. I took a previous one round the continent a couple of times with no problem. The ND was fine up to about 50 miles but I couldn’t move about in it at all. I’m not tall but Mazda have gone too far with making it compact. I’ve had both soft top and folding hard top versions and the noise isn’t really different in either. It’s the road noise which makes the difference. Run it on Dunlop SP Sport Maxx or Goodyear F1 tyres for a real improvement.

[@scousegeeks]

Got my first mx5 yesterday 2.0 nc roadster, I had an Rx-8 years ago, I think this mx-5 is going to be what I wanted the RX-8 to be :D

[@jgtemperton]

Just bought a 2.0 Kendo NC with folding hard top. Not quick of the line, but get it into 3rd gear at around 30-40 it properly shifts with plenty in the rev range. Makes a great small motorway car and very daily. I'm 6ft and fit perfectly.

[@gzk6nk]

I've had a 2.0 2007 NC foldy-hardtop from new and had an NB before it. I much prefer the NC - it's far more refined and the NB is a rot box. I agree that the early NC is the best looking. I don't like the carp mouth of the facelift models. It has power steering, LSD as standard, and all NCs have always had multi-link suspension all round. It's basically an RX8 floorpan. I love mine; it handles superbly and even though in its 14th year it looks and feels like new and has NEVER gone wrong! No faults! Nada! Even the aircon hasn't needed re-gassing ans till clears misted windows in a couple of seconds! I could easily afford a new ND but prefer the looks of mine. I really don't know what will replace it eventually. If S2000s were still made maybe one of those but they are all old now. The BMW Z4 looks nice but is probably a bit soft and squishy and will not be as reliable and nothing like as cheap to run. What do you recommend? An ND?

[@gzk6nk]

Replying to my own post.... New ND Sports Tech ordered! In Soul Red of course! If a red sports car is an indicator of mid life crisis that;s great. Means I'm going to live to 142!

[@michaelarchangel1163]

There's a nice looking black one just a few hundred yards down the road from my house. They'd make great cars to supercharge if extra fun is required. I totally agree that a turbo wouldn't do at all.

[@moogsmiley4157]

I get bored and switch cars every 3 years and the NC is the only car I never got rid of! Never will and its just as much fun as my 981!

[@SharpblueCreative]

September 1989 my American friend Jess who was stationed at Greenham Common at the time & living in my village of Chilton Foliat took delivery of the very first MX5 in Britain - though it was an American spec Miata delivered to the U.K. straight from Japan. The looks we got driving this with top off into Hungerford back then was quite amazing. So weird being in a car at the time nobody had ever seen before. Now the very car lives in Michigan North America - and is a well looked after 30 year old classic.

[@andrewbolivar3040]

I like the look of the current RF but I want a full retractable top like the NC. I have a 1993 with a soft top I’ve already replaced and needs another replacement. Retractable hardtops are where it’s at.

[@COTTERO]

The NC, my favorite Miata.

[@Hali88]

I wish they'd made a RX-5. Mind you, judging by the RX-8 (which my Dad had one of when they first were released, lovely car) not many would still be running now lol.

[@markjohnson5276]

I drove my Miata thru the Badlands of South Dakota, it was 88F on the outside and 98F once you were inside the canyons. I put the top down and set the AC on high on the floor fan full on. This created a cold tub up to the height of the door with the windows down. I cruised the interior and never felt the heat.

[@ingopaul67]

NC is IMO the best looking MX5, the NA is too old and good one's too expensive, the NB is too ugly and the ND looks like it has been scaled down to 3/4.

[@DB-br6ym]

Had one for more than 5 years. The US spec is shorter geared with a different FDR. Switched mine with a US guy that had supercharged his and wanted longer gearing. Added coil overs too, both noticeably improved things. By far the best car I’ve owned. Fantastic car. And actually not that heavy, my soft-top was 1079kg according my registration papers.

[@davehooper6481]

I've got a 2012 (NC) and it's my favorite body style. It's the best car I've ever driven. Not bad indeed.

[@robertcroft2905]

Lots of the same comments... all of which I agree with. It's really not that heavy, 1100KG for the sport makes it lighter than a VW Polo TSi but it comes with proper 50/50, RWD 2.0 N/A engine with 160bhp. VS the cars the came before it, in order to keep weight down a lot of the underpinnings are aluminium! I don't believe this car was hated - if anything, I thought the NB was hated due to the fact the engines hadn't moved on, it was heavier than the NA and lost the pop up headlights.

