I like NCs because of their owners, they are the only group that waves back to me in my NA (aside from other NA owners). NB owners don't get it, ND owners think they are too important, and 124 owners have no idea why some dude in a 90's mazda is saying hi.
NC was 8 times Car and Driver top 10 during its run. Its a divisive car among Miata fanboys mostly because there were 15 years of the same car (NA/NB) before the NC. The NC was clearly superior in almost every possible way. Faster, safer, better braking, easier to use softtop. But Miata NA/NB fanboys then would say, well the NC is a better sportscar, but not a better Miata. Reality is, if you have a Miata, regardless of the generation, you have a Miata.
oldatarigamer I remember the first time I drove an NC after test-driving previous generation Miatas. The first thing that impressed me was the (relative) roominess. But even more impressive was the engine power. Less impressive was the steering feel and handling. Still a great car, but I felt it lost a bit of the original Miata soul, if that makes sense.
Steering feel is one of the best Ever for a production car. The suspension in 08 was softened by Mazda to cater to the majority of buyers,not the ones that will modify.
I don't care what miata fanbois say. I test drove many NBs and many NCs. The NC has a better chassis and the brakes are so much better. I came to the conclusion that an electric folding hard top is the best thing about the NC since I am intending to use it as a daily. From the factory the NC has pretty soft suspension for my liking but that's something you can fix with less than 700 bucks for a good set of coilovers. I have really fallen in love with the practicality an NC can provide without compromising anything. I am buying a Black 07 NC with the electric folding hard top next week.
Can you tell me more about the hard top NC? Planning to buy myself one next week. How much milage yours have? I'm buying a '07 hard top with LOTS of kms (385000 km/ ~200000 miles) Any suggestion/tip would be awesome! :)
@@mrtubeo I've had a 2015 NC3 GT with the PRHT (power retractable hard top) for a little over two years now. Bought it used with a mile or two over 28,000. It, it works, lol. That's about all there is to it. Goes up and down quickly enough that you're not completely SOL if you ever get caught when the rains come in. No leaks so far I've seen or known. Only complaint there, is that you *have* to either be in park or neutral for it to work. It won't let you engage it otherwise, even if you have the e-brake up. And maybe that it's a bit loud in the cabin even with the windows up, but I'm not one for so many creature comforts so it's not a huge deal to me.
@Simon Mellins In what country? Here in America a former friend had a 2000 Firebird. The headlights went up. The headlights went down. And the driver's side one always broke because the factory connector was bad.
Maverick Arkguard The Firebird was basically grandfathered into the millennium since the last F-Bodies were designed in the late 80's. The first year for that body style was 1992. I'm sure that had Pontiac continued to make Firebird's before they were shuttered, they would've had to completely redesign the car.
I was one of those, Miata is a hair dresser's car. Now that I have a few grays, I have matured enough to appreciate what this car actually is. A fun little ride.
I wouldn't drive a car on LSD personally but i guess as long as you're doing it on private roads there isn't an issue. I don't think it would be fun though, unless I was really confident. Grateful dead and a smooth evening drive in a convertible sounds like tear-jerking euphoria on LSD, though.
As someone who's a pretty devout Miata fanboy, I've determined this car is probably the least favorite in the whole line-up. It's not as beloved as the NA or as focused as the ND, but it made key compromises to the original formula that allowed the name to survive. For that reason, I respect it.
The NC is the best all-around car of the lot, though. More power than the NA and NB, more torque, a 2.0L factory made for forced induction, wider stance, more stability through the corners, and an immaculate hydraulic steering rack that the ND lacks. It also has a glove compartment and four cup holders, unlike the ND, making it more livable as a daily.
I have an 'NC2', which was the refresh of this. It was a significant improvement, with more aggressive styling, suspension fixed (no more stilts), build improvements and other bits. This early NC is generally thought of as the poor relation in the MX5 family, but there are some 'standard mods' people do (lowering particularly). I have none of the issues mentioned in this video, except for the windows needing to come down a bit to lower the roof. The major advantage of this is the same design that makes that necessary also makes water ingress via the window seals basically impossible (not sure what went wrong with this guy's car). Also for those comparing with the NA, I've had both NA and NC2 and driven all generations of NB too, and as lovely as they are, the NC/NC2 is a totally different thing to live with. So much more rigid and comfortable, and vastly safer. I know people here don't always value that stuff, but in real life it matters to some of us, especially us city-dwellers.
Simon Mellins Yup. I also got an "NC2" 2013 club trim with power hardtop. As my only car it's much easier to live with than a NA/NB. The updated styling is great, I get compliments all the time.
Thats a good use for a trombone brush, seeing as how a trombone player doesn't use it. A frog and a trombone player are walking down the street. What's the difference? The frog is on his way to a gig.
Yeah the NC2 is great. The only problems I have is the seatbelts don't retract automatically at times, and i have to roll the windows down a bit to put the top up. I've had mine for 2 years and I still love it. Just a little too small (but a lot bigger than my NA I had before this one)
Idk i feel like the arches on the rx8 fit a lot better (could be a bit smaller tho). It looks like they slapped some shit ebay "wide body" kit on a really skinny car for the NC whereas the rx8 seems like they were designed with it in the beginning.
this is the most amazing car ever. great reliability, great performance. sure, you are not going to win a stop light race. but put the top down and drive at 35mph, this car shines.
"but dude, dude... she always knew, but you were too thirsty. and the thirstier you are, the higher the risk that you're going to be resented for it." truth bomb from hell...
As someone with a mostly stock 2007 NC as my daily driver, this is essentially my car getting slammed. When I bought mine two and a half years ago, I would've preferred a low-mileage NB, since they do look better. Good luck finding one that's essentially stock, however... I live in Finland, a godforsaken country with just 700 registered Miatas total, so I went with an early NC instead. The complaints about the NC are generally spot-on. The front looks stupid. It's trying to look muscular while it's not. The interior is full of cheap plastic that's prone to rattling. You have to roll down the windows a bit to put the roof back on, but that's really not a big deal. Also, I now learnt the reason why it idles funny after the long winters! Finally, early NC's had a really stupid center console with unusable non-removable cup holders where you rest your elbow, but it's easily replaced with one from a later model. HOWEVER, it is a Miata, and a fantastic car to drive. The 1.8 has enough power. I test drove a 2.0 as well and it's possibly a bit more fun, but Miatas were never about power-to-weight ratio any way. The boot in an NC is pretty big (for a Miata), which might be useful if it's your only car.
