I wasn't an NC fan until I started following Okamochiko on Instagram. His NOPRO equipped NC looks amazing. He's running the NOPRO ST and hardtop. I'm debating picking up a NC2/3 in a few years as a daily as well.

 

Then there is the argument of practicality...For the same price I could get a used 2014 Toyota Prius that gets 46mpg (distance to work is 45mi) and that would actually be saving me money annually compared to what I have now. Therefore leaving funds for NA car and other miata shenanigans...

 

I bought a 2009 a couple months ago and love it so far. I've had a bunch of NAs and NBs, and this NC is easily the best street miata I've owned. It's super quiet and comfortable. The stock 2.0L feels WAY torquier than an NA/NB, and the 2.5 is an easy swap and another giant leap in torque. Honestly the stock 2.0L torque feels like what I was expecting from the 2.5.

Before finding my 09, I test drove a 2013 PRHT Club model and liked it A LOT. The only reason I didn't buy it is that I was looking for a car that could be caged and converted to a full race car in a few years, so I kept searching and waiting until I found a car with the factory removable hardtop (they're super rare, btw). I would definitely buy an 09+ PRHT if I were in your shoes.

I'm still not sure how I feel about the NC as a track car. I've only done 1 track day so far, and it was in full street trim with super soft Bilstein PSS10s and 245 Hankook RS4. The car actually felt great on track, but I didn't pass a single car all weekend, even when I dropped down to yellow group. It sucked lol.

 

If you commute 90 miles every day in a Prius, you will die before your next birthday from boredom.

My commute is similar. Doing it in a Miata with the top down is usually the best part of my day! All back roads, pretty scenery.

Live a little.

 

Yeah i agree! When I first got my na i had the top down after work and the stress was gone instantly!

Unfortunately rhe roads arents windy and its more of a straight shot lol.

I would love an ND but its too expensive for just being a commuter. Ya know?

 

My wife just assured me that she does not want me to get another miata haha!

 

Come steal my car and park it in a river. Also, I miss your random texts sweetheart.

 

Do what you have to do (I've been married for 32 years). But if your wife is insisting on a used Prius . . . wow. How about a compromise, she gives in to a nice PRHT NC and you promise to leave it OEM? She would look fabulous driving that NC with the top down (top goes up and down in 12 seconds by pushing 1 button -- my wife is insanely jealous of my daughter's NC).

Also, used Prius's might be OK reliability-wise (Toyota) -- but we are talking about extremely complex cars with 2 drivetrains -- used!

 

She isnt insisting on a prius, just a four door at a minimum.

 

I agree with Rick. I have had two 06's and I always wanted a PRHT as a daily. Goodwin Racing has a $1000 shock and spring package that would take care of the stock softness and you don't need much else. Get one with an LSD and drive the wheels off of it.

 

The only downside is the turbo manifold options are.......nill (I do not consider Fab9 or TDR considering their reputation)

That sucks as the stock 2.0 forged crank block can do 350WHP and the 2.5 can do 400WHP.

 

Why do you insist on trying to make your car look like another car? An NC with an Aston bumper, or an NC with an ND front bumper... blegh. I'm all about modifying, but not trying to make one car look like something else.

Sounds like it's irrelevant though, since your wife is requiring that you have a 5 passenger vehicle to carry one person back and forth to work.

 

Yeah I wanted to have it be a bit unique in its look...but i am weird like that. I have done some serious thinking on whether a K24 swapped civic would be a great daily. Got to check on gearing though to make sure that would be a pleasant drive.

 

Making the NC look like an Aston doesn't make it look unique... It makes it look like an Aston.

 

Would a car with an engine swap make a good daily? Hmmmm . . . .

Here's my opinion on what makes a good daily:
1. If a modified car . . . a car that YOU modified (assuming you have good fab skills) so that YOU can fix it; or
2. An OEM vehicle that can be serviced anywhere using readily available information. A nice, clean NC -- especially a PRHT -- is great.

But, you know, I'm funny like that . . . old and wise.

 

I agree with the feedback. If I were to swap it k series has an affordable kit on their site. I would do all the work myself and know its done right. Who on here would daily a k24 swapped miata? I know i would with a better final drive in 5th gear so im not at 4k rpm at 75 mph.

 

I would never make front wheel drive anything fast. It's stupid and pointless.

 

Wouldnt be that much faster plus cool project and good daily to save moneys

 

Just my 2 cents, but:
project
daily
modification
save moneys

those 4 don't mix

 

Going to disagree with you on that one... many platforms fwd/rwd/awd can be setup to do fantastic things fast.

On the Project/Daily/Modification/Save money one though... yeah... those don't make any sense.

To the OP: Get a stock car, toyota/honda something.... and just treat it for what it is... an appliance.