Mazda Roadster NB6C / NB8C
Import a Mazda Roadster (NB6C / NB8C) from Japan, found at auction, scanned before it ships, and delivered with a report anyone can verify.
- Built in Japan
- 1998–2005
- Engine
- B6-ZE 1.6 L or BP 1.8 L four (turbo on the Roadster Turbo), rear-wheel drive
About the NB6C / NB8C
The second-generation Roadster went on sale in Japan in January 1998, now badged Mazda. Production ended in July 2005 and sales in August 2005 (ja.wikipedia). Carsensor lists production as January 1998 to July 2005. At launch the 1.6 L made 125 PS and the 1.8 L 145 PS (ja.wikipedia).
A July 2000 update brought the variable-valve BP-VE 1.8 L, rated 160 PS with the manual (ja.wikipedia). The fixed-roof Roadster Coupe went on sale on 9 October 2003. Mazda E&T built it to order, and 179 were delivered. The limited Roadster Turbo followed on 24 December 2003 with 172 PS. Mazda planned 350 and delivered 300 (ja.wikipedia).
The NB carried the Roadster into its record years. Japanese Wikipedia says the second generation reached 290,123 cars across all markets, and in July 2000 Guinness named the Roadster the most-produced two-seat open sports car. Japan received rare factory specials: the Mazdaspeed Roadster of 24 May 2001, limited to 200 cars and based on the 1.8 RS, and the 2003 Roadster Turbo, rated at 172 PS and 21.3 kgm.
- Power (1.8, 2000–05)
- 160 PS at 7,000 rpm (manual)
- Torque (1.8)
- 17.3 kgm at 5,500 rpm
- Power (1.6)
- 125 PS at 6,500 rpm
- Weight
- 1,000–1,120 kg
- Gearbox
- 5-speed manual (1.6, Carsensor)
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
- Built
- 290,123 (all markets)
Can an NB6C / NB8C come in?
Both countries count from the month on the build plate, so a car can become eligible part-way through a year. We check the plate on every car.
Quebec registers right-hand-drive cars only at 25 years. Every other province follows the federal 15-year rule.
US sourcing is planned for 2027, once a customs broker confirms the duty rate on Japanese classics. Enquiries are welcome now.
Which cars roll in next? See the 2027 US calendar and the 2027 Canada calendar.
What to look at on an NB6C / NB8C
The model-specific weak points we look for in the auction sheet, the photos and the scan.
Front chassis rails
The double-skinned front rails can rot from inside. Inspect them on a ramp with the undertray removed.
Sills and rear arches
Check where the sills meet the rear arches, and judge the quality of any patch repairs.
Drains and roof seal
Blocked sill and roof drains trap water. Damp carpets point to a leaking roof or blocked drains.
Timing belt
The belt should be changed every five years. If there is no proof of a recent change, budget for one.
Turbo claims
Verify any turbo car's history, since undeclared forced induction affects insurance and resale. Mazda delivered only 300 factory Roadster Turbos in Japan.
What we check on every NB6C / NB8C
The auction sheet, in full
Every line of the original Japanese sheet translated: repair marks, rust notes, interior score.
The build plate
The month of manufacture decides eligibility, so we read it off the car, not the registration.
Mileage against the records
Dash and ECU against the auction sheet and Japan's inspection history.
Flood and accident history
Checked before export, while a claim is still possible.
A full diagnostic scan
Every module read inside the auction's 5-day claim window, so a hidden fault goes back to the seller.
Underneath
Chassis rails, floors and suspension, where snow-country salt does its damage.
What landing one costs: see the worked examples; an enquiry gets you the figure for this car. New to auction sheets? Read how to read one.
What an NB6C / NB8C costs
Published figures with their source and date. Prices move with condition, mileage and grade; an enquiry gets auction results for the car you want.
| What | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Japan used-car average asking price, whole Jan 1998–Jul 2005 generation Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥1.23 million | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
| NB used-market range in Japan; near-stock cars centre around ¥2 million total (100+ listings) Best Car, Jul 2026 | about ¥0.5–4.4 million | Best Car , Jul 2026 |
| Roadster Coupe, all three cars listed in Japan (Type S) Best Car, Jul 2026 | about ¥2.8–4.3 million | Best Car , Jul 2026 |
Figures as published by each source; not offers from us. Landed cost in Canada adds shipping, duty, GST/HST and provincial fees.
NB6C / NB8C buyer questions
Can I import an NB to the US?
Cars built up to October 2001 pass the 25-year rule now, and later cars qualify month by month until July 2030. Canada accepts every NB, since production ended in July 2005. Check the build month on the car’s plate.
Which NB is best?
The July 2000 update brought the variable-valve BP-VE 1.8 L, rated at 160 PS with the manual, so later 1.8 cars are quicker than the 125 PS 1.6. The Mazdaspeed Roadster (200 cars) and Roadster Turbo (300 delivered) are the rare ones.
What is the main thing to check?
Rust in the double-skinned front chassis rails and where the sills meet the rear arches. Inspect from underneath with the undertray off, and check that the sill and roof drains are clear.
Want an NB6C / NB8C?
Tell us the grade, colour and budget. We reply with eligibility for your province or state and what these are fetching in Japan now, and contact you when sourcing opens.