MX5 Owners in here....bring your curling tongs

Well I’ve been looking at picking up something fun to drive, I’ve currently got an E-Class Coupe that I’m planning on selling as I’m not doing the mileage to justify a diesel and would prefer not to be paying off a car that probably isn’t what I need.

I’ve been looking at spending around £6000 to just buy something and looking for something “fun” and for that all roads seem to lead to an MX5 for that kind of budget!!!

Ideally looking at 2.0 Litre and probably a Sport Tech (keen on AC & Cruise Control).
Aside from rust is there anything in particular I should be looking out for?
 
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NCs tend to have less headaches that NBs, rear arches aside, especially on early years. Not sure if 6k gets you into a looked after Sport Tech with bells and whistles with summer tax in play though. A slight factor since I believe the NCs are chain so service history will be a factor.

Parts are fairly cheap on most of the range so outside of rot you can't really argue with MX5s.
 
Might be an unpopular opinion but get a retractable hard top version without a doubt.

Your ears will thank you at 60+

I'd have probably kept my NC if I could live with the noiiiise.
 
Thanks guys, so far I’m mainly seeing Hardtops around with very few soft tops, I was always leaning toward that anyway.

As I said I’m willing to spend a bit more for a looked after one with lower mileage, etc but do appreciate it’s the time of year for them!
 
Thanks guys, so far I’m mainly seeing Hardtops around with very few soft tops, I was always leaning toward that anyway.

As I said I’m willing to spend a bit more for a looked after one with lower mileage, etc but do appreciate it’s the time of year for them!
I bought mine in the depths of winter over a year ago and they're still the same price as I paid then. It's fun having the heated seat on full and the roof down when its minus degrees outside, maybe wait unless the summer tax doesn't bother you :)
 
This thread popping up has reminded me of my intrigue over the mk3 BBR turbo and Super 225 cars.

Don't think I've ever seen a 225 for sale but there are a reasonable number of the turbo'd cars available. Anyone ever driven or been in one? The refinement of a folding tin top version with some proper power must transform them (but maybe loses something in the process?)
 
This thread popping up has reminded me of my intrigue over the mk3 BBR turbo and Super 225 cars.

Don't think I've ever seen a 225 for sale but there are a reasonable number of the turbo'd cars available. Anyone ever driven or been in one? The refinement of a folding tin top version with some proper power must transform them (but maybe loses something in the process?)

My main issue with the NC is that to get a good one you need a 09+ really and to get into one of those you need 7k plus for a decent example. This puts it in direct competition with the S2000 which is a no brainer. If hardtop is what you need buy an slk instead.
 
Can see where youre coming from but there always trade offs though aren't there?

S2000 for track work I reckon would be a no brainer, but I can also see the appeal of a newer car (Vs the S2000, like you say probably a 2009 + car Vs what...2002?) that will likely (with turbo) be quicker on road.

Must admit I haven't driven any newer SLK but it's a fair one to mention, they seem to get a bit forgotten about. Can't help but feel you would lose the relatively low running cost of the Japanese cars by one trip to Mercedes though (even Merc specialists seem to charge a small fortune).

Should say I'm not considering buying an NC, turbo charged or otherwise just find the modified cars interesting at the price point
 
I've driven a BBR Turbo MK3 on a small track before somebody else overheated it :D can't recall exact power, imagine it's around 280-300 all I can say is I was amazed how linear and smooth the power delivery is, no traction issues unless you decide you don't want traction.
 
Can see where youre coming from but there always trade offs though aren't there?

S2000 for track work I reckon would be a no brainer, but I can also see the appeal of a newer car (Vs the S2000, like you say probably a 2009 + car Vs what...2002?) that will likely (with turbo) be quicker on road.

Must admit I haven't driven any newer SLK but it's a fair one to mention, they seem to get a bit forgotten about. Can't help but feel you would lose the relatively low running cost of the Japanese cars by one trip to Mercedes though (even Merc specialists seem to charge a small fortune).

Should say I'm not considering buying an NC, turbo charged or otherwise just find the modified cars interesting at the price point

Turbo charged NC is Z4M/Boxster S territory which is a whole new level. Like I said earlier the price point of NC is at a strange place despite how much I actually like them. (I'm 6ft 2")
 
My main issue with the NC is that to get a good one you need a 09+ really and to get into one of those you need 7k plus for a decent example. This puts it in direct competition with the S2000 which is a no brainer. If hardtop is what you need buy an slk instead.

I've driven multiple S2000's and whilst they were lovely cars the power poor compared to a BBR NC (I have one so I would say that). I came from a 300bhp S14a when I test drove various S2000's and was pretty dissapointed with the power delivery which is why I ended up going for a turbo charged NC. They are not as high end feeling as a S2000, but take the extra power better and are less fussy with geo setup making them a better car in my opinion. I have driven Mk1 Mx5s, S2000's and owned multiple Mk2/mk2.5 MX5's so I at least have some idea of where I'm coming from
 
I've driven multiple S2000's and whilst they were lovely cars the power poor compared to a BBR NC (I have one so I would say that). I came from a 300bhp S14a when I test drove various S2000's and was pretty dissapointed with the power delivery which is why I ended up going for a turbo charged NC. They are not as high end feeling as a S2000, but take the extra power better and are less fussy with geo setup making them a better car in my opinion. I have driven Mk1 Mx5s, S2000's and owned multiple Mk2/mk2.5 MX5's so I at least have some idea of where I'm coming from

You are comparing a stock car to a modified one which is a moot point. How would a turbocharged S2000 compare to your BBR MX5?
 
Picking up a great 2000 NB MX5 on the weekend. Chassis legs and sills done, new exhaust, cambelt recent, sealed underside, tidy car. It has some great wheels too. It looks like a boggo spec car, which is a shame as I did want the Torsen LSD. For how tidy the bodywork is, I couldn't pass it up.
 
Just got new discs (pagids) and pads (ebc yellow stuff) all round and two new calipers. Off to the Isle of Wight tomorrow and Saturday so should get some decent pics :)
 
You are comparing a stock car to a modified one which is a moot point. How would a turbocharged S2000 compare to your BBR MX5?

Given that S2000's are not made any more they command high money, I guess it depends whether you want something out the box or are willing to modify or to buy modified. discounting the money I would take a decent S2000 over a standard NC, however when you factor in the money aspect a turbo'd NC makes far more sense (to me anyway)
 
Picking up a great 2000 NB MX5 on the weekend. Chassis legs and sills done, new exhaust, cambelt recent, sealed underside, tidy car. It has some great wheels too. It looks like a boggo spec car, which is a shame as I did want the Torsen LSD. For how tidy the bodywork is, I couldn't pass it up.

This is exactly what my friend done. Bought a horrible looking MX5. Had both sills and chassis legs done but no paint. Just black stonechip. He bought an LSD for it from a 1.8i S which was cheap enough and used moi to fit it for him.
 
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