NC1 with appearance pack here, Highland Green Mica, brown seats, PRHT with all the trimmings and MeisterR CRDs - it's the GOAT. Bought it with 134k miles on it last year from a young guy who wanted a VW hot hatch. Next time you visit CO you can take it out. Feel free to drop a 2.5 in it while you're out, but don't you dare touch it with a turbo 😂
Good discussion. For a street driven NC, I suggest buying the highest optioned model you can find, in your price range. I would rather have the extra options and not use them rather than getting a stripped down model and missing some nice features and options. That said, consider the condition of the BASE CAR that you have, and ignore the suspension or other performance parts it came with. The aftermarket for NCs is so vast that you can modify any components that your NC has which is either worn, or disappointing (stock suspension). So, find a solid body and frame, with a good engine and transmission (6 speed preferred).
This was a great discussion! Picture overlays of the different trims would have been helpful, especially when you were talking about specific appearance differences and color options.
I’ve had both a 2008 NC Grand touring with a soft top and my current 2008 Grand touring PRHT. The hard top is definitely easier to live with on a daily basis. Both cars are bad for blind spots but the soft top is worse. I have the heated leather seats and I love them.
I adore my 2008 PRHT / Grand Touring. Copper red mica with black and tan interior. I've already ditched the Bilsteins for Koni Yellows and springs, along with flyin Miata sway bars. This winter she's going under the knife for a header, mid pipe, super Q and a tune. Other mods include upgraded head unit, Clearwater speakers, Cipher steering wheel, smarttop module, foglight mod, coolant expansion tank, heater core bypass, NC2 door panels, aftermarket 17x8 wheels and slightly wider tires, and probably some other stuff I'm forgetting. For my style of driving the NC1 is perfect. I just love it.
Honestly, I’d say the NC1 is good if you plan on 2.5 swapping. No reason to pay for the updated MZR if you’re swapping it anyways and the facelift(s) are subjective. Me personally, I have no plans of ever having a 2.5 in my car because I want to rev high with the updated MZR, so the NC3 was the perfect solution. If I wanted to save money I could’ve also gotten an NC2.
Hard to go wrong here! For taller drivers, the non height adjustable seats in the NC1 sit a bit lower. The Jass brackets are nice for even more headroom / helmet clearance too.
Good discussion. For a street driven NC, I suggest buying the highest optioned model you can find, in your price range. I would rather have the extra options and not use them rather than getting a stripped down model and missing some nice features and options. That said, consider the condition of the BASE CAR that you have, and ignore the suspension or other performance parts it came with. The aftermarket for NCs is so vast that you can modify any components that your NC has which is either worn, or disappointing (stock suspension). So, find a solid body and frame, with a good engine and transmission (6 speed preferred). I bought a 2008 GT PRHT 6MT, in 2018. 99.5K miles, one owner “Miata club” car, clean CarFax. $9K out the door. Absolutely the best mod was the MeisterR CRD coilovers. The NC1 stock suspension was total crap, so the MeisterR CRDs transformed it. Then I added 17x8” Enkei PF01 wheels and 235/40R17 tires. And the other big performance mod is the Goodwin Racing 1.8” Max Power catless header, Helmholz midpipe, and SuperQ muffler. The car is fantastic, and I will keep it until it falls apart and dies…or I do.
Pretty useful video, especially when I'm looking at cars to buy as my first, and the NC is high on the list. There's a pretty tempting '08 NC PRHT Grand Touring I have my eyes on; black exterior and dark brown interior, with 96K miles. Looks well maintained with the only big modification listed being KW coilovers (which I'd probably put in after a while anyway).
I had the winner blue on my nc1 rs & changed it to storm blue & it looks excellent in that color. I did put extra flake in it. It almost looks black at night but in the sun the flake really stands out making it dark blue.
Indeed! Pay a pro to do a pre-purchase inspection. We bought our '08 Highland Green GT 3 states away. The selling dealer agreed to take it to a shop of my choice (I called a couple of local parts stores for recommendations) and the guy called me while they had it on the lift to discuss the car. Cost less than $100. That strategy allows you to shop a much wider geographic area with confidence.
