As a huge car enthusiast, finding a cheap fun sports car these days is near impossible. Everything that was attainable 3 years ago for someone on a tight budget does not exist anymore. Awesome find and hope you enjoy this car! For now, I'll continue driving around in my boat that is an e60 5 series LOL
In a world where every UA-camr pushes $50k cars as if they are econoboxes, this is a breath of fresh air. You are also understating your time and experience with Miatas to the casual viewer.
Love the NC, bought one for $5500 in 2020. Was fun and felt and looked so amazing when I lowered it an inch but it got totaled. I was able to use Mazda Loyalty to help buy my ND.
Wow! Just one month before your video I bought an 09 NC also with 256,000 miles! Funny coincidence, haha. I ended up getting it for $6,700 and now after about 6 months of ownership there has not been any major issues. My soft top has some issues and does not seal correctly on the passenger side along the window, but it works fine and does not let water in. I got lucky that the previous owner (who put on 250,000 of those miles) took extremely good care of it and did all of its service at the dealer so I could easily track the maintenance. The paint has many chips that have been filled in and the seats have some wear that has been "repaired" by covering the tears but apart from that it is in incredible shape given the miles. They are such amazing cars, this is my first Miata and I have fallen head over heels for it. Subscribed, hope to see your progress with this car, enjoy!
Preach it! Had an NA8 for 14 years, hated NC's when they came out mostly for aesthetic reasons. I never drove an NC until late 2011 and I was shocked by how good it drove, it was a perfect Miata, but better than the NA at it's core. More power, stiffer structure, far better brakes, stupid-easy soft top operation from the driver's seat. Got a True Red 06 NC1 Touring (5 speed) in 2013, sold my NA to a good friend (who still has it) and it's been a love affair ever since. Progress springs, Koni yellows, sway bar upgrade and a better axle-back muffler and it's perfect. I have OEM NC2 17's and love the look, but the past 2 years I've run the NC1's stock 16's with OEM spec BFG Comp2's (my 17's are the same BFG's) and honestly the car just feels better with the 16's. Sidewall is good-this is a light car, you can feel the weight difference and grip is nearly identical at less than stupid speeds. I've had back-to-back Dragon runs in it w/a friend's 718 Cayman PDK, I was shocked how well the Miata did by comparison, balance is very similar. I've driven a base ND2 with the same upgrades as my car, yes it's better than an NC, especially the driving position and of course extra power, but cockpit is tight and they're still too much $$ to justify.
I own and track each mx5 generation, but NC is my favorite of them all. It was a hard decision to keep my NC2 or ND! End up trading the ND for a tow rig.
Planning to get the NC as a retirement gift in a few years time. Glad to see your review on this model as I worry that it will be pretty old when I actually get one. It's exactly what you mentioned. The size is larger than all the other iterations which is great because I intend to use it as a daily driver. Looking forward to more videos on your "new" Miata.
Oddly enough, these are my favorite generation of Miata. I think it was the fact that when I was a teen starting to get interested in cars in general, these were the newest and coolest Miata at the time. I got my own a few years ago and have really enjoyed my time with it even though it is totally stock.
I bought the cheapest NC on the market a couple weeks ago. $6,500 2012 prht gt Brakes needed replacement and service. Had the different brands and sizes of tires, all worn. Have to check the timing belt. The only thing that doesn't work seems to be the mirror adjustment motors. And I had to buy a new advanced fob, which i programmed with Forscan. Fortunately, it came with two working cut keys, just one bad fob. And it smells of cigar smoke, which I've managed to reduce greatly with a lot of cleaning. I can tell it may have had some body damage, but it looks fine so I'll just drive it on sunny days.
Bought a base model nc 3 weeks ago for 6k with 93k miles. So I don't have the fob and the 6th gear and all the tech, but hey, weight savings right? Lol
buddy, when you did that video in vinwiki about the 128i, i sent that one to a friend of mine who was looking to buy a car for the track (we both lap very often the nürburgring). He went for the 125i and i kept betting on miatas, currently with an NC since last year. Just watched this video and find very funny now how the tables have turned :D
Yep! I even left a little sign off at the end hedging my bets that Miata was still the answer and I’m glad I did. Since then I built an NA as a racecar and picked up this NC. Miatas will always have a special place in my heart!
nice one. just picked up a 172K mile 07 hardtop for $8500... was kinda iffy as I would never usually buy such a high mileage car, but seeing the market on NC miatas now I think I have no regrets. major things I'm gonna do are springs, shocks, and sway bars. Maybe the 2.5 swap if this engine ever kicks the bucket.
