Why, Now, You Should Buy A Mk3.5 (NC/NC2/NC3) Mazda MX-5 (2005-2015) // REVIEW
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- Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
- After owning hot hatches, a 3.0 BMW 330ci, and some other interesting cars, why did I move to an NC2 (Mk3.5) MX-5? And more importantly, should you?
00:00 Intro
02:11 Interior - Living With An MX-5
03:34 The Drive - Slow Car Fast
08:48 The Verdict & Negatives - Should YOU Buy One?
Mk3.5 updates: forum.miata.net/vb/showpost.p...
If you've enjoyed this video, like, subscribe and follow on Instagram
/ petrolpoodle
Thank you! 
Авто/Мото
Yep, you wouldn't believe it...
5 weeks after publishing this video I installed the better rollbar and 6 days after that, I had a non-fault accident! An old man in a Landrover Discovery pulled out of a junction without seeing me and crashed into my car!
Take a look at the Rollbar Review including costs + downsides here: ruclips.net/video/az3A7kUKWtw/видео.html
Hope you managed to save it, almost the same thing happened to me just before Xmas (lady driver in a Honda Civic) , all sorted now, finance cleared and now own my Car outright, needs a little bit of TLC by a good panel beater (one in my area!)
Headlights on in MX5s, always. Yes, in daylight too.
Ah, what a shame - glad you survived, hope the car did too.
@@CutcliffePaul thank you and don't worry it did actually survive fine, it was a low impact one thankfully!
@@petrolpoodle6617 Ah, that’s a relief. ☺️
Good balanced review, I've had mine 4 years and love it. They are the best reasonably priced sports car. I use twice a week to go to the golf club even when it's really cold, drizzle no problem. So cheap to run I have a Mini One for heavy rain and snow and carying 3 passengers, bikes. Try one you won't be disappointed... I drive 10 miles to get a bottle of milk as an excuse to have a wiz out. I don't even drink milk, it just makes me smile.
Couldn't agree more!
I have just bought a 2008 preface hard top, lost my job recently and the company EV went back. Already have an S2 Exige S in my garage and didn't want to let it go. Choice was simple for me, need to save money and buy a daily that will bring a smile to my face. I personally think the NC generation is the best looking too, controversial viewpoint granted 😅
Spot on! I have a NC1 and the only change I made was a better sounding exhaust. Its now perfect. You don't need any other çar on a public road in my view, the modest power is a bonus- it allows you drive it with spirit without being an idiot.
Agreed. Too much power tempts one to resort to power over finesse. Twisties don’t need a lot of power to be challenging and fun.
Thanks Petrol Poodle. I would also like to not die when driving. Car are more complicated than I thought. Thanks for enlightening a man who has never been behind the wheel.
Thanks so much, William, love the kind feedback!
Great balance between comedy and facts. Look forward to seeing what you've got next
Always liked the MX-5,, and recently purchased a 2012 Miata (NC w/PRHT) with only 25,000 miles -- loving it.
It's my daily drive - I agree about the sound, which is why I swapped out the exhaust for a Cobra Race-type - Even in the 1.8 I have it's great fun to drive and now sounds gorgeous.
Great video thanks. Looking forward to buying guide/tips video you mentioned.
Great review! Useful content and actually interesting to watch!
I Absolutely Miss My 2016 Ceramic Metallic 6-Speed ND Miata!!! I Lowered On D2 Coilovers, Added a A.E.M. Cold-Air Intake, and Finished It Off With A Axle-Back Sport Exhaust System. It Unfortunately Was In The Bodyshop 4 Times During The Last 2yrs of The 5yrs I Owned It. I Ended Up Trading It In Towards a 2018 Mazda CX-5, Oh Well Life sucks Sometimes. I Tell Myself Everyday That I Will Own Another "Sportscar/Roadster" Again Someday!!!
Great review, entertaining and captures everything the MX-5 is all about! Subscribed.
Thanks a million, t0rque09, very much appreciated!
great review...got my first MX5, 06 NC1 with 58000mi last year, after coming over from MG's and TR's....Nice to have a fun reliable car ...looking forward to you're next video on the MX5.
We have one as a second car, it only comes out for six months in the summer and we purposely chose an automatic because the wife prefers to drive them and I'm too lazy for all that gear changing malarkey when in traffic. The road tax is quite expensive on our 2.0 litre otherwise running costs are acceptable, it's great fun with the roof down on a good sunny day, great heater should you need it.
Great review, watched this whilst relaxing in the bath At one point I could have sworn I was in passenger seat enjoying the ride😁
Busy sorting my Nc1 over the winter, great cars. 👍
Love it! Great review and content.....I am gonna have one of these little fella's!
Nice review, cheers. Got one and very happy with it. I enjoy the electric roof. Awesome sound system. Acceleration from traffic lights. Great road handling. A joy to get in it every time.
Just got mine, absolutely thrilled with it in every way
Great review! Looking forward to more.