@@TheFracturedfuture That's fantastic . Unfortunately in Europe many use their cars through winter and because of the salt they use in the grit on the roads causes terrible rust problems
I have an NC1 Sport 6-speed. Bought it bone stock with 159k miles for $5900. Had it since March of this year and have done a few things to it already. Long term plan is to K swap it.
I have a 2011 kendo, 5 speed, prht in mica black, light grey leather. 44,000 miles. It's almost perfect, upgrade will be a bbr 200 tune kit, hopefully in the next few months. Love my MX5, will never sell it. Good hunting. John
I lived in England a few years ago and had the pleasure to own a 2011 PHRT BBR 200. I've owned a lot of great cars but that may have been the very best I ever had. Only paid $10k USD too. Only 50k miles. I miss that car
I know the later NC2 and NC3 are the more reliable cars. But I agree with the bearded brown hat dude. I think the NC1 is a super cool look. I don’t need the smile on my car, having it on my face is enough. NC1 grill just looks better IMO. I think the special edition NC1 would be the right car for me. As much as I like the PRHT-just so cool….the used ones I’ve looked at have rattled, or not gone in and out of its reservoir smoothly and seem like it would be a constant aggravation for me if the mechanism began failing. A soft top you replace it every 10 years or so and that’s that. Just don’t park it where it’ll get slashed with a knife and if you park it outside just get a soft top protective cover and you’re good.
I have the same thought as you. I don't like the smile grill. Though I still think it could look better. I wrapped the top of the headlights on my nc1to make them look narrower & that made a huge difference to the look. It was a bugger to do though & next time I have the bumper off I will black spray paint it on.
I have an 06 NC1 soft top. Only thing I regret is: no AC. I don't like the looks of the PRHT. Were I to want a hard top, I prefer the look of the aftermarket hard tops.
@@TheFracturedfutureplus the safety factor😂 the quieter kinda environment & the security of living in crazy sf. I’ve had 7 cloth top cars in my life but only one was slit by a 5 cent razor blade in 1977 on my red 1970 fiat 850 spyder while watching Santana play🙌 mfers🤬
Similar to Austin, my first love was also a silver 2000 celica GTS in manual, and i now also own a white 2011 tsx wagon 😂 only difference is i have an NB miata as my fun car. Hoping for an NC in the future though!
Thoughts on supercharging one I don't care to do a 2.5 swap when I get an NC. I am thinking of getting an NC2 just to have a step up for transmission and slight better performance. Looking for something to drive around with relative comfort and linear power when I feel I want to take to the mountains.
I have found a 2015 NC3 with the PTH with 58k at a really good price, and the dealer offers a LIFETIME power train warranty. The only downside is it it not my fav color and has an automatic transmission. Why wife says she could drive it if she had to, but I really want a 6 speed manual Thoughts??? Dave
I’d find I different one. Nc3 I believe is the best gen. Manual is a must man. So much fun. Also I bought my 2014 club with 6 speed for 14.5k with 58k miles last year, just for price reference.
Nc1 just gives Austin the excuse to 2.5 swap it later =P I love the Nc1 with bumper cut, or the nc3 the most for looks, I had an NC2 SE, but you really cant go wrong with a tastefully modified NC of any sub generation!
My understanding was that the Ford fusion was a copy of the mazda6. But nobody ever mentions a Mazda 6 swap. They always say a fusion 2.5 swap. Is the mazda6 engine different or would that work as well?
I have a 2006 NC1 Sport with 6mt and LSD here in Southern California I have been considering selling (videos on my channel). FM springs/Koni Adjustable shocks + GWR roadstersport sway bars, AutoExe induction box, and virtually stock otherwise with ~93,000 miles. Been a great second/weekend/autoX car since I bought it in 2013 (I am second owner). I'm getting older and not driving it much anymore, I'm realizing I want to go down to a more comfortable one-car solution now. Considering selling it since I hardly grab the keys anymore, and don't drive often anyways. Sentimental value keeps me from listing it on the various marketplaces though. Would love to find someone who would enjoy it as much as I have.
Sounds like a great car! I’d definitely be interested if you’re serious about parting ways . Feel free to email theflywheelfilms@gmail.com with more info!
