ND2 / ND3 Ownership Experience
Discussion
Morning all,
After over 13 years of NC2 Sport Tech ownership I'm looking to buy a 2.0 ND model. Ideal spec is an ND3 Exclusive Line in deep crystal blue and I'm going to have a look at a car on Saturday.
I would be interested in hearing from long term owners of similar ND models. What are the pro's and con's, particular in comparison to my current 2010 2.0 NC2 Sport Tech.
I'm keen to buy as new as possible as I'll be keeping the car for at least 10 years and want to benefit from the 6 year warranty that Mazda now offers across its range.
Thanks in advance.
After over 13 years of NC2 Sport Tech ownership I'm looking to buy a 2.0 ND model. Ideal spec is an ND3 Exclusive Line in deep crystal blue and I'm going to have a look at a car on Saturday.
I would be interested in hearing from long term owners of similar ND models. What are the pro's and con's, particular in comparison to my current 2010 2.0 NC2 Sport Tech.
I'm keen to buy as new as possible as I'll be keeping the car for at least 10 years and want to benefit from the 6 year warranty that Mazda now offers across its range.
Thanks in advance.
I have that exact model/colour combination. It's my first Mx5, and my daily driver - I picked it up new in April (deal for March registration, so made more sense than nearly new at time). I am very pleased with it so far (3000 miles). I couldn't justify the extra for the Homoura and find the 'standard' seats very comfortable for me.
I looked to buy at ND2 in 2019, but haven't owned one. I thought the entertainment/screen was poor then, the new system is better - I use carplay all the time. I did prefer the tan leather option back then.
The deep blue paint is interesting, looks almost black when it's dull/cloudy, but much lighter and metallic in the sun. I think the range of colours is poor.
I really like the suspension set up, came to this from a stiff hot hatch (128Ti) and really like the way it flows, plus pot holes are not the disaster they were in the old car. I doubt I will be modifying in any way - it's a road car only for me. Perhaps a little more exhaust noise wouldn't go a miss.....
Is the ND3 much better - doubt many could tell the difference beyond the entertainment? Sounds like you want to get a new car and have the 6 year warranty (big factor for me) - do it you won't regret it.
I looked to buy at ND2 in 2019, but haven't owned one. I thought the entertainment/screen was poor then, the new system is better - I use carplay all the time. I did prefer the tan leather option back then.
The deep blue paint is interesting, looks almost black when it's dull/cloudy, but much lighter and metallic in the sun. I think the range of colours is poor.
I really like the suspension set up, came to this from a stiff hot hatch (128Ti) and really like the way it flows, plus pot holes are not the disaster they were in the old car. I doubt I will be modifying in any way - it's a road car only for me. Perhaps a little more exhaust noise wouldn't go a miss.....
Is the ND3 much better - doubt many could tell the difference beyond the entertainment? Sounds like you want to get a new car and have the 6 year warranty (big factor for me) - do it you won't regret it.
iaingolf said:
I have that exact model/colour combination. It's my first Mx5, and my daily driver - I picked it up new in April (deal for March registration, so made more sense than nearly new at time). I am very pleased with it so far (3000 miles). I couldn't justify the extra for the Homoura and find the 'standard' seats very comfortable for me.
I looked to buy at ND2 in 2019, but haven't owned one. I thought the entertainment/screen was poor then, the new system is better - I use carplay all the time. I did prefer the tan leather option back then.
The deep blue paint is interesting, looks almost black when it's dull/cloudy, but much lighter and metallic in the sun. I think the range of colours is poor.
I really like the suspension set up, came to this from a stiff hot hatch (128Ti) and really like the way it flows, plus pot holes are not the disaster they were in the old car. I doubt I will be modifying in any way - it's a road car only for me. Perhaps a little more exhaust noise wouldn't go a miss.....
Is the ND3 much better - doubt many could tell the difference beyond the entertainment? Sounds like you want to get a new car and have the 6 year warranty (big factor for me) - do it you won't regret it.
Thanks for the detailed response Iain. I had a test drive today and have to say I was impressed. More refined that my current MX-5, quicker, and seemed well built. Ride quality was good too! I looked to buy at ND2 in 2019, but haven't owned one. I thought the entertainment/screen was poor then, the new system is better - I use carplay all the time. I did prefer the tan leather option back then.
The deep blue paint is interesting, looks almost black when it's dull/cloudy, but much lighter and metallic in the sun. I think the range of colours is poor.
