Does The NC Mazda MX-5 (Miata) Deserve The Hate? My First Drive
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- 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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There are two kinds of people: those who love Miata's, and those who haven't driven Miata's.
And Chris Harris
Give me your ig
Bang for buck driving
@@ΔημήτριοςΡάπτης-ρ9χ go to horny jail
@@Flowermouth thank you
When you think he is going to be reviewing your car but reviews your Mum's instead lol
It's like you are getting ready for a prom but your date decides to take your mum instead
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.
Z4 E89 hard top used mine everyday commute for the last 8 years.
@@flybobbie1449 the Z4 is a beauty - Bangles at his best. Heard they are very well built
@@henriklarsson7835 Not the Bangle car. That was earlier.
@@flybobbie1449 sorry I was too quick. Good experience w the 89 I understand
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
Can’t really go wrong with any “manual” Miata👍🏽
I enjoy paddle shifting my auto rather a lot when I get in the mood for a little more sport
@@fuchnorris6277 but a true manual transmission is still better
@twinturborayNo need to be pretentious, they're just saying what they enjoy.
@TwinTurbo Ray got a manual Miata, but nothings more cringe than looking down on the automatics, let people enjoy their cars bro
@twinturboray Quit being an ass, telling someone they cannot drive properly just because they have an auto is the definition of pretentious and looking down on people. You have no idea why he picked an auto transmission, he might be doing city driving all the time (which does suck with a manual) or not be able to run a manual for any number of physical issues (age, medical issue, etc.). I know a lot of people who fall into both categories but still want to enjoy a sporty car.
Hell that may of been the car available to him, for instance I want to get a C4 Corvette at some point but the VAST majority of them are automatics. So if I get one will I never be able to drive it "properly" too?
NC's are underrated and are probably the best bargain miata right now with na's and nb's on the rise for similar milage
Here in Indonesia someone is asking over GBP30k for an NB MX-5. Meanwhile the NC can be had for GBP15k, but we have to pay over GBP40k for the new ND MX-5 RF. Yea I know it sounds expensive but everything that isn't locally built here is expensive.
100% correct. They were the best model overall until the ND come along which again had more refinements. Mazda don’t go backwards The NB replaced the NA and the NC replaced the NB and the ND replaced the NC
Mazda improved each model,
@@AntoniusTyas Wise choice for reliability & fun!
In Texas you can't find any generation under $6,000 regardless of mileage, pretty crazy. Anything below that is a complete rust bucket beater. Picked up a 2007 nc1 with 170k miles for 6k and that was after talking him down from $6500
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.
I dont fit in NA/NB/NDs because im a fat fuck. I have been told the NC is the way to go
Which is most fun?
@@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!
As an NC owner the “hate” for these is ridiculous. The 2.0 is as fast as any NA or NB (including the NB turbo), it’s only something like 200 pounds heavier than the NB, and the PRHT is an absolute masterpiece. That is really the show stealer to me. Best roof of any Miata including ND and it’s damn reliable too. So hate all you want.
"As fast"
It's much faster.
There is no hate.
The only hate in this video is DEFINITELY fat shaming.
I am a fresh owner of a 2006 NC 1.8 and IT feels pretty Sporty even with Just 126 PS and Design is Always hard to Argue. I really Like the Design tbh
I have a retractable 2012.Best sports car I ever had and I'm 68
The NA and NB are snails on the road, the NC has proper acceleration. Much different feel in power! Source I have a NA 1.6 and a NC 2.0. The NA is so damn slow it’s laughable to call it sporty
In my eyes this is the best looking MX5
it's not bad looking out of the bunch. nb's and nc's are the better looking ones
then you are probably that type of person who likes the new bmw m4
@@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
Get some new eyes.
@@KUTProductions get some manners
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.
Comparing it to the na/nb miata is a more mature package imho, they deliver more comfort and more diveability than the earlier miatas.
@@DreamCarGarage1 I have a 21 civic type R and still LOVE driving my low mileage 09 mx5 auto!
I had punished one for 4 years on local b roads. It's an amazing car for people who like the whole slow car fast philosophy. Makes a perfect first RWD car.
My first car was an actual, honest to goodness Fiat 124, not one of the new Fiata abominations. My NC is probably my last sports car. It gets quite a bit of track time.