Antti Salonen South helsinki "finn" here :p What do you think of the new ND angry looking one? You are lucky... In estonia mx5 pop up on sale twice a year, and max i have seen are 5 cars on sale at once, whit questionable rust issues...
I don't like the styling on the ND, but it seems like a good car, and a good Miata. I wouldn't be surprised if I own one some day... Regarding rust, I found an NC that had never been driven in the winter when they have salt on the roads. It's essentially rust free without any aftermarket rust proofing. If I need to get around in the winter, I use my Citroën instead.
I always drive by a house with a C4 Corvette and a NC in the drive way, with the colors as close as they can be. Gotta think the Miata is the daily. Would love to own that duo myself.
The 1.8L is significantly lower power, and I bet it has a lot less torque at lower RPMs. I wonder what Mr. Regular would think about it when compared to old Miatas when it had the correct amount of power, i.e. 166 hp.
The only reason everyone else in the world drives on the wrong side of the car is cause they're too stupid to figure out how to drive on the right side of the car. Same with the imperial unit of measurement. Murica
That hit me... that hit me hard. When he spoke of the nice guy being burned by the girl next door. That happened to me. It messed me up, man. Messed me up bad.
After owning all MX5s besides the ND this is one my favourite of the first 3. I've modified every one I've owned over time and the NC responds way better than the other generations. End of. Put the same modification on an NC that you put on the NA/NB and the difference you feel is mind blowing. That even goes as far as forced induction for the people who are going turn around and mention turbos :)
Cool thing about the NC is that it was build on a shortened RX-8 platform, so there are quite a few parts you can swap over with ease. NC1 looks odd, but Mazda did a great job updating the styling and amenities of the car in the NC2 and NC3 revisions. The power retractable hard top is the one to get unless you need to add a roll cage.
Andrew Withers Agreed. The change to keep with the then current Mazda styling sharpened up the styling. It was still a soap bar with hips, but the change gave the front end a more aggressive edge.
The changes were not just the last year, that different front (and actually different all over in subtle ways) was from 2009 onwards (the one in the video was 06-08 IIRC). The differences between the NC (in video) and NC2 (one you mentioned) are quite significant. Source: NC2 owner.
Keksi the Labrador I said more aggressive. Definitely not to ND levels, but it made the car look a bit more purposeful. I'm sure that argument is why the ND has such an attitude.
Then show us, Mr. Regular. Show us the car that is the nice kid who befriended that brunette or blonde or whatever and then managed to get out of this 'friend-zone' to something greater. Show us the car that has the missing link that the nice guy didn't, the quality that offsets the resentment of thirst. Everyone has thirst. But not everyone gets rejected. Which car was nice to everyone, and accepted for what it is. Which car pummels through your problems, thunders through the storm, appeals to your insurance and your social life, and always bit, never barked. Show us the car that reflects on us nice guys so that we may see that, after seven years of being the locker next to hers, six years of putting up with being second, five years of sharing classes, four years of going to movies, three years of defending her, two years of being on the same team, and one year preparing for graduation, the 15 seconds of hugs after seven years meant she wasn't into you. Show us the car that shows us who we are, so that we can see our flaws, and move on with them.
I've owned an NA and NC, but I've driven and turned wrenches on all four generations. The NA might be a better Miata, but the NC is the better car. ND kind of toned it differently with the shorter wheelbase, but I think the NC and ND are on-par in terms of performance, just going by suspension geometry over the NA/NB's archaic design. I personally think the NC along with the RX8, are oddities in the car communities. It's like rotary engines in the community. They get shit on because people are biased to what they know (or think they know). Danny Irvine is a Mazda rotary aficionado and collector in Australia. He stated that while the RX8 lacked the power that the RX7 FD had, it's chassis was definitely superior. Power can always be made, but a great starting base is already a leap ahead of the competition. If the RX8 chassis truly is superior to the chassis design of the RX7 FD (my dream car I might add), then that must mean something well for the NC chassis. The issue I find comes from the demographic of NC/RX8 owners. There's an abundance of people that own them just as a secondary or daily driver, nothing too extreme besides trinket accessories and maybe springs and generic wheels. I'm sure the NB may have gotten similar flack by NA owners when that car came out, but then again technology and social media was not as developed at the time. NC owners in contrast to S2000 owners are higher in demographic, yet they're less likely to put in the time and effort to modify an NC like someone who owns an S2000. Those few that hold non-ignorance to any chassis can understand, the NC wasn't a great car, but like everything else it has great potential, and in some cases higher potential than most would think.
Something not mentioned: the reason the NC is larger is that it was designed while Mazda and Ford's joint-venture was still in effect, and Ford insisted that the RX-8 and the MX-5 share a platform in order to save costs.
Unplugging the battery to reset the ECM is standard practice, all cars have to relearn their fuel/air curves to accommodate the changes in atmospheric pressure and air temperature. Once a car sets these parameters, it drives normally until the ECM gets reset again. This is why most shops with OBD2 readers won't disconnect the battery, they'll just clear trouble codes out of the computer without changing the tune. OBD1 unfortunately requires disconnecting the battery or pulling the ECM power fuse to reset trouble codes, however their systems are much more simpler, just a few sensors here and there to keep the engine from eating itself alive from preignition or bad timing. In fact, a simple paperclip can diagnose trouble codes on OBD1 systems.
I don't feel like this review does the NC justice. This is like, the BASE base model, and in crappy shape too. The 1.8 NC isn't the *right* version; the 2.0 is what you wanna look at. 160 horsepower, Bilstein shocks, LSD, the 6MT. That's more like it. Also, not as well built as the previous gens? I'unno about that either. Having sat in the NA, NB and NC, the NC is way nicer inside and just feels like a newer, more comfy car. Also, people over 4 foot tall can actually fit comfortably.
