Owned an NC for a little over a week now. Some thoughts: - As a tall person, the pedals could be a little further back. Seats could be a little lower too. - No Bluetooth in the earlier years is annoying for sure. - Overall gearing (especially in 6th gear) is a little too short. You can be in 5th while doing 32 miles per hour - kind of crazy, honestly. Highway cruising has higher RPMs than you'd really need at all. - If you have the soft top model, the hardtops are a pain to find. Absolutely love this car for the rest. So engaging, so fun, just beautiful.
I just bought a 2006 mint condition moderate mileage mk3 2 litre in classy metalic grey. Verdict: Ive only just been able to park it up and am about to go to bed, Ive hardly slept for three days because I have fallen in love. 😍✌🏽
I'd never fit a stick knob like that, but that doesn't mean that it's not totally cool :) It's the thing with Miatas, you put your personal touch to it. This guy made his own shift knob for it, how awesome is that! I've been daily driving MX5s for more than 10 years now. First an 1.8 NA, now a 2.0 NC. My old 1.8 NA beloved started to really rust to hell, and it just became too much to keep fixing, so I sold it and bought a 2nd hand low mileage 2006 NC "3rd gen limited" with pretty much every option on it (upgraded suspension, LSD, 6-speed, cool-looking chrome accents, lots of creature comfort stuff). Everbody keeps saying "oh, the NC is the bad Miata", but it just isn't. As a daily driver, the NC is just better in most ways. I did do some modifications in the suspension, but that was not about "fixing" something, it was about making it the same but better. I wouldn't have sold my 1.8 NA if it didn't rust away from me (NA Miatas will always be great and special), but I'm really happy with my NC. It arguable lacks some of the old-school charm, but it makes up in every other way.
When I was a teen, Dad bought a 1953 ( I think?) military Jeep field ambulance. For a shift knob, we put a lucite beer (Schlitz?) tap handle and a fording kit among other things!
Nice video. I've always felt that the NC Miata never quite got the same level of love as the NA and NB, so it's nice to see you feature your own NC in your video. I like how your car sits with Eibach lowering springs, and I would imagine that some adjustable shocks would be a good compliment. I also know some guys who have had good luck with the factory RX-8 anti-roll bars on the NC. With a good set of summer tires and an alignment, you should be able to really rip around the backroads of the PNW.
I like the pithy style of your review. Straight and to the point. "Horsepower only matters if you have to slow down for the corners." - love that. Odd variation in camera settings though. Clips with a yellow cast.
+vlenhoff thanks! If you get an 06-08 keep a VERY close eye on your oil level or you will likely be replacing the engine like I am now. Putting a larger 2.5 motor in and will re-review the car at that time.
Sorry to hear Petrol_Head, please let us know how the transplant goes. I've been looking at the 09 model. 7,200 rpm redline sounds great. I might go with the PRHT for peace of mind.
I’ve had a mint, low mileage 2010 for a couple of months. It’s my daily driver, and I’m 6’1” tall. The power is more than plenty for this car, and the handling is great. The smiley face isn’t great on the 2009-2015 Miatas, but mine paint is black, so it’s barely noticeable. I drove a 1976 MG Midget back in 1977-1978, so the Miata’s interior room is Cadillac-esque. Great Video! 👍👍👍👍
Owned both MR-2. has a great Mid engine configuration good handling but snap overstear in stock form at the limit + a hardtop & T-top's but zero storage ,not even a cubby or glove box. But the NC MX-5. set up like a BBR. for example is a poor mans. Ultra Reliable , Dailey driver Track Day Car. That walks away from many exotic supercars Run it hard all day 30 m.p.g. 0-60 m.p.h. 5. Sec. 109sec @ Limerock Park Brakes , Tires & Fuel last forever. Just change your oil frequency . thats it ! Also Owned several exotics & Auto dealerships so i have some idea of what im talking about
@@frankfitzpatrick5300 Thanks a lot for the information. I still find hard to decide: I do like the exclusivity of the MR2, but that's the main defect that I find in it because it cant match the customization (specially when it comes to suspension kits) possibilities that the Miata offers.