Mx5s are wonderful. The most comfortable driving position I’ve ever sat in, such a rewarding car and lover. I miss Mrs Robinson dearly, she was a great ride
MX-5 NC been on my radar for too long,Time to scratch that itch,roughly 200bhp with stage 1 bbr and some quality coilovers would be a hoot,great review. Subscribed
Great review - thoroughly enjoyed it. One of the best reviews out there in my opinion, I've watched a lot, as I'm looking to buy one myself. You've just persuaded me to buy a MK 3.5
Wow!! Thank you so much, Rich, you've made my day. Comments like these are what make all the hours of effort and sunk costs worth it!
You'll love it mate, go and buy one ASAP! Be sure to check everywhere for rust (under the boot for example, wheel arches, underbody sills etc etc. Other than that, generally they're near bulletproof!
I still love mine to pieces and no matter what car I've just reviewed, I get back into it and chances are it does a lot of things better. Always feels like the right car for me.
Hope you enjoy and do come back and drop a comment with an update when you get one!
Super video mate, subscribed, just bought the exact car you have reviewed, 3 weeks ago. Totolly agree with everything you said. look forward to more videos
Thanks so much, Glenn, hugely appreciated!
I'm glad to hear! I'll be putting another video up this week hopefully!
Very entertaining video. Great little review and some decent humour too. Looking forward to the next video
Thanks so much, Richard, much appreciated!
Looking forward to finishing the next edit!
Jimmy. Always a supporter of yours! My ex has one of these and loves it. I like your style of review and will do my best to spread the word. I have recently bought an Alfa 147 Jtd TI. An awesome and highly underrated motor. Do well Jimmy.
Thanks so much, Mark, I really appreciate it!
And those cars are beautiful, great choice! How has it treated you so far?
Fantastic video sir. Looking to buy one of these early next year. Sold......and subscribed 😁
Oh Damn, That Caterham Super 7 at 6:58 Though!!!
Great video Belick. Really professional. Catch up soon.
Thank you very much, sir!
Brilliant, funny and engaging review thank you! I have to agree, I’ve had loads of poweful cars but love my stock mk3.5, it’s a real drivers car in the sense that whilst on paper it’s not quick but if you squeeze it with the right rev matching, gear changes, timing plus the amazing road handling with the right wheel alignment setup (dont stick with the factory geometry) etc it is suprising nippy and you feel like you’ve driven it rather than it driving you. Great car, it reminds me of 70s 80s motoring in a roadster.
Thanks so much Steve, I really appreciate that!
And you're totally right, it's one of the most modern ways to get the old school experience!
Quality review.
The first step in overcoming "owner's bias" is _acknowledging_ it. :-)
Subscribed!
Thank you so much, Eric, I really appreciate that!
Welcome to the gang! More MX-5 content coming but also more car reviews inbound!
i bought one 5 year ago a 2009 1.8 ts, 2 years later and it is on a coiloverset from bilstein and on federal 959 rsr semi slicks and every weekend when we take it on a spin it gives me so much joy weather i drive the small roads no mather if it slow and enjoying the countryside or full true every corner
Hi dude, just found your channel, again.I pick up my 3rd gen, 2 litre this monday. Took your advice last year. Spent
The year finding the right one. Had the damper upgrade,
And exhaust just done. Looking forward to a great summer. Nice review. Subbed 👍
Mate that's fucking great news!!! So chuffed for you! Welcome to the gang!
How you finding it? In love?
And thanks for subbing pal, really appreciate it!
Really enjoyed your review. I just bought my first Miata, a '14 GT 6 speed PRHT, and I absolutely love it. All your points are valid. I had a Honda S2000 back in the early 2000s and it was faster, but it felt more ordinary cruising around town. When I got behind a slow car, I was frustrated. In the Miata, I'm cool just cruising around. Thanks for the vid 🙂
Thanks so much for your kind words!
Great vid. Last year I was choosing between one of these a Toyota 86 and a 90’s Subi WRX all in the low AUD$20k’s. It was close but ended up with the 86. All three cars have a strong following and a lot of options for tuning. Enjoy the drive!
Thanks so much pal! You definitely made the right choice there too, love the 86! I'm reviewing one soon actually!
Thanks for the kind words and may you forever remain an optimist!
I waited 7 years to get my NC2 GT with the PRHT. I changed all fluids, switched to light wheels and lugnuts, and it is the best car I have ever had. I have had two modified WRX, and I loved them, but I adore my MX-5
"...when you're searching around for gears, like a teenager looking for a clitoris" I had a nice, out loud chuckle at that. Great video, you definitely captured the essence of what a Miata is about.
😂 Thank you very much and I'm glad you enjoyed! I hope to see you on the next one 👍
Excellent work on this review mate. Very well spoken. I hope you can find success in the industry.
Thank you so, so much mate that's really kind!
I can't believe my first review is still getting views!
I've got a very special video coming tomorrow or the day after. I hope to see you there, good sir!
This is a very good video, and I have exactly the same car, 2009 Sport Tech, in the same colour! Looking forward now to the buying guide, which I am sure will be excellent.
Thanks so much Paul, much appreciated!!
I hope my buying guide helps you... keep your MX5! Hahaha
I'm kidding, I've done the same thing, I like to check the common spots to be careful of etc!