As others have stated a NC2 PRHT is the car to review of this generation. Please give one a whirl in the future. I'd let you drive mine in a heartbeat. It may win you over, but even if not at least would produce yet another great review.
Please, come drive my tastefully street/track modified 2006 NC. It'll take you from "Meh" to "Whoa, that's pretty nice!" C'Mon, I'll take you to Nelson Ledges Raceway... which, BTW, has just been entirely repaved this year! ... Or we can do Mid-Ohio which is just as legendary ;)
My NC has no leaks, no rattles, drives awesome. I test drove the ND and decided its a no go for me. I can't fit our 2 camp chairs in the trunk (I can fit 4 in my NC), no glove box to hold my stuff, and the new cup holder location sucks. NC all the way!
Ugly, no way , runs great, low maintenance, reliable, I'm 68 had many sports car, very happy with mine. You live in England, the USA models are faster, very fast compared to my triumph spitfire, the main thing they run and last long ,and they look great.
This is the most demoralizing and soul sucking NC review I've ever had the displeasure of watching. I couldn't disagree with it more: most NC owners would describe their beloved NCs as their dream car.
I had a '99 NB and now have an '09 NC2. The power hardtop is great when you want to park in Philly or NYC and not get your roof cut, but still want to drive with he top down. The NC2 got a higher red line than the NC and the 2.0 is way nicer the 1.8 in my NB IMO.
The only reason that any controversy exists around the Miata is because sports cars are usually marketed as macho and the Miata just didn't bother...for decades. If you are attracted to sports cars because of the macho marketing hype, the Miata offends you. Since the NC was the most pedestrian, daily-driver friendly version of the Miata, it is the most vulnerable to the argument that the Miata isn't a 'real' sports car since it lacks the focus of earlier versions. Being vulnerable to such a stupid argument, however, simply doesn't mean much. The Mustang is also a chick car, because it is iconic, affordable and fun, yet no one questions its sports car heritage. And just as the Mustang is your standard issue V8 sports car the Miata will always be the standard issue 2-seater convertible sports car as long as it pulls its design philosophy from the same 1960s era aesthetic. Simple, affordable, trackable, practical. Cheap Gold for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. owner. The NC comes from an era where BMW and Porsche were trying to crowd back into the little convertible market and so the design team probably had no choice but to emphasize practicality in that era, but it kept the marquee alive long enough for the more focused ND to bring things full circle again. It was during the reign of the NC, mind you, that the Miata was cemented as the bulwark of entry level sports cars as the NA and NB became so affordable on the used market.
My ex-wife says that about mine, but her fat ass won't fit in the narrow seat and she can't drive a manual either. Seems to me the bloated Toyota Sequoia she drives is the chick car and my Miata is the anti-chick car. That chick anyway.
I think you're just jamming that wooden school ruler you stole into your groin pudge just a little bit more to give yourself a false start line and that extra inch for your effort. What a golden line!
OR you find a new girl that actually likes you and for some unexplainable reason, the old girl now wants you after finding out that you are with someone.
90beastmaster or she did move on, and maybe she has got herself a collage boyfriend who has alot of money, and that is way older then you, after 2 years. Two goddamn years.
I drove my first NC yesterday (former ND owner here). NC actually has room for a passenger and still drives excellent great and is comfortable on aussie roads. I am now in the market for an NC.
@@opskip7828 Hey mate. In the time from this original post I have owned a NC2 MX5 and now own a white NC3. I also have a yellow NA6. The NC is by far my favourite all round MX5. Simply because of the interior ergonomics for both the passenger and driver. In addition to that, its engine, transmission and looks is par with all the other generations. But the NA MX5 will always be the best looking.
A lot the issues Mr. Regular has with the NC1 euro base were solved with better trim levels like the US spec. NC1 Grand Touring: 2.0l, limited slip, bilstein shocks, a slightly lower stance, snappy 6 speed, better/wider wheels, and an interior (leather, stereo, cupholders etc) worth a damn. The remaining issues with water drainage were fixed with NC2. No love for the better chassis stability, lack of cowl shake, upgraded safety features/airbags, factory rollover protection, bigger trunk, interior storage, or increased torque vs NA/NB???? Look, I had an NA1 for 10 years and drove the wheels off it. It was a good car but It doesn't hold a candle to the capability and user friendliness of the NC1 GT which I had for 7 years. By comparison the NB is a rough imitation of the poise on offer with an NC. I guess even Mr. Regular has a mental break from time to time.
Ivan is getting water in the passenger compartment because his drain tubes are blocked. Early NCs had this issue, and there's a TSB to clean out the drains and install grates to catch larger debris to keep it from clogging the tubes again. And the US got only the 2.0L, not the 1.8L. It had 168ish hp and was reportedly FASTER than the fastest NB, the turbo Mazdaspeed Miata in a straight line.
RCR is generally on point, but this video was just plain boring. Maybe my expectations were high, but they failed to mentioned some of the NC's defining features over the previous generations, for better or worse, such as the Z-folding single latch top, it's DBW, or how it's entire drivetrain is Ford. I have had an NC for almost 10 years and it's a fantastic reliable car driving to work, on the track, or on a road trip, all in the same form.
Mezolystic Nah. Rest of the world is a buncha dummies. Murica is great. There are actual advantages of a LHD though, like most of the world is right handed, and it makes it feel more natural to shift.
Mezolystic The first three were indeed a joke, but the last thing was serious. I could never drive RHD, there's no way I could shift with my left hand.
My Aunt has an NC, her and my uncle love japanese sports cars so they have quite a few, i havent gotten to see any of them in person but ill have an opportunity to drive a miata for the first time this month. And really shes not the typical miata owner. She was a dentist, now works in a dispensary, and shes been modding it over time, she also plans on popping a turbo in it. Im excited to drive it, shit the only sports car ive driven so far is a 2010 v6 autotragic mustang, and i went around the block a couple times and that was it.
