Which NC’s have exploding diffs, not heard of that one before?
I too prefer the more purposeful stance of the MK3’s, especially the MK3.75.
The other MK’s all look a bit too small for my liking, but I think they all had great proportions…
Can’t say there’s ever been an ugly MX5…
I would love an ND, but comments about the power steering’s lack of feel do worry me.
A test drive needed!
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Some of the NC 2.0 diffs weren’t up to the job and broke This is odd, because the NA/NB Torsens were very durable.
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It is only 15mm wider but the NC is already on the limit of my ability to drive through a 7’ door every time without clouting the mirrors. 4" clearance each side if I get it right in the centre. Ok, I could fold the mirrors every time if they had electric folding.
The ever-increasing width of cars is a real problem now.
Not all of them though. Up to around 2002, weapons grade tough.
The 2003 NBFL LSDs caused a lot of expensive grief. Different specs.
Too long to go into here.
Do you know which NCs had the problem? Was it a specific age range, or just random?
Just an opinion. (NC owner).
I have a 7ft wide up and over garage door. Obviously with less clearance due to the mechanism etc.
I found if you reverse it in at and angle, each mirror clears the side at slightly different times. Once in just straighten it up job done.
(Wife is forbidden 
mind). 
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Judging by the number of cars up for sale on here recently, looks like it might possibly be a hint of a buyers’ market for certain models. If @Mad_McAdder hasn’t yet taken the plunge, may be a bargain out there to be had!
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Pre-May 2013, lapping compound left in during the build process, apparently.
Scroll down a bit for some miata.net links: https://www.mx5nutz.com/threads/symptoms-of-a-knackered-diff-nc-2-0-sport.189809/
I’ve literally just had a 2020 sport tech delivered. It’s such a beauty. Go for the latest model you can afford.
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I have a similar width garage door so, after having driven up to the entrance, I lower the offside window and fold in that door mirror then drive through slightly to right of centre. It works for me and might be worth a try 
I do the same with my NC. Im surprised the ND is wider i thought the NC was the big boned member of the family 
Phew! I just bought my first. An early mk3….I’m happy, it’s fun and surely that’s all that matters with a little sports car. I’m going to have a great summer
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Mk 1 1.6 LNC to 93, thats the best ones they made.
M-m
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I would not be that worried about the extra safety features in the doors, but as for the far heavier NB/NBFL 1.6 with 10 bhp Not a chance, the only good thing i can say about that version is its great on fuel , they still hold some character ,but you need to really really drive/push them hard to the point of frustration , and we fully sorted the one we had for 12 months with plenty of trick bits i used one for a while ,and lets just say 4th got used a lot on going up not to steep climbs as it lost guts, with out boosting one you don’t have much chance in gaining to much extra power out of one ,and did i mention just what that 10 bhp is pulling as its heavy.
Best fun, best drive, best character , MK 1 115 bhp 1.6 everyday, and i would not be to fussed with a good SNC either.
M-m
How much do you want to spend, and what do you want to use it for?
FWIW my thoughts by version
NA - RS Limited
NB / NBFL - RS Equipment
NC - see post below:)
ND - 30th Anniversary
Biased as I have an NBFL RS Equipment, would like an NA RS Limited in addition to my NBFL version, and like the 30th Anniversary very much too. I also have a bog standard UK 1.6 NBFL and like that too - so I think you can get too hung up on what is better / best etc.
Edit: I will add the big issue with the NB is rust, so despite having owned two and liking them very much I’d probably not get another one as they seem to have made them out of recycled biscuit tins.
For the NC the Z-Sport was the last of the 2-litre ‘specials’ with a soft top.
It also had a Torson rear diff and light BBS wheels which might be worth considering.
Also looks special too…
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Been there…Still heavy, they are terrible and gutless ,live with one after using the rest and boosted, as i said the only thing i can say that is good with the MK 2/2.5 1.6 versions is that they are good on fuel, thats it, you’re waiting for and email and reply to go to the engine for power, they are ok nipping about town, but rubbish on motorways.
M-m
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