Absolutely true Its gotta be hard to even find used or salvage parts for MR-2 They built 1000,000,000 Miatas Plenty of spares parts & an ENORMOUS amount of aftermarket performance parts . I bought a used Supercharger. , Wilwood big brake kit & Coilovers New Light weight Spec Miata wheels & Dunlop "R" compound tires. All for under $2000 Sold it 5 months ago Now i NEED an NC
BF Goodrich G Force Comp 2 summer UHP tires. Grippy but not too grippy and great in the wet! I bought my NC with 12,500 miles two years ago, now have 83,000 and am needing my forth set of tires.
Just got mine a month ago, love it. Went out in it for 6 hours last wekk, felt like I'd been out for an hour! I am having some issues with downshifts though, finding 4th from 5th is a bit awkward, but I'm slowly gelling with the car. Took me a while to get the seat position right too. Definitely a keeper. Just needs a new backbox, to let it sing a bit more. Have fun.
Love it, nice review. Have an 08' with Tein coilovers, Roadster sport exhaust, AEM CAI, MS Anti Sways, and more smiles per gallon. Your exhaust sounds good.
nice review, great to hear an owners perspective instead of talking heads all the time. I'm in the market for a NC and thinking of going hardtop since im in BC. How do you find your soft top holds up in the PNW?
Here's what you can say that hasn't been said much about an MX5, and seems to be missed by almost all reviewers on YT, IT'S NOT A FREAKIN Miata. Mazda dropped the name "Miata" back in the early 2000's, so why do people still incorrectly call it a Miata, which is a horrible girlie name. And I agree with you, "Girl car my ass"! It was NEVER called a Miata in Europe or Asia. It's actually called the Roadster, which is the foundational premise of the car. So the one thing you can say that isn't said very much about the MX5, is that it is no longer called a Miata. Spread the news... Enjoyed the humorous comments, like the factory lift kit... Lol. Cheers. Good vid.
I definitely looking to pick up an NC this spring, great review...if I wasn’t before now I’m convinced! One question is there a difference in the engine post 2009?
My car! An 06 in "winning blue", just RHD in Australia. With 6kg/4.5kg coilovers and decent tyres (PS4) it's a mind bending scalpel that is dailied. Love that final comment too. If you're overly oppositional and perfectionistic you will miss out on a lot.
love the color i just got the 2007 grand touring hard top my q is my cluster light that shows the miles stays on in my car is it supose to stay on all the time i didnt notice it when i bought it
Love the review:-) when you got the roadstersport race exhaust, was it just the muffler or did you upgrade the midpipe too? Did you have to retune it after the exhaust install or just bolt on? Thanks!
I am the proud owner of a 2015 PRHT. I have spent $3,000 on the suspension, b/c I felt it drove like my mother’s Buick! It now holds the line and drives like a dream! Unfortunately, she recently blew her head gasket to the tune of $1,600🤮! I bought her as a retirement gift to myself.
Guess it's a 2.0 since it's U.S.? Got confused by the rims, thought they were only on NC1 1.8s. Great review, either way! Have the same car in 1.8 stock and true red color, plans on updating, maybe with a 2.0l and BBR n/a package.
Bruno Brunetti so I never had a 996. Was just reviewing it. Comparing the two is a bit apples->oranges. However, All things being considered I prefer the MX5 to live with. Super easy to maintain and work on not to mention cheap everything. Designed from the ground up as a roadster, better balance, you sacrifice straight line speed and street cred for a car that, to me feels more nimble and confidence inspiring on a good road (a squiggly one). If a backseat, more comfort and turning heads is what you want, I'd go 911. If purity of driving (the whole man and machine in harmony thing) is what you're after with low running costs and "smiles" per gallon, maybe Miata. I picked mine up for just over 6k. A steal in my mind. If you want better feedback from a car you're going to have to spend a whole lot more.
Petrol_Head your reply is what I feared or should say what I would expect, but I had to ask about the 996 and NC Comparison. I bought a 2006 mx5 in 2010 for 14k. I loved it for all the reasons you outline. Back in 2013, my daughter was driving it and at a stop, and on coming driver drove right into her.... About 40 mph. My daughter was ok, air bags deployed, car was totaled. Insurance gave me a check for 13k. I put about 48k miles on it. Now I'm back in the roadster game, would love a big boy car this time around, but I keep eyeing another NC, maybe ND.... Keep up the great work with the videos!
