Is the Mazda NC MX5 the best bang for buck beginner’s Japanese sports car? Tuned for balance | JDM 

Corrections : After checking again in the specs of the NC Roadster Miata and with the help of some of the comments. 1. The power steering mechanism is a hydraulic carrier over from the NB. The feeling was very light and similar to an electric giving me that impression. The RX-8 has electric power steering. 2. The trunk (boot) and bonnet (hood ) are made from aluminium. It felt extremely light but since I didn’t have a magnet to test, I didn’t want to say for sure. Same as the NA and NB bonnet. 3. The rear suspension maybe called by the general automotive industry and indeed by auto manufacturers themselves as Multi Link. However, all multi link is derived from the principle of double wishbone in having an off set damper with additional links to mimic the movement of a double wishbone. Every manufacturer has a different arrangement. Honda and Mazda have 4 links which is attached to ball joints making it close to a double wishbone plus an additional 5th link.

That exit out of the car in the intro gave me a heart attack.

The NC is my favourite model actually..

I can't say I was expecting this video but as an NC owner I'm excited

I have an NC2!!! Seeing this made me soo happy!!

hello your resident rx8 boy here. the rx8 and nc mx5 both come with double wishbone front and a multi-link rear suspension that mimics double wishbone. The multi-link rear was to help make the car more predictable when the car started to oversteer and to eliminate the edgy snap effect found in the s2k and FD rx7.

NC: One of the best steering feels out there...

I used to be embarrassed that I owned an NC, but now it's my favorite generation.

I've had my NC mk1 for nearly 4 years now. Got it at 110k kms on the clock. First a daily driver to the office (50km round trip) and now I choose to drive it whenever I can. It never disappoints. The spec we received here in South Africa is more in line with the GT spec - ie heated seats, 17" wheels, multi function steering wheel, 6 speed manual. Now on 179k kms without an issue worth mentioning. Such a great car to own and drive. Thank you for the great film!

I drive an NB2.5 - full spec at 1085kg. The NC at full spec is at 1110kg soft top or 1153kg with the power hard top. I love how that 25-68kg difference is seen as the end of the world by most of the MX-5 community, seriously - lose some weight if that's how anal some people are going to be. I love the looks of the NB, closest to the FD RX-7, but if I could go back, I'ld get an NC just cz it's a better platform, especially in terms of bang per back. Great review.

I’ve had my S2000 for over 10 yrs and recently purchased my first Miata--the NB.1. Being an S2000 steward helps me appreciate the brilliance of the Miata package that survived decades of auto evolution and added regulation. The NB is more fun mainly due to to it being over 500lbs lighter! (also because it makes the driver feel s/he discovered "THE" best sports car value proposition for the money! The fun to cost ratio of the Miata is unbeatable. I truly respect Mazda’s commitment to the platform for over 30 consecutive years. But the S2000 is special and in another galaxy...the pinnacle of Honda’s uncompromised and "pure" automotive expression... granted, there’s the NSX, but for those who drove both, the NSX feels more like a GT car comparing to raw and F1 inspired S2000 character (except the NSX-R, but Honda also has the S2000 Club Racer). The s2000 is simply the most pure and exhilarating rear wheel drive experience to ever come out of Japan.

I've personally owned an NA8, but now actually have a NC2 and currently modding it, to improve the already good platform. They are so under rated. Great video!

Like all Miata's, the NC responds very well to mods. In SCCA Solo competition the NC and the S2000's are classed together. They are so equal that it comes down to the driver. They not only come with aluminum bonnets, but the trunk lid as well. Mine, in Solo trim, weights 2,325 pounds. (1,054kg)

NAs are stupid expensive now (at least where I live). The demand is high and the supply is rusting. NCs are indeed bottoming out and they're very good value for money.

amazed with the quality/fps and so on the knowledge/information ive learned🙏🏻👍

My new favourite RU-vid channel, keep up the great work guys, love the variety of content 👍🏻🙌🏻

Great content. Thank you for your insight on the Mx5

im 16 and my car is a MX5 NB, my first car and my learning car... good fun little car it is.