From the Uk here, I just bought one of these for £300 with 94k miles and a 10 months M.O.T because it needed a little mechanical work to run but nothing major. I can’t believe how much these go for in the US compared to the UK it’s kinda crazy
Good choice. I own one since 2019 and I bought it for 4k EUR with 170k km. It's now 100% restored and I am about to order a much needed upgrade - MeisterR coilovers. I am sure you will have lots of fun with yours!
NC is the best generation for 90% of Miata owners and it makes a Miata more bearable for people who are interested. MSM I believe weighed in at 2500 lbs but it never took the Miata away from it. I personally love the fact it felt so roomy but never took out the Miata feel. Even though I don’t own one it’s always on my radar. Plus the performance upgrades are great for it with all the new knowledge through the years.
I recently got a 2008 NC with around 160k kilometers for 8,700 euros. That's considered a reasonable price in the Netherlands, but the condition is great luckily.
I bought mine, and 06 with 74k for 8k in 2016. I got the the exact car I wanted. and in 2021 the 2l engine ate itself up. So I put a 2,5 focus in it. almost perfect car, with the 6spd auto/floppy paddle shifter for my wife to use and she hates it. it is a daily driver and the 2.5 makes it PERFECT. plus 4 cup holders!
Just bought a 2006 nc sport or grand touring model in winning blue. 105,000 miles. Already 2.5 swapped from dynotronics. Paint is rough, the soft top could use a cleaning or dye.. Interior could use a little bit of work. But got it for $6400. Had to buy 4 new tires. Cost $400... The 2.5 swap was done like 9 months ago. So that engine has less than 20k miles. Warranty on the swap goes until February... So another 4-5 months. Going to add sway bars, probably replace the bushings and engine mounts, probably going to replace coils and shocks. Then work on the cosmetics... Then increase the horsepower a bit with some bolt ons and get it retuned... Good opportunity to learn how to do repairs myself. Going to try my first brake job within the next couple weeks...
First, there is no comparison between ANY Miata and a BMW 135i. I have a 740whp TT 335i, and a 2006 NC MX5, and they are not even in the same universe for fun and ability. I've owned more than thirty hotrods and other sports cars, and nothing has EVER put a smile on my face every single time like the 335i. However, I like my little MX5 to tool around in, and it's a super cheap convertible. There are many places that I want to go, but don't want to leave my 335i outside in some of those places. However, I have no problem leaving my MX5. So it definitely has it's purpose. And I got mine for only 2K, so I've got you beat there. Good vid. Cheers!
Nice car, and any “people” who diss on the NC Miata are likely jealous and or silly NB owners, or worse yet raw dogger NA owners-no offense…love for all Miata owners. But NC is the best all around Miata. And also the best looking Miata, including the new strangely designed ND. NC is the true classic-2006 to 2015 says it all.
That’s a good question. I’ll have to find one and see if someone will let me do a comparison. The diff is a dream on this car tho and I suspect I wouldn’t be having quite as much slidy fun without it
I bought my 2010 NC2 last year for $23,000.00. Only because it had just 1600 miles on it and was in an indoor auto collection for 13 years. It would have sold for much more at an auction.
Wow, 6’3” here, I purchased a 2010 PRHT Miata as my (over an hour, daily) and I love it. I had a 76 MGB when I was a kid, it had better leg room but I love the fact I can comfortably drive this and nothing is broken all the time. It is a great reliable, economical, daily that is still fun to drive. My wife laughs every time she says “oh I forgot something in town” and my face lights up as I volunteer to run and get it.
The Na is classy and quirky, the Nb is sleek and muscular, The Nc is an ugly bar of soap. It is technicaly better than the previous two, but i wish they made it look like a sports car and not a victim of vomit inducing 2000s car styling.
