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Thread: NC Miata buying guide

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    Ninja Messiah kung fu jesus's Avatar
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    NC Miata buying guide

    I am considering moving up to an NC in the future. I have ignored this model for too long and it has really garnered my attention!

    What are some of the known issues and common problems to look for when buying a used one? Besides external styling, what are the mechanical differences and changes that makes one year better than another? Are there letter or number identifiers in the VIN that tell the options, such as LSD?

    Any other tips in general?

    Thanks!

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    STAR Sponsor Unk577's Avatar
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    The NC2(09'+) went to forged internals and has some improvements in the transmission to improve durability. If you plan to ever put it on track stay away from the PRHT. The sport suspension(Bilsteins)has the LSD.
    The front end changed in 09' and again in 11 or 12(though not as big of a change).

    I've owned numerous NA's and NB's and I find the NC is just a better all around Miata. Add a couple simple mods and it is a very capable car.
    image.jpg

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    4,000 rpm - entering the fun zone Cxmoney's Avatar
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    KFJ,

    I was just thinking the same exact thing last week. they have all of a sudden drastically grasped my attention. I want one with a GV fastback.

    the one and only complaint about them I see is that the body modifications are not too wide spread like the NA and NB, and the lack of taillight options suck...
    Quote Originally Posted by tsingson View Post
    The red is sexy as hell. Would hate to be walking around the car admiring the interior only to see a tan dash. Kinda like seeing a hot chick and finding a dick in the middle.

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    Ninja Messiah kung fu jesus's Avatar
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    I think the market has barely scratched the surface. A lot of the common items (aftermarket) forthe NAs and NBs, were pretty rare 10-15 years ago.
    Last edited by kung fu jesus; 03-09-2014 at 08:50 AM.

  7. #5
    3,000 rpm - starting to feel the power BoBo's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Unk577 View Post
    The NC2(09'+) went to forged internals and has some improvements in the transmission to improve durability. If you plan to ever put it on track stay away from the PRHT. The sport suspension(Bilsteins)has the LSD.
    The front end changed in 09' and again in 11 or 12(though not as big of a change).

    I've owned numerous NA's and NB's and I find the NC is just a better all around Miata. Add a couple simple mods and it is a very capable car.
    image.jpg
    Just out of curiosity, why not the prht for track? is there a significant added weight or roll bar availability? The new miata is looking real nice, specially the red club edition. Anyways, thanks for the info.
    08 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Tuned/Track Prepared
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    Mostly roll bar availability and clearance. The PRHT is pretty low and the roll bars available for it will be below the top of your head. For a DD they are great

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    2,000 rpm - light wheelspin, no bog here! miata2fast's Avatar
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    How much heavier is the PRHT?

    Once I am done with my car, my next project will probably be an NC. I have been wanting one for a while now.
    95 in pieces, but good pieces.

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    Ninja Messiah kung fu jesus's Avatar
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    I have only sat in one twice. Never driven one, but how does the interior feel, space wise, compared to the NA or NB?

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    STAR Sponsor Unk577's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kung fu jesus View Post
    I have only sat in one twice. Never driven one, but how does the interior feel, space wise, compared to the NA or NB?
    Roomy....
    I believe the weight penalty of the PRHT is in the 50/60lb area.

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    2,000 rpm - light wheelspin, no bog here! TimTim's Avatar
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    There seems to be a high probability of tearing in the soft tops right above the top rear corner of the door windows. Lots of discussions online have covered causes/effects and some have offered mitigants/fixes. I csnt say for sure but had something to do with how the frame at that point would rub into the top during the folding process and wear away at it.

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    Awesome! Right now, and this is in the future mind you, I am really interested in an NC1, white with saddle interior or an NC2 with the Havana brown interior. I definitely want a removable hardtop.

    I am going to hedge my bets and see if the NC2 prices drop considerably when the ND hits the dealers. I suspect it may. Right now, I am trying to weigh out the advantages of either, considering the price differences.

  16. #12
    3,000 rpm - starting to feel the power Andy's Avatar
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    Kfj we just bought my dad a 2006 galaxy grey with the brown interior. I have to say compared to my miata it is pretty awesome.

    The suspension is the sport with bilsteins and is extremely soft (in a comfortable way).

    Also there is more than just a normal key. As a manufacturer option there is the advanced keyless entry. Make sure you know about it before diving in.

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  18. #13
    4,000 rpm - entering the fun zone SM16RMSM's Avatar
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    The NC1 never really peaked my interest but after seeing the NC2, and the Club edition NC, I kinda want one now.
    “The only thing standing between you and your goal is the BS story you keep telling yourself as to why you can't achieve it.” ― Jordan Belfort

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    Ninja Messiah kung fu jesus's Avatar
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    Want to elaborate about the keyless feature?

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    I drove a friends 2006 NC with Intake, Header, Exhaust and Clutch upgrades, and wow! Did it ever put a smile on my face!! It drove so nice, the suspension was awesome even stock, no rattles, you don't feel paint lines in the road, and the acceleration just feels so much faster than the NA.









    but im still keeping my NA, nothing but love for the "Original"

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