Going to get my first mx5

klvru · Postby **klvru** » Sun Oct 20, 2013 3:36 pm

Hi guys

I'm selling my FN2R and planning to get the 5 for DD (would prefer having ac though) and tracking as well.

Seems like the NB8B would be the one to go for although I really like the look of the NA

my budget is around 13k (sadly the sp and se are out of this range

)

Just wondering what is the best series to get with this budget and what is the interval for a timing belt change? Seen a few nice one for sale on the for sale section and the NA8 v spec looks really mint too

Postby **NitroDann** » Sun Oct 20, 2013 3:40 pm

100k belt change but non interference, so if it snaps you are stranded, not destroyed.

Id say get an NA and go enjoy it, if you want to turbo it, its a very simple and cheap exercise.

A few thousand in turbo bits reaps far more performance than an SE or SP on a totally stock NA6, and reliably.

Dann

M1474 · Postby **M1474** » Sun Oct 20, 2013 4:13 pm

$6000 will get you a mint NA (mine was $3000). Then you have $1000 to spend on wheels and tyres, $1000 on suspension, $1000 on ROPS and bracing, $1000 on an LSD and then $3000 left to go turbo.

If you can get a clubman it has the LSD already and the bilsteins work very well with a $300 set of low king springs. There's another $1700 to spend on fluffy dice and anodised valve caps.

mazmad · Postby **mazmad** » Sun Oct 20, 2013 5:38 pm

Don't listen to these NA guys.

You will easily get a good NB for 10-12, and will get airbags, ac, stiffer chassis and bigger brakes.

Postby **NitroDann** » Sun Oct 20, 2013 6:06 pm

An no money left over for siiick mawdz :lol:

klvru · Postby **klvru** » Sun Oct 20, 2013 8:07 pm

I've seen a few nb8a in the 8-11 range, but wouldn't mind a NA if the condition is good, preferably with ac hah

Could you actually turbo it for 3k including labor and tuning in qld and would need a modplate as well? I saw dan did a thread regarding doing it for less than 2k but I highly doubt i have the necessary knowledge to diy though lol. Would be great to have it at 140kwrw

is there anything particular i should be aware of when inspecting other than the usual stuff?

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Sun Oct 20, 2013 8:13 pm

klvru wrote:..what is the interval for a timing belt change?

100,000km....except NC which has a chain.

Pokmx5 · Postby **Pokmx5** » Sun Oct 20, 2013 11:28 pm

Get an NA... the NB and NC guys are jealous to the extra weight their cars carry...

@920kg cant go wrong

Postby **NitroDann** » Sun Oct 20, 2013 11:32 pm

klvru wrote:
Could you actually turbo it for 3k including labor and tuning in qld and would need a modplate as well? I saw dan did a thread regarding doing it for less than 2k but I highly doubt i have the necessary knowledge to diy though lol. Would be great to have it at 140kwrw

2k is what I charged the customer.

Dann

22Silver · Postby **22Silver** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 1:01 am

Get an NB8A.
It's what all the cool kids drive :NB8A:

PaulF · Postby **PaulF** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 1:29 am

Here's the Captain Obvious answer: Go and drive some. In fact, drive as many as you possibly can: NA6, NA8, NB, standard, lightly modified, heavily modified... That will make it much more clear what your own preference is. Obviously I think the NA is best and I think it's perfectly friendly as an every day car - because that's how mine gets used - but the best way to know what's best for you is to try them for yourself.

klvru · Postby **klvru** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 4:14 am

Dann if only you are in QLD.

If I do get a NA, I might actually drive down and get it done by you, not sure how easy is it to get a mod plate for it here though

Or unless I get from NSW hah, how long does it usually take?

Trying to set up a few test drive with the 5 and will see how it goes, hopefully it doesnt disappoint.

Pretty much NA + mods or NB stock (maybe simple mods).... hmmmmmmmmm..

Any need for pre-purchase inspection? lol dumb question i know

P.S I saw this on gumtree http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/biggera- ... 029126899#
lol, what a waste

Postby **NitroDann** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 5:32 am

Believe it or not(if it's the same one), thats a kind of well respected car here, because it was one of the first highly modified ones around from back in the day.

Dann

M1474 · Postby **M1474** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 6:14 am

I just threw up a little bit in my mouth.

Blade_Hunter · Postby **Blade_Hunter** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 8:23 am

KLVRU, I am in the same boat as you, about to sell my beloved Lib GT so we can get 2 cars instead and looking to spend around 12K / 13K.

From what I have been told and the links I have been given on here, it looks like the NB8B is the best bang for buck, some pretty decent refinements over the NB8A.

Looking around 2000 - 2002. There are some ones well priced out there like this example in QLD. http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... AD-2373983