Man how tall are you? It looks like you fit perfectly in it and your head doesn't go above the windshield 🤣. I'm 183cm tall and I wanna know if I'll fit in the car well enough, also heard that the NC is the biggest Miata of the 4 generations...
I never thought about Miata's much..... even though I loved MG's.. I actually got a '68 Sprite the same week your Sprite vid debuted last year in May 2016... THEN... I got a new Fiat 124 in September '16 and fell in Love..... And thought.. If this is a Miata in Italian clothes... WHY oh WHY??? have I not owned one before....... Fast forward one year.. Love my 124... but hmm...... Mine has every factory option with a stick... hard to find... most dealers have autos.. to specify a car can take 9 months.. People are selling them with auto's on eBay with 3-4k miles for what they paid last year..... and I went Hmmmm... I can sell mine.... Sticks are Rare... My premium collection package is too.. I could make a 5K profit.. , get a NC Miata... and put a turbo in it.. with plenty left over.. No Brainer.. :0).. Bonus? I can restore my Sprite any way I like... :)... Love your sense of humor... oh.. and that shifter is awesome.. lol.. kinda phallic.. :0)
It’s much more than a hard topped car, but I’ve driven it to LA and back (from Portland) with no headaches or anything. You get used to it and your ears calibrate. Then you drive a normal car and think damn it’s quiet in here!
You are cute, handsome, and funny all at the same time....and the car.... it's as handsome as you, but I'm a bit prejudiced, I have an 06 in sunlight silver with black leather, and I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Owned an NC for a little over a week now. Some thoughts:
- As a tall person, the pedals could be a little further back. Seats could be a little lower too.
- No Bluetooth in the earlier years is annoying for sure.
- Overall gearing (especially in 6th gear) is a little too short. You can be in 5th while doing 32 miles per hour - kind of crazy, honestly. Highway cruising has higher RPMs than you'd really need at all.
- If you have the soft top model, the hardtops are a pain to find.
Absolutely love this car for the rest. So engaging, so fun, just beautiful.
Mate I'm 6,1 and got a 1 inch lowering bracket. Its good. Now I'm looking at the 2.5 one on a spare set of seat tracks.
I just bought a 2006 mint condition moderate mileage mk3 2 litre in classy metalic grey.
Verdict: Ive only just been able to park it up and am about to go to bed, Ive hardly slept for three days because I have fallen in love. 😍✌🏽
That’s how it gets you... They are magic .... You get smitten very quickly... have fun....
I'd never fit a stick knob like that, but that doesn't mean that it's not totally cool :)
It's the thing with Miatas, you put your personal touch to it. This guy made his own shift knob for it, how awesome is that!
I've been daily driving MX5s for more than 10 years now. First an 1.8 NA, now a 2.0 NC.
My old 1.8 NA beloved started to really rust to hell, and it just became too much to keep fixing, so I sold it and bought a 2nd hand low mileage 2006 NC "3rd gen limited" with pretty much every option on it (upgraded suspension, LSD, 6-speed, cool-looking chrome accents, lots of creature comfort stuff).
Everbody keeps saying "oh, the NC is the bad Miata", but it just isn't. As a daily driver, the NC is just better in most ways. I did do some modifications in the suspension, but that was not about "fixing" something, it was about making it the same but better.
I wouldn't have sold my 1.8 NA if it didn't rust away from me (NA Miatas will always be great and special), but I'm really happy with my NC. It arguable lacks some of the old-school charm, but it makes up in every other way.
It's for his girlfriend, he can please her with his tiny metric tool, lol.
@@kobek4159 chicks will tell you Miatas are cute, but they'd rather be driving a Mustang, Camaro, large SUV, or full-size pickup truck.
How much did you pay for the NC?
@@OOICU812 fantastic, they won't be bugging you to drive your MX5 then
When I was a teen, Dad bought a 1953 ( I think?) military Jeep field ambulance. For a shift knob, we put a lucite beer (Schlitz?) tap handle and a fording kit among other things!