It appears you went all the way to the UK to make certain you'd find such an anemic engine in an NC - since my '06 is a 2.0L (here in the states) and produces 170 horsepower - nothing slow about it. It's not a ''fast'' car, no it's not a Corvette, Camaro or Mustang, but then again it isn't a ''Car'' - it's an *_Adult Go-Kart_* and only those people with enough mental acuity to realize that could ever provide an honest review. I'm really quite stunned at how horrible I'm imagining your life must be to want to take it out on such a fun machine and the people who own them, but then again everyone I've met with a Miata sports above average intellect so you may never ''get it''. At least you can entertain yourself with warmed over turds of silly stories to impress your imaginary friends. This is the first review of yours which I've watched, and it will be the last. "So long" - or maybe it isn't, maybe *_that's_* the problem along with the lack of security which accompanies, hence the ho-hum hatred & need to damn a great machine which is more a toy than a car, and the apparent need for a large high HP *hot rod* to make up for a *tiny cold one?* You do talk a lot about ''Groin'' and ''Dick'' so one can only wonder...
I like NCs because of their owners, they are the only group that waves back to me in my NA (aside from other NA owners). NB owners don't get it, ND owners think they are too important, and 124 owners have no idea why some dude in a 90's mazda is saying hi.
dafiltafish I rarely get any waves. It's only been a few NAs and a NC
dafiltafish I have an NB2 and I always wave at other miata drivers I see, lol. I love these cars.
Hey. When I had my ND I waved to every NA I saw.
You boys wanna wave at people when you drive? Get a Jeep.
😃✋
NC was 8 times Car and Driver top 10 during its run. Its a divisive car among Miata fanboys mostly because there were 15 years of the same car (NA/NB) before the NC. The NC was clearly superior in almost every possible way. Faster, safer, better braking, easier to use softtop. But Miata NA/NB fanboys then would say, well the NC is a better sportscar, but not a better Miata. Reality is, if you have a Miata, regardless of the generation, you have a Miata.
oldatarigamer I remember the first time I drove an NC after test-driving previous generation Miatas. The first thing that impressed me was the (relative) roominess. But even more impressive was the engine power. Less impressive was the steering feel and handling. Still a great car, but I felt it lost a bit of the original Miata soul, if that makes sense.
Steering feel is one of the best Ever for a production car. The suspension in 08 was softened by Mazda to cater to the majority of buyers,not the ones that will modify.
@@OOICU812 when you start talking about soul, youre reaching. Lol
Roses are red,
Violets are priceless,
Skip to 6:34
To feel the
*E X I S T E N T I A L C R I S I S*
The pain is real
Bruh why you have to do me like this
I don't care what miata fanbois say. I test drove many NBs and many NCs. The NC has a better chassis and the brakes are so much better. I came to the conclusion that an electric folding hard top is the best thing about the NC since I am intending to use it as a daily. From the factory the NC has pretty soft suspension for my liking but that's something you can fix with less than 700 bucks for a good set of coilovers. I have really fallen in love with the practicality an NC can provide without compromising anything. I am buying a Black 07 NC with the electric folding hard top next week.
So, how is the electric hard top? Does it leak?
Can you tell me more about the hard top NC? Planning to buy myself one next week. How much milage yours have? I'm buying a '07 hard top with LOTS of kms (385000 km/ ~200000 miles)
Any suggestion/tip would be awesome! :)
@@mrtubeo I've had a 2015 NC3 GT with the PRHT (power retractable hard top) for a little over two years now. Bought it used with a mile or two over 28,000. It, it works, lol. That's about all there is to it. Goes up and down quickly enough that you're not completely SOL if you ever get caught when the rains come in. No leaks so far I've seen or known. Only complaint there, is that you *have* to either be in park or neutral for it to work. It won't let you engage it otherwise, even if you have the e-brake up. And maybe that it's a bit loud in the cabin even with the windows up, but I'm not one for so many creature comforts so it's not a huge deal to me.
I just bought the 2015 retractable hardtop Club Edition and I love it
You can't buy *good* coilovers for less than $3k
Headlights go u....aww no :-(
Pop up headlights have not been legal since the 90s, so it's not a design decision, it's a legal one.
Simon Mellins Muh pedestrian safety, just make them dip under the hood via suspension if being hit by force.
Coming to all Volvos 2020.
@Simon Mellins In what country? Here in America a former friend had a 2000 Firebird. The headlights went up. The headlights went down. And the driver's side one always broke because the factory connector was bad.
Maverick Arkguard The Firebird was basically grandfathered into the millennium since the last F-Bodies were designed in the late 80's. The first year for that body style was 1992. I'm sure that had Pontiac continued to make Firebird's before they were shuttered, they would've had to completely redesign the car.
Headlights go NO
The American (Non-Europe, somewhat) NC MX-5 has a 2.0 L engine which makes 170 horsepower.
MOAR POWER
RacinX same engine in Australia. Except it’s 127 kW over here
same in europe, they just offered 2 engine options (the one shown in the vid and the 170hp one)
155 . Get any of the other 3. It's an upgrade. Sorry.. You're welcome, too.
MO POWAH BABEH
He just loves it really, He loves being out of tune with a million owners ...
The worst looking Miata is still a good looking car
Royhan NOT A MIATA
csl IS A MIATA
+csl at least i can beat a camry in a drag race with my 2.0L, unlike the na or nb
Royhan iiii
"dats a guddd carhhhh"
I was one of those, Miata is a hair dresser's car. Now that I have a few grays, I have matured enough to appreciate what this car actually is. A fun little ride.
Pha Q It's still a chick car.
Just like ALL Mustangs. But I still would love to have a 67 fastback.
The Shelby Mustang is a chick car? Do me a flavour.
You really need to make another NC Miata review in the US with the 2.0 engine, 6MT, and LSD with some mild lowering springs. Perfect daily driver.
No, you really don't.
Great contribution, bud. Sounds like you know alot on the subject.
@@newmanfertig886 correct - he's a smug self satisfied tosser
I wouldn't drive a car on LSD personally but i guess as long as you're doing it on private roads there isn't an issue. I don't think it would be fun though, unless I was really confident. Grateful dead and a smooth evening drive in a convertible sounds like tear-jerking euphoria on LSD, though.
