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I've always been after an NA as I really like the style, and of course the pop up lights. I'm also quite tall and research suggested that with mods an NA fits well. I have recently found that I fit in an NC, and started to look into them. I would prefer a hard top, but I also found that the MY09+ are the best options due to the engine strengthening. The ones I were interested are sold now, and I can't really justify the higher prices of the MY09+ of the remaining ones. So lately I've been trying to work out what is a better option, going for an NA in good condition for a price premium or buying an early model NC before any of the improvements, particularly the 2005 as they can be had for only a couple thousand more. Which would be a smarter buy? Are those NC models reliable or are the improvements over the years worth the extra costs?

If you are seriously considering an NC why would you even bother with an NA.

NA's are now becoming the type of cars that require preventative maintenance with management into the near future now. Not juts a bit of Maintenance.

Id have a hard to over a soft top any day.

I really like the NA stylings that it's hard to step away from it. I think the interior is nicer than the NC as it manages to have a timeless look, where as the NC looks alright for the most part but has some pretty horrible pieces of plastic.

Its personal choice and preferences but on practical grounds including safety its a no contest- an NC is a better proposition. Timeless looks- well is a TR4A more timeless or a TC or an MGB or a Healey. An NA is a brilliant little older sports car which qualifies for Club Plates in Vic and that will save some them from the wreckers etc but 25 years or so is getting on.

I have a low km NB8B and an NA8. Last Monday I drove an NC for the first time. Guess what?...The NC had lumbar support!!! Man was I impressed.

There was some discussion around (and I'm too lazy to find it) about the whole "NC's as boats" thing and their actually being the same weight or lighter than much of the later range of NB's (VVT, additional bracing, bigger wheels etc). We had one on the scales at a Morgan Park event last year and IIRC it was pretty much bang on 1100 kg, vs 1062 for my NB8A. Reading around they've kept the tradition of being mechanically pretty bulletproof, too.

If OP hasn't already, get a good amount of seat time in both to assist your decision.

Early NC's are fine, I did well over 30 track days in my 05 when I had it with no engine or gearbox issues and plenty of others have done the same. The strengthened engine and gearbox fork in the NC2 is nice but the NC1 is still a reliable car and on average will still be more reliable than a 25 year old NA.

Watch out with some of the really cheap NC's as some are repaired write offs (do the obvious get an inspection fine, do a revs check etc..) but there are value NC's out there.

This one could run for ever. For me the single biggest plus of the NC over the NA is the ease of erecting & dropping the soft top and not having to worry about scratching the back window. And of course the improved seat comfort. AND the better sound system. AND not having to worry about the headlights not popping. AND the improved shoulder space. AND the........oh dear I think I'll stop there, my eyebrows are hurting.

Any car that is fifteen year younger is gonna have better gizmos. Whether it be a MX5 or not. Sometimes though people aren't look only for better gizmos.