Have a great weekend!
I bought my NC (2013 Kuros edition) 4 weeks ago, only a 1.8 with a fabric roof, but that’s what I wanted. It’s a cracking car and huge fun to drive, either hard round the lanes or just cruising. The apparent lack of performance is really irrelevant-the car is plenty fast enough if driven correctly, and to be fair if I want to go fast I will ride one of my motorcycles-they can make even supercars look slow.........
Enjoyed your review, keep up the good work.
Thank you so much, John, I really appreciate that!
I couldn't agree more either, it just feels so well suited to 99% of the roads you actually drive on. I want to experience the BBR 200 package but I'm also unsure if it'd really fully make the car a better car or not!
It's plenty quick enough to feel special to me!
I was nodding my head in agreement with you and then out of nowhere 4:12 happened. Happy to be your 646th subscriber. 😄
😂 Thank you so much, this has been a great start to the day!
I had a ST220 and loved it got to expesive to run then bought a mx5 NB euphonic to much rust then bought a NC sport and loved it now i own a Spirited Green Black Edition with a ecu upgrade and love it had many many sporty cars but this is one of the most enjoyable daily driving cars i have ever owned. Great review keep it up
What a journey! I LOVE that green, I nearly travelled across the entire country for one!
I totally agree, they just make you smile and do the daily job more than brilliantly.
Congrats and thanks for the super words
Great review mate, as a taller person i was concerned if I should even get a Miata, but im in love with this car already and I think i need one. Im going for the newer NC Modells (09+) as I want this to be my daily driver. Awesome video quality, very useful information!
Thanks so much David!
Really appreciate that!
The good news is I've got a video coming shortly on my experience of having my seats lowered and a bigger rollbar put in! My brother who physically couldn't fit in my MX-5 now fits and loves it!
Subscribe and hopefully it should be my next upload!
Good luck with buying if you haven't already, you'll love it!
I got an NC1 a few months ago and it's my favorite car I've ever driven. compared to American muscle or tuner Hondas it feels much more controlled on corners. the only modifications needed to make the car perfect are coilovers and a roll bar
Great video I have an MX5 I have owned 3 911s 5 TVRs the Mazda is as good but in a different way. I agree with you about the exhaust sound..............Thanks
I brought my mx5 mk3 (nc1) in March and would love to see more videos about your mx5.! Just subscribed looking forward to seeing more mx5 content
Thank you so much, this is awesome! I've got more MX5 content coming very shortly indeed, hang tight! :D
Hey Shaunius! New MX-5 Video is live if you happen to be bored and fancy a cheeky view!
Great video and presentation, we’ve just bought a 12 plate 2lt Venture edition with just over 30,000 miles on it.
After a career of company car boxes we both wanted a fun car before hips and knees gave way, this fits the bill beautifully and we’ve both fallen in love with her ‘Bonnie’…affordable with bags of fun and a feeling of driving properly 🌞🍷👍
Thank you so much, Andrew, and I'm really glad you've found the joy in this car too! It's insanely hard to beat at most budgets!
Great video. I'm a huge MX5 fan. Have had 2 NAs, 1 NB and now have an NC 3.5 Sport Black (2012) with the PRHT. Absolutely love it and agree with pretty much everything you've said. The most smiles per mile of any car out there. Keep the videos coming...not enough NC content out there.
Hi John,
You lucky man!! How would you compare the 3? What's your takeaway? I want to do a video soon on which you should be buying in 2020 and why. Would be great to hear your experiences!
@@petrolpoodle6617 I bought my first NA back in 1999 when, as any sensible father would do, my daughter was born. It was a 1991 V-spec in BRG. The next one was another 1991 in BRG but standard spec. The NB was a poverty spec 1998 in back. I bought my NC Sport Black in Feb this year. I kinda liken them to dogs. The NA is a puppy, kean to please and so playful. Yeah they rattle a bit and god don't mention the rust but pound for pound you'll never have more fun in a car. I love the basic level of creature comforts and the balls to the floor style of driving it encourages. The NB is a young dog, still full of fun but a little less edgy and slightly more refined. The driving style wasn't a million miles away from the NA but it did feel a little more adult. As I said mine was a poverty spec so no great improvements on creature comforts as my NA although I understand that many of the NB special editions were far more plush. The NC is like a mature dog. Yes it can still rag down the country lanes but it is equally happy on the daily commute. Mine has the PRHT so has the added security. I know to most, the NC is pretty spartan inside but to me. coming from my NB, it's like the Starship Enterprise...heated seats, etc. I find the NC far more stable and requiring less skill to push it a bit as it is far more planted on the road. A lot of that is down to the strut braces, etc that I didn't have on my NA s or NBs. Hence I would recommend anyone with an earlier model to fit the bracing, it makes such a big difference. I've used all of my MX5s as daily drivers come rain, snow or shine and none of them have ever let me down. Overall I loved all of them but do have a special place in my heart for the original NA. That said I absoultely love my NC. In reality my MX5s have grown up with me and the different models almost mirror my own evolution through the years. I'm no playful puppy anymore so I guess the NC suits me right down to the ground. Take it easy and enjoy your NC. John. :)
@@oddyseus99 This is the best reply ever, John, I can really see myself using this in a future MX5 Buying guide on a 'which one is right for you' kinda video.