@@HonkTheMusic LSD...Limited Slip Differential
As someone who's a pretty devout Miata fanboy, I've determined this car is probably the least favorite in the whole line-up. It's not as beloved as the NA or as focused as the ND, but it made key compromises to the original formula that allowed the name to survive. For that reason, I respect it.
And despite being the biggest Miata it's still smaller than most subcompacts
Dylan Lewis it's the Miata I want the most... well since I can't afford an ND.
The NC is the best all-around car of the lot, though. More power than the NA and NB, more torque, a 2.0L factory made for forced induction, wider stance, more stability through the corners, and an immaculate hydraulic steering rack that the ND lacks. It also has a glove compartment and four cup holders, unlike the ND, making it more livable as a daily.
Shea Briar, I daily drive an NC 2.0L and it's definitely livable. The ND in my opinion is more of a weekend car.
It's the only one that fits me, so it's a winner in my book.
Who flies accros an ocean to drive a lot of cars on straight line? *WE DO*
Luis Morales probably an english humor ruse about americans and not being able to steer
it was something with the insurance.
we americans love our straight roads lol
I agree with saiae.
I'm starting to have suspicions that Mr. Regular likes reviewing Miatas.
I have an 'NC2', which was the refresh of this. It was a significant improvement, with more aggressive styling, suspension fixed (no more stilts), build improvements and other bits. This early NC is generally thought of as the poor relation in the MX5 family, but there are some 'standard mods' people do (lowering particularly). I have none of the issues mentioned in this video, except for the windows needing to come down a bit to lower the roof. The major advantage of this is the same design that makes that necessary also makes water ingress via the window seals basically impossible (not sure what went wrong with this guy's car).
Also for those comparing with the NA, I've had both NA and NC2 and driven all generations of NB too, and as lovely as they are, the NC/NC2 is a totally different thing to live with. So much more rigid and comfortable, and vastly safer. I know people here don't always value that stuff, but in real life it matters to some of us, especially us city-dwellers.
Simon Mellins Yup. I also got an "NC2" 2013 club trim with power hardtop. As my only car it's much easier to live with than a NA/NB. The updated styling is great, I get compliments all the time.
You sir have an NC3. NC1 Is 2005 (2006 in North America) -2008, NC2 is 2009-2011, NC3 is 2012-2014.
Thats a good use for a trombone brush, seeing as how a trombone player doesn't use it.
A frog and a trombone player are walking down the street. What's the difference?
The frog is on his way to a gig.
Yeah the NC2 is great. The only problems I have is the seatbelts don't retract automatically at times, and i have to roll the windows down a bit to put the top up. I've had mine for 2 years and I still love it. Just a little too small (but a lot bigger than my NA I had before this one)
Oh, I didn't realize that. Good to know.
Track day sir!
shiconia Track day bro!
SEW FAUNSEH
Oh mai...
The thing I dislike about the NC are those wheel arches, they don't look right in this car.
victorMD11
Agreed, same with the RX8.
victorMD11 Wha??? That's what I like about this car.
China Teves
Wow, I can't believe someone actually likes them, my neighbour had a red one and I always thought it looked horrible with them
Idk i feel like the arches on the rx8 fit a lot better (could be a bit smaller tho). It looks like they slapped some shit ebay "wide body" kit on a really skinny car for the NC whereas the rx8 seems like they were designed with it in the beginning.
neverfeed
True, but I always liked the first gen RX-7's more.
that nice guy segment............Damn that was deep
Exactly. Hit me because it happened to me. Well sort of
Jesus that ended up putting me to tears
it was so close to home, it shat in the salon
Thanks Mr Regular for explaining my high school crush to me. I feel a lot better now.
this is the most amazing car ever.
great reliability, great performance.
sure, you are not going to win a stop light race.
but put the top down and drive at 35mph, this car shines.
It's slow cause he drove the 1.8l 126hp version instead of the 2l 160hp version
11:30 - I should go to bed
4:02 - ooh rcr just uploaded
kill me
Royhan oh Yo, let me join too I need to test my new nerf gun
Walker Hall I feel you lol
Walker Hall Same dude, 4:06 am and I'm up watching this, fuck me.
"but dude, dude... she always knew, but you were too thirsty. and the thirstier you are, the higher the risk that you're going to be resented for it." truth bomb from hell...
As someone with a mostly stock 2007 NC as my daily driver, this is essentially my car getting slammed. When I bought mine two and a half years ago, I would've preferred a low-mileage NB, since they do look better. Good luck finding one that's essentially stock, however... I live in Finland, a godforsaken country with just 700 registered Miatas total, so I went with an early NC instead.
The complaints about the NC are generally spot-on. The front looks stupid. It's trying to look muscular while it's not. The interior is full of cheap plastic that's prone to rattling. You have to roll down the windows a bit to put the roof back on, but that's really not a big deal. Also, I now learnt the reason why it idles funny after the long winters! Finally, early NC's had a really stupid center console with unusable non-removable cup holders where you rest your elbow, but it's easily replaced with one from a later model.
HOWEVER, it is a Miata, and a fantastic car to drive. The 1.8 has enough power. I test drove a 2.0 as well and it's possibly a bit more fun, but Miatas were never about power-to-weight ratio any way. The boot in an NC is pretty big (for a Miata), which might be useful if it's your only car.
Antti Salonen South helsinki "finn" here :p
What do you think of the new ND angry looking one?
You are lucky... In estonia mx5 pop up on sale twice a year, and max i have seen are 5 cars on sale at once, whit questionable rust issues...
I don't like the styling on the ND, but it seems like a good car, and a good Miata. I wouldn't be surprised if I own one some day... Regarding rust, I found an NC that had never been driven in the winter when they have salt on the roads. It's essentially rust free without any aftermarket rust proofing. If I need to get around in the winter, I use my Citroën instead.
I always drive by a house with a C4 Corvette and a NC in the drive way, with the colors as close as they can be. Gotta think the Miata is the daily. Would love to own that duo myself.
