Opinions on the Mazda MX-5 NC?

[Thomasss95]

At the moment I am looking around for a car that I can buy for the summer, because I decided to do something a little crazy.

It has to be a fun car (preferably convertible) that is reliable and not too expensive to run. So I ended up with the MX-5 NC at the top of my list...

What do you guys think about that car?
Do you like the looks?
Do you think it's a good choice or should I buy something different?

 

[homeforsummer]

Given your criteria, and given the prices used examples are available for right now, it's hard to think of anything better.

Older MX-5s are a little more fun than the NC and personally I prefer the way they look too, but the NC is more refined and as a more modern car is even more suitable if you're going to be using it daily.

They're hugely reliable too, though I'd still try and find one with a healthy service record to put your mind at ease.

As for the looks, that's completely your decision really - you shouldn't base a purchase decision on whether someone else likes the looks of a car or not...

 

[Rotary Junkie]

The NC is the best car out of the Miatas, but not the best Miata out of the Miatas.

It's the one that's easiest to live with, the most comfortable, and potentially the most reliable. It also tends to get panned in comparison to the earlier models for being exactly what it is. However, the newer Club models fix a large portion of what people whine about in the early NCs, and in my opinion at least, you wind up with a car that has considerably more fun-at-any-time potential than a BRZ/FR-S, as those seem to only turn entertaining while you're willfully directly in breach of the law in some way.

Your car is yours to live with, however. If you like the looks, you like the drive, you like the car, buy it. Anything and everything will have its high points and low points, but if after weighing those out you see the positive in it over your other possible options, go.

 

[Thomasss95]

Thanks for the reactions!

You both exactly say things why I would love to own a MX-5, so I guess it's just the right car for me... Reliable, quite affordable and of course fun to drive!

The older MX-5s might be better to drive, but I do want some basic "luxury" that the NC offers.

 

[Eunos_Cosmo]

NC is a great car. I love driving them. I prefer the S2000 though, they feel much more special and focused.

 

[Thomasss95]

If I could afford a S2000, I would buy one! Unfortunately they are too expensive for me.

 

[SmileyOr1]

I was looking for a new (different) car for 2 years. I wanted something fun to drive and thought about the MX-5 and the S 2000. The S 2000 offered better performance, but the cost was 50% more than the Miata. Living in the Pacific Northwest I was concerned about the convertible top leaking. That would take all the fun out of driving it daily. I ended up with a a car that has a targa top that seals out the weather better than a convertible and still can be removed for summertime driving. It was more expensive, but felt that my other half would appreciate the warmth over a soft top.

 

[GTP_Ingram]

It's worth searching out versions of the NC equipped with the folding hard top. It adds extra security and refinement, and for someone with your needs I'd say the tiny compromise in handling won't make any difference to the enjoyment you get out of it.

 

[Thomasss95]

It's worth searching out versions of the NC equipped with the folding hard top. It adds extra security and refinement, and for someone with your needs I'd say the tiny compromise in handling won't make any difference to the enjoyment you get out of it.

If I can find one within my budget, I will certainly buy a hardtop!

I was looking for a new (different) car for 2 years. I wanted something fun to drive and thought about the MX-5 and the S 2000. The S 2000 offered better performance, but the cost was 50% more than the Miata. Living in the Pacific Northwest I was concerned about the convertible top leaking. That would take all the fun out of driving it daily. I ended up with a a car that has a targa top that seals out the weather better than a convertible and still can be removed for summertime driving. It was more expensive, but felt that my other half would appreciate the warmth over a soft top.

I will only use the car for fun kilometres, so leaking isn't a big thing for me. Also, the tops of NCs seem to be good and I try to find a hardtop.

 

[homeforsummer]

Leaking really isn't a big issue on MX-5s. If the top is in good condition, it basically won't leak unless you're deliberately directing a high-pressure hose at vulnerable areas like the seal around the side windows. And that's in a Mk1 - the hoods on Mk3s really shouldn't leak at all.

Warmth isn't really a problem either. MX-5s have probably the strongest heaters of any car I've driven. You can quite comfortably drive with the roof down on a cold day in total warmth. Last time I drove an NC I had to turn the heater down as I was getting so hot even with the roof down...

 

[Thomasss95]

Leaking really isn't a big issue on MX-5s. If the top is in good condition, it basically won't leak unless you're deliberately directing a high-pressure hose at vulnerable areas like the seal around the side windows. And that's in a Mk1 - the hoods on Mk3s really shouldn't leak at all.

Warmth isn't really a problem either. MX-5s have probably the strongest heaters of any car I've driven. You can quite comfortably drive with the roof down on a cold day in total warmth. Last time I drove an NC I had to turn the heater down as I was getting so hot even with the roof down...

That's nice to know, because it's not always very warm in the Netherlands.

 

[Thomasss95]

I asked some opinions of my friends and about half of them think it's a girly car.

Seems like the NC has still the image of the "old" Miatas, but it doesn't really matter to me. It's just the most fun I can get with my budget I think!