Absolutely superb and I love the dog analogy!
I can't wait to try an NA and NB one day as I've only driven the NC and ND!
Hey John!
New MX-5 content is live if you fancied a little watch!
This is a 'stuff that matters' review. Absolutely loved it.
Thank you so much John, that's made my day! I've been crazily busy but be sure to subscribe if you haven't as I've got 4 videos shot and being edited at the moment!
@@petrolpoodle6617 If it's the NC3.5 again, I'm all over it. Sweet spot gen 3 in my opinion. Biased owner speaking.
Awesome video Jimmy! Keep them coming bro
Thanks so much, Chase, you're a trooper!
Bought new in 2010 and still love it. Swapped the lousy entertainment unit, but kept the Bose amp etc. I remember once searching for a clitoris as I drove my Citroen 2CV....
Nice review! I bought a 2006 NC1 PRHT ( used but not abused) 5 years ago & have never been happier with a car EVER! The amazing thing is that you can buy so many aftermarket parts to customise it to your level of satisfaction. So far I've got the Goodwin racing RoadsterSport 11 Stainless Steel Dual muffler ( really gives that proper zoom- zoom sound!). A focal sound system with touch screen head unit (absolutely kills the ordinary Bose sound system). The very sexy launch edition alloy wheels, coilovers to reduce the ride height by 30mm ( coz, well the standard has too much wheel arch gap) a carbon fibre rear spoiler & many other things! Previously I had an MGF soft top which was in the garage every 6 months for one mechanical problem or 3 ...Spent more on repairs than the car cost!!! I've NEVER had a mechanical issue with the MX5 & it's 16 years old now! Some people don't like the NC . I LOVE IT!
Christ that sounds absolutely amazing!!
What's your first recommendation for a top mod out of that lot then? Let's say especially out of the exhaust or the coilovers?
Always liked small, rag top, sporty cars. My earliest was a brand new Corvair Corsa. BRG with a white top and black interior. Still miss that car. Found a 73 MGB a few years ago and spent too much time trying to get it on the road and keeping it there. Gave up on it and went without until I got the bug late last Fall after riding shotgun with my brother on a Corvette tour. I didn't want a Corvette, I wanted a MIATA. I bought a 2006 with 161 K miles on the clock. I'm going to have to put some money into it, but I don't care. I can pop the top and go buzzing local back roads to my hearts content. And that makes me feel good.
Love the review - I have a (near) identical mk3.5 Sport Tech and it has been a bit of a dream. I recently bought some fresh Michelin Pilot Sport tyres and its even better!
Thank you so much, Rupert, love the comment! And you too are a lucky man! It's just a superb piece of kit! I've got a very interesting (to losers like me) mod video coming up! If you're happy to subscribe, would love to hear your thoughts on the next MX5 videos!
Just seen the prior subscribe, thanks very much pal!
Subscribed! Bring on the buyers guide
NC2 owner. I lowered with improved shocks, added Borla exhaust, and stage 1 cams. Perfect.
Fantastic review, really helped my decision to buy😎👍🏽
Thank you so much! That's made my day! Congrats on the decision/purchase!
I got the exact same one! I’m in love. It’s been almost 2 years now. The only thing i would point out, is that the 6speed gearbox is noisy around 2k rpm. Now of course driving below 3k is just a shame with this car :) good vid !
Thank you so much pal, really means a lot!
Couldn't agree more!
I've soon got a couple of MX5 videos on their way, if you'd be interested in seeing more, subscribe along!
Nice review! Do one about the things to look if we want to buy one. Subscribed!
Hey Mariano,
Thank you so much for your kind comment and be sure to subscribe if you haven't already as I'll definitely do the buying guide video soon!
We’ve toured abroad in ours a couple of times, I just love it, there is room for 10 day’s luggage for 2, you just need to pack carefully. Had my alignment set up because it did feel a bit dead when I got it and that transformed it, it drives like a rat up a drain pipe on country roads, nothing I’ve ever driven drives like it (standard shocks and tires, it’s all in the alignment).
What alignment specifications did you set up your mx-5 to?
Good review! I have a 2009 NCFL Sport in True Red and love it. It‘s my second: 20 years ago I had an NA 1.8. the NCFL has so much as Standard that I had to add to the NA at extra cost. And yes, I’ve modified my NCFL: Touch-Screen Naviceiver by Pioneer, Short-throw gear lever (now precise like a surgeon‘s scalpel), BBK sport exhaust, LED lighting but left HID Xenon headlights, combined LED DRLs and foglights, K&N air filter and gas struts for the bonnet. Still dreaming about coilovers, 18“ alloys, big brake kit. Subscribed. All the best, Rob
That's one enviable mod list! I'd love to experience an MX-5 like yours!
If you're happy for me to do a review, let me know! No pressure at all.
Thanks so much for your kind comments and for subscribing too!
