Prospective NC3 buyer

[richardnau]

Hello everyone. Been lurking and reading for a while, but this is my first post.

I test drove a red NB years ago (16+) when I first thought of buying an MX5 - but family considerations (young kids) and other sensible leanings sent me in the direction of something more prosaic at the time.

Anyway, daughter number 1 is about to be married, and I suspect that an antidote to impending mid life crisis is required. Maybe that's an MX5!

I have a 28km (each way) commute from Sydney's northern suburbs to Mona Vale. The traffic flows pretty freely, and so I'm prepared to consider a manual transmission car again (haven't had one since a 2.5 litre Subaru Liberty RX, many moons ago). But because it'll be a daily driver, I'm strongly attracted by the idea of the PRHT as protection against cold winter days and nights.

So, I think I'm looking for:

* NC with PRHT
* manual (auto really just wouldn't be right)
* not red or black (white would be lovely, silver ok)
* low km
* great condition.

I have a budget of $25k to $30k (that's what I should get for my existing car) - so a late NC3 should be feasible. There seem to be a few on carsales at present. (Is there anywhere else I should be looking?)

I took one for a drive this afternoon (at a dealer). In pretty good nick (superficially), but I suspect there has been some front end accident damage (now repaired). I guess that an NRMA inspection would reveal the truth. I really noticed lack of torque compared to my current vehicle (Focus diesel) - more revs required!

The car I drove had some slight transmission noise (I guess) - not especially loud or offensive, but just noticeable with the radio off. Sitting low in a RWD car with the transmission right next to you, maybe that's normal. Any owners care to comment?

But as an MX5 newbie, what else do I need to look out for in a relatively new unit? Any traps for young (I wish!) players?

Thanks.

Richard.

[davekmoore]

New ND 1.5 manual Roadster RRP drive away $35,776.
Guaranteed no accidents, no odd noises, 12 months rego, new car warranty, choose your own colour.
Don't buy it from me though.

[Mr Morlock]

Nothing wrong with an NC and it has some plusses over the ND like the PRHT and more room. Late model low KLMs and typical MX5 it will last a long time. I certainly would not be ruling out an auto and bear in mind that virtually all performance cars use auto transmissions.The auto is better in traffic and paddle shifters can be fun. Car Sales is the most obvious to look and make sure you have a handle on the pricing. It takes time to get used to driving such a small car often dwarfed with the tanks on the road today. With top down- where it should be at least for some of us- you become very conscious of a world of sound and not everybody likes that. Top up and its a little cocoon and still noisier than you usual sedan. Test drive a few cars to get the feel and see if it suits. Dealers are often very competitive. A Focus diesel is all about torque but a good petrol engine is quieter and has a much better usable rev range. If its not more fun than the Focus don't bother. What to look out for- all the usual things- there are no big faults. One buys on KLms and condition etc. If you have an impression of a blood and guts sportscar thats not what MX5 is.

[JBT]

The NC manual gearbox is a rattly, noisy thing under load below about 1700 RPM. The engine performs very well above 3000 RPM and rapid progress can be made in the 3000 - 5500 rev range. It loves to rev and needs to as it is not a slow revving high torque diesel.

You may be very surprised by the 6 speed auto with the paddle shifters - at least the auto doesn't make horrible noises. I would not discount it, especially for stop/start traffic conditions.

The other thing to check is seat belts that don't retract - may need replacement.

Otherwise the cars are very reliable. Our 2007 NC 1 has 110,000km and has been used in hill climbs and club track days. Apart from normal wear stuff like brake pads, oils, spark plugs etc. the only thing that has needed replacement was the serpentine belt tensioner and idler pulleys.

[greenMachine]

I would suggest that you have a browse of the cars for sale section of this forum. While there may not be something that is currently available that is of interest, looking at the range of cars available, their condition and pricing, will give you an idea of what is around and what the values are.

Note, secondhand prices of all MX5 models have taken a hit over the last 12 months, so keep an eye on the date of the advertisements when comparing condition and price. Of course, you understand that what people ask, and what they get, can sometimes be very different; however you will find here some advertisements where sellers have progressively reduced price to make a sale, highlighting the difference between "what I would like to get/what I think my car is worth" and "what somebody is prepared to pay for my car".

Coincidentally, I was visiting a neighbour today, and they have a friend (relative?) who is selling what they described as a pristine low mileage late-model MX5, certainly NC but I am not sure of the age of the car. PM me if you are interested in pursuing this, and I will put you in touch with the neighbour, who I am sure would be delighted to put you in touch with the seller.

[richardnau]

New ND 1.5 manual Roadster RRP drive away $35,776.
Guaranteed no accidents, no odd noises, 12 months rego, new car warranty, choose your own colour.
Don't buy it from me though.

Thanks DaveK - I've certainly considered that. But I think I am philistine enough to need the larger engine, and that's a lot more expensive ($39k - $44k). Not saying they aren't great value - just that I'd be quite happy to partake of a recently de-valued NC (with hardtop).

[richardnau]

Nothing wrong with an NC and it has some plusses over the ND like the PRHT and more room. Late model low KLMs and typical MX5 it will last a long time. I certainly would not be ruling out an auto and bear in mind that virtually all performance cars use auto transmissions.The auto is better in traffic and paddle shifters can be fun. Car Sales is the most obvious to look and make sure you have a handle on the pricing. It takes time to get used to driving such a small car often dwarfed with the tanks on the road today. With top down- where it should be at least for some of us- you become very conscious of a world of sound and not everybody likes that. Top up and its a little cocoon and still noisier than you usual sedan. Test drive a few cars to get the feel and see if it suits. Dealers are often very competitive. A Focus diesel is all about torque but a good petrol engine is quieter and has a much better usable rev range. If its not more fun than the Focus don't bother. What to look out for- all the usual things- there are no big faults. One buys on KLms and condition etc. If you have an impression of a blood and guts sportscar thats not what MX5 is.

