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There is plenty of info on this site regarding NB’s but just wondering if there is a year model considered to be the standout model.
Many changes happened along the way eg 5 and 6 speed and some seem to have greater rigidity than others. It’s not just a matter of buying the latest model - or is it? I ask this as there are many examples of low mileage nb’s coming onto the market and it would be good to know which one to look for.

Double post

NB8B is the best MX5 without any shadow of a doubt, especially if heavy modifications are not planned.

NitroDann wrote:NB8B is the best MX5 without any shadow of a doubt, especially if heavy modifications are not planned.

I'd argue that "if heavy modifications are not planned", the SE is the best option.
It's got the best seats, best chassis bracing, a LSD and sexiest trim.
Add a CAI (cheap), bump the boost to 10psi with a MBC (cheap) and you can get ~135rwkw which is a lot of fun with no negative impact.

Not so Good:
You need to upgrade the 17" boat anchors to 15" rims and get coilovers to eliminate the resulting 4WD look.
Once you've made the CAI and boost modz referred to above, you'll be addicted to "MOAR POWA" which gets expensive - once you've "maxed-out" the OEM IHI turbo you'll realise that you need to upgrade it which requires a new manifold, exhaust, ECU and injectors and you SHOULD have bought a base-model NB8B/C instead since all of the turbo-stuff that you paid for initially needs to be thrown out.

It really depends what you want to do with the car that dictates what the best NB is.

eg. The NB8A had the worst seats, crappy headlights, crappy ignition coils, and least bracing. All that can be easily fixed with aftermarket modz.

If you're after a specific colour then you will be limited too.

NitroDann wrote:NB8B is the best MX5 without any shadow of a doubt, especially if heavy modifications are not planned.

Really? I could see the NB8B being the best for extensive modification, but with its feature list from factory is it really better than the NC and ND?

The best for extensive mods is probably NA, because its lightest and cheapest as a roller, and youre replacing everything it came with anyway, right?

So the converse is fairly accurate too. If you are not going to extensively modify it, go the best NB8b you can afford. The SE argument hardly holds water because its just so expensive for what you get, of course this is just, like, my opinion.. man.
Dann

NB8B is the better car is most ways.

The 8A used to be a better mod base because of the non-vvt engine, but now that ecu tech is a lot better, it's a moot point.


Personally I think the 8A looks better, a more cohesive design.

Only an NB8A owner could think they look better than an NB8B. I wouldn't own an NB8A, it's a real in between car. As has been said, the NB8B is the best car with mild mods, $ for $, you can not beat it with any other MX5. Only way to improve it is to instal all the NB8B bits into an NA shell.

What prompted me to ask the question was two NB’s for sale on Carsales one with 19000 k’s and one with 35000. Both red which is my favourite colour in them 2000 and 2003. Thinking with such low k’s might be a good upgrade for my NA.

Its a real subjective can of worms.

First we had the garden veriety of the NB8A.
Then there was the 10AE with LSD 6 speed & ABS tower brace
Then there was the heritage.....unique color and ohhh that leather. I think it was 6 speed
The there was the NB8B all the 10AE owners got pissed off cause it had 6 speed & ABS
then there was the 2002 special edition.....with wheels that weighted a ton....camel color leather seats. special color top....
The SP!!!! you had to be there to experience the excitement...or even just when the SP was announced....the sheer excitement among MX5Club members. who was putting down a deposit .....who wasn't taking the chance....who could afford it.
I'm sure ive also missed a few special models....

which was the best model in what senses & what point of reference?

were going to argue that all day.

Out of he box I like the NB8A as a driving experience the least.But the SE the most. The steering is crap on the 8A's they started getting it right again with the SE.....

I just got a SP25 Astina....and that car is incredible with all the fruit. I'm worried I may not like the NA6 when I get it back on the road

trader wrote:What prompted me to ask the question was two NB’s for sale on Carsales one with 19000 k’s and one with 35000. Both red which is my favourite colour in them 2000 and 2003. Thinking with such low k’s might be a good upgrade for my NA.

I'd be going for that 2003 hands down

oooops sorry

StanTheMan wrote:

trader wrote:What prompted me to ask the question was two NB’s for sale on Carsales one with 19000 k’s and one with 35000. Both red which is my favourite colour in them 2000 and 2003. Thinking with such low k’s might be a good upgrade for my NA.

I'd be going for that 2003 hands down

I'm not going to join in the navel gazing comparing models, positives and negatives, opinions and facts. I'll just say I agree with Stan's summary if you really want a newer car. Or just stick with your NA.

trader wrote:It’s not just a matter of buying the latest model - or is it?

Think in this instance it is.

trader wrote:Thinking ... might be a good upgrade for my NA.

However, think it depends on what you mean by 'a good upgrade'. You, as a long time NA6 & NA8 owner & driver, might not find the driving experience as rewarding depending on what you value most. Think a drive of multiple later models would be a good idea so you can make a valid [to you] assessment of what you want to achieve.

Driving an NB this afternoon so should get a good idea. Just struck by the low k’s one until I read the service manual - two services in 17 yrs!