You have a great flow with your commentary. It's like I'm reading a book, even one I'm not particularly interested in? But, because I want to know the middle, and the ending? I always stay till the end. Well done.
Much appreciated Keith
They aren't bad but I'll stick with my pop up headlight version because these are worth at least 50bhp in my head.
The 0-60 time in my ‘96 of 2 and a half minutes would beg to differ
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.
At least
Lol 😆 lol 😆 hilarious. I love that.
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
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'.
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!
You are close on both counts.
MkIV? Ridiculous. MKII for me though I only owned an MkIII.
I agree with the mk4 golf. Was one of the worst gens of the car, but mk4s done up can look great
Agree, MKIV was the best looking Golf, still hate the NC's look.
Mk4 golfs only look good in r32 spec IMO.
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
Its the same story with the r33 skyline. Its just because its the middle child.
Its because its bulbous not because its sits in between the R32 and R34.
Bulbous but lighter, and on many tracks, faster than the R34.
Makes a great track car! And you can fit in it if you're over 6 foot.
TLF i agree, and particularly in the wet, they hang on really well.
I had to crawl on my knees to get out of the ND but i fit just fine in the NC
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!
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
The looks really grew on me and the chassis and suspension are superb, derived from the rx8
although the pre-facelift ones still look pretty bad imo and the 1.8 models are a total joke
@@DMSBrian24 The pre-facelift are more true to the original Miata rounded styling. Post facelift is more aggressive looking. Depends what you want more. I like them both for different reasons.
i like the post fl better cause it just looks so happy XD but tbf yeah the pre fl isn't really ugly, took a look at a couple of them and it definitely grew on me too
"It's not rubbish" - now there is an endorsement that Mazda may be willing to pay you for!
As an NA/ND2 owner, I love the NC. They drive great and are pretty. Plus, the RX-8 connection makes it even cooler.
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.
This model Mx5 is actually my fav. Looks good, nice stance.
throw on coils and its even better.
Bought one of these today and in the short hour drive back from the seller, I found myself falling in love with it. Honestly can't wait for the journeys I'm going to take in it.
With coilovers and a full Goodwin exhaust system, my 2014 NC PRHT is one of the most fun cars I've ever driven. And with the lowered suspension, I think it looks fantastic.
Getting same spec this weekend, what exhaust do you have??
Bet it does
A reasonable review. As an ex mk3.75 owner (now ND2 owner), I have to disagree entirely with the statement that it won't "move around" though. The rear does move around quite willing when provoked and in the damp/wet, they can be very lively and oversteer with complete ease. Absolutely nothing wrong with the NC as a package, particularly when even only slightly tweaked for faster driving.
I have a soft top 2007 3rd generation MX-5 and I love it. I’m just so happy with it there’s no reason I would ever upgrade. So happy since adding a magnaflow exhaust too!
Proud owner of a 2.0L PWRT NC1 here. I love my car to bits and I think the hard top makes it look really good too. I have enjoyed it much more than I even expected to.
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.
In my opinion the early NC MX5s are the best looking MX5s. The later ones look weird with the new grille
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.
WOW Hugh - that's some recommendation, given your past rides! (ex 944 S2 owner looking for some Fun in my retirement here)
There's a video called 'Full Bolt-On NC Mazda Miata Track Review!' by my favourite USA-based channel called 'The Slip Angle' and the guy there called 'Quinn' low-key prefers the long-wheel base and slightly larger dimensions of the NC over the current ND. He understands that there's a lot of hate with these NCs, but he admits that its the favourite of the MX-5 generations. Just for some context, he's an ex-Spec Miata driver and he owns a highly tuned normally aspirated NB with ITBs, as well as a turbocharged NA (which he's doing a 13B rotary conversion to), AP1 S2000, Z4M Coupe and FD RX-7.
I reckon I drove no more than 20 metres in an MX5 NA before I was hooked. It is a thrilling drive.
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.
The NC is my favourite MX-5. Looks the best and most timeless IMO. Haven’t driven one unfortunately
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.
I have a 2015 nc and its great
@@eddie9703 don’t think it stands for anything. I believe it is a code on the VIN
@@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
@@eddie9703 ... or are you being a Miata gate-keeper? not sure why the question was asked
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!