Roman slaying with Pete and Pete flow. My nostalgia bones are aching.
I glad someone else caught that.
Finally review my car, and it's got the wrong engine with the steering wheel on the wrong side. :(
It's all right mate, I'm sure you can get your car converted ;)
same here
The 1.8L is significantly lower power, and I bet it has a lot less torque at lower RPMs. I wonder what Mr. Regular would think about it when compared to old Miatas when it had the correct amount of power, i.e. 166 hp.
Same here. Plus wrong front clip- rallyways.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/2011_mazda_mx5_miata_nc.jpg
The only reason everyone else in the world drives on the wrong side of the car is cause they're too stupid to figure out how to drive on the right side of the car. Same with the imperial unit of measurement. Murica
I have never ever clicked onto a video so fast. Circular geometry can wait
That hit me... that hit me hard. When he spoke of the nice guy being burned by the girl next door. That happened to me. It messed me up, man. Messed me up bad.
After owning all MX5s besides the ND this is one my favourite of the first 3. I've modified every one I've owned over time and the NC responds way better than the other generations. End of. Put the same modification on an NC that you put on the NA/NB and the difference you feel is mind blowing. That even goes as far as forced induction for the people who are going turn around and mention turbos :)
I've owned an nc for 2 years now. I love it. It's so much fun to drive and drift around
Cool thing about the NC is that it was build on a shortened RX-8 platform, so there are quite a few parts you can swap over with ease.
NC1 looks odd, but Mazda did a great job updating the styling and amenities of the car in the NC2 and NC3 revisions.
The power retractable hard top is the one to get unless you need to add a roll cage.
the last year of the nc (2015 while the nd was also being sold) they look great! it's got a diff front clip
Andrew Withers Agreed. The change to keep with the then current Mazda styling sharpened up the styling. It was still a soap bar with hips, but the change gave the front end a more aggressive edge.
Marquis M. Aggressive? Facelift looks happier like a tiny car should.
The changes were not just the last year, that different front (and actually different all over in subtle ways) was from 2009 onwards (the one in the video was 06-08 IIRC). The differences between the NC (in video) and NC2 (one you mentioned) are quite significant. Source: NC2 owner.
Keksi the Labrador I said more aggressive. Definitely not to ND levels, but it made the car look a bit more purposeful. I'm sure that argument is why the ND has such an attitude.
I have that one :)
I love my NC Grand Touring! I still get looks and compliments from people quite a lot. It's the prettiest of all GENS I think.
Then show us, Mr. Regular. Show us the car that is the nice kid who befriended that brunette or blonde or whatever and then managed to get out of this 'friend-zone' to something greater. Show us the car that has the missing link that the nice guy didn't, the quality that offsets the resentment of thirst. Everyone has thirst. But not everyone gets rejected.
Which car was nice to everyone, and accepted for what it is. Which car pummels through your problems, thunders through the storm, appeals to your insurance and your social life, and always bit, never barked.
Show us the car that reflects on us nice guys so that we may see that, after seven years of being the locker next to hers, six years of putting up with being second, five years of sharing classes, four years of going to movies, three years of defending her, two years of being on the same team, and one year preparing for graduation, the 15 seconds of hugs after seven years meant she wasn't into you.
Show us the car that shows us who we are, so that we can see our flaws, and move on with them.
Lamborghini Murcielago
That 'Rolling Stones/Bittersweet Symphony' reference is gonna send all the kids to 'Teh Google.' And boy howdy will they get a surprise...
Not really.
Rolling Stones Last Time... Andrew Loog Oldham's symphonic version... Verve.
OJ Simpson was given an innocent verdict, too.
I have both the NA and the NC. Different driving dynamics, but both enjoyable. A Miata is a Miata is a Miata.
I drove my first NC yesterday (former ND owner here). NC actually has room for a passenger and still drives great. I am now in the market for an NC.
As someone who recently bought a used S197 V6 manual - thank you, Mr. Regular.
OmG. I can't believe you mentioned jelqing.
LoLoLoLoL
China Teves I'm surprised you were surprised, it's RCR.
Came for a silly car review,
Left with a life changing real-talk
As an NC owner this excites me
I've owned an NA and NC, but I've driven and turned wrenches on all four generations. The NA might be a better Miata, but the NC is the better car. ND kind of toned it differently with the shorter wheelbase, but I think the NC and ND are on-par in terms of performance, just going by suspension geometry over the NA/NB's archaic design.
I personally think the NC along with the RX8, are oddities in the car communities. It's like rotary engines in the community. They get shit on because people are biased to what they know (or think they know). Danny Irvine is a Mazda rotary aficionado and collector in Australia. He stated that while the RX8 lacked the power that the RX7 FD had, it's chassis was definitely superior. Power can always be made, but a great starting base is already a leap ahead of the competition. If the RX8 chassis truly is superior to the chassis design of the RX7 FD (my dream car I might add), then that must mean something well for the NC chassis.
The issue I find comes from the demographic of NC/RX8 owners. There's an abundance of people that own them just as a secondary or daily driver, nothing too extreme besides trinket accessories and maybe springs and generic wheels. I'm sure the NB may have gotten similar flack by NA owners when that car came out, but then again technology and social media was not as developed at the time. NC owners in contrast to S2000 owners are higher in demographic, yet they're less likely to put in the time and effort to modify an NC like someone who owns an S2000.
Those few that hold non-ignorance to any chassis can understand, the NC wasn't a great car, but like everything else it has great potential, and in some cases higher potential than most would think.
Kenneth Bowman as an NB owner. Oh god RCR give me the NB episode!!!!!!!1111
if it was between a NB or an NC what one should I pick as my first miata?
zZKEEPWICKEDZz Go drive one and decide... I fit in the NC better and it has better safety features
Something not mentioned: the reason the NC is larger is that it was designed while Mazda and Ford's joint-venture was still in effect, and Ford insisted that the RX-8 and the MX-5 share a platform in order to save costs.
Shout out to the Not-Notification-Squad-Just-Up-Way-Past-Bedtime-Squad Squad!
