Opinions requested prior to hunt. NB SE or NC?

Postby **Okibi** » Sat Aug 17, 2013 10:03 pm

Drive both obviously.

If you're not 100% sold on either get the NC, newer, better handling, similar power, better roof ..... more cup holders, child bearing hips.

Postby **NitroDann** » Sat Aug 17, 2013 10:08 pm

You see i would suggest get the cheapest of the 2 you are tossing up on, it will lose you less money again when you sell it also.

Dann

doc · Postby **doc** » Sun Aug 18, 2013 6:03 pm

Interesting Dann.
I always tell people to get the best car they can afford. It ALWAYS costs more to fix up an older car then we originally estimate.
Get the lowest K's car in the best condition you can afford for a daily car.
Simple.
The older the car, the more likely you will need repairs.
No matter what brand or model car.

Postby **NitroDann** » Sun Aug 18, 2013 6:07 pm

Do you honestly think it will cost more to 'fix' an nb than you will lose on depreciation on a NC?

Dann

MrRevhead · Postby **MrRevhead** » Sun Aug 18, 2013 6:19 pm

In 4 years, I have spent much less on my NA for maintenance than the depreciation (I paid 11k for my 91 LE in 2009). In fact, the only major thing I have had to pay for (besides oil/filter & regular lubricants - gbox/diff etc) has been a radiator end tank and wheel bearings. A well looked after/maintained should be the same, given the similarities.

Simple cars, well engineered, therefore very cheap to run and maintain IMO.

Red Dragon · Postby **Red Dragon** » Sun Aug 18, 2013 7:20 pm

If you buy new depreciation is a killer.
1-2 years old is still ok, NC2s are still selling for what i paid for mine (2010 model) last year.
If you have not got the knowhow or in my case arthritic fingers that wont work a spanner any more labour costs can be big.
After having the NA since 2005, never dríven an NB, for all round use i prefer the NC2
Have to admit though maintinance on the NA apart from the normal things amounted to one new thermostat and an alloy radiator

doc · Postby **doc** » Sun Aug 18, 2013 8:12 pm

NitroDann wrote:Do you honestly think it will cost more to 'fix' an nb than you will lose on depreciation on a NC?

Dann

Yes

I paid 25 K for a NC with only 20 K"s on it. Will most likely drive it for 10 years.
Great daily car. A 15 year old car, will it run without trouble for 10 years?
I'm very doubtful of that. Bose stereo, Cruse control, Leather seats, Leather wrapped wheel, 17 In. wheels,
The list go's on.
Always will give the advice, Buy the best car you can Afford.

Postby **NitroDann** » Sun Aug 18, 2013 8:16 pm

r0gue · Postby **r0gue** » Thu Oct 10, 2013 10:11 pm

G'day to the MX5 Cartalk forum! It's been a while... Interestingly I was going to post something similar to emx005 and am glad I found this thread as I too have been pondering this question. However I have 1 additional consideration - which will better suit a child in the front seat.

From what I can tell the NC is a "safer" option and this has a big impact on my decision. Note child seat won't be necessary so harness points are not a consideration.

What are peoples thoughts?

Cheers,
r0gue

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Thu Oct 10, 2013 10:35 pm

The NC is highly recommended r0gue.

Safe, plenty of go and a very stiff chassis.

22Silver · Postby **22Silver** » Thu Oct 10, 2013 11:29 pm

My old man has owned 2 NA's, and 2 NC's.
I have an NB.
I've said it before, and I think it's the best way to sum it up.
NA's are the rawest experience, although very basic in terms of creature comforts and power. Very exhilarating on a twisty road, not great for a long commute though.
NC's are the most comfortable and powerful, excellent as an everyday driver, and still fun when you want a little thrill. However, it is not raw at all, and can feel a little sterile after driving an NA or NB up a mountain.

NB's take some comfort from the NC, and some rawness from the NA. For me it was the perfect 'in between' car. It's got all the bits you'd usually upgrade into an NA already in it, and is more comfortable, albeit a little less raw and thrilling, but it's still there.

I'd imagine, regardless of how clumsy the power delivery is, an SE or SP would be great fun. After all, the NB is a good platform, and a little extra power wouldn't go astray.

In your case I'd recommend an NC though. There's more room, it's got nicer seats, it's just better in bumper to bumper traffic.