mx5cartalk.com

Hello all!

I've been a roadster fan for ages, sadly from afar. MX-5s have long been on my radar, and I now have my heart set on an NB-SE later this year.

The potential of the car, and the endless options to personalise it are staggering! I'm not looking to create a track monster, just a sporty, stylish, fun daily driver to liven up the the commute, and to play with on the weekends.

I really liked Lokiel's mods, gives me lots of inspiration (need to get my hands on one of those double-bubble tourneaus!). I reallly had my heart set on replacing the steering wheel with a Prototipo, and was crushed to find out that we can't replace airbag steering wheels with non-airbag wheels. I mean crushed! Considered going for an NA just to get that wheel, but I think the SE is for me.

Loving this forum, looking forward to learning from you all and joining the community out on the road soon!

Welcome to the obsession!
The SE is a great choice and Lokiel's mods are well thought out and are a good template to use if you are that way inclined.
(Just don't mention 17" wheels)

I feel your pain re: steering wheel restrictions, but the SE wheel grows on you.

If you are serious about getting a SE later this year, may I suggest you start keep a "scrap book" of all the SE ads now (carsales, gumtree, ebay, etc).
That way, when you are ready to buy, you can follow trends on pricing versus kms/condition versus modifications.
It also helps to find the cars that have been for sale for a long time (read: seller may be more inclined to be flexible on sale price).
And don't be afraid to buy from interstate.
Best of luck, and once again, welcome!

Welcome.

Freddy's scrapbook idea is a good one.

ManiacLachy wrote::
I reallly had my heart set on replacing the steering wheel with a Prototipo, and was crushed to find out that we can't replace airbag steering wheels with non-airbag wheels. I mean crushed! Considered going for an NA just to get that wheel, but I think the SE is for me.
:

I sympathise completely. I'd love a flat-bottomed steering wheel to make entry/exit easier and am currently driving a 1.6L NA with Momo steering wheel that feels fantastic (not flat-bottomed though).

The SEs are coming up more often than they used to so take your time and choose wisely.

Also, I think I read a whisper about 17" rims

If the car comes with them, you can use that as a negotiating point to get a cheaper price on the car since you'll want to upgrade then to 15" or 16" rims in future (sorry, couldn't help myself).

Thanks for the warm welcome guys. I have definitely caught the obession, a few things to sort out in other areas of life, then it's on to the SE!

I've saved several cars through Carsales, but recording them would be a good idea to keep a history. I think I should also start a mods scrap book, so many great possibilities. I'm hearing you on the 15"/16" wheels too.

Are there any aftermarket steering wheel options that carry an airbag?

ManiacLachy wrote::Are there any aftermarket steering wheel options that carry an airbag?

When I was looking initially I didn't find any options. The problem is that the airbag itself is expensive (and dangerous) and would need to be certified to ADR standards for each car type - way too much mulah for any aftermarket manufacturers to concern themselves with and way too costly for most consumers to even consider purchasing.

Good point. Oh well, plenty other things to keep me occupied, when I get there

Welcome!

As it is inevitable it will be said, I should add it quickly - NA + Choo Choo + Flat bottomed wheel = Happy

Do-able for around the price of a good SE

Well I started my scrap book, it very quickly became many pages long, with lots of pictures and links! Sort of a wish list of parts and mods. I have quite a clear picture in my head of how I'd like the car to evolve already. Of course, I have no doubts my wants and expectation will change with time and experience with the car.

Just a few months and I think I'll be ready to get my car!

I have considered going the NA route, there are some spectacular versions out there, but I think the SE is the one for me, in Titanium or Black, please

I know of some one who swapped their Nb steering wheel a porche one from Germany and it cost around $1000! Not sure if he is on this forum.

ManiacLachy wrote:Well I started my scrap book, it very quickly became many pages long, with lots of pictures and links! Sort of a wish list of parts and mods. I have quite a clear picture in my head of how I'd like the car to evolve already. Of course, I have no doubts my wants and expectation will change with time and experience with the car.

Just a few months and I think I'll be ready to get my car!

I have considered going the NA route, there are some spectacular versions out there, but I think the SE is the one for me, in Titanium or Black, please

Welcome!

Titanium is a great colour, and black looks spectacular but getting a hold of one of the 13 that Australia got could be a long wait!

Crapweasel wrote:Welcome!

Titanium is a great colour, and black looks spectacular but getting a hold of one of the 13 that Australia got could be a long wait!

Agreed, Titanium is by far the best colour..... But then I'm a bit biased there.......

As for getting a black one, well...... it just depends on how much you're willing to fork out, and how much time he want's to spend cleaning it!
http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/detai ... =2&sdmvc=1
Although I'm pretty sure this one is already in Lachy's scrapbook...

Good luck with the search there Lachy, speaking as a recent SE purchaser, I still have that goofy smile every time I take mine out of the garage.... for any reason.... I can come up with.... and ummmm..... I can be fairly creative on that front too.....

Thanks all. Yep, I've got that black one tagged, but for $21K, I'll keep on walking! There's a great Sunlight Silver up at Caboolture (about an hour from me) for a great price + hard top, but I don't think I want silver ... so picky!

Funny you should mention the porsche wheel, maxgus, I was thinking something like their Sport Design wheel would fit my looks desires (simple classic looks, unadorned spokes, nice thick rim) and the government requirements, don't think I have the bank for it though

Hi Lachy, welcome and good luck with the future purchase.
I had a Momo on my 124 Sport in the late 70s - see vintage photo - they are certainly a nice touch for an enthusiast but the standard MX5 tiller is not the ugliest one I have ever seen and lets face it, when you're driving you are not looking at it.

Thanks Rocky, great photo. You're right, the standard wheel really isn't a problem at all, and worrying about it now is putting the cart before the horse. First, get the car!