Brought a 2011 kendo, love it. Made many small changes already, makeing it mine. Nice review. Liked and subscribed. John😮
Nice video. I've always felt that the NC Miata never quite got the same level of love as the NA and NB, so it's nice to see you feature your own NC in your video. I like how your car sits with Eibach lowering springs, and I would imagine that some adjustable shocks would be a good compliment. I also know some guys who have had good luck with the factory RX-8 anti-roll bars on the NC. With a good set of summer tires and an alignment, you should be able to really rip around the backroads of the PNW.
Perfect review of the NC's values. I'm enjoying my blue 2006 MX5 also thanks to you 😊
I like the pithy style of your review. Straight and to the point. "Horsepower only matters if you have to slow down for the corners."
- love that. Odd variation in camera settings though. Clips with a yellow cast.
Now I'm looking to buy an NC. This was a great review
Best Miata review I've seen, hands down!
I really want one of these. Thanks for the review.
+vlenhoff thanks! If you get an 06-08 keep a VERY close eye on your oil level or you will likely be replacing the engine like I am now. Putting a larger 2.5 motor in and will re-review the car at that time.
Sorry to hear Petrol_Head, please let us know how the transplant goes. I've been looking at the 09 model. 7,200 rpm redline sounds great. I might go with the PRHT for peace of mind.
Look for sport suspension (comes with a limited slip diff).
You've talked me into this car.
Used NCs are a hot market right now (2021) $$$$. You probably won't find a deal like you could have a few years ago.
I’ve had a mint, low mileage 2010 for a couple of months. It’s my daily driver, and I’m 6’1” tall. The power is more than plenty for this car, and the handling is great. The smiley face isn’t great on the 2009-2015 Miatas, but mine paint is black, so it’s barely noticeable. I drove a 1976 MG Midget back in 1977-1978, so the Miata’s interior room is Cadillac-esque. Great Video! 👍👍👍👍
Awesome review. I've now added the miata to my list of contenders.
This MX-5 is so exciting ,
Even the shift knob has an erection !
Great review bro, chill style that stands out from the crowd.
I have been debating about buying a NC or a MR2 Spyder and you gave me a good pointer: "when a lot of people are into something it is for a reason".
Owned both
MR-2. has a great Mid engine configuration
good handling but snap overstear in stock form at the limit
+ a hardtop & T-top's
but zero storage ,not even a cubby or glove box.
But the NC MX-5. set up like a BBR. for example is a poor mans. Ultra Reliable , Dailey driver Track Day Car.
That walks away from
many exotic supercars
Run it hard all day
30 m.p.g.
0-60 m.p.h. 5. Sec.
109sec @ Limerock Park
Brakes , Tires & Fuel
last forever.
Just change your oil frequency .
thats it !
Also Owned several exotics & Auto dealerships so i have some idea of what im talking about
@@frankfitzpatrick5300 Thanks a lot for the information. I still find hard to decide: I do like the exclusivity of the MR2, but that's the main defect that I find in it because it cant match the customization (specially when it comes to suspension kits) possibilities that the Miata offers.
Absolutely true
Its gotta be hard to even
find used or salvage parts for MR-2
They built 1000,000,000
Miatas
Plenty of spares parts & an ENORMOUS amount of aftermarket performance parts .
I bought a used Supercharger. , Wilwood big brake kit & Coilovers
New Light weight Spec Miata wheels & Dunlop "R" compound tires.
All for under $2000
Sold it 5 months ago
Now i NEED an NC
BF Goodrich G Force Comp 2 summer UHP tires. Grippy but not too grippy and great in the wet! I bought my NC with 12,500 miles two years ago, now have 83,000 and am needing my forth set of tires.
The tall shifter adds a lot, have a similar one on mine. NC is special. Most who disagree have never driven one.
Just got mine a month ago, love it. Went out in it for 6 hours last wekk, felt like I'd been out for an hour! I am having some issues with downshifts though, finding 4th from 5th is a bit awkward, but I'm slowly gelling with the car. Took me a while to get the seat position right too.
Definitely a keeper. Just needs a new backbox, to let it sing a bit more. Have fun.
Love it, nice review. Have an 08' with Tein coilovers, Roadster sport exhaust, AEM CAI, MS Anti Sways, and more smiles per gallon. Your exhaust sounds good.
Just bought one this past weekend. Never driven a manual before, but it's fun as shit!
can you tell me how tall you are? i'm 6'2" and concerned about fit. thanx
Nice review. The stick looks better on your fringpan lol.