I really like the suspension set up, came to this from a stiff hot hatch (128Ti) and really like the way it flows, plus pot holes are not the disaster they were in the old car. I doubt I will be modifying in any way - it's a road car only for me. Perhaps a little more exhaust noise wouldn't go a miss.....
Is the ND3 much better - doubt many could tell the difference beyond the entertainment? Sounds like you want to get a new car and have the 6 year warranty (big factor for me) - do it you won't regret it.
I've just bought a Homura ND4 and it's my first Japanese car and it's my one and only daily.
I'm loving it. First car since my Alpine that I keep taking out just for a drive
Luckily the Alpine got me used to not having a glovebox or door storage but I don't tend to want stuff in the cabin anyway.
I use one of the moveable cupholders in the passenger side to hold my glasses case
There's a small 'glovebox' behind you between the seats and if you go for the soft top there's two hatches to stowage behind both seats, only accessible when stopped and moving the seats forward.
No way have I ever carried drinks in any of my cars.
It's also the deep crystal blue which does look black in grey weather and at night, but really pops in the sun.
It's a great drive and pretty comfortable long distance. I did sit in an Exclusive and found things a bit tight for me but the Recaros in mine feel a little lower and hold you in really well in the twisties.
I can't compare to a NC but I'm wondering why I never considered a MX5 before.
ETA the 6 year warranty only came in for Mazdas from Sept '25, so you'd have to look for a ND4.
I'm loving it. First car since my Alpine that I keep taking out just for a drive
Luckily the Alpine got me used to not having a glovebox or door storage but I don't tend to want stuff in the cabin anyway.
I use one of the moveable cupholders in the passenger side to hold my glasses case
There's a small 'glovebox' behind you between the seats and if you go for the soft top there's two hatches to stowage behind both seats, only accessible when stopped and moving the seats forward.No way have I ever carried drinks in any of my cars.
It's also the deep crystal blue which does look black in grey weather and at night, but really pops in the sun.
It's a great drive and pretty comfortable long distance. I did sit in an Exclusive and found things a bit tight for me but the Recaros in mine feel a little lower and hold you in really well in the twisties.
I can't compare to a NC but I'm wondering why I never considered a MX5 before.
ETA the 6 year warranty only came in for Mazdas from Sept '25, so you'd have to look for a ND4.
skeeterm5 said:
My only significant criticism of our ND is the almost total lack of useful cabin storage, it really is poor.
Other than that it is a fun car to own for sunny days.
Agree with this. My partner commented about the lack of a glovebox, however its probably something I'll get used to. There are 2 storage areas beyond the seats and the central cubby behind the cup holders.Other than that it is a fun car to own for sunny days.
croyde said:
I've just bought a Homura ND4 and it's my first Japanese car and it's my one and only daily.
I'm loving it. First car since my Alpine that I keep taking out just for a drive
Luckily the Alpine got me used to not having a glovebox or door storage but I don't tend to want stuff in the cabin anyway.
I use one of the moveable cupholders in the passenger side to hold my glasses case There's a small 'glovebox' behind you between the seats and if you go for the soft top there's two hatches to stowage behind both seats, only accessible when stopped and moving the seats forward.
No way have I ever carried drinks in any of my cars.
It's also the deep crystal blue which does look black in grey weather and at night, but really pops in the sun.
It's a great drive and pretty comfortable long distance. I did sit in an Exclusive and found things a bit tight for me but the Recaros in mine feel a little lower and hold you in really well in the twisties.
I can't compare to a NC but I'm wondering why I never considered a MX5 before.
ETA the 6 year warranty only came in for Mazdas from Sept '25, so you'd have to look for a ND4.
Thanks for the reply Croyde. Is yours the Roadster or RF? Visited a couple of dealers today for some quotes and it's likely I'll be placing an order for a new one soon - 2.0 Exclusive Line Roadster in Deep Crystal Blue. I intend to keep the car for 10 years. I have had my NC2 for almost 14 years and thoroughly enjoyed it for over 80,000 miles. I think, more than ever, an MX-5 offers a unique experience at the price point in the current market. For me it feels far more special and engaging that a hot hatch or sports saloon or any SUV. It's a car that I feel proud to own and always look back at when I park in the driveway or close the garage door.I'm loving it. First car since my Alpine that I keep taking out just for a drive
Luckily the Alpine got me used to not having a glovebox or door storage but I don't tend to want stuff in the cabin anyway.