This is hated? News to me. NA a bit understated, NB, very nice, but this was my favorite, for sure. Not having tons of power is the point of it.
The NC Miata is the best overall. Honestly I really like this MX-5/Miata. Such a beautiful car
Nope. The ND.
(Its expensive tho)
@@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.
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.
@@OG-Silesian Until that manual box blows up on you for the 6th time XD
@@chloedegurechaff1941 thats just the early models. They fixed that
I have one, a soft top with a removable hard top. I love it. It has a few foibles and it's getting kinda long in the tooth but it's a hoot and is the cheapest car to run that I have ever owned.
The side repeater is the only part that’s shared with the mk1 and mk2 MX5
Beat me to it 👌
What about the gearbox 5 speed...
@TwinTurbo Ray Benjamin is talking about mkI mkII sharing parts
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.
I have an nc miata and i absolutely love it! Did a tune and a couple of mods and boy it wakes the car up!
It has double wishbone on the front and a 5 link system at the back, same setup as the RX8.
The NC is underappreciated. I have a ND but also want an NC PRHT club
Lower it with RX8 Roll bars and they're great fun. Can get decent power for not much money either
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
@@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
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.
@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...)
I've had 2 NA's and now have an NC. The NA's were fun, they drove very well. The NC is stiffer in the body and I would argue is a better handler, certainly for real world use. Mine's a 2.0 6 speed, goes fine. MX5's aren't meant to have loads of power, it's all about having fun fairly safely.
Great looking little sports car. It got a bit heavier but better for everyday driving great gearbox, brilliant steering feel and comfortable.
I loved my NC such a good car!
I had an early NC 2.0 and liked it a lot. I had mine lowered with a fast road geometry setup and added a cobalt stainless steel silencer both of which transformed the car. The engines are pretty much bombproof if you keep and eye on the oil level. I run an NA these days and despite it being slower and rattly its a more engaging car to drive as a weekender. However, as a fun, reliable daily driver the NC is a better choice and I'd definitely have another.
Bought a 2.0L Sport two weeks ago and couldn't be happier 👌
👌 hope you like it!
Bought a hardtop 2 months ago to replace my beloved NB which was rear ended in stationary traffic 😦and written off. Love the NC!
Had one also for 1 year.
Best drivers car and daily-driveable
Would you guys say it was reliable? I'm coming from a 2013 Peugeot 208 and had no issues would this be similarly reliable?
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.
This is my other daily driver .. feels faster than it is, great for curvy roads... roof down in the winter when the sun is out and its minus 10 degrees.. Get the looks like I have chocolate horns .. love love this little machine.. yes it takes a bit of rev to deliver... my other daily is a 987.2 .. nothing beats small 2 seaters..
Love your reviews... the flow of your the story is a delight.. not to say sublime...
NC is the first MX5 with properly stiff chassis, last versions of NB mx5 have so much bracing that they actually weigh more than NC and they're still flimsy.
Again J with your honesty proves that just because a car's got a little bit fatter doesn't mean it's useless👍
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.
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.
They make great second cars for people who probably shouldn't be buying a second car 😂
Haha love this, you’ve got me looking 🤔
I am currently mildly considering one as a second car. I probably shouldn't be buying a second car.
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. 😅
@@JohnSmith-dt1tw This or a MR2 and I think this is probably the wise choice
@@ScottZ370 The only real complication is that I'm 6'4", so it would be a squeeze either way
Great review J! The NC is such a solid platform that a few choice upgrades can turn it into a bit of a track weapon like your S2K. Would love to do a modded NC vs a modded s2000 video with you 👍
Enjoying your content too 👍 Would be great to see both of you collaborate!
Put the same money into both, and the NC wouldn't see which way an S2000 went. Even with bolt on mods and coilovers etc it wouldn't even match a stock s2k.
@@Razmatazuk hahaha, keep that dream alive dude 👌☕️
Nc has the better chassis
@@Razmatazuk Completely wrong. No S2K has lapped the nurburgring as fast as an NC.
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.
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.
Hi James .
I’m a big fan of your vlogs ! Well done .
Was waiting for this one as I’ve just bought a mint 20th anniversary edition NC with the power hardtop , here in Perth Australia.