Curly Fride or the up early as shit for absolutely no reason squad :/
Great choice of song for the closing. Polaris does not get enough attention from what I have experienced.
Thanks for all the laughs, excellent video.
"That's what the NC is. No Curprises."
I see what you did there, Regular.
My love for you captain Regular will always be unconditional.
When your about to go to sleep finally but than you see a notification for an RCR video......
I like the looks a lot more than the NB, but looks are always a personal preference.
I like the NC, it's a buff NB
It's like the Chad in school who is actually just a muscley nerd
When he talked about the "nice guy", that's like a life lesson for me. from a car review.
About damn time you get a NC!
I am going to believe be that analogy you made at the end happened to you because it was really detailed and accurate
It's 10:00 AM here in The Netherlands and i should be studying. But it will have to wait be course RCR needs my attention more.
Unplugging the battery to reset the ECM is standard practice, all cars have to relearn their fuel/air curves to accommodate the changes in atmospheric pressure and air temperature. Once a car sets these parameters, it drives normally until the ECM gets reset again. This is why most shops with OBD2 readers won't disconnect the battery, they'll just clear trouble codes out of the computer without changing the tune. OBD1 unfortunately requires disconnecting the battery or pulling the ECM power fuse to reset trouble codes, however their systems are much more simpler, just a few sensors here and there to keep the engine from eating itself alive from preignition or bad timing. In fact, a simple paperclip can diagnose trouble codes on OBD1 systems.
It's 1:00 Am here and since Pennsylvania is 3Hrs ahead, that means you posted this at 4:00 Am, Go to sleep Mr.Regular.
This has some of the best writing I’ve heard in any RCR video 👏
The only acronym I believe is
Rams
Always
Mystify
Barrett Mopar Dodge the father, Ram the daughter.
Drips Oil Drops Grease Everywhere
I don't feel like this review does the NC justice. This is like, the BASE base model, and in crappy shape too. The 1.8 NC isn't the *right* version; the 2.0 is what you wanna look at. 160 horsepower, Bilstein shocks, LSD, the 6MT. That's more like it.
Also, not as well built as the previous gens? I'unno about that either. Having sat in the NA, NB and NC, the NC is way nicer inside and just feels like a newer, more comfy car. Also, people over 4 foot tall can actually fit comfortably.
Was watching the original miata review and got the notification for this one. Nice.
I owned a 91 na 1.6, a 1997 na 1.8, now a 2005 NC 2.0, this is my favourite. Will probably like the nd even more.
Dear Mr Regular, its 4am. Go to bed
Dolan Dank Not in the UK!
He's back here now lol
As others have stated a NC2 PRHT is the car to review of this generation. Please give one a whirl in the future. I'd let you drive mine in a heartbeat. It may win you over, but even if not at least would produce yet another great review.
Please, come drive my tastefully street/track modified 2006 NC. It'll take you from "Meh" to "Whoa, that's pretty nice!"
C'Mon, I'll take you to Nelson Ledges Raceway... which, BTW, has just been entirely repaved this year!
... Or we can do Mid-Ohio which is just as legendary ;)
My NC has no leaks, no rattles, drives awesome. I test drove the ND and decided its a no go for me. I can't fit our 2 camp chairs in the trunk (I can fit 4 in my NC), no glove box to hold my stuff, and the new cup holder location sucks. NC all the way!
126hp? come to america and get a 2.0 170 bhp.
Ugly, no way , runs great, low maintenance, reliable, I'm 68 had many sports car, very happy with mine. You live in England, the USA models are faster, very fast compared to my triumph spitfire, the main thing they run and last long ,and they look great.
This is the most demoralizing and soul sucking NC review I've ever had the displeasure of watching. I couldn't disagree with it more: most NC owners would describe their beloved NCs as their dream car.
I had a '99 NB and now have an '09 NC2. The power hardtop is great when you want to park in Philly or NYC and not get your roof cut, but still want to drive with he top down. The NC2 got a higher red line than the NC and the 2.0 is way nicer the 1.8 in my NB IMO.
The only reason that any controversy exists around the Miata is because sports cars are usually marketed as macho and the Miata just didn't bother...for decades. If you are attracted to sports cars because of the macho marketing hype, the Miata offends you. Since the NC was the most pedestrian, daily-driver friendly version of the Miata, it is the most vulnerable to the argument that the Miata isn't a 'real' sports car since it lacks the focus of earlier versions. Being vulnerable to such a stupid argument, however, simply doesn't mean much. The Mustang is also a chick car, because it is iconic, affordable and fun, yet no one questions its sports car heritage. And just as the Mustang is your standard issue V8 sports car the Miata will always be the standard issue 2-seater convertible sports car as long as it pulls its design philosophy from the same 1960s era aesthetic. Simple, affordable, trackable, practical. Cheap Gold for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. owner. The NC comes from an era where BMW and Porsche were trying to crowd back into the little convertible market and so the design team probably had no choice but to emphasize practicality in that era, but it kept the marquee alive long enough for the more focused ND to bring things full circle again. It was during the reign of the NC, mind you, that the Miata was cemented as the bulwark of entry level sports cars as the NA and NB became so affordable on the used market.
You guys create more drama, then dynasty and Dallas ally together! 😂😂😂
5th, and is it safe for me to say I don't really dislike any miata? They're light sports cars in an era of fat bubble cars!
Vernon682 exactly my reason for wanting one. Mazda alway caters to the Driver.
Vernon682 But they're chick cars…
My ex-wife says that about mine, but her fat ass won't fit in the narrow seat and she can't drive a manual either. Seems to me the bloated Toyota Sequoia she drives is the chick car and my Miata is the anti-chick car. That chick anyway.
Hey, I have this generation! I'm not 41 years old though, I'm 28. I actually like the looks!
Three words: folding hard top. That's what makes the NC the best Miata generation. (The version that has the folding hard top, obviously)
naaah, to much weight we dont need
Simon Coles Any kind of convertible is ugly tho. Hard top or not
www.houtkamp.nl/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/JAGUAR-E-TYPE-COUPE-FLATFLOOR-0016.jpg
BritishCommentWriter Ya dude that's ugly. Cars look like sticks of butter without a roof
Uncouth dairy obsessed philistine.