Thanks Mr M.

I'm not sure that I could go back to a slush-box auto. My last few cars have been DSG (Golf) or Ford's equivalent (Focus) - and they are just so much better than a conventional auto. DSG in an MX-5 would be loads of fun, I reckon!

Noted your comments re noise. I've been driving around with my sunroof open for the last week to experience this - no biggie on standard roads, but in long tunnels with large trucks it's certainly a consideration.

Certainly not expecting blood and guts - there's not really any way to own (and exploit) a blood and guts car these days - and keep your licence... My comment about the Focus was simply that I've become used to driving below 2k rpm in the diesel, and if I buy the MX-5, I'll have to get re-used to a more active tacho needle!

Cheers.

[taminga16]

The majority of changes between the NC2 and 3 are cosmetic, as JB says the gearbox can appear a little rattly but it is a sportscar and is something can be worked around. Don't discount an Auto until you drive one without someone watching, the diff ratio alone will surprise you and above all drive a few examples, because even a 'roughy' will feel better than a lot of other stuff.
Greg.
P.S. When you do make a purchase, get used to smiling more often and spending more on sunscreen.

[richardnau]

The NC manual gearbox is a rattly, noisy thing under load below about 1700 RPM. The engine performs very well above 3000 RPM and rapid progress can be made in the 3000 - 5500 rev range. It loves to rev and needs to as it is not a slow revving high torque diesel.

You may be very surprised by the 6 speed auto with the paddle shifters - at least the auto doesn't make horrible noises. I would not discount it, especially for stop/start traffic conditions.

The other thing to check is seat belts that don't retract - may need replacement.

Otherwise the cars are very reliable. Our 2007 NC 1 has 110,000km and has been used in hill climbs and club track days. Apart from normal wear stuff like brake pads, oils, spark plugs etc. the only thing that has needed replacement was the serpentine belt tensioner and idler pulleys.

Thanks JBT.

I really only noticed the gearbox at idle or just above - which is certainly below 1,700. It's years since I've owned a RWD car (last one would be ED Falcon XR6, which was a great fun (big) car at the time). And the transmission in that was miles away compared to the location in MX5.

At least the Mazda doesn't have the Faclon's under-dash pull handbrake!

[richardnau]

I would suggest that you have a browse of the cars for sale section of this forum. While there may not be something that is currently available that is of interest, looking at the range of cars available, their condition and pricing, will give you an idea of what is around and what the values are.

Note, secondhand prices of all MX5 models have taken a hit over the last 12 months, so keep an eye on the date of the advertisements when comparing condition and price. Of course, you understand that what people ask, and what they get, can sometimes be very different; however you will find here some advertisements where sellers have progressively reduced price to make a sale, highlighting the difference between "what I would like to get/what I think my car is worth" and "what somebody is prepared to pay for my car".

Coincidentally, I was visiting a neighbour today, and they have a friend (relative?) who is selling what they described as a pristine low mileage late-model MX5, certainly NC but I am not sure of the age of the car. PM me if you are interested in pursuing this, and I will put you in touch with the neighbour, who I am sure would be delighted to put you in touch with the seller.

Thanks Mr Green - I'll make a more in-depth review in the for sale section. I'll also try to get hold of one of those price-versus-age/km graphs that you can buy from carsales.

I'm very conscious of the devaluation of NCs with the reduced price of ND. Sad for owners, but good for used car buyers. That said, two observations: (1) devaluation on most new cars has been pretty terrible for the last few years, with new car prices (in real terms) falling heaps; (2) and I reckon that a recently-devalued NC will probably hold its new (lower) value pretty well for a few years - at least compared to a more conventional car.

It is often said that the value of convertibles rises in spring - so does that mean that autumn really is a favourable time to buy?

[richardnau]

The majority of changes between the NC2 and 3 are cosmetic, as JB says the gearbox can appear a little rattly but it is a sportscar and is something can be worked around. Don't discount an Auto until you drive one without someone watching, the diff ratio alone will surprise you and above all drive a few examples, because even a 'roughy' will feel better than a lot of other stuff.
Greg.
P.S. When you do make a purchase, get used to smiling more often and spending more on sunscreen.

Love that comment about 'without someone watching'. It's an open top sports car - the whole world will be looking in!

Frankly, the idea of enjoying time behind the wheel is pretty attractive. I've always enjoyed driving and (like most blokes) reckon I'm pretty good at it. Having some added driving fun would (I hope) be a harmless way to add some spice to the work week.

[Regie]

If u are keen to see what a few modifications can do to the car, myself and few other forumites are regularly up your way for coffee etc etc.

[93_Clubman]

I'm strongly attracted by the idea of the PRHT as protection against cold winter days and nights.

Re PRHT, check there's enough storage room for you when PRHT is down (versus ST) as I know this has put off some buyers. If this is an issue, reconsider PRHT, given you're in Sydney, as it's not that cold in an ST in Melb & Canb (once the heater is going).

so does that mean that autumn really is a favourable time to buy?

Yeah, to a slight extent in Sydney, but there's usually also slightly less for sale in Autumn & Winter.

[jaycrab]

$25 - 30k is a massive budget for an NC. At the top end you should be looking for VERY low Kms and recaro seats.
There's nothing wrong with the earlier hard tops either. I looked at a 2011 PRHT but ended up with a 2007 PRHT for less than half the cost.

[Mr Morlock]

I took a look a the autos on Carsales and it looks like the cheap NC is a bit of myth. Low KLM NC i.e. 40K asking quite serious money. OK plenty of older NCs around with higher KLms and sub $20 without much trouble