I to prefer the look of the hardtop on a soft top vs the PHRT slightly however in my area the PHRT are around the same price as soft top and the hardtop is around 2-3 grand and hard to find and PHRT u don’t have to store unlike Hardtop when not in use
@ColoredinLight phew, about had my heart broken. Long long time follower, big fan of what you've done. I haven't always loved the body work unpainted, but man was I taken back by how fantastic she looks painted now. She is an absolute gem, a true one of a kind special edition!
Soft top and heated seats is the best. Also I will judge you if you buy in automatic miata unless you have some unreal reason. Better be missing a limb.
NC1s have a multitude of problems the other ones don’t have. Including the vvt actuator rattle of death, engine failure, etc. Never ever buy an NC1- someone with a 2007 MX-5
Awesome discussion and tons of good info. Thank you both so much. Good job dudes.
NC1 with appearance pack here, Highland Green Mica, brown seats, PRHT with all the trimmings and MeisterR CRDs - it's the GOAT. Bought it with 134k miles on it last year from a young guy who wanted a VW hot hatch. Next time you visit CO you can take it out. Feel free to drop a 2.5 in it while you're out, but don't you dare touch it with a turbo 😂
Good discussion. For a street driven NC, I suggest buying the highest optioned model you can find, in your price range. I would rather have the extra options and not use them rather than getting a stripped down model and missing some nice features and options.
That said, consider the condition of the BASE CAR that you have, and ignore the suspension or other performance parts it came with. The aftermarket for NCs is so vast that you can modify any components that your NC has which is either worn, or disappointing (stock suspension). So, find a solid body and frame, with a good engine and transmission (6 speed preferred).
This was a great discussion! Picture overlays of the different trims would have been helpful, especially when you were talking about specific appearance differences and color options.
I’ve had both a 2008 NC Grand touring with a soft top and my current 2008 Grand touring PRHT. The hard top is definitely easier to live with on a daily basis. Both cars are bad for blind spots but the soft top is worse. I have the heated leather seats and I love them.
I adore my 2008 PRHT / Grand Touring. Copper red mica with black and tan interior.
I've already ditched the Bilsteins for Koni Yellows and springs, along with flyin Miata sway bars. This winter she's going under the knife for a header, mid pipe, super Q and a tune. Other mods include upgraded head unit, Clearwater speakers, Cipher steering wheel, smarttop module, foglight mod, coolant expansion tank, heater core bypass, NC2 door panels, aftermarket 17x8 wheels and slightly wider tires, and probably some other stuff I'm forgetting.
For my style of driving the NC1 is perfect. I just love it.
I have the exact same car man, i just got it too absolutely love it
NC2 is the best bang for buck. Especially with todays used market
Honestly, I’d say the NC1 is good if you plan on 2.5 swapping. No reason to pay for the updated MZR if you’re swapping it anyways and the facelift(s) are subjective. Me personally, I have no plans of ever having a 2.5 in my car because I want to rev high with the updated MZR, so the NC3 was the perfect solution. If I wanted to save money I could’ve also gotten an NC2.
My thinking as well.
This choice is called "the admiral's dilemma"
Dang u😂 it was supposed to be a 3 hour tour lil’ buddy🎉
Hard to go wrong here! For taller drivers, the non height adjustable seats in the NC1 sit a bit lower. The Jass brackets are nice for even more headroom / helmet clearance too.
2008 NC-1 owner here (PRHT, copper-mica GT). The driver's seat can be cranked up or down, depending on preference).
LOVE my 2008 PRHT, Grand Touring, Blue Mica, Tan leather, Koni sports, H&R progressive lowering springs. Sick car to drive.
I owned an 08 Miata for 10 years and it was a great, reliable car in Texas.
I have a NC1 SE 6 SPD with 2.0 Litre 212,800 KM (133,000 Miles) LOVE IT!!
Good discussion. For a street driven NC, I suggest buying the highest optioned model you can find, in your price range. I would rather have the extra options and not use them rather than getting a stripped down model and missing some nice features and options.
That said, consider the condition of the BASE CAR that you have, and ignore the suspension or other performance parts it came with. The aftermarket for NCs is so vast that you can modify any components that your NC has which is either worn, or disappointing (stock suspension). So, find a solid body and frame, with a good engine and transmission (6 speed preferred).