I think you're just jamming that wooden school ruler you stole into your groin pudge just a little bit more to give yourself a false start line and that extra inch for your effort.
What a golden line!
Im here for a review, and i learned how to treat my gf
I don't understand what I've just watched. I'm never getting those minutes back.
OR you find a new girl that actually likes you and for some unexplainable reason, the old girl now wants you after finding out that you are with someone.
90beastmaster or she did move on, and maybe she has got herself a collage boyfriend who has alot of money, and that is way older then you, after 2 years. Two goddamn years.
I drove my first NC yesterday (former ND owner here). NC actually has room for a passenger and still drives excellent great and is comfortable on aussie roads. I am now in the market for an NC.
Why did you switch to NC?
@@opskip7828 Hey mate. In the time from this original post I have owned a NC2 MX5 and now own a white NC3. I also have a yellow NA6. The NC is by far my favourite all round MX5. Simply because of the interior ergonomics for both the passenger and driver. In addition to that, its engine, transmission and looks is par with all the other generations. But the NA MX5 will always be the best looking.
Maybe you would have enjoyed this car a little bit more if you tried something else than driving straight at 30 Mph xD
One of your best reviews in a while!
towards the review i have a feeling this is more of a dating advice video instead of a car review LOL
Literally the most accurate nc review ive seen
PETE AND PETE intro!!!
Hey Roman, thanks for the Polaris/Pete and Pete cover on this one. Made my day!!
I wonder if Mr.Regular would want to review my Mazdaspeed Protegé. I wonder.
I'm 4 years too late, but that Rolling Stones Bittersweet Symphony dig was gold XD
Blah blah blah, world weary ol car guys. It is a beautiful little car even if this annoying narrator is too cool to see it.
A lot the issues Mr. Regular has with the NC1 euro base were solved with better trim levels like the US spec. NC1 Grand Touring: 2.0l, limited slip, bilstein shocks, a slightly lower stance, snappy 6 speed, better/wider wheels, and an interior (leather, stereo, cupholders etc) worth a damn. The remaining issues with water drainage were fixed with NC2. No love for the better chassis stability, lack of cowl shake, upgraded safety features/airbags, factory rollover protection, bigger trunk, interior storage, or increased torque vs NA/NB???? Look, I had an NA1 for 10 years and drove the wheels off it. It was a good car but It doesn't hold a candle to the capability and user friendliness of the NC1 GT which I had for 7 years. By comparison the NB is a rough imitation of the poise on offer with an NC. I guess even Mr. Regular has a mental break from time to time.
No pop ups
The NA was the only generation that had pop-up headlights.
Highly entertaining! I am amazed at the rain of insightful and punchy comments...
ALL HAIL FINK.
Ivan is getting water in the passenger compartment because his drain tubes are blocked. Early NCs had this issue, and there's a TSB to clean out the drains and install grates to catch larger debris to keep it from clogging the tubes again.
And the US got only the 2.0L, not the 1.8L. It had 168ish hp and was reportedly FASTER than the fastest NB, the turbo Mazdaspeed Miata in a straight line.
RCR is generally on point, but this video was just plain boring. Maybe my expectations were high, but they failed to mentioned some of the NC's defining features over the previous generations, for better or worse, such as the Z-folding single latch top, it's DBW, or how it's entire drivetrain is Ford. I have had an NC for almost 10 years and it's a fantastic reliable car driving to work, on the track, or on a road trip, all in the same form.
Ford took the mzr from Mazda;not the other way around!Mazda never gave gave ford their manuals.All in favor of skyactive.
There's the odd RCR review that pulls an analogy that I align with to an almost scary level.
This is one of those.
THE STEERING WHEEL IS ON THE WRONG SIIIIIIIIIIDE
SuperAWaC JDM YO
Right*
Mezolystic Nah. Rest of the world is a buncha dummies. Murica is great. There are actual advantages of a LHD though, like most of the world is right handed, and it makes it feel more natural to shift.
Hope your first three sentences are a joke, but I agree with your statement. Shifting with your left hand is pretty tedious but you get used to it.
Mezolystic The first three were indeed a joke, but the last thing was serious. I could never drive RHD, there's no way I could shift with my left hand.
Mr. Regular final monologues are always amazing.
I still want a NC.
My Aunt has an NC, her and my uncle love japanese sports cars so they have quite a few, i havent gotten to see any of them in person but ill have an opportunity to drive a miata for the first time this month. And really shes not the typical miata owner. She was a dentist, now works in a dispensary, and shes been modding it over time, she also plans on popping a turbo in it. Im excited to drive it, shit the only sports car ive driven so far is a 2010 v6 autotragic mustang, and i went around the block a couple times and that was it.
Very poor script, read by a guy who sounds half asleep and managed to bore me in the first minute.
Sometimes I leave an rcr vid laughing, sometimes I leave with an existential crisis, but I never leave disappointed.
The NC may be an MX-5, but it's not "Miata"
It appears you went all the way to the UK to make certain you'd find such an anemic engine in an NC - since my '06 is a 2.0L (here in the states) and produces 170 horsepower - nothing slow about it. It's not a ''fast'' car, no it's not a Corvette, Camaro or Mustang, but then again it isn't a ''Car'' - it's an *_Adult Go-Kart_* and only those people with enough mental acuity to realize that could ever provide an honest review.
I'm really quite stunned at how horrible I'm imagining your life must be to want to take it out on such a fun machine and the people who own them, but then again everyone I've met with a Miata sports above average intellect so you may never ''get it''. At least you can entertain yourself with warmed over turds of silly stories to impress your imaginary friends.
This is the first review of yours which I've watched, and it will be the last.
"So long" - or maybe it isn't, maybe *_that's_* the problem along with the lack of security which accompanies, hence the ho-hum hatred & need to damn a great machine which is more a toy than a car, and the apparent need for a large high HP *hot rod* to make up for a *tiny cold one?*
You do talk a lot about ''Groin'' and ''Dick'' so one can only wonder...