@@petrolpoodle6617 Welcome! We'd probably have to wait post-Covid, I'm in Switzerland, it's a LHD soft-top. I'd love a supercharger for more low-end oomph but that's very rare over here. Other wish: a very discrete boot spoiler. There don't seem to be any discrete ones available.
Loved the teenager comment 😂 Enjoying your videos and glad to be your 400th sub!
Thanks so much pal! And holy crap, look at that! I'm chuffed!
Enjoy the rest of the channel and what's to come pal!
Great frank review I’m thinking of buying one ☝️
Thanks so very much, Steve!
Not to plug my latest video but I finally installed that rollbar I mentioned in the video and give my thoughts and costings on fixing the glaring issue in my eyes. Not a problem if you and your passengers will be under the headrest though.
I've had mine a year and it's been utterly fantastic!
Oh you got Mazda MX5 ? Niiiice 😍
I'm thinking of buying one... liked and subscribed. John
Thank you :) - and buy one! I have done my 2.5 year update video since creating this video at the roughly 6 month window. Check that out for my longer term thoughts too
Nice review. Like the perspective on the power of super cars vs normal roadsters. Sold me on it.
Thanks very much pal, I'm glad you enjoyed! My 2.5 year update is nearly ready to go online, I suggest a sub if you're interested 😁
@@petrolpoodle6617 done that. Looking forward to it!
Just found out your channel and enjoying the content on here, i'm going to subscribe! Regarding NCs, have you heard about BBR's 'Super 225' package on youtube? Those individual throttle bodies instantly give that bit more aggression to the sound from that 4 cylinder engine 👌
Thank you so much! Loved this comment!
Ohhh man alive have I ever, it sounds absolutely awesome. I'd love to experience one! They must be absolutely mega!
New MX-5 Video premiering at 8pm! Hope you enjoy if you get a chance to watch!
On my 2nd nc you were right with the rust 1st 1 o7 went to the gr8 scrap yard in the sky just got a 12 plate having it wax oiled the wife is head over heels in love with it so want to keep this as long as pos
Great assessment, still going through the 'Honeymoon' period with mine after 3 years of ownership. Superb thrill:risk:cost ratio. I just can't deconstruct why mine (Mia) makes my grin like I'm driving an automotive ant-depressant but she... just...does?
I couldn't agree more with the absolute poetry you just conjured up! Exactly how I feel too!
Great video, thanks! I am about to sell my '88 911 to buy an NC, so this video came along at a good time into my YT feed. Here in Aus, I can't really use the 911 on the road in the way that I would like, which leaves me frustrated and rarely actually driving it (now worth too much to take to the shops what with all the trollies and careless door openings. So an NC is what I am after so I can use it for everyday stuff and take it to the track to have some fun :)
Thank you and let me know how you get on! I think you'll absolutely love it - the ability to thrash it so much of the time without annihilating the speed limit is just great.
Great review! Always liked an MX-5! Love to hear your thoughts on the MK2 though?
Thanks so much, Sam. Do you know anyone that has a Mk2 to review for the channel?
My personal thoughts on the MK2 are:
They're amazing cars and have an even greater handling/fun edge over the Mk3+ but at the cost of poor safety by any standards let alone today's. Rust is also a classic issue on all MX5s but given they're even older you'd just have to shop very carefully.
After seeing an S2000 flip onto its roof last year and pulling the driver out, safety isn't something I want to skimp on personally. Not worth the financial saving if you have a bad crash!
For a track car that you end up putting a cage into etc, I'd buy a MK2 any day!
Hope this helps
Enjoyed this, thanks - yet another comment to say looking identical to my own Sport Tech PRHT!
I have to ask, did the car come with those front parking sensors? Never seen them on an MX-5 but they looks just like stock!
Hey Ben!
Haha keep the comments coming! I hope next video we also proudly acknowledge our car twins again!
I wasn't sure if they were original until recently, I found the official Mazda parking sensors manual with my car and sure enough there's a green button in my centre console tunnel (left of the gearknob) that I can hold down to deactivate them!
So I'm glad to say they're factory!
Great review! I love them enough to own two actually. Can I ask what kind of GoPro mount / gimbal did you use on the boot of the MX5? Looks very stable.
Thanks so much pal! Much appreciated!
Gladly you can ask, it's the offfical GoPro suction cup with a Hero 6 which I think has stabilisation too.
I just got this exact one it's fantastic
It really is! Hold onto it dearly!
@@petrolpoodle6617 I shall it has less than 30,000 miles
Yep, still getting reviews. A very coherent and well presented list of points to consider when buying (or thinking of buying) one of these. I have a 30th anniversary and am looking at a 25th anniversary (NC3.75?) but would have to give up one of my Fiesta ST's for this. I would also need to convince Mrs L as well. The ND2 is soft top (great!) but I quite like the idea of a hard top one too. I really like this shape as well as the ND series I have. I am 6 ' 1" and fit into the ND so I assume I would fit into this also?
Thank you very much sir! As my first ever RUclips video I'm glad it stands the test of time though I'd probably deliver it ever so slightly softer today hahaha!
