I speak for everyone, get the damn Miata and have a good time.

 

Well said & yes game over, it's the MX-5 Miata.
One thing I noticed was there aren't that many mods for the NC Miata's after taking a look at Ebay & other sites. Even google images barely anything came up.
More specifically "body kit's".

 

You are correct about the lack of stuff for the NC. The big thing for you would be the on board hardtop. This is a bonus for an apartment dweller. If you had a condo with a garage you may like the NB series better. It is lighter than the NC. Even the new ND is lighter than the NC. The NB suspension has more travel in the rear than the NA. I like the NA with removable hard top best. You can make more travel in the rear with a few parts. It is the lightest. It looks more like the Lotus Elan. Easy to work on and doesn't really need that much maintenance.

Try looking around over at https://forum.miata.net/vb/ There is a wealth of knowledge over there. Much like here. MrMustang can help you find a primo example. Hold out for a lower mileage primo example of whatever used car you get. They are always out there. Better to have the low mileage example so you have the available miles left for you.

You're just getting started. The hunt can be as fun as the find.

 

Well said & agreed.
The only Mazda MX-5 Miata's I'm currently look for are the hardtop convertible one's. This would be the best option for me for various different reasons including the one you suggested.
The NA miata's are just amazing with so many cheap mods you can do. It's very exciting but it's not practical for me at-least that's what I think.

There some 2006 one's on sale with around 85k miles grand touring hardtop convertible for $8500. Terrible dark green exterrior colour though, but whatever, at this budget I can't be picky with colours.
There is a really nice black (fav exterior colour) 2009 grand touring hard top convertible with only 35k miles but it's $13,500. At that price point I'd rather try and buy a good Honda S2000 or a Mercedes SLK 350 with 70k-ish miles.

 

Not to pour water on the miata idea but the primary reason I sold my NB is it was miserable on long trips due to the buzziness of the motor, excessive road noise, and the cramped space. Hopefully the NC is better. As a disclaimer to that is I did have an aftermarket exhaust and slightly stiffer motor mounts. At 75-80 mph the engine was at 4K RPM and you felt every one of them. For some reason the S is much more manageable despite similar RPM. I guess my advice is to take it on a highway cruise before making the purchase.

Steer clear of a 5+ year old German car in your position. I second the Civic SI recommendation. Fun, practical, and reliable.

 

The Civic Si would a great choice, but I feel you really want the small convertible so in that case I also say Miata NC. 2006 and up. You should be able to find a nice one for under 8k. At that price you can get a way better condition Miata NC than s2000. Honestly, I sometimes mistake a Silver NC with a Hardtop for an S2000. Add lowering springs and they really look cool. As a student you don't need to be bothered with upkeep and repair costs on a Mercedes. Stay with the Miata. If you don't find it fun, roadsters aren't your thing anyway. If you do, then maybe later get an S2000.

 

Hopefully the NC isn't like that then because that would seriously be terrible.
Civic seriously is a great car, reliable, maintenance free, practical, but not "FUN" for me. It has no sort of taste, just looks like another everyday car. Doesn't have even the slightest of looks that would appreciate or I would've gone for it.

Are lowering springs expensive?
Which lowering springs are the best on miata NC for everyday SMOOTH drive?
I dont want to lower it so much that it hits the bottom when I go ever speed bumps.
What is the max you can lower it but yet not be worried about it hitting the bottom with speed bumps/bumps/ramps etc ... ?

Thanks.

 

I can find a "nice" miata NC for under 8k? One that's a hard top convertible?
The cheapest hardtop I found was $8,500 with 85k miles.

If so, where should I be looking exactly?
Certain websites you recommend?

 

GTI? Values are great right now, just sold a 60k mile 2011MY for $11k. It's a fun, torquey little car, hugely practical and has a uniqueness to it, like plaid seats. Maintenance isn't terrible for a german car and the build quality is pretty top notch. Nice comfy quiet ride. I even had my mom ride shotgun for 4 hours and no complaints.

It was too boring for me, but I also daily drove my old s2000 for two years with 800lb springs and a 120dB exhaust so.................

 

Hate the look of GTI.
I personally don't want it.
How much were you paying annually for maintenance on the GTI since it's a German car.