REDLINE ALLEYMazda MX-5 NC buying guide
2005 to 2015. An NC suits a driver who wants a more refined, roomier MX-5 for regular use.
Big jobs
- Retractable hardtop mechanism (RHT). The power folding roof should be smooth, quiet and take no more than 12 seconds. Early cars had fragile plastic gears in the mechanism, and repairs are complex and expensive.
- Sills, arches and subframe mounts. Rust in the sills, arches and subframe mounts is reported on older and high km cars, and stone chips on the low bonnet can rust.
Workshop jobs
- Blocked roof drains and wet electrics. Blocked roof drain valves let water in, which causes creeping rust and can damage electrics in the seats and under the carpets.
- Coil wiring and timing chain tensioner. Early cars have thin coil wiring that frays and causes misfires, and weak timing chain tensioners that are often upgraded by about 70,000 miles.
Small jobs
- Scuttle leaks into the footwells. If the plastic panel under the wipers is loose, or its foam screw gaskets perish, water leaks into the footwells.
- Seized brake calipers. Front calipers are prone to seizing, especially on cars parked with the handbrake on.
- Dampers and drop links. Rear dampers wear at about 30,000 miles, and front anti roll bar drop links are a common rattle.
Questions for the seller
- Is it the soft top or the retractable hardtop, and have the roof gears been upgraded?
- Has the timing chain tensioner been replaced?
- Has the car had rust repairs on the sills or subframe mounts?
- Have the carpets ever been wet?
- Do both keys work?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-01. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.