And you would fit great if you're comfortable in an ND :)
How tail are you buddy please? Great video, I'm zooming in on one shortly.
Hey Richard,
Sorry for the late reply, I accidentally switched my notifications off - I thought things had gone a little too quiet haha!
I'm 6 ft and without the lowered seats (see my latest video on the channel for seat lowering + new rollbar updates!) I wouldn't want to be taller.
My brother is 6ft 2 I think, perhaps a hair under and the stock NC seat height was too high for him. He had his head pressing against the metal roof (apparently there's more room in the softtop though). With my new lowered seats he sits much more comfortably and would now own one.
I test drove a 2015 ND1 a couple of years ago and it was a superb drive but the interior was definitely smaller and I'd take an NC any day based on that alone. Also the NC's have hydraulic steering with more feel and a bigger boot!
I haven't driven the NA or NB, and as much as I love them, they're too unsafe for me personally. Having had someone drive into me in my NC in September, I wouldn't have wanted to be in something older with less airbags and structural strength.
Definitely buy an NC MX-5 but just budget in a little mod money :)
Will be great if you put together that list of things to check when buying a NC.
Hey pal,
Thanks for the comment I'm going to get to work on this shortly!
If you're in a rush to buy, I'd recommend Car Thoughts channel, Dom has a great video.
I'm going to do one that amalgamates as much as possible plus spec differences!
I have a venture edition….. fully agree with all you have said….😊
Thanks Martin! What a cracker, great spec!
Great review! I have always been an advocate of small lightweight cars and you said everything I would have wanted to be said about why they are great. I am starting to find the mk3 much more appealing now, I never realised it has hydraulic steering which is great. It will be a classic in a few years just like the mk1/2.
Hey there!
Thanks for the amazing comment, and you're right this car sat under my radar for probably its first 10 years in production, just couldn't care less.
Now I struggle to find a more pure sportscar experience for the money. No matter the value of the car I step out of from a review, I get back into my MX-5 and still feel like I've got the right car for me. Love it!
Waiting for the buyer's guide as I'm considering grabbing one myself this year. My dream car, as my first car! :D
I love your username by the way, really made me laugh!
I must sort this buyer's guide out, I have people ask all the time! My top tip is if you're going to buy one shortly, call up a local MX-5 Specialist and tell them what age and engine MX-5 you're going for with your budget. They'll tell you all the things they're used to replacing and seeing decay for the exact gearbox and engine combo etc.
As a whole, they're stupidly reliable but the earliest MK3's had things like hunger for oil later in their lifespans and some other tiny tiny bits I can't remember off the top of my head.
I'll definitely make one in time, just trying not to make my channel ALL about MX-5s. Got a modded video coming next already! Subscribe for that, you'll enjoy it!
@@petrolpoodle6617 Still waiting for your buyers guide. I’ve got £10k burning a hole in my wallet but don’t want to make a mistake! A good, recent buyers guide would be a godsend 😎
@@timthompson7559 hello mate!
Oh bless you that's much appreciated, I'll try my best to get one done this year. I say year because my MX-5 is now in storage until next year and off the road for a bit - but I was always planning on driving to an MX-5 specialist near me and asking them to help me through all the common bits they see.
For now, the first few results on Google do touch on 99 percent of the things you need to know and famously it's the rust you need to know most about.
The next big thing is oil consumption on the Mk3 pre face-lifts seems to sometimes come in with higher mileage (I can't remember why first thing in the morning!) but I believe the changes to the engine in the 09 facelift sort this out. Double check that but I think it's a first car problem.
I'd honestly recommend the electric hardtop over the soft top too, ironically more reliable and less drainage issues given the different design.
Options-wise, with that budget I wouldn't be looking at a 1.8 at all and I'd make sure it's a Sport Tech or edition that includes all the nice extras.
Good luck and sorry I haven't sorted the video yet, I've had so many more exciting video opps come in first, the buyer's guide has fallen down the priority a bit!
I love mine. 😊
Bought a 6 yr old MX-5 mk 4. 18,000 miles on the clock.....metallic red...cloth top. Thrilling to drive.....even on short journeys to the shops........roof always down.....WHY .... because it can 😃 👍
Already got one 👌
You are incredibly wise! A fine choice!
Bought mine last week, love at first drive!
You'll have an absolute blast, my friend! If you haven't seen my latest video on my 2.5 year ownership of it, I'd really recommend it :D. All my tips for getting the most out of it without necessarily having to spend like mad!
I'm 5 weeks in... Still in love and watched your other video cheers 👍
I couldn't agree more - I've just bought one myself and couldn't be happier, although I am fitting a sportier exhaust in just a few days (and I'm in my fifties, allegedly!)
A bloody brilliant decision! Have fun! Oh and let me know what you get and what you'd recommend most!
@@petrolpoodle6617 I will do. 👍🏻
My NC-2 is like a Japanese Zero with no armor! Fun, sleek, good looking and gets a lot of compliments…… all I need now is a phone in my shoe.