Sorry but there is no such thing as a “sleek and muscular” Miata. I loved my NB and my current NC PRHT but there is a reason non Miata people associate the MX 5 as a woman’s car
As a huge car enthusiast, finding a cheap fun sports car these days is near impossible. Everything that was attainable 3 years ago for someone on a tight budget does not exist anymore. Awesome find and hope you enjoy this car! For now, I'll continue driving around in my boat that is an e60 5 series LOL
It kinda blows my mind how expensive everything is these days. I couldn’t stand paying $8k for an NA so this made perfect sense for me.
In a world where every UA-camr pushes $50k cars as if they are econoboxes, this is a breath of fresh air.
You are also understating your time and experience with Miatas to the casual viewer.
Thank you! I agree that simple and cheap can often be the most fun.
Nothing does cheap, fun, and a high ceiling as much as the Miata. I’d also wager the NC is the best platform out of all the Miatas.
You might be right!
Love the NC, bought one for $5500 in 2020. Was fun and felt and looked so amazing when I lowered it an inch but it got totaled. I was able to use Mazda Loyalty to help buy my ND.
Wow! Just one month before your video I bought an 09 NC also with 256,000 miles! Funny coincidence, haha. I ended up getting it for $6,700 and now after about 6 months of ownership there has not been any major issues. My soft top has some issues and does not seal correctly on the passenger side along the window, but it works fine and does not let water in. I got lucky that the previous owner (who put on 250,000 of those miles) took extremely good care of it and did all of its service at the dealer so I could easily track the maintenance. The paint has many chips that have been filled in and the seats have some wear that has been "repaired" by covering the tears but apart from that it is in incredible shape given the miles. They are such amazing cars, this is my first Miata and I have fallen head over heels for it. Subscribed, hope to see your progress with this car, enjoy!
Preach it! Had an NA8 for 14 years, hated NC's when they came out mostly for aesthetic reasons. I never drove an NC until late 2011 and I was shocked by how good it drove, it was a perfect Miata, but better than the NA at it's core. More power, stiffer structure, far better brakes, stupid-easy soft top operation from the driver's seat. Got a True Red 06 NC1 Touring (5 speed) in 2013, sold my NA to a good friend (who still has it) and it's been a love affair ever since. Progress springs, Koni yellows, sway bar upgrade and a better axle-back muffler and it's perfect. I have OEM NC2 17's and love the look, but the past 2 years I've run the NC1's stock 16's with OEM spec BFG Comp2's (my 17's are the same BFG's) and honestly the car just feels better with the 16's. Sidewall is good-this is a light car, you can feel the weight difference and grip is nearly identical at less than stupid speeds. I've had back-to-back Dragon runs in it w/a friend's 718 Cayman PDK, I was shocked how well the Miata did by comparison, balance is very similar. I've driven a base ND2 with the same upgrades as my car, yes it's better than an NC, especially the driving position and of course extra power, but cockpit is tight and they're still too much $$ to justify.
Yes! You get it. I am really falling for this NC. Love to hear how you’ve enjoyed yours. I might have to try lighter 16s at some point.
I own and track each mx5 generation, but NC is my favorite of them all. It was a hard decision to keep my NC2 or ND! End up trading the ND for a tow rig.
It’s always interesting to hear how somebody talks about the NC until they actually drive it and realize that it is in fact a Miata.
Planning to get the NC as a retirement gift in a few years time. Glad to see your review on this model as I worry that it will be pretty old when I actually get one. It's exactly what you mentioned. The size is larger than all the other iterations which is great because I intend to use it as a daily driver. Looking forward to more videos on your "new" Miata.
these are like $15k where i live, i wish they were this cheap here
Yaas more NC content!
Coming soon!
Oddly enough, these are my favorite generation of Miata. I think it was the fact that when I was a teen starting to get interested in cars in general, these were the newest and coolest Miata at the time. I got my own a few years ago and have really enjoyed my time with it even though it is totally stock.
A check engine light covered up with electrical tape is a new level of darkness in car sales for me. Wow
I bought the cheapest NC on the market a couple weeks ago. $6,500 2012 prht gt
Brakes needed replacement and service.
Had the different brands and sizes of tires, all worn.
Have to check the timing belt.
The only thing that doesn't work seems to be the mirror adjustment motors.
And I had to buy a new advanced fob, which i programmed with Forscan. Fortunately, it came with two working cut keys, just one bad fob.