I’m 6ft 3 in old money , and it’s the only MX5 I can fit into !
A few tips , you can buy a drivers seat lowering kit which I am now fitting , also a decent exhaust which really helps wake it up , together with a K&N filter .
I’ve noticed in the snowy parts of the world all MX5s can rust with a passion, fortunately not in OZ so much ! Even so I’ve had to take all the unboltable black bits off & get them powder coated as the paint is peeling off . Have also been on my back rustproofing the entire car . Seems Mazda did a rubbish job with that !
So hope you and your loved ones manage to get a decent Christmas & thanks for the many hours of enjoyable videos !
If you're talking power figures with any MX-5, you don't really *get* the MX-5.
An NC2 or NC3 is by far the best driving and most fun MX-5 of them all.
with some coilovers and the bbr 220 kit, this thing is a weapon.
they do a 225 PS Throttle Body kit now .. not cheap .. but nearly S2000 power!
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.
@@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.
+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.
@@another3997 You have no idea what you're talking about.
Love my NC. Really is a gem of a machine
They’re growing on me these
First comment get in 😂
Can confirm you were in fact first comment today. Congratulations :)
Yes, and with 6'3" the ND Will never grow on me...
@@asphalthedgehog6580 I'm 6.5 and I fit in my ND RF, I'll admit it's cosy though.
@@JayEmmOnCars life goals right there it’s only taken 3/4 years 😂👍
Sold my Mk7 golf R and replaced it with a NC2 and I love it! Exceeded my expectations. Great little cars
I think the late model NC 2.0 is very much a sweet spot in terms of MX-5s.
They are quite a bit faster than early NCs and interior feels a lot better.
I think the NC must be enjoying a revival. A LOT of people are beginning to think “the NC may be slightly chunkier than the others, but only slightly, and for that it is still a true Miata.” Looking for something a bit, but not too much different (I have an NA, my second), I’m considering one for myself.
NC has always been my favorite
As the one original owner of a 2008 Mazda MX-5 PRHT Grand Touring with a 6-speed manual, which I’ve owned for the last 14 years, I can categorically say that my current motorcar is by far the best I’ve had among the thirteen I’ve had since 1975. Sometimes I’ve contemplated in buying the current ND Mazda MX-5, which I admit is better looking than the NC. However, my motocar has more cargo space than the ND (150 litres vs 130), has a more spacious interior, has a glove box that the ND doesn’t have, has real cup holders instead of those pesky removable ones of the ND, the 12 volt outlet is located on the dashboard (where it should be) instead of the firewall on the passenger side. More importantly, with over 137,000 miles it has never given me any problem either with the motor or transmission. And my Mazda has been paid off a long time ago. So the sensible thing is to keep what I’ve got. Oh, and I forgot to mention my MX-5 is a blast to drive especially with the hood retracted.
Hmm, goes to check autotrader...
Every video I watch of James's I do this.
Checks autotrader... checks bank account... cries
@@gsw8734 Checks price of Corten-Miller supercharger kit.
@@ChrissyThePoo he especially got me with his reviews of the Evora. But man, those things have gone up in price!
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.
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€...
@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.
I enjoy the bit of extra elbow room compared to an ND. My NC is a joy to drive and lets me be more in charge. There's so much about the ND which is contrary to me preference; the infotainment screen, the steering assist and mostly, the claustrophobic interior. My NC has way more room. I just wish my '07 was an NC3. I think that would be my next purchase.
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
Hmm, this is the second recent MX-5 review complaining about power. You do recall the mission of the car, right? Lotus Elan, MG, etc. It is guaranteed to feel slow after you step out of a supercar.
Love your videos!
The Lotus Elan had 130hp and weighed 300kg less 30 years earlier
@@JayEmmOnCars You are overweighted and that is why you find small cars undepowered.
There's an unpopular MX-5? I didn't think those existed....
Had a 09 plate NC2 2.0 sport for a couple of years after having an NA and it was definitely fun to smash around country B roads whilst also being really comfortable on a 50mile commute too. Yes it won’t set the world on fire with its outright pace but it encourages and rewards proper old school driving. If I had the driveway space I’d get another in a heartbeat and then as others have said, book a visit to BBR to a little fettling!
Having a convertible in Scotland is so sad, man.