Great video as always!

Been hoping to see more Mazda content!

I see a jdm masters video I click the like button , Love the content .

Love my NC! It is already a great platform and it will only grow in the coming years as they become more accessible.

Was going to tell you to put some more B roll into your videos but you did 👌 nice. I think you should use that engine start and “ETC カード確認しました” as your intro Segway background sound, I think that can be one of your trademarks, it’s super JDM😊

Great review on the NC, well done. You have shown that this model is not the black sheep of the MX family. The potential this model has will be well sort after in the coming years. It is unique in its own way and it will rise up to be better than any other model MX before or to come.

Sweet! NC is my favorite generation of the Miata ^__^

Heck yeah! The most underrated miatas... Know getting he recognition it needs! Been building mine in my channel and it has been one hell of experience..

I like the exhaust note. 👌🏽

2011, bought for 11k from the dealer. Love it! Most fun I've ever had in a car! Someone put drilled and slotted rotors on it before I got it.

I remember when I was a child when the NC was released in Forza Motorsport. I drive the hell outta of the vehicle. It has excellent handling in video games, but I'm pretty confident it ride like a dream. Now 10 year's later now I can afford one for real. Awesome video!

That Bee-R wing must cost more than the car. Life goals.

Great video! More Miata!!! More Mazdas!!!

You just made me start getting my car license and get a NC :) used to hate the look but it grew on me!

Ive got a mx5 nc and i absolutely love it Its my favorite body style Its my daily and every day it still puts a smile on my face . Its a really usable sporty car and so far its been very reliable

great vid guys

Finally! I’ve owned my 07 for half a year now and love it. The NC is at a price point now that all the manual transmission cars are getting snatched up quick.

Very beautiful car. Hi to " Japonic" I like his videos very much :)

I got a 2012 NC2 five months ago. It's so willing and responsive it feels like it is in love with me. The more I drive it the stronger the feeling.

I got my PRHT NC2 GT on November 2020. I got light rotary forged wheels, lugnuts, and coilovers. I really love it, and it always put a smile on my face.

Great episode

I saw the value in this model and bought one about a year ago. It is a fun car for sure.

I love all Miatas

Awesome Master 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

I hope you do some video about the toyota altezza. It would be nice to hear some feedbacks about it from you. Cheers Man! Keep Growing!

this one is my favourite mx5 model!!

Japonic 💪

The NC Miata is appealing to me more and more these days. It's got the bones to be a very good track car.

2006 & 2007 MZR ENGINES are known to have rod bearing issues. Mine blew up after only 64,000 kms (2006 NC). Later & had a 2008 and the engine was perfect, cause Mazda actually changed the metal bearings. So if you gonna choose an Mx5 NC 2008 up is the years to look.

Speaking as an owner ('06 2litre PRHT), the rain doesn't get in unless you go below about 35mph ;)

I enjoy my NC as a daily roadster. I would like to swap in the 2.5 from a '14 Ford Fusion since its supposed to be an easy swap, but the current 2.0 is my daily. Cheap motor to swap though. One day. Still love mine. FM stage two suspension (lowering spring with koni shocks), K&N intake, short throat shifter, RX-8 sway bars. Basic stuff. Only piece that drives me nuts is the convertible top. Would get a hard top convertible instead if they werent so expensive. Thanks for the review of my daily :)

Hi! This is a very nice vid!! Would you do a video about the RX8?

I just got a 2.5L with headers, cams and intake. What a car!!!

My brother has a super clean NC 2 MX5 sport pack with the LSD, BBS wheels, Bilstein shocks and Recaro seat. And in a few years he want to upgrade to a lotus exige V6, when that happens im 100% going to buy it! It's such a fun car to drive.

best car channel!

My wife has the same car, a 2006 imported and badged Roadster, same colour but different wheels. It's the 'Japanese car of the year' award version and is badged accordingly on one side, but what suits us both about this car is that it has the automatic gearbox, just love it, also in almost 5 years of ownership apart from annual maintenance and running costs it's cost virtually nothing. Having the 2.0 litre engine it has fair turn of speed as well, an all round fun car.

