GTI and RX8 owner, looking at an ND 2L GT

[davekmoore]

Reverse camera not standard on any ND.

There is a glovebox between the seats. It's big enough for gloves.

Mazda will not build you a GT with cloth seats, so if that's what you want you'll need to go aftermarket and probably could have tan - and maybe even red stitching.

[smy0003]

Reverse camera not standard on any ND.

There is a glovebox between the seats. It's big enough for gloves.

Mazda will not build you a GT with cloth seats, so if that's what you want you'll need to go aftermarket and probably could have tan - and maybe even red stitching.

So you couldn't have the base cloth seats put in a GT even if you paid for them?

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[speed]

So you couldn't have the base cloth seats put in a GT even if you paid for them?

I suspect that it would depend upon the dealer, especially if the buying is just swapping seats and not expecting both sets.

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[Mr Morlock]

I think folks reckon that cars are built with every option and variation that you can think of- they don't. In the 60's Holden;s had a list of options that allowed for all sorts of variations but the Japanese at the time simply put a car together with included many things that GM offered as options. GM subsequently revised the option game which complicated the line builds . If someone had to buy a set of seats at Mazda's price you can bet it would be a motzah.

[speed]

Holden had options in the 60s?
You were lucky to get a boot light.

I'm sure if a Mazda dealer had a GT and a base model in stock that they wouldn't mind swapping the seats provided you paid the gt price.

Then they could offer the base model with GT seats!

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[Mr Morlock]

Holden had pages and pages of options in the late 60's . On the build plates all included options were listed and then required a cross reference to know what the car had. In those days they were building cars around the country and selling vehicles at volumes that any seller in Aust would love to have today. I can remember one of the options being deletion of stripes. Dave would know but my guess is that if Mazda can readily sell NDs they are not likely to be pulling seat outs and swapping them from another car.

[speed]

I recently sold some optioned ND wheels. Not all dealers optioned them which proves that there is not unity amongst what mazda dealers do and don't do.
The op can only ask but I don't see it as an issue.

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[Conza]

You know, no longer concerned regarding glove boxes, the cubby under the dash, under the arm rest, and the storage places behind the seat(s?), and in the middle will be enough for me. I'd like them to give me an extra passenger cup holder so I could plug in all three, otherwise even the two will probably do.

In terms of the seats, I really liked the feel of the cloth seats, and I'm not generally a fan of leather for durability, comfort (especially on hot days), but I think optioning them out and missing out on the red/tan combo would be a mistake as I love the look of it that much (all time favourite combination, in any car). I'm sure the leather seats will be great, and if anything, tan must be a bit cooler than black right? I can just get a sun shade for the windscreen too if I need to park facing the sun.

More good news for me, I think the "Bright Silver" wheels are my favourite now, just not a black wheel type of guy, so was concerned, but I think in most lights these are an obvious gun metal / dark silver.

I'm still a bit away from ordering it, and I've revised my research on NA, NB, NCs too. NA I would get a Clubman, has an LSD and 1.8l engine, and in my opinion, is still the most beautiful MX-5 (ND is a close 2nd), NB I'd go a series 2 / '01+ again for LSD and I like the front slightly more on the facelift, but it's subtle. And NC, It'd actually be a series 1 either a launch if I could find one or the "LT" (which afaict both have upgraded sound systems). The facelifted '08 I didn't like as much, and the post '13 (seems to be a 2nd facelift?), the soft tops seem as rare as hens teeth. Oh yeah the SP or even the SE NBs seem like amazing performance cars, not sure about a turbocharged MX-5 though, this may be my last chance to own a non-turbo car too.

I have to say, the more I learn about them, the more I like all MX-5s, and if for whatever reason I can't stretch to the new ND, which is still my favourite, for sub $20k I think I'd be happy with an NB, NA or NC (in that order). I think the NA is perhaps prettier, and slightly more pure, but the NB's younger age and interior upgrades appeal.