Marco Buijs it gone, haha. Using a Delrin knob now. Much better.
nice review, great to hear an owners perspective instead of talking heads all the time. I'm in the market for a NC and thinking of going hardtop since im in BC. How do you find your soft top holds up in the PNW?
Does the Roadstersport Race drone when cruising?
Here's what you can say that hasn't been said much about an MX5, and seems to be missed by almost all reviewers on YT, IT'S NOT A FREAKIN Miata. Mazda dropped the name "Miata" back in the early 2000's, so why do people still incorrectly call it a Miata, which is a horrible girlie name. And I agree with you, "Girl car my ass"! It was NEVER called a Miata in Europe or Asia. It's actually called the Roadster, which is the foundational premise of the car. So the one thing you can say that isn't said very much about the MX5, is that it is no longer called a Miata. Spread the news... Enjoyed the humorous comments, like the factory lift kit... Lol. Cheers. Good vid.
love your NC man, I have the roadster sport exhaust too. have you thought of upgrading your sway bars?
Colored in Light literally ordered the hotchkis set yesterday, installing Friday.
nice, you will definitely enjoy it
Colored in Light just got done installing and took the long way home. Superb.
Petrol_Head nice man, you won't regret it!
Nice review man! Got a similar spec miata and love it. Lightweight is the answer!
kosmilitsis thank you!
What exhaust system is that?
I just moved to Washington from Texas,and I've been looking into a nc I had a special edition gen 1 loved it
so where can I get a new top and hardware for my 2006 NC base?
I definitely looking to pick up an NC this spring, great review...if I wasn’t before now I’m convinced! One question is there a difference in the engine post 2009?
I think horsepower only matters if you have to speed up to get to corners.
My car! An 06 in "winning blue", just RHD in Australia. With 6kg/4.5kg coilovers and decent tyres (PS4) it's a mind bending scalpel that is dailied.
Love that final comment too. If you're overly oppositional and perfectionistic you will miss out on a lot.
NC owners rejoice! What flywheel is that? Roadster Sportii Goodwin exhaust? Sick review!
Jeff Ahn it is the fidanza sir.
love the color i just got the 2007 grand touring hard top my q is my cluster light that shows the miles stays on in my car is it supose to stay on all the time i didnt notice it when i bought it
Love the review:-) when you got the roadstersport race exhaust, was it just the muffler or did you upgrade the midpipe too? Did you have to retune it after the exhaust install or just bolt on? Thanks!
I was thinking about upgrading the exhaust and intake of my '12 NC, but don't know about cost or legality issues, since I live in germany..
Do you still have it & looking to sell?
The cornering on this car looks so great, and i bet the feeling of attacking corners and going threw them is even better!
Nice reviews , keep em coming.
Gram theory. Yet comes with a 26 lb dual exhaust lol just bought the roaster sport race. Sounds good
Bought a 2007 nc prht 6 speed and absolutely love it. Great video , thanks. O by the way I thought you were Brad Pitt.
I am the proud owner of a 2015 PRHT. I have spent $3,000 on the suspension, b/c I felt it drove like my mother’s Buick! It now holds the line and drives like a dream!
Unfortunately, she recently blew her head gasket to the tune of $1,600🤮!
I bought her as a retirement gift to myself.
I got the retractable hardtop Club version and I'll tell you it's not complicated.
Guess it's a 2.0 since it's U.S.? Got confused by the rims, thought they were only on NC1 1.8s. Great review, either way! Have the same car in 1.8 stock and true red color, plans on updating, maybe with a 2.0l and BBR n/a package.
Make that gear throw as long as possible by using a broomstick for a gear knob....
Great review!
MiAta or mustang?
I had an mx5, loved it. Thinking of a 996 now or back to mx5. Still have ur 996? Comparison thoughts??
Bruno Brunetti so I never had a 996. Was just reviewing it. Comparing the two is a bit apples->oranges. However, All things being considered I prefer the MX5 to live with. Super easy to maintain and work on not to mention cheap everything. Designed from the ground up as a roadster, better balance, you sacrifice straight line speed and street cred for a car that, to me feels more nimble and confidence inspiring on a good road (a squiggly one). If a backseat, more comfort and turning heads is what you want, I'd go 911. If purity of driving (the whole man and machine in harmony thing) is what you're after with low running costs and "smiles" per gallon, maybe Miata. I picked mine up for just over 6k. A steal in my mind. If you want better feedback from a car you're going to have to spend a whole lot more.
