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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.