[smy0003]

No NB series 2 (NB8B) had an LSD besides the SE.
The NB series 1 (NB8A) 10th anniversary edition had an LSD but that's about it.

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[speed]

To add to smy0003's comments, the NA LSD is a viscous type that works on floating fluid that is non serviceable. They are usually flogged out and no longer a LSD.
Also smaller radius and weaker than the NB torsen which is why we change our NA's to a NB torsen

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[Conza]

No NB series 2 (NB8B) had an LSD besides the SE.
The NB series 1 (NB8A) 10th anniversary edition had an LSD but that's about it.

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To add to smy0003's comments, the NA LSD is a viscous type that works on floating fluid that is non serviceable. They are usually flogged out and no longer a LSD.
Also smaller radius and weaker than the NB torsen which is why we change our NA's to a NB torsen

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Thanks gents. Good to know that about the NA, kind of evens the playing field among them then, either look for one that's had it done or factor it into the cost... And don't worry about it being a Clubman or not I guess.

In terms of the NB though, do I read the below as only applicable in the UK? There's also no citation here to backup this claim unfortunately.
Wiki - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_MX- ... .282001.29
"Added for top models (designated 'Sport' in the U.K) were 16-inch (410 mm) wheels with 205/45VR16 low-profile tires, larger brakes at the front and rear, additional chassis stiffening braces, a limited slip differential, a 6-speed manual gearbox, Bilstein suspension and leather seats."

I've read on other forums that the only way to know is to open the diff up and see the helical gears with your own eyes, surely there's a better way? Bit dissappointed about that, raises the value of NB AEs I guess.

EDIT: This bloke reckons heaps of them have LSDs

http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php? ... try1591807

[Mr Morlock]

So the ND was not really a goer at all-back to the field of older cars. I reckon there are thousands of MX-5 drivers who never give their car diffs a second thought but still enjoy them. Plenty of vehicles available from $5000 upwards. Here I am thinking LSD was pounds shillings and pence!

[taminga16]

So the ND was not really a goer at all-back to the field of older cars. I reckon there are thousands of MX-5 drivers who never give their car diffs a second thought but still enjoy them. Plenty of vehicles available from $5000 upwards. Here I am thinking LSD was pounds shillings and pence!

I am with you Mr M. Conzo, go and sit down with a dealer, all of this conjecture is just clouding the atmosphere.
Greg.

[93_Clubman]

To add to smy0003's comments, the NA LSD is a viscous type that works on floating fluid that is non serviceable. They are usually flogged out and no longer a LSD.
Also smaller radius and weaker than the NB torsen which is why we change our NA's to a NB torsen.

Good to know that about the NA, kind of evens the playing field among them then, either look for one that's had it done or factor it into the cost... And don't worry about it being a Clubman or not I guess.
I've read on other forums that the only way to know is to open the diff up and see the helical gears with your own eyes, surely there's a better way?

NA8 uses the bigger diff the like NB8 (7" ring gear), while NA6 uses the smaller diff (6" ring gear). Some NA8 in Aust (ie Clubman) use the Torsen 1 LSD (7" ring gear), while some NA6 use the viscous LSD (6" ring gear). Where fitted from factory, which in Aust is 10AE & SE, NB8 uses Torsen 2 (7" ring gear).
On the Torsen 1 at least just undoing the diff oil filler bolt allows you to see into the diff to confirm it's a Torsen 1 or not, so no need to dismantle anything.
http://www.solomiata.com/Drivetrain.html
viewtopic.php?f=76&t=30041

[93_Clubman]

NA I would get a Clubman, has an LSD and 1.8l engine, and in my opinion, is still the most beautiful MX-5.
I think I'd be happy with an NB, NA or NC (in that order). I think the NA is perhaps prettier, and slightly more pure, but the NB's younger age and interior upgrades appeal.

Noise, vibration & harshness (NVH) might also be a consideration with the NA. Doesn't bother me, but it can become annoying/wearing for some people, including some passengers.