Advice buying a SE

[jpgibson]

First post , no answers I could find using search. I'm looking at a couple of SE's- quite likely both owners are on this forum
One has 92xxx km, cosmetically really good, went ok and nothing too concerning except the possibility of a looming timing belt etc service.Has MX5mania stage one kit installed and two keys.
The second has 182xxx km, a few 'bruises' and interior not quite as good as no 1. But the owner, a mechanic, has rebuilt the engine ( not sure of includes bottom end), bigger IC, intake etc, radiator etc. The engine bay was spotless.Long rego, new tyres etc, new Yellowspeed coilovers. It is also margiinally cheaper than no 1 ( even more so given rego due on no 1).
My concern is the overall no of km's and the ability to sell it again later. Of note, both cars are a fair bit over the Redbook guide price, which , in my experience overestimates the price anyway.
Both cars reasonably local ( in NSW) and easily searchable on carsales
Which one?
pm fine if preferable !
Thanks for your help!

[ManiacLachy]

Its easier if you throw the links up for us to take a look at for assessment of the cars in question. There is a lot of information out there on SEs/MSMs, but I'm sure you'll get a flood of answers here anyway, from me included

What's your purpose for the car?

How are the radiators on the cars? You say car 2 has a bigger radiator, but what is it, when was it installed? If car 1's is original it's almost certainly on it's last legs. The top tank should be a dark black colour, if it's turning brown/green, and/or their are cracks showing then it's about to die. Be aware that the SE has a specific radiator slightly different to the regular NB for additional cooling.

It's quite important to know how well the 2nd car's engine was "rebuilt". If it was thorough and included the bottom end, then the mileage isn't as critical. These cars are generally pretty reliable, but you say the 2nd car looks a bit rougher, so it might have been treated a bit more harshly than the 1st car and so combined with the additional ~90k odd kilometres might not be quite as reliable.

The mania stage 1 kit includes the intake, the intercooler and the exhaust (maybe the throttle body, the blow-off/diverter valve? I'm not sure). So be sure you know what you're comparing against with one car to the other (again, links would help us determine what's fitted to each).

If you're looking for a daily or weekend toy, including occasional track days, then car 1 is what I'd recommend, based on what information you've provided. It's a sounds like a solid base, and even though you'll need to put more money into it initially I'd say it'll be the more suitable car.

If you're looking for a car to thrash regularly at track days, with only occasional street driving, then car 2 is probably better suited and already capable.

Like I said, based on what you've told us so far these are my thoughts. I reserve the right to change my mind and reassess when new information comes to light.

[jpgibson]

Thanks. I'll post up the links when able

[93_Clubman]

My concern is the overall no of km's and the ability to sell it again later.

Based on your above concern, go for the lower km example.
Also worth considering what they're asking compared to how much you can pickup a new ND for (RRP $31.99k), & the affect that new car purchase price is having on NB & NC prices.

[jpgibson]

no 1: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... AD-4043362
no2: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... AD-3987363

[93_Clubman]

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... AD-4043362

[ManiacLachy]

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/_/SSE-AD-3987363
This isn't the car for you, IMO. You mentioned in your other thread you want a daily driver, this with the poly bushes is probably going to be too rough for you. I'm curious about the engine rebuild, and the price is OK, and a few of the mods are nice, but I think it's probably not the best suited car you'll find.

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/_/SSE-AD-4043362
Probably the better car for you, though in time you might want to make a few changes - we all do. Find out about the age of the radiator, you might be able to use it as a bargaining chip.

If you haven't yet dríven an SE, try to, stock and modified. And try to drive a normal NB as well for comparison. Maybe a few local members can help you out, or call up these sellers for an inspection.

[slug_dub]

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/_/SSE-AD-3987363
This isn't the car for you, IMO. You mentioned in your other thread you want a daily driver, this with the poly bushes is probably going to be too rough for you.

To be fair, the ad does say only the sway bar bushes not control arms, but that might need clarifying with the seller. If the bushes have been installed well I don't think that poly bushes on a daily driver is a deal breaker at all.

[KevGoat]

The Yellowspeed coilovers might be more of an issue than the poly bushes, going on some of the feedback elsewhere on here. But it's very individual, so you would need to drive it on a variety of road surfaces to ensure happy with comfort and feel.

What ManiacLachy mentioned about driving several to get a real feel is very important. I drove several SE's before finding mine. The first one was extremely low mileage, very good condition and completely stock. It looked very tempting, but it didn't really inspire me like I'd expected it to when I drove it. Actually thought maybe these weren't the car I'd expected them to be! When I drove another identically stock one with about 50k more on the clock a couple of days later, I realised there was something very wrong with that first one .... This made me bide my time (very rare for me ) until the right one came along.

[jpgibson]

thanks again. have dríven both, the second ( cheaper) drove much better and felt like a much newer car. suspension was ok too. the lower km car is realistically about 1500 more and will probs need work ( timing belt soon, maybe suspension). I really just need a vehicle to get to work on miserable days ( sunny days are train, scooter or pushie)- so basically i want a reliable toy that i will be able to shift when i want to try something different.

[NitroDann]

Buy the best nb8b you can.

[StanTheMan]

Engine rebuild?

Are they for real? I drive my car hard. Engine has been raped & pillaged. What do people do to theses cars to require engine rebuilds that early?

[jpgibson]

second car sold. just said id buy the first.
car pretty good but does have the browny radiator top and anfew other minor things, overall really good though

[davekmoore]

Buy the best nb8b you can.

Correct.
Then take it to Dann.

[SKYHI]

second car sold. just said id buy the first.

Congrats, and welcome to slippery slope of SE ownership

Start a thread when you get it.