[@TheTonyHurt]

I bought a MX5 2011 it had 60,000 miles on it March 2023. Perfect handling so well balanced, 1st I replaced the air filter a large open filter. I put a chip that said it adds 60 hp. I changed the oil along with an expensive additive, run 91 octane gas with Sea Foam to keep the intake at top performance. Then a header that went in fairly well. After about a month ago early in the morning I got on the Interstate no traffic, I eased it down hill at 130 I shifted to 6th I let off at 150 mph. It is a complete pleasure to drive. I was going to put a turbo charger on it but, it burns rubber in 2nd gear at 67 and 30 years ago I raced for ten years. That car for the little money I spent to give it more power makes it the most enjoyable car I have ever driven. The Japanese made a great car that has built a perfectly balanced 2 seater roadster. I drove a BMW, Lexus, Mustang, and others. The MX5 is best handling car I have driven. 36 mpg if you drive easy and 25 in the city. Even hot rodding it a little I can still get about 20-24 mpg. And they hold their value. I may sale it before it gets to many miles on it and buy another one. It reminds me of the Mercury Capri it only had 100 hp but it would do about 110 plus.

[@ukwan]

The NC Mk1 and Facelift are very different cars, the Facelift is a masterpiece the Mk1 is awful.

[@asphalthedgehog6580]

Why's that?

[@og-ol-timer]

Owned both, pre face life felt more sporty to me although on paper there’s very little in it

[@danlouislucy]

I can attest my NC1 isn’t ‘awful’ at all

[@asphalthedgehog6580]

There are differences, and most mourn about the suspension setup differences in front. But the partnumbers are the same? Good alignment (max caster and camber) zero toe, sway bars solve the problems ().

[@ajpdaniels]

They are very similar cars - in fact identical in very many respects

[@chloedegurechaff1941]

I've driven a stock 1.8 Na. and a supercharged 1.6 na. But I just love the nc's more. they look nicer and being that its a larger platform just feel a bit more planted to me. I'm glad they are getting some love from other communities.

[@mrivantchernegovski3869]

Iv owned na , nb ,nc and the nc was my favorite as im tall and fit nice in a nc ,much better chassis and a tighter feel to it with decent sized wheels and tires,great price

[@leeandjancruise]

We have a 2006 2.0 litre MX5 MK3 NC import as a second car for summer use and love it, so reliable, in top condition and fun but what makes this standard one a bit special is that it's the 2006 'Japanese car of the year' model and is badged accordingly, I've never seen another. Surprisingly it has keyless entry and a few other treats but we bought this one mainly because it's an automatic for the wife and I must admit I like the auto box as well, it has flappy paddles if I would want to play but I find 'drive' is perfect for today's roads.

[@neoanderson7]

You actually drove the NC2. I had the first Gen NC PHRT for 10yrs. By no means was it fast. I did do some mods to it to get an additional 20hp out of it. I had a great time with it. After 264k km’s with it, she was starting to show some wear. 10 winter seasons will do that (no matter how careful you are with prepping it for that type of torture). Regardless, about 3yrs ago, I traded her in on a series 2 RX8 R3. Nothing revs like a rotary. They are basically the same chassis so technically I’m still driving an NC. 😉😎

[@alexlee-isted5046]

I have a 2006 NC 2.0 and it is a fantastic car for the money and running costs. Really fun and you can use 100% of the power. I think that the latest MX5 with the 184bhp is probably the perfect amount of power. The manual roof too is the best. 2 seconds to throw back and bring up. Perfect for the sporadic UK weather! I have tracked mine a handful of times on Pilot Sport tyres and upgraded brakes and lowered springs and it is brilliant. A bit more straight line speed and it would be perfect. For anybody with a budget of up to £5k that wants a second car these are the best.

[@GeorgeSofos]

My friend has a NC Miata RF and I have a yellow Alfa Romeo spider, so we go convertible rides in beautiful locations. We are in the university so we do like 25000 miles each every year, so I would like to say we use our convertibles pretty well 😅.

[@Robert-ts2ef]

They did not have a spare wheel which was a nuisance. The other major fault was water ingress which left the car windows constantly condensated up through the winter, primarily - check the KZbin videos on Mazda water ingress. They were a brilliant car to drive though.

[@davidstorm4015]

I have one of these, a 2010 Sport Tech with power hard top. Previous car was a 2005 S2000. I have to tell you that I love the MX-5, far more suited to UK roads, in the Honda I found it was rare that I could use the 9,000 revs. I don't ever want to sell my MX-5. Great chassis, very mod-able if you are that way inclined, great gearbox, nice steering, very predictable handling, but a lot of fun too.