I bought a 2008 GT PRHT 6MT, in 2018. 99.5K miles, one owner “Miata club” car, clean CarFax. $9K out the door. Absolutely the best mod was the MeisterR CRD coilovers. The NC1 stock suspension was total crap, so the MeisterR CRDs transformed it. Then I added 17x8” Enkei PF01 wheels and 235/40R17 tires. And the other big performance mod is the Goodwin Racing 1.8” Max Power catless header, Helmholz midpipe, and SuperQ muffler. The car is fantastic, and I will keep it until it falls apart and dies…or I do.
NC3 has the forged crank and the improved gearbox (3-4 shift 4-3 downshift)
NC2 as well
Great info, now I realize my dreams of a competition yellow NC will be even harder to achieve 😂
I have a black nc1 2008 prht. I got it 8 months ago and love it. Thinking of wrapping it comp yellow!
Pretty useful video, especially when I'm looking at cars to buy as my first, and the NC is high on the list.
There's a pretty tempting '08 NC PRHT Grand Touring I have my eyes on; black exterior and dark brown interior, with 96K miles. Looks well maintained with the only big modification listed being KW coilovers (which I'd probably put in after a while anyway).
I had the winner blue on my nc1 rs & changed it to storm blue & it looks excellent in that color. I did put extra flake in it. It almost looks black at night but in the sun the flake really stands out making it dark blue.
I actually love the NC1 looks, wouldn't change mine at all. Do wish it had forged internals but the looks are on point for me. Love my speed boat.
Number 1 piece of advice when buying a NC .... Make sure to inspect underneath for RUST !
Indeed! Pay a pro to do a pre-purchase inspection. We bought our '08 Highland Green GT 3 states away. The selling dealer agreed to take it to a shop of my choice (I called a couple of local parts stores for recommendations) and the guy called me while they had it on the lift to discuss the car. Cost less than $100. That strategy allows you to shop a much wider geographic area with confidence.
I dont think many ppl drive their miatas in the winter in north america. Most are rust free.
I never understood this.
I've had so many Miatas and none have even a tiny bit of rust.
@@TheFracturedfuture That's fantastic . Unfortunately in Europe many use their cars through winter and because of the salt they use in the grit on the roads causes terrible rust problems
@@RJC-_ OH I see.
NC2
I have an NC1 Sport 6-speed. Bought it bone stock with 159k miles for $5900. Had it since March of this year and have done a few things to it already. Long term plan is to K swap it.
I want to k swap a Miata too
I have a 2011 kendo, 5 speed, prht in mica black, light grey leather. 44,000 miles. It's almost perfect, upgrade will be a bbr 200 tune kit, hopefully in the next few months. Love my MX5, will never sell it. Good hunting. John
I lived in England a few years ago and had the pleasure to own a 2011 PHRT BBR 200. I've owned a lot of great cars but that may have been the very best I ever had.
Only paid $10k USD too. Only 50k miles. I miss that car
Your friends 2011 is sparkling black mica. Same as mine. Definitely a rare but beautiful color by mazda.
I know the later NC2 and NC3 are the more reliable cars. But I agree with the bearded brown hat dude. I think the NC1 is a super cool look. I don’t need the smile on my car, having it on my face is enough. NC1 grill just looks better IMO. I think the special edition NC1 would be the right car for me. As much as I like the PRHT-just so cool….the used ones I’ve looked at have rattled, or not gone in and out of its reservoir smoothly and seem like it would be a constant aggravation for me if the mechanism began failing. A soft top you replace it every 10 years or so and that’s that. Just don’t park it where it’ll get slashed with a knife and if you park it outside just get a soft top protective cover and you’re good.
I have the same thought as you. I don't like the smile grill. Though I still think it could look better. I wrapped the top of the headlights on my nc1to make them look narrower & that made a huge difference to the look. It was a bugger to do though & next time I have the bumper off I will black spray paint it on.
Red Miata is best Miata
Missed you at the MATG 2024! Hopefully next year? Appreciate your work!
2011 special edition here!
It was Sparkling Black Mica! And the other option for 2011 was Dolphin Grey Mica
I have an 06 NC1 soft top. Only thing I regret is: no AC. I don't like the looks of the PRHT. Were I to want a hard top, I prefer the look of the aftermarket hard tops.
I agree.
The PRHT looks like shit. An aftermarket hard top on a soft top looks much better.
