NB8A vs. NB8B as daily driver car - Fair price difference

Aussie Stig · Postby **Aussie Stig** » Thu Feb 13, 2014 12:51 am

You are leading him up the wrong path.
The best mx-5 is a NA 1.6 with no PS or AC or ABS or Airbags, just a pure original roadster.

Charlie Brown · Postby **Charlie Brown** » Thu Feb 13, 2014 8:27 am

Clan wrote:All great inputs! The way I see it is an NB8B is the sweet spot for me. Now, I just have to find that little lady willing to sell it...

Are the 2003 onwards models (NB8C?) more desirable in terms of equipment? Are the lower power/extra weight noticeable?

There was no "actual" drop in power, the method of measuring the output changed.

The 8C started in late November 2002 build date and ran through to the release of the NC in August 2005. From memory, there was a change to the trim around the "A" pillar, the OBDII inclusion, low fuel light, etc.

speed freak · Postby **speed freak** » Thu Feb 13, 2014 7:54 pm

Its not like the nb8b weighs 2 tonne...

Ok granted it weighs more then a na6 but its not like comparing a 1000 kg car to a 1200 kg car. The nb8b is not a heavy car, the power increase is nice and with the 6 speed box, while its not the best feeling box, accelerates nicely through the rev range. People say they are slow too... ok they arent a supercar but I wouldnt call them slow, especially for a street car drive it properly and you could very quickly exceed even the highest legal speed limit. (not that Im suggesting you do that, just saying)

Main thing is just choose one you like, one you can afford and one you will be happy with. All generations are a great example of a fantastic sports car.

emx005 · Postby **emx005** » Fri Feb 14, 2014 12:36 pm

Tossed up between an NB8A and NB8B for the last few weeks.

Most of the 8B listed prices are well above those of an 8A and it took a few weeks to find the right car which I pick up tomorrow YAY!

After owning 2 NA's, I really wanted to get into an NB and finally found a nice low km (69k) NB8B for a great price.

Wasn't worried about ABS (haven't had it before in the NA's) and to be honest the 6 speed gearbox is neither here nor there as we use the other car for highway driving. I wouldn't have been unhappy in an NB8A as I always could have swapped out the seats and wheels for not a lot of coin. Finding a 14-16 year old car with low kms is much harder than finding a 12 year old car with low kms.

This was what helped make my decision.

zero00 · Postby **zero00** » Fri Feb 14, 2014 12:54 pm

Aussie Stig wrote:You are leading him up the wrong path.
The best mx-5 is a NA 1.6 with no PS or AC or ABS or Airbags, just a pure original roadster.

Having both an NA and also an NB8A, I agree with 'Stig', you can't go past the NA

Of course I'm spoiled being lucky enough to own an NA that 'Stig' parted with a few owners prior! Me sell? No amount of money right now could convince me to part with that NA!

As for the ride? The NA has KYB-AGX/King Springs and KU36's, the highway ride is absolutely no different to the NB8A which has same tyres and TEIN SS :wink:

Clan · Postby **Clan** » Sat Feb 15, 2014 8:18 am

Aussie Stig wrote: The best mx-5 is a NA 1.6 with no PS or AC or ABS or Airbags, just a pure original roadster.

I agree, Aussie Stig, that NA is a great car, but it's hard to find an unmolested/unmodified one who doesn't need quite substantial mechanical or esthetical/paint refreshment. I cannot afford now to buy one and start tinkering it; I just want to drive it straight away and use it as a daily drive, hence the weight I put on better comfort and safety features later generations are coming with.

Clan · Postby **Clan** » Sat Feb 15, 2014 8:21 am

speed freak wrote:Main thing is just choose one you like, one you can afford and one you will be happy with. All generations are a great example of a fantastic sports car.

Totally agree!