NC is my favourite MX5, so NC ftw!!!

You need to make one of these reviews for the NB and ND as well !

Wow, a really nice Channel

Love this vid! Giving me ideas! I pay $9K AUD last year for an Aussie spec 06 which interestingly comes really quite highly specced - leather, LSD, all the steering wheel switches, 6 speed etc. I think many manufacturers only send in a mid-high spec on cars like this. Interesting. Great tips too. Keen to slowly improve mine without going silly - it's keeper but I don't want mess with it's basic sweetness. Exhaust isn't a priority - they sound nice enough and you either turbo/SC them or leave them alone I think.

Hey I know this car! :D Great video guys

That one looks very nice.

I have a 2014 Miata MX5. I drive it around with the top down to 25F. I dress like a WW1 fighter pilot complete with the leather helmet. When I stop for gas the girls open the checkout counter I'm approaching just so they can ask me about the roadster. I got to drive it across the American West the first year they increased the speed limit to 80 mph. All day long 80 mph. What fun.

good job bro.

Thanks for another great video. Would this car's insurance cost in Japan be prohibitive for a younger person's first car?

Ive got a 2006 and I want that wing on the back of mine NOW!!!😁 Never had a better car. Reliability and driveability tip top.👌 Great and original review!!! From my (2 years so far) experience, these cars are so good if you dont neeed 0-60 impressive figures they do everything else superbly.

What a beautiful car, I mean LOOK at it.

I can see your point about the NC costs / performance versus anything out there currently for newer drivers. I would like to say a Toyota MR-S but not sure how the pricing trend is in Japan for these cars as in the states they seem to be going up slightly, and even then I bought my MR-S (with rod knock included) for $3200 (swapped to K20A2 motor) so to hear that this NC was acquired for $1500 is pretty impressive.

I had NC 1.8 Niseko, eibach springs and some camber with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 ! So sharp !!! Now I have the ND RF sport (160hp) with the same setup of the NC ... More powerful, lighter, more agile but still I consider the NC 2.0 the best deal, especially if you want to spend some money improving it and bring it on the racetrack!

What's the make of the front lip? Can I get it in UK?.Great video. Must have watched at least 5 times:)

would you ever do a video on the BRZ/FR platform? I'm curious what people are doing with them in Japan

Happy NC1 2.0 Sport 6speed here. I agree, cheap car and you get a lot of money. Reliability? Not sure as the engines are notorious for going bang at high revs (that's ford for you) I was hoping more JDM engine mods on this model.

good power in this little car, since i swap my engine i start for years to search in in the internet and watch best motoring japan race cars, before i have experience in testing and ride some famous japan sport cars, evos, skylines etc in my country price is high, since i swap the engine i'm shocked neither these Japanese cars i have tested feel as power as my honda, when the engine reach a very peak power it starts to vibrate the whole car very nice the whole chassis wing bumper pedals steering etc feel danger but good, i'm very happy i end swap my engine from japan, i believe there is very smart people in japan who build these engines for some poor people around the world to experience real race car performance, and i'm very thankful

It's definitely really good car for the price! Maybe the best sports car for money right now

5:32 Look at him lifting the wheels and stuff. He's trying to be the next Colin McRae! XDD

I am 23 and got a 93 NA miata. NC are good daily and fun I heard it was based off the rx 8.

NCs are the best Miata platform, and that's coming from someone who's owned each generation. It's dirt cheap to swap in a 2.5L and make over 200 at the wheels, something I'm doing to my NC2 right now.

Bought a 2012 with 28k kilometers two months ago, i LOVE it, great car.

Yes. They are. And they're a complete car that I daily drive in Australia. Wish the steering was less assisted but it is good overall. The 17 inch rims are unnecessary though. I would prefer 16s or even 15s for the daily driving as the ride is more crashy than it should be and hence slower on rough roads. My old Forester with good rubber and 135 mm of side wall is just as fast on bumpy back roads.

Is that a CL1 Euro R in the background? Review it please!