Disagree cuz I gots one😂-
Here in sf area it’s down like 10 mos a year anyways tho ya it’s goofy like those cerebera’ British supercars look
@@TheFracturedfutureplus the safety factor😂 the quieter kinda environment & the security of living in crazy sf. I’ve had 7 cloth top cars in my life but only one was slit by a 5 cent razor blade in 1977 on my red 1970 fiat 850 spyder while watching Santana play🙌 mfers🤬
@@mauricesoulis1590 Great point.
i just installed AC on my 2006 - it is completely possible if you source the parts from a pumpkin
Similar to Austin, my first love was also a silver 2000 celica GTS in manual, and i now also own a white 2011 tsx wagon 😂 only difference is i have an NB miata as my fun car. Hoping for an NC in the future though!
Winning blue nc1 with 2.5 and mazdaspeed front bumper and rocker panels
Thoughts on supercharging one I don't care to do a 2.5 swap when I get an NC. I am thinking of getting an NC2 just to have a step up for transmission and slight better performance. Looking for something to drive around with relative comfort and linear power when I feel I want to take to the mountains.
I have found a 2015 NC3 with the PTH with 58k at a really good price, and the dealer offers a LIFETIME power train warranty.
The only downside is it it not my fav color and has an automatic transmission.
Why wife says she could drive it if she had to, but I really want a 6 speed manual
Thoughts???
Dave
I’d find I different one. Nc3 I believe is the best gen. Manual is a must man. So much fun. Also I bought my 2014 club with 6 speed for 14.5k with 58k miles last year, just for price reference.
Nc1 just gives Austin the excuse to 2.5 swap it later =P
I love the Nc1 with bumper cut, or the nc3 the most for looks, I had an NC2 SE, but you really cant go wrong with a tastefully modified NC of any sub generation!
Basically no comments from you guys on the NC3 all video😅
My understanding was that the Ford fusion was a copy of the mazda6. But nobody ever mentions a Mazda 6 swap. They always say a fusion 2.5 swap. Is the mazda6 engine different or would that work as well?
Very minor differences between the Ford and Mazda 2.5s. Both will work for a swap but the Ford is more common and thus cheaper.
I have a 2006 NC1 Sport with 6mt and LSD here in Southern California I have been considering selling (videos on my channel). FM springs/Koni Adjustable shocks + GWR roadstersport sway bars, AutoExe induction box, and virtually stock otherwise with ~93,000 miles. Been a great second/weekend/autoX car since I bought it in 2013 (I am second owner). I'm getting older and not driving it much anymore, I'm realizing I want to go down to a more comfortable one-car solution now. Considering selling it since I hardly grab the keys anymore, and don't drive often anyways. Sentimental value keeps me from listing it on the various marketplaces though. Would love to find someone who would enjoy it as much as I have.
Sounds like a great car! I’d definitely be interested if you’re serious about parting ways . Feel free to email theflywheelfilms@gmail.com with more info!
2012 GT -Best of alll
I to prefer the look of the hardtop on a soft top vs the PHRT slightly however in my area the PHRT are around the same price as soft top and the hardtop is around 2-3 grand and hard to find and PHRT u don’t have to store unlike Hardtop when not in use
I heard Jackson might be willing to sell his, you should ask him
Say it aint so! 😢
@@smiles564 it's not lol
@ColoredinLight phew, about had my heart broken. Long long time follower, big fan of what you've done. I haven't always loved the body work unpainted, but man was I taken back by how fantastic she looks painted now. She is an absolute gem, a true one of a kind special edition!
@@smiles564 thanks!
Soft top and heated seats is the best. Also I will judge you if you buy in automatic miata unless you have some unreal reason. Better be missing a limb.
Cheap Silver NC1 with a blown engine, 2.5 swap it with cams, spend the leftover money on quality coilovers and tires.
Came here looking to learn differences between NC3 and NC2, but despite the title, the NC3 discussion didn't seem to happen?
Jeah, 90% of the time they talk about colors. Waste of time.
nc1 with appearance pack here!
NC1s have a multitude of problems the other ones don’t have. Including the vvt actuator rattle of death, engine failure, etc. Never ever buy an NC1- someone with a 2007 MX-5
I thought NC gen started in 05?
Sure it’s the newest he can afford?!
He would match well with a ND2 with a V8 drop in.
The ND looks like caca though.