Looking to get one of these as my 'modern' car. UK roads are so busy these days that the small nudger brigade with their so called 'fast' cars and weird obsession with 0-60 and hp figures are simply wasting their time and money. I drive a 49 year old MGB (95hp) and yet 99% of the time I'm following in a line of vehicles, as is everybody else!
I completely agree, David, where I live in the South East it's so busy in most places that I rarely get to wish I have more power. And truth be told, 20+ months later I'm not wishing the car was faster at all.
I love it and every time I hop out of my new daily and back into the MX-5, I'm reminded how brilliantly they nailed the brief!
@@petrolpoodle6617 Yes they look like excellent cars. So what if they're not as fast as this and that....you can't use the extra speed anyway. I used to have a Mk3 MR2 and it was such a shame when Toyota discontinued it. That was a fantastic fun car. NB I'm also nearly always following in a line of traffic in my 58hp ADO16 1300cc!
Subscribed. Fantastic video, definately makes me want one even more than i did before, see whether i can afford to huy myself a christmas present.
Opinion time... should i get the standard sport tech roadster or a black edition roaster. Sport tech is of course cheaper but the dual colour body and roof combo is really drawing me to it, especially in soul red. Further to this, should i put the bbr 200 kit on it or are there other parts that i should do for it like brakes and anti roll bars instead? Currently cant afford to do both and buy the car.
Hey pal!
Thanks so much, much appreciated!
Funny you should say this, I'm going to make a video very soon of the first things you should do to your MX-5 (in my opinion!) but I'll give you a rough spoiler alert now anyway!
I adore the Sport Black, it looks absolutely awesome, but mechanically it's the same car. Just so cool.
Personally, now that I've seen the size of the list of things I want to do (and have done already) to my Sport Tech, I'd pocket the cash and put it into essentials.
First absolute essential which I've had done recently - a new rollbar by GC Fabrications. The standard one was about 3 inches BELOW the top of my head as you can see in the video. Just done that - £350 parts plus about £270 fitting (though can be done cheaper if you don't refit plastic trim and keep Bose AMP etc as it requires a separate cross beam).
Second essentials - fantastic tyres and a proper MX-5 specialist alignment. These fundamentals make so much difference and obviously don't come under mods! If you plan to lower, do the alignment after of course.
Thirdly - I'd replace whatever headunit is in there for a proper Android Auto/CarPlay headunit by Pioneer or Kenwood for example. You use these things on almost every trip and it make such a difference and makes the interior look 10 years newer.
Fourth - Cheap mod that everyone raves about - RX8 anti-rollbars for stiffness, very cheap and keeps ride comfort the same as stock!
Fifth - This is where I'd be looking at exhaust backbox for adding character or saving it up entirely for BBR 200 stuff, personally. The standard brakes are fantastic anyway, the standard ride is brilliant and the more I've driven it in the last 8 months, the more I'm glad it'll comfortably do 7 hour trips as well as B-road blasts.
When I've sorted buying my first property, I'll be saving up for the BBR 200 myself!
@@petrolpoodle6617 Update, I bought a 2009 Mk 3.5, has lowered springs, decat downpipe and a race type Cobra exhaust with 4" tips. and a spoiler. that's about what's been done to it. 89000 miles. ruclips.net/video/vYLikUjydbY/видео.html this is me giving it a start-up and rev after cleaning it up. I plan on fitting it with a sports cat downpipe as the decat is a bit loud for me, and is slightly naughty and antisocial... whoops. have also swapped out the rear tyres for some Toyo's as the old ones had a massive thorn in them and also only 2mm of tread left. Fronts are brand new when purchased.
I also can't put the super 200 kit on it as my insurer wont insure me above 25% over standard power because I'm a young driver. so 197bhp is my max but, as I've experienced, they are pretty quick as they are. May get it tuned up a bit when I get the exhaust sorted.
Let me know what you think. No plates on in the vid as I was swapping them to private ones. That is if you see this comment.
@@the_quimister1446 this is amazing news! Thank you so much for updating me, absolutely chuffed to have helped play a part.
I'm super jealous, it must be bloody brilliant! I'd love to experience it.
I'm going to watch your video tomorrow as I'm in bed next to my sleeping gf at the mo haha!
I think you'll find that being able to squeeze the power up even a tiny bit will still be plenty exciting.
Congrats again!
I love my 08 with 110k miles. It has been a remarkably reliable car and it saved my life more than once - like when a chest of draws fell off the truck in front of me @ 70mph and I only had a split second to make a lane change. (zoom zoom)
WOAH! That's absolutely mad!! So glad you were okay! I've had similar experiences in terms of last minute swerves but nothing has dramatic!
I think I will continue to drive my MX5 NC MK3 for a long time.
I have a 2010, same model as yours and I love it. This is after owning a Honda S2000 immediately before the MX-5 and I can say that although the Honda is a quicker car, it's rare you can rev it out on UK roads, so for me the MX-5 is just as good on our roads. Also, the MX-5 steering is better than the S2000. I'd have another S2000 in a heartbeat, but the MX-5 is a great car.
Yes ,it,s great cabrio but Audi TT is much better and realible!Alu frame,no rust problems,no differential,better gearbox,luxury enterior,much more confrontable...