And it smells of cigar smoke, which I've managed to reduce greatly with a lot of cleaning.
I can tell it may have had some body damage, but it looks fine so I'll just drive it on sunny days.
I just bought one for £4500, and it's mint. The interior is like new.
Bought a base model nc 3 weeks ago for 6k with 93k miles. So I don't have the fob and the 6th gear and all the tech, but hey, weight savings right? Lol
buddy, when you did that video in vinwiki about the 128i, i sent that one to a friend of mine who was looking to buy a car for the track (we both lap very often the nürburgring). He went for the 125i and i kept betting on miatas, currently with an NC since last year. Just watched this video and find very funny now how the tables have turned :D
Yep! I even left a little sign off at the end hedging my bets that Miata was still the answer and I’m glad I did. Since then I built an NA as a racecar and picked up this NC. Miatas will always have a special place in my heart!
nice one. just picked up a 172K mile 07 hardtop for $8500... was kinda iffy as I would never usually buy such a high mileage car, but seeing the market on NC miatas now I think I have no regrets.
major things I'm gonna do are springs, shocks, and sway bars. Maybe the 2.5 swap if this engine ever kicks the bucket.
Wow! They are asking crazy money in the USA! I'm in the UK. Just bought a 66k black sport nc. 09. £4500k. It's immaculate. Rag top.
From the Uk here, I just bought one of these for £300 with 94k miles and a 10 months M.O.T because it needed a little mechanical work to run but nothing major. I can’t believe how much these go for in the US compared to the UK it’s kinda crazy
Good choice. I own one since 2019 and I bought it for 4k EUR with 170k km. It's now 100% restored and I am about to order a much needed upgrade - MeisterR coilovers. I am sure you will have lots of fun with yours!
I love to hear it! Restoring it is so satisfying!
Is the 128i gone?
Awesome! When / where’s the update video? I just picked up a red 180k 2006 for $4500 today before even seeing this video lol but now I feel justified!
Sir, were you at last weeks, Miatas at the Gap? Just wondering as it was a huge event, NO rain but a tad hot. Great time though.
I went but not in the Miata unfortunately. I was in my Bronco
NC is the best generation for 90% of Miata owners and it makes a Miata more bearable for people who are interested. MSM I believe weighed in at 2500 lbs but it never took the Miata away from it. I personally love the fact it felt so roomy but never took out the Miata feel. Even though I don’t own one it’s always on my radar. Plus the performance upgrades are great for it with all the new knowledge through the years.
I recently got a 2008 NC with around 160k kilometers for 8,700 euros. That's considered a reasonable price in the Netherlands, but the condition is great luckily.
Do you have a link for the remote key?
I bought mine, and 06 with 74k for 8k in 2016. I got the the exact car I wanted. and in 2021 the 2l engine ate itself up. So I put a 2,5 focus in it. almost perfect car, with the 6spd auto/floppy paddle shifter for my wife to use and she hates it.
it is a daily driver and the 2.5 makes it PERFECT. plus 4 cup holders!
The 2.5 will happen on mine. Glad to hear it’s worth it!
My local Mazda dealership quoted me $750 (usd) for a single keyfob and programming.
Just bought a 2006 nc sport or grand touring model in winning blue. 105,000 miles. Already 2.5 swapped from dynotronics. Paint is rough, the soft top could use a cleaning or dye.. Interior could use a little bit of work. But got it for $6400. Had to buy 4 new tires. Cost $400...
The 2.5 swap was done like 9 months ago. So that engine has less than 20k miles. Warranty on the swap goes until February... So another 4-5 months.
Going to add sway bars, probably replace the bushings and engine mounts, probably going to replace coils and shocks. Then work on the cosmetics... Then increase the horsepower a bit with some bolt ons and get it retuned... Good opportunity to learn how to do repairs myself. Going to try my first brake job within the next couple weeks...
First, there is no comparison between ANY Miata and a BMW 135i. I have a 740whp TT 335i, and a 2006 NC MX5, and they are not even in the same universe for fun and ability. I've owned more than thirty hotrods and other sports cars, and nothing has EVER put a smile on my face every single time like the 335i. However, I like my little MX5 to tool around in, and it's a super cheap convertible. There are many places that I want to go, but don't want to leave my 335i outside in some of those places. However, I have no problem leaving my MX5. So it definitely has it's purpose. And I got mine for only 2K, so I've got you beat there. Good vid. Cheers!