Ive got an nc1 6 speed 2.0. here in Australia all mx-5s are not really seen on the road anymore. I previously owned an nb8a and my Nc with only coilovers and an exhaust absolutely spanks it in terms of engagement, handling and enjoyment.

Just bought a GT For $8k with 132k miles. There was a touring with 98k for $11.4K 16 miles away also as a dealer. I think I did well considering the current market. Granted it’s not a winter daily in MA but I still have my 17 Si

Cool

Not only is the hood of the NC made of aluminum, so too is the trunklid, although it may be difficult to notice the weight difference on this example with the aftermarket wing. The earlier NA and NB had aluminum hoods, but that was the only aluminum panel for those cars.

NC was a 8X Car and Driver Top 10 winner -- more than any other MX-5 generation.

How about MR-S as an alternative? Similar price and performance? What do you guys think? I went from a 1.8 NA roadster > 2.0 sport NC > S2000. The NC felt much more modern but also diluted, the engine is very boring to rev. Could see how much cheaper made the NC was over the NA, I hear the NCs rust worse too (but not as bad as NB with their chassis rail flaw). At the time the s2000 was only £1500 more expensive than the NC so cheaper to buy one than modify the NC so that's what I did. Had the s2000 for 7 years now but fancy a change, maybe back into an NC or an MR-S or SW20 MR2?

Nice car

I have the NC2 PRHT and the trunk is steel for this model due to the PRHT (I think it also had some extra steel or welding in the chassis as well to handle the extra mass and keeping the car feeling the same). Note NC2's had some significant changes being the facelifted model -> different suspension settings (Stiffer front springs?) to have less body roll, forged crankshaft and higher 7200rpm redline.

The NC is a little soft around the edges out of the box but is an excellent base platform for some serious performance.

"I use it mostly in convince store." Brilliant

I agree the spoiler improves the look, but how the heck do you see what's behind you? That thing covers all of the visible area out of the back ragtop window. Wish I could find an NC here in the Philippines though. All the local NC here were sold with the power retractable hard top and that makes it more practical for me cause soft tops can get vandalized here...

I have an nc1, 6 speed, lsd, strut tower brace, etc. I think the steering feel is excellent and question whether I would be equally satisfied with the steering feel in the ND. Any views from others on the comparative steering feel of the NC vs. ND would be appreciated.

Bought my 2006 NC MX5 with 40,000 original miles from the original owner for $4,000 . Mine is a Touring Sport and the same color as the one you are reviewing. And for all of the NC hater's you can't judge a book by its cover.

I can't wait until you guys gonna get some MK2 Aristo with 2JZ-GTE for a review. Or maybe something like Daihatsu Charade GTti or even rarer GTxx, that probably was the first car to produce 100hp per liter and the fastest 1.0 at that time.

Love your videos! Just a little notion trying to be informative here; the NC is not the only MX-5/Miata with an aluminum bonnet. Both the first and second generation all had aluminum bonnets from the factory. If you come across one with a steel bonnet it's an easy tell that the car has been damaged (and poorly repaired). Something to keep in mind. ;)

In my country NA and NC are almost the same price CRAZY!!

I'm on my 2nd NC. You should see if you can find a 2.5 swap model or LS swap model to review. Lots of people putting turbos and supercharger on them in America ❤️

Nice video thanks four sharing TeknoVlog takipte

Yeah, they're heavier, but not as much as people will have you believe; around 24-2500 for regular/sporty models, and 25-2600 for the cushy GT models. For reference, the fancier NBs were in that 24-2500 range, with the NC having a much more powerful engine and a much stiffer chassis. The S2000 and 86/BRZ weight around 2800. It's hardly the end of the world, lmao. Also, I genuinely prefer the looks of the later model NC3s to the newer NDs, especially the Club trim level we got here in the states

I drive a 2010 MX-5. It’s fantastic. It has more power than the previous generations, much better stock suspension, way more room for driver and passenger, and is safer.

Best looking Miata in my opinion

I had a 2010 phrt and now have a 2019 rf . Not sure I really like the Rf as much . Retractable roof on nc is miles better as the whole top disappears. Also fit a little better in the nc .