Buying NB series 2

[93_Clubman]

Original black Panasonic batteries in NB S2 are starting to go as the originals typically lasted about 12 years. Fortunately by NB S2 a number of minor weaker points had been sorted, so apart from clutch NB S2 just suffers mainly from EGI relay issues (green one in eng bay fuse box), crank position sensor issues, & occasionally from cam position sensor issues. A few NB S2 have also had ECU issues where water has got into the passenger side footwell.

[22Silver]

Replaced my roof with mohair. Requires 3 days of roof stretching and 8-14 hours fitment for the untrained.
I would pay $500 next time, rather than do it in 7.5hrs, because it is a PITA!
As everyone has said- radiator, roof, latches are the things that went on my car (133,333kms at the moment)

Shifter boots will likely be ripped, that's a cheap and easy fix.

Seats will almost ALL have a rip where it touches a plastic edge (bottom/side of the seat, on the outside edge) so don't worry about that. The foam is ugly yellow, but a sharpie can turn it black (invisible to the naked eye basically) with ease.

[taminga16]

As Emily said, check the pre-purchase guides and drive a few because even a shitty one will feel good. I have seen some horrid after market wiring, familiarise yourself with tidy engine bays and poke around under the dash with a torch and mirror, check the battery compartment and make sure that the venting hoses are working.
Greg.

[ED_MX5]

Thanks for all the help guys, and girls.
I appreciate the input. Hopefully I don't pick one with too many problems.
Lucky its only a weekend car. Fun to rebuild.
I've got good plans for the car. Over long term, but I plan on doing a bit.

[ED_MX5]

Just thought I'd ask, redirect me to appropriate thread if need be. But If I buy one that has the 'clutch shudder', whats the fix?
Is it just warped flywheel, unbalanced driveshaft? Any one know what the home mechanic can do to fix it?

[emily_mx5]

just get a new (non-oem) clutch.

or you could "improve" by fitting earlier model stuff.
machined oem NA6 flywheel (lighter)
new NA6 clutch kit (Exedy HD had a great feel and can hold more power if you decide to mod)

[kalt]

Lucky its only a weekend car. Fun to rebuild.

Oh that's a shame it's not a daily!
Otherwise you'd be joining the elite club "ARGHH!! Me Effing Back!"... a chance for you to rebuild your back too





But if you're going for a weekend car then maybe get a NA instead? Club plates, no aircon etc better value no?

[ED_MX5]

Not daily driver as I have company car to drive home.
And my father and I already have two other toy cars that are older.
MK1 Escort Targa rally car, now used for circuit work.
And 1991 Se Westfield clubman- They are a wicked drive. sorry, but handles EVEN BETTER than an MX5.
The MX5 is because the escort is a race car, no rego. The westfield is too annoying to drive in traffic, because car is so low, people don't see you. And it's an effort to drive.
The NB series 2 appealed because it is comfortable (enough for me) and has a roof (the westfield does not)
plus my mad need to build another car, and there is just so much available for them it just made sense.
One last reason, I love them.

[The Green Goblin]

i bought one not long ago.. pretty clean, low kms, mechanically sound etc. whilst searching i found that when seeing the cars in person they were quite thrashed, interior wise & paint. i guess you need to find the right owner.

the only issue i have mechanically is slight shudder with clutch, clutch also makes a constant hissing noise whilst not engaged, soon as engaged it goes away. was told this was normal by mech's (release bearing) but i think i will replace in due course..even thought it grips quite well & works fine.

otherwise so far its been fine & fun to drive, daily drive, is comfy.. i aim to turn into a weekend drive/track car so mods to begin soonish. cant go wrong man.. good luck with it.

[Rocky]

Re the Clutch.
No, it's not anything broken or out of adjustment. It's the clutch plate material that was changed for that model and turned out to be unsatisfactory.
Most were replaced under warranty or free as an unofficial 'recall'.
A few like mine are still as original because I wouldn't let the local dealer change my oil, let alone the clutch.
You get used to it and it really doesn't bother me anymore. You only notice it from rest.
A high mileage NB8B might be ready for a new clutch anyhow.

[Mr Morlock]

As a mechanic and into cars which seems to be the case then an MX5 P2 is a great choice. No real need to mod them - they drive so well and very competent and usable. They are a car that gets dríven by enthusiasts just like Porsches- drivers enjoy them. Best advice is buy a good one and not buy the cheapest. Recommended timing belt etc at 100,000kms. The items that 93 mentioned are right but you cannot really tell when or if they will malfunction. Coils can go as well - but that would be no surprise- if something fails it gets replaced and to a mechanic thats easy .

[bootz]

just get a new (non-oem) clutch.

or you could "improve" by fitting earlier model stuff.
machined oem NA6 flywheel (lighter)
new NA6 clutch kit (Exedy HD had a great feel and can hold more power if you decide to mod)

Ah, hate to correct you Em, but nb2 fly is lighter than na6. Sounds counter intuitive i know, but that's the way it is.

OP get an SE and then mod the hell out of it mechanically, seems like the way to go.

[ED_MX5]

I will prob end up replacing clutch just because I can. If it may have issues, its not a big job to change. So I might just do it and upgrade to heavy duty. And will only put reasonably light FW on it, as too light ruins all low end torque.
I have been doing heaps of research... have some good ideas. Now all I have to do it save and buy the car and do it all as I can afford it, as well as the other cars. Or win the LOTTO, anyone got the winning number???