@@milanandjelkovic3516 Yes, but it's front wheel drive, not the same driving experience at all. MX-5's are very reliable and cheap to repair if they go wrong.
@@milanandjelkovic3516 Coming back after 1 year and re-reading the comments, are you kidding when you say the Audi TT is reliable? Better gearbox? No differential, as if that's an advantage? With all due respect and not meaning to be confrontational, you must be smoking something! TT's are well known to be pretty unreliable and costly to repair (unlike MX5's), the MX5 NC (mk3) gearbox is widely acknowledged to be one of the best ever and there's no need for me to comment any further on the differential! I'm not dissing the TT, but would suggest you get into a nice 2.0 MX5 and see how good it really is.
@@milanandjelkovic3516 TT hideous car and common as muck, worst viability out there.
@@milanandjelkovic3516a TT isn't more reliable than a MX-5 at all! There's a reason on why the MX-5's gearbox is one of the best MTs in the WORLD!
Good vid
Thanks pal! My first ever video on RUclips!
Nice vid 👍
Thanks pal!
I owned a 91 Miata from 97 to present, and I loved every on of my 320,000 miles in it. I lowered it, added Bilsteins and bump stops, and I had a perfect car for my tastes. I now have a 2015 Club model. I really like it, but it feels much more crisp in its handling than my NA. The jury is still out. Overall, it’s a really awesome car.
320,000 miles!!! That's mad!!!
What are your thoughts now with your 2015 Club now you've had a little longer?
@@petrolpoodle6617 I need to check the alignment. The steering seems overly twitchy. Love the 167hp and LSD, though.
3:58, whooooooooooaaaaa, 3 great motoring cars in 1 shot; Super 7 (ish car), old 911 and NC
am still witing for the buyers guide, i already went and pulled the gun, on a pretty good condition 2010 prht sport tech, but i am still waitin ;D
Hahaha I love your patience and the fact there's still demand!
I'll definitely get round to it in a couple of months, I've got another MX-5 video ready to go but I'm trying to stagger the MX-5 content so I don't alienate the followers who enjoy all the other reviews. It'll come for sure!
I'm going to speak to a couple of MX-5 specialists and write down their notes on what they work on most etc!
How's your beaut? Congats on the purchase!!
@@petrolpoodle6617 good, I sort of had a general idea of what to look for so didn't buy myself a lemon. Had to fix the windscreen cowel gromet, that would be my advice, check the footwells as the first thing, known fault with them apparently. And the prht deck, I will have to get it baked and resprayed because water stuck in the aluminium crystallizes and bubbles up on it during winter also a known issue. Rest of it is in immaculate condition, had it lifted 2 weeks ago only surface rust that is expected from a 11yo car :P going to get it cleaned up and undersealed before winter salt comes around.
Also thx, you video is the one that finally convinced me to get an NC ;D best purchase of my life.
Great video, how tall are you?
Thanks Ben!
I'm 6ft so you should fit nicely if you're in the same area!
good video, subscribed. Are u sure that the factory roll bars dont elevate upon roll?
I'm afraid that they don't, my next video is on the rollbar replacement I've just had done, so I've seen the bare stuff underneath and there's nothing to pop it up. Just a small bar bolted to the chassis!
Sorry I thought I said thank you for subscribing! Much appreciated!
Great vid! Am currently deliberating between the mk3 and mk3.5. For the sake of very little cost difference, is it a no brainer for the 3.5?
Hey mate!
Thanks for the kind comment!
I'm my opinion, absolutely. They improved interior quality (armrests, centre console nicer quality, door cards don't eat into leg room, improved sound system, better heated seat controls with more variety in heat).
Then engine-wise they forged some intervals, improved power, response, rev limit, reliability, gearbox I think had revisions too. Not so sure on that gearbox change though.
Suspension and general geo setup is a LOT better, probably the biggest change is the handling.
Visually the front bumper and lights look far better in my opinion and the dated chrome rear lights thankfully were replaced with red ones.
Also hardtop has a stronger motor mechanism that's more reliable on the Mk3.5.
No brainer to me :)
Fully agree with Petrol Poodle on this. 3.5 is huge fun on the backroads but also mature & comfortable for long distance. We have done France & Italy in ours. Get one!
It was seeing these that taught me that it wasn't the grill that makes NDs look aggressive, it's the headlights... NC.2s have the same grill, different headlights than NDs, and to me, uphold the friendly-face vision of the Miata better than their successor. "Aggressive" is kind of the antithesis of the Miata vision... I have, BTW, come to appreciate the MX-5 NC, in fact so much that now I want one!
I totally agree! I do love the NF look and I thought it was way better looking than the NC... But now it's been a few years I'm actually thinking they're about the same. No owner's bias...
Listening to your review .Can I ask how tall are you .Looking at the you in the car 're roll bar . I'm 6ft 1" ?
Hi John,
I'm 6ft exactly but funnily enough I uploaded a video only 13 hours ago on replacing the rollbar and what you'd need to budget!
Have a look, I really recommend it if the rollbar is a sticking point!
ruclips.net/video/az3A7kUKWtw/видео.html