When you consider the size of the car it’s not a cheap vehicle for what you are getting. For example take the ND. Paying $35K for a car that’s 1/3 or half the size of a normal sports car is still expensive. That’s actually a lot of money for such a tiny package. Most tiny cars are in the $18K range.
If any of you doubted or underestimated the NC MX-5's capabilities even after watching this video by JayEmm, copy and paste the following title onto the searchbox of youtube:
'Nürburgring Nordschleife BTG 07:58.07 with obstacles... Mazda MX-5 Miata NC 2,0'
The NC MX-5 (with no internal engine mods in that video) is driven by ex-Koenigsegg testdriver Robert Serwanski and he gets held up by a 997.2 GT3RS TWO times. The GT3RS driver overtakes him on the long straight but gets overtaken by the NC MX-5 in the continuous twisty sections of the Nordschleife. Since then, he's posted an even faster laptime of 7:37. It is the true definition of slow-car-fast > fast-car-slow.
Absolute quality driving on that video. No wonder why it has over half a million views. Its all about keeping your corner entry speeds high and smooth throttle applications.
i think the nc is my fav mx5 to be honest ! i bought one last year had it for a year loved it but the worst thing about all mx5s is they seem to have zero rust protection it was a 2009 underneath was just rusting away couldn't believe it ! so part-ex for a 2002 mr2 roadster with zero rust on it just as good to drive !!!
James’ S2000 getting nervous....
Errr no 😂just no
@@Razmatazuk I've had both, the mx5 feels faster and more fun on the road. S2000 is faster and more fun on track only
Here’s the rub guys. Why are people rubbishing the MXNC ? I used to buy and sell a few MX5s A few years ago and drove them all. And until the ND arrived. Nothing drove better than the NC The NC also has a better build quality too, Because old teething problems were ironed out on the NC
NC 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻. Most complainers have never sat in one much less driven it.
ND generation is better
Just driving... And loving it.!
I love my NC Grand Touring. Not only is it the best looking of the series, it's the one that actually fit in.
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?
@@stephenhookings1985 I'm 6'2" as well. It's a snug fit but I wouldn't call it uncomfortable.
I remember Mazda said the NC with the SAME engine and equipment as the NB was heavier by... 9kg. Even by Christmas diet is heavier than this. Great car
What hate? It's the best selling Mx5 😁
Really??
Thanks for the shot of reality!
I have had my NC since 2009 (it was a 2008 GT with the power retractable hard top). Never winter driven (in Ontario they use so much road salt in the winter), so the body is in excellent shape. There is nothing about it to hate. In fact, I rather like the extra hundred kilos of pork. I suspect that, for a daily driver, that's just the ticket. Thank you for a loverly review.
If I fitted in one (6ft 5" and 17 stone) I would have owned an mx5 for the last15 years I recon.
@matt Harvey
Cheers Matt👍
You will fit in an NA and ND., i had the same questions before i got my NA and im like you 6ft5,5. I am a bit lighter thou.. 195lbs. So its more the weight than the height.
@@JohnnyKwit
Forgive me,as Iam not an expert on the model codes,but we tried a hard roof convertible (2015 I believe) and it was just not going to happen.
Hi Bryan
Read my comments .
I’m sure you will be able to fit in a late NC with the height adjustable seat & a seat lowering kit ! Cheers Simon van Coevorden
@@brianiswrong The NA is the 1st model with the pop-up lights NC is the 3rd gen. Me with my 6ft65.5 fit in the NA without any adjustments.
The Suzuki Ignis is making a cameo appearance in alot of your videos these days. I think you'll have to give in and drive one. Great video.
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.
Old fart here, agree.
Screw the haters. I owned a 2007 NC for a number of years. I really liked it. NO, and I do mean NO MX-5 was supposed to be super powerful. They were supposed to be inexpensive to buy and own. They were made to handle well and be a fun car to drive. I didn't fit into an NA or NB. When seated my eyes were level with the top of the windshield frame. The NC road better and was much more livable as a daily driver.
I drive an Elise, and I like the sound she makes, specially with the roof down!
NB MX-5 1.8 sport. My first car. Adored that little thing.
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.
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”?
I love my 2013 NC hardtop. Great value for money.
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.