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Hi all I'm pretty set on my next car being an MX5 or S2000, but there are none of either for sale for hundreds of km's in any direction. I'm in the Whitsundays doing post-cyclone recovery work. I was wondering if there was someone here that might like to show me their car, I'd love to get a feel for one before I think about traveling to find one.
Thanks

I thought you were looking for someone to help you buy property in the Whitsundays! I think you'd have the wrong forum for that!

Not too many members up that way that I know of, if you find yourself down Brisbane way we could help, but maybe someone will pop out of the wood work. Otherwise we can help answer any general questions you have.

ManiacLachy wrote:I thought you were looking for someone to help you buy property in the Whitsundays! I think you'd have the wrong forum for that!

Not too many members up that way that I know of, if you find yourself down Brisbane way we could help, but maybe someone will pop out of the wood work. Otherwise we can help answer any general questions you have.

Ha yeah it does read like that now that you point it out Yes definitely heaps in the cities, it's amazing how few interesting cars there are up north. From all my reading I like the idea of an NB2, but still curious about an NA so was keen to get a feel for both.

The saying goes, "The NB is the better car, the NA is the better MX-5". The NA has lots of charm and character, it's a bit loose and floppy without all the reinforcement that went into the NB but that adds to the feel of it. The NB has better stiffening, brakes, power, etc, but loses some of that character. Both the NA and NB have a world of modifications to make the car uniquely yours, if you're into that. And while they won't be the fastest, they're both ready to go to a track, or the hills right out of the box (with a little general maintenance to fluids, brakes, etc - we're talking about cars 12-27 years old!)

The S2K is a much nicer "car". It's the premium product and it's better in most quantifiable ways, and has it's own character, but I don't know if I'd say it has any charm Of course, it's more expensive in almost every way as well.

But as you've realised, you need to go test them out to see what suits you best. If there are any around in local used lots you should go and test them out.

The S2k probably has probably the stiffest body of all roadsters. Marvellous. Lots of character and speed. But a modded SE is better and more engaging I reckon. Easier and cheaper to maintain too.

S2ks still command a big price for a nice example. Almost all of them have been modded beyond recognition.

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Thanks ManiacLachy, Danny, smy0003
I've come to the intellectual understanding of the difference between the NA and NB, now I'm just keen to experience it. Unfortunately haven't come across any on car yards.
See it's my logic that looks at the higher figures of an NB and S2K and thinks that's better, but I fully appreciate what I've read about the NA, and I think that something like that can't be evaluated on paper, I need to feel it. I'll just keep waiting and driving around in my ute, see if someone shows up, if one doesn't appear I'll go on a mission one day.

Have you dríven an S2000?

The biggest complaint most have with them is that they have no low down torque so DD in traffic sucks - NA/NBs don't suffer this issue.

Get the revs up and the S2000 is fine but it's not a practical DD car at all.

Lokiel wrote:Have you dríven an S2000?

The biggest complaint most have with them is that they have no low down torque so DD in traffic sucks - NA/NBs don't suffer this issue.

Get the revs up and the S2000 is fine but it's not a practical DD car at all.

I Haven't dríven one, but now I see - peak torque at 7500rpm - that is seriously high! That's a good point you've made Lokiel, I'm quite keen on an MX5

As fate would have it one has appeared, about 150km away where I'll be heading for a job next week. 2001 NB2 manual 118k, claims always garaged and very tidy, service history, he is asking $10k. I know what's on carsales, but I don't know what they actually end up selling for, how does this deal sound? Obviously haven't seen it yet.

That sounds fine and price right. If its in good condition with history and you do a on line check for write iff etc then you better move. For an affordable fun sports car at a reasonable price they cannot be beaten. That model is a great car. It a sports car built for fun and enjoyment.

Sounds about right, a friend paid a little more for one with ~80k on it a couple of weeks ago here in Brisbane. 2001 is a good year, has the VVT motor, so it's as good as it gets naturally aspirated. Good luck.

shepherd wrote:2001 NB2 manual 118k, claims always garaged and very tidy, service history, he is asking $10k.

Obviously totally dependent on what actual condition is, but $9k max if no hardtop.

Just so you are aware, hardtops go for about 1200 and then you have to factor in paint if you want it to match.

Personally I own a modded NA that I use as a weekender. I absolutely love the feel and look of it and the performance (in turbo form) surprises many other cars.

If you are looking for a daily, the NB would be the better car, comfort, interior, safety features and NA performance.

Good luck with your search

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My job got cancelled so I haven't been to drive that car. I saw an nc for hire, $125 per day and thought I'd give it a go, but I rang the guy and it was auto so I didn't bother.

So if this nb is 10k, it kind of makes the NB SE looking pretty appealing for only another 4k or so.