Got my 2012 NC Miata for $8k. It has 115k miles, a ripped soft top that I’m replacing next week but besides that it’s in great condition.
Sweet ride, sir! Enjoy it.
Great and honest review. I had 20 cars in the past abd my 2012 NC miata is the best!
I bought my 2006 MX5 for 3 cheap project cars and a project boat. Much cheaper! Yet you got a great deal!
I got the NC2, and I love them all. I love everything about it, even the silly smile now. Yup it grew on me.
when is your next update?? good stuff
Nice car, and any “people” who diss on the NC Miata are likely jealous and or silly NB owners, or worse yet raw dogger NA owners-no offense…love for all Miata owners. But NC is the best all around Miata. And also the best looking Miata, including the new strangely designed ND. NC is the true classic-2006 to 2015 says it all.
Just bought myself a black 2009 nc for $5000 aswell. My first one. Only had 169,000 on the clock.
bought mine for 4 and yours looks way better
Im so excited to see what you do with this! Congratulations 🎉
Thank you!
That looks super clean
To everyone that watches this vid, don't buy the NC. It's the worst gen and drives like a boat. Definitely not saying this to keep prices down.
good deal.. prices are coming down. I picked up an 06 3 weeks ago for 4500
But it's not an S2000! Lol kidding. I will always associate Bandygram with Miata! Glad to see you're still driving and enjoying them!
keep the boat comments coming, it keeps the prices low. Found you from the 128i videos and enjoy the content
Thank you! Yeah I’m enjoying the low cost and hope it sticks around for while. Thanks for watching!
Ever since I got into a 1971 GTO convertible I knew I would have one, however I saw my Emiko (Japanese girlfriend) 2006 Mx5
Just snagged a 6 speed 06 for 3500 not perfect but certainly the cheapest I saw and my goodness it is better than the na/nb it just isn’t as cute
I feel like this is such a great project car, can't wait for you to do the 2.5 swap
It’s coming!
Just got one with 56k mileage I'm loving it
I bet! They’re so good!
Sounds like yours is the grand touring. How does the 5 speed sport compare with no lsd?
That’s a good question. I’ll have to find one and see if someone will let me do a comparison. The diff is a dream on this car tho and I suspect I wouldn’t be having quite as much slidy fun without it
you made the best choice, congratulations.
I've seen these NC cheaper than 5k. Also NA's are losing some of that price increase especially the NA6.
MX-5 NC 3 + PRHT : )
i own a 2.0 prht nc1 and after lowering it it became a track missile. Insane!
I bought my 2010 NC2 last year for $23,000.00. Only because it had just 1600 miles on it and was in an indoor auto collection for 13 years. It would have sold for much more at an auction.
Im 6’2” tall, and a 2010 Miata has been my daily driver since 2019. I had an MG Midget in 1979, and that makes the Miata seem like a Cadillac. 🤣👍👍👍👍
Haha I love this!
Wow, 6’3” here, I purchased a 2010 PRHT Miata as my (over an hour, daily) and I love it. I had a 76 MGB when I was a kid, it had better leg room but I love the fact I can comfortably drive this and nothing is broken all the time. It is a great reliable, economical, daily that is still fun to drive. My wife laughs every time she says “oh I forgot something in town” and my face lights up as I volunteer to run and get it.
You are doing all the things I'm hoping to do with the same car (if I can find one for anywhere near 5K) I'll be following you ;)
Thank you and good luck!
The previous owner had VWs hence the MIL tape trick... Enjoy it buddy!
I learn something new everyday 😂
The Na is classy and quirky, the Nb is sleek and muscular, The Nc is an ugly bar of soap. It is technicaly better than the previous two, but i wish they made it look like a sports car and not a victim of vomit inducing 2000s car styling.
Sorry but there is no such thing as a “sleek and muscular” Miata. I loved my NB and my current NC PRHT but there is a reason non Miata people associate the MX 5 as a woman’s car
Na>Nc>Nb>Nd. Nc has all the inspirations of the Na and once lowered better looking than all of them