I use one of the moveable cupholders in the passenger side to hold my glasses case
There's a small 'glovebox' behind you between the seats and if you go for the soft top there's two hatches to stowage behind both seats, only accessible when stopped and moving the seats forward.No way have I ever carried drinks in any of my cars.
It's also the deep crystal blue which does look black in grey weather and at night, but really pops in the sun.
It's a great drive and pretty comfortable long distance. I did sit in an Exclusive and found things a bit tight for me but the Recaros in mine feel a little lower and hold you in really well in the twisties.
I can't compare to a NC but I'm wondering why I never considered a MX5 before.
ETA the 6 year warranty only came in for Mazdas from Sept '25, so you'd have to look for a ND4.
Edited by Ecosseven on Sunday 12th July 20:42
Ecosseven said:
skeeterm5 said:
My only significant criticism of our ND is the almost total lack of useful cabin storage, it really is poor.
Other than that it is a fun car to own for sunny days.
Agree with this. My partner commented about the lack of a glovebox, however its probably something I'll get used to. There are 2 storage areas beyond the seats and the central cubby behind the cup holders.Other than that it is a fun car to own for sunny days.
Just keep your phone in your pocket and a pair of sunglasses in a cubbyhole. Everything else can be in the boot, including deicer and scraper in the winter months. W
I owned my ND2 for two years, great to drive but I did have a couple of problems and the dealer was hopeless. The rear bushes went on mine on one side at 18k miles, not a huge job to do but they really should be lasting longer than that. And the digital/LCD display on the dash failed so that had to be replaced by the dealer
I really liked the car though and having owned all shapes of mx5 this was the best for me
I really liked the car though and having owned all shapes of mx5 this was the best for me
Hi,
Just to add my thoughts. I have the orange 30 AE (ND2) and mine is a daily. Lack of storage is never an issue, as I know folk seem to think having no glove box is a deal breaker. I too use the cup holders as light storage and you van get a fair bit in the box between the seats. I’ve put my air compressor thing behind the passenger seat and I have a light rain coat and gloves in the one behind me (the RF only gets one behind the seats).I’ve recently test driven a few Boxster 981’s, PDK and manual and while they are obviously great cars, with a far plusher interior, well there is just something about 5’s. I’m on my 4th and my 30 get’s a lot of positive attention. I might though buy and RF as I too had a 2010 Sport Tech that I also took to BBR. The NC is a great car but I do prefer my ND. For what they cost to run and how much fun they are, they are hard to beat. If I don't get a RF, I’m going for the BBR220 set up. I think that is the sweet spot and 3.5k cheaper than supercharging it.
NIck
Just to add my thoughts. I have the orange 30 AE (ND2) and mine is a daily. Lack of storage is never an issue, as I know folk seem to think having no glove box is a deal breaker. I too use the cup holders as light storage and you van get a fair bit in the box between the seats. I’ve put my air compressor thing behind the passenger seat and I have a light rain coat and gloves in the one behind me (the RF only gets one behind the seats).I’ve recently test driven a few Boxster 981’s, PDK and manual and while they are obviously great cars, with a far plusher interior, well there is just something about 5’s. I’m on my 4th and my 30 get’s a lot of positive attention. I might though buy and RF as I too had a 2010 Sport Tech that I also took to BBR. The NC is a great car but I do prefer my ND. For what they cost to run and how much fun they are, they are hard to beat. If I don't get a RF, I’m going for the BBR220 set up. I think that is the sweet spot and 3.5k cheaper than supercharging it.
NIck
nickd164 said:
Hi,
Just to add my thoughts. I have the orange 30 AE (ND2) and mine is a daily. Lack of storage is never an issue, as I know folk seem to think having no glove box is a deal breaker. I too use the cup holders as light storage and you van get a fair bit in the box between the seats. I ve put my air compressor thing behind the passenger seat and I have a light rain coat and gloves in the one behind me (the RF only gets one behind the seats).I ve recently test driven a few Boxster 981 s, PDK and manual and while they are obviously great cars, with a far plusher interior, well there is just something about 5 s. I m on my 4th and my 30 get s a lot of positive attention. I might though buy and RF as I too had a 2010 Sport Tech that I also took to BBR. The NC is a great car but I do prefer my ND. For what they cost to run and how much fun they are, they are hard to beat. If I don't get a RF, I m going for the BBR220 set up. I think that is the sweet spot and 3.5k cheaper than supercharging it.