Petrol_Head your reply is what I feared or should say what I would expect, but I had to ask about the 996 and NC Comparison. I bought a 2006 mx5 in 2010 for 14k. I loved it for all the reasons you outline. Back in 2013, my daughter was driving it and at a stop, and on coming driver drove right into her.... About 40 mph. My daughter was ok, air bags deployed, car was totaled. Insurance gave me a check for 13k. I put about 48k miles on it. Now I'm back in the roadster game, would love a big boy car this time around, but I keep eyeing another NC, maybe ND.... Keep up the great work with the videos!
Man how tall are you? It looks like you fit perfectly in it and your head doesn't go above the windshield 🤣. I'm 183cm tall and I wanna know if I'll fit in the car well enough, also heard that the NC is the biggest Miata of the 4 generations...
I’m 6’2” I did remove some foam from the seat bottom though!
What is the drop kit you put in?
jclive11thebigboss eibach pro kit. Lowers it a bit more in the front to get rid of the reverse rake it comes with from the factory.
I never thought about Miata's much..... even though I loved MG's.. I actually got a '68 Sprite the same week your Sprite vid debuted last year in May 2016... THEN... I got a new Fiat 124 in September '16 and fell in Love..... And thought.. If this is a Miata in Italian clothes... WHY oh WHY??? have I not owned one before....... Fast forward one year.. Love my 124... but hmm...... Mine has every factory option with a stick... hard to find... most dealers have autos.. to specify a car can take 9 months.. People are selling them with auto's on eBay with 3-4k miles for what they paid last year..... and I went Hmmmm... I can sell mine.... Sticks are Rare... My premium collection package is too.. I could make a 5K profit.. , get a NC Miata... and put a turbo in it.. with plenty left over.. No Brainer.. :0).. Bonus? I can restore my Sprite any way I like... :)... Love your sense of humor... oh.. and that shifter is awesome.. lol.. kinda phallic.. :0)
Gram theory. When I get into mine, nearly "naked", with as little petrol as possible,..and always roof off.!
Result, 0 to 60 in 7 sec.
How do you find the wind noise on interstate drives?
It’s much more than a hard topped car, but I’ve driven it to LA and back (from Portland) with no headaches or anything. You get used to it and your ears calibrate. Then you drive a normal car and think damn it’s quiet in here!
It's actually quiter with the top down. Go figure.
how many miles when you had clutch failure? please reply thanks
+Sean Johnson 48k miles. 2k mikes after I bought it.
Petrol_Head Damn bro previous owner must have hugged that clutch lol keep finding better deals on NA still want an nc in the future..
Petrol_Head My first NA got wrecked by a shitty driver in LA last weekend :/
Had a pilot bearing failure at 150,000 on an NB, but the clutch was still very meaty.
@@PetrolHead1 Rare MX 5 issue! Porsche is rife with IMS bearing failure issues. $$$$$
That gearstick has to go
More smiles per kilometers than, dare I say? Porsche! : )
Really liked your review - the stick, not so much.
That petrolicious sticker tho
RIP Squirrel
"mini racer" feel from a stock throw to an even longer throw...uhh you want a "short throw" to get to your mini racer feel. Even shorter than stock.
A shift knob doesn't change the length of the throw. The actual shifter does that.
Cool vid, thanx.
Nice!
RIP squirrel
ffs i got a 5 min add that i could skip smh
Nice color -- I rarely see that one. And "人馬一体" should be vertical.
Maahhhhhzda
We say : Mazz duh
Literally stick shift
6:50 😂😂
factory lift kit lol
🐳 okay
👍🏾👍🏾
日本語？
You are cute, handsome, and funny all at the same time....and the car.... it's as handsome as you, but I'm a bit prejudiced, I have an 06 in sunlight silver with black leather, and I wouldn't trade it for the world!
WTF is this shifter
vraiment horrible le manche a balai a la place du levier de vitesse HORRIBLE