NA 12 month ownership anniversary

ozimax · Postby **ozimax** » Tue Aug 25, 2015 12:40 pm

I don't post much here but I thought I would give a few thoughts on my red 1989 NA.

Just over 12 months ago I purchased this vehicle from an old geezer just down the road. Inhered thought about starting with an NC but took the plunge on a cheaper version. I haven't done too much to the car, wanting to keep it as stock as possible. However, I have replaced/added the following:

14" daisies / new Bridgestones
OEM cup holder
Plugs, leads etc
Timing belt/water pump about 3 weeks ago
Re-gassed airconditioning

During this time I have dríven NBs, NCs (and I am scheduled to test drive an ND as soon as my local dealer gets a manual variety) but to be honest, I enjoy my little NA more than all the others I have dríven. There's something earthy about the old steering variety, and it is a joy to drive. Living in Coffs Harbour I have limitless twisty roads literally at my back door. Unfortunately, Coffs Harbour is the land of precipitation,
so there are many days, especially in Summer/Autumn, when it's just too wet to venture out. The dry days we get are appreciated.

The MX5 is a blast to drive. I have a small circuit that I often drive not far from here. It takes about 45 minutes to complete. I usually drive up to Sealy Lookout like a maniac, then cruise down to Bucca, turn left towards Nan Glen (waving to Russell Crowe as I drive near his property), then head back to Coffs via Coramba and Red Hill. I would still prefer a large motorcycle, but apart from that, nothing comes close to the enjoyment of driving the MX5, and driving it hard.

Will I upgrade to an ND? I have recently bought a brand new Mazda 3. It is a superb car for a daily driver, runs on nothing, but is as bland as sugarless custard. Maybe I will. I'll make a decision after I test drive the new model. (Every dealer I come across has the automatic version but no manuals. (Coffs Mazda has 2 auto versions sitting in the showroom). I can never understand why they even make an auto, but I suppose some people like them for some strange reason.

Regards to all from the North Coast.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Tue Aug 25, 2015 9:26 pm

I am betting that the ND is not going to be your style. An ND is just another modern car and really is not turning any new ground whereas the NA took a number of loved classics and made a usable fun car which was reliable and looked good as well. I have a mate with a late model Porsche but reckons his NA is more fun.

ozimax · Postby **ozimax** » Wed Aug 26, 2015 7:44 am

Mr Morlock wrote:I am betting that the ND is not going to be your style. An ND is just another modern car and really is not turning any new ground whereas the NA took a number of loved classics and made a usable fun car which was reliable and looked good as well. I have a mate with a late model Porsche but reckons his NA is more fun.

Yep I think you're correct. I had an opportunity back in June to buy a mint 2001 NB, 60K, showroom condition etc but after driving, it just wasn't nearly as much fun as the NA. Smoother for sure, but the NA is just, well, fun. Especially at 6000rpm.

chops · Postby **chops** » Wed Aug 26, 2015 2:40 pm

I think the two posters above me just like old cars, I do too but to say you wouldn't like the ND is a bit much. Feedback after an extended test drive has been incredibly positive

I have a manual demonstrator but sadly not in coffs!

ozimax · Postby **ozimax** » Wed Aug 26, 2015 4:23 pm

chops wrote:I think the two posters above me just like old cars, I do too but to say you wouldn't like the ND is a bit much. Feedback after an extended test drive has been incredibly positive

I have a manual demonstrator but sadly not in coffs!

Whereabouts are you situated? Im heading to Sydney/Newcastle this weekend.

chops · Postby **chops** » Wed Aug 26, 2015 5:19 pm

my business is Blue Mountains Mazda, just over an hour west of Sydney

feel free to PM for any further info

car will be at the club track day at Eastern Creek on Saturday

ozimax · Postby **ozimax** » Thu Aug 27, 2015 4:36 pm

chops wrote:my business is Blue Mountains Mazda, just over an hour west of Sydney

feel free to PM for any further info

car will be at the club track day at Eastern Creek on Saturday

Thanks mate. I will in the Sutherland area from Monday onwards but maybe able to scoot up to the mountains etc. I would love to attend a track day but unfortunately I will be on the mid north coast until Sunday night.

Cheers.