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Mazda MX-5 Miata NC (3rd Generation)

2006–2015 · NC · convertible

Third-gen Miata (NC, 2006-2015) is the biggest and heaviest Miata — partly because it shares a platform with the Mazda RX-8. 2.0L MZR I4 (170hp 2006-2008, 167hp 2009+ after a redesign for higher rev limit) with either a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, or 6-speed automatic. The 2006-2008 NC1 cars are the underrated bargain: 7,000-rpm fuel cut, lighter than the NC2/NC3, and currently the cheapest Miata you can buy. The NC introduced the Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) — the only folding-hardtop Miata Mazda ever made.

Watch out: Rear differential and PPF (power plant frame) bushing wear — clunk on throttle on/off past 100k. Reseal of the diff carrier and replacement of the PPF bushings is a Saturday-afternoon job; ignoring it lets the diff move enough to crack the casing.

What your MX-5 Miata takes

The parts and fluids that fit this generation. Specs we publish are confirmed against two independent sources; the rest fill in as we verify them.

  • Tire size205/50R16✓ VerifiedView
  • Wheel fitment5x114.3 · 67.1mm bore · M12x1.5✓ VerifiedView
  • Oil filterParts in catalogShop
  • Wiper bladesNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Engine oilNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Engine air filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Cabin air filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Spark plugsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Headlight bulbsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • BatteryNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • CoolantNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Transmission fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Tire pressureNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Key fob batteryNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Power steering fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Differential fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Serpentine beltNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake padsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake rotorsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • ThermostatNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • A/C refrigerantNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Fuel filterNot catalogued yetFind yours soon

Full clubhouse — owner Garage Lineage, common problems, year-by-year notes, and product picks — is on the build list.

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