NIck
Mine has the BBR220, which was fitted when I bought the car. It has the BBR catted 4 branch header which can cause a problem at MOT time. I just tell the garage to make sure the car is fully warmed up then the emissions are ok. Other than that the car just loves to rev & we love it.Just to add my thoughts. I have the orange 30 AE (ND2) and mine is a daily. Lack of storage is never an issue, as I know folk seem to think having no glove box is a deal breaker. I too use the cup holders as light storage and you van get a fair bit in the box between the seats. I ve put my air compressor thing behind the passenger seat and I have a light rain coat and gloves in the one behind me (the RF only gets one behind the seats).I ve recently test driven a few Boxster 981 s, PDK and manual and while they are obviously great cars, with a far plusher interior, well there is just something about 5 s. I m on my 4th and my 30 get s a lot of positive attention. I might though buy and RF as I too had a 2010 Sport Tech that I also took to BBR. The NC is a great car but I do prefer my ND. For what they cost to run and how much fun they are, they are hard to beat. If I don't get a RF, I m going for the BBR220 set up. I think that is the sweet spot and 3.5k cheaper than supercharging it.
NIck
The only thing I'd say about dailying an ND is they rust in odd places.
Mine is a 68 plate ND1 (so the last of the ND1). I got it undersealed at six months old and, only now, is rust starting to appear in the welds of the subframes and the like. That's expected.
But it's rusting in other weird places. Paint is lifting around the holes punched in the slam panel, for example. The battery tie down is well gone and the ECU mount in the engine bay is also turning. The paint is lifting around the bolts into the body on the boot hinges - which is another odd one. Both places where paint is lifting are, however, places without clearcoat - so perhaps that's the common factor.
Anyway - I still absolutely love it every time I drive it after almost eight years. It never gets old.
I'll probably have to chop it in for - of all things - an SUV in the coming months due to lifestyle change and the thought of not having an MX in my life (having previously had an NA before the ND) isn't a pleasant one...
Mine is a 68 plate ND1 (so the last of the ND1). I got it undersealed at six months old and, only now, is rust starting to appear in the welds of the subframes and the like. That's expected.
But it's rusting in other weird places. Paint is lifting around the holes punched in the slam panel, for example. The battery tie down is well gone and the ECU mount in the engine bay is also turning. The paint is lifting around the bolts into the body on the boot hinges - which is another odd one. Both places where paint is lifting are, however, places without clearcoat - so perhaps that's the common factor.
Anyway - I still absolutely love it every time I drive it after almost eight years. It never gets old.
I'll probably have to chop it in for - of all things - an SUV in the coming months due to lifestyle change and the thought of not having an MX in my life (having previously had an NA before the ND) isn't a pleasant one...
dxg said:
The only thing I'd say about dailying an ND is they rust in odd places.
Mine is a 68 plate ND1 (so the last of the ND1). I got it undersealed at six months old and, only now, is rust starting to appear in the welds of the subframes and the like. That's expected.
But it's rusting in other weird places. Paint is lifting around the holes punched in the slam panel, for example. The battery tie down is well gone and the ECU mount in the engine bay is also turning. The paint is lifting around the bolts into the body on the boot hinges - which is another odd one. Both places where paint is lifting are, however, places without clearcoat - so perhaps that's the common factor.
Anyway - I still absolutely love it every time I drive it after almost eight years. It never gets old.
I'll probably have to chop it in for - of all things - an SUV in the coming months due to lifestyle change and the thought of not having an MX in my life (having previously had an NA before the ND) isn't a pleasant one...
Mine's going in for rust protection next month using a mixture of Lanoguard, Bilt Hamber and Dinitrol products. It's £650, and I have to leave the car for a week. Mine is a 68 plate ND1 (so the last of the ND1). I got it undersealed at six months old and, only now, is rust starting to appear in the welds of the subframes and the like. That's expected.
But it's rusting in other weird places. Paint is lifting around the holes punched in the slam panel, for example. The battery tie down is well gone and the ECU mount in the engine bay is also turning. The paint is lifting around the bolts into the body on the boot hinges - which is another odd one. Both places where paint is lifting are, however, places without clearcoat - so perhaps that's the common factor.
Anyway - I still absolutely love it every time I drive it after almost eight years. It never gets old.
I'll probably have to chop it in for - of all things - an SUV in the coming months due to lifestyle change and the thought of not having an MX in my life (having previously had an NA before the ND) isn't a pleasant one...
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