I've ordered the 2018 Ltd Ed MX5 RF

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Mon Oct 30, 2017 9:36 am

"Owning" new cars often has nothing to do with being able to afford them.

slomo · Postby **slomo** » Mon Oct 30, 2017 4:25 pm

Have you all got it out of your system yet.
Be happy, Thats right, a deep breath, and all will be calm again.

Code4 · Postby **Code4** » Mon Oct 30, 2017 9:49 pm

Good post
The forum trolls bit had.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Tue Oct 31, 2017 2:00 pm

watched the video and thought it was very good. It bears out some of my own observations which sort of surprised me. You can drive some Euro sports cars and be quite surprised at just how good MX-5s are. That film is perfect for guys looking or considering an MX-5.

speed · Postby **speed** » Wed Nov 01, 2017 12:05 pm

Welcome Pete.

I'm sure that you will agree that there are more than one type of modder.
Some of us actually appreciate mechanical engineering, its limits and how to improve various short comings.

There are members here that design and create there own quality parts that overcome the inferior designs of stock parts.
I among others am grateful for their efforts as they have helped shape such a great community.

It's also a very friendly, helpful and social place to be where we meet new like minded people and expand upon our existing knowledge and experiences.

With regards to the ND RF, I dont quite understand it's attraction.
To me it's not a retractable fastback but more a complicated targa that is never a complete convertible.

Sure that is just my view and I respect that others may find beauty and purpose in such a car.

After all, we are individuals that share a passion for MX5's and what makes them great.

Happy motoring.

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Pete · Postby **Pete** » Wed Nov 01, 2017 5:20 pm

I'm glad Morlock found the video interesting.

speed wrote:With regards to the ND RF, I dont quite understand it's attraction.
To me it's not a retractable fastback but more a complicated targa that is never a complete convertible.

You're not seeing the forest because of the trees. The RF is a retractable fastback and is not a roadster. The regular rag top ND MX5 is already available, and has been for a number of years. Your complaint is of the type, 'oh, pineapple doesn't taste like chocolate'. The answer is kinda obvious, go and eat chocolate.

With the roof up, the special RF looks like a convincing coupe, and a beautiful one at that, and with the roof down, it's a gorgeous targa. Now that is what I call a, 'win win' situation.

This is the best image of the special strut bar in the Ltd Ed RF. I believe the mazda speed logo will not be on the bar that'll go in the Ltd Ed RF.

Lokiel · Postby **Lokiel** » Wed Nov 01, 2017 5:29 pm

Pete wrote::
This is the best image of the special strut bar in the Ltd Ed RF. I believe the mazda speed logo will not be on the bar that'll go in the Ltd Ed RF.
:

You're sprogging over a "special strut bar in the Ltd Ed RF" which is virtually identical to other strut bars?
(I wont even bother to delve into the dubious merits of a front strut bar in MX5s).

You're the "special" customer dealers like, you believe their marketing hype.

speed · Postby **speed** » Wed Nov 01, 2017 5:50 pm

But the roof doesn't go down, just the targa section comes out which makes it a targa regardless of what the marketing department calls it.
Also I find it less attractive than the soft top. The roof from the back appears too narrow and tall to the rest of the car. This is more noticeable in person than in pictures.
It's great you like it but please don't go telling us that it's the best mx5 when its not even a convertible.

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Daffy · Postby **Daffy** » Wed Nov 01, 2017 8:24 pm

Mmmmm.... chocolate pineapple :mrgreen:

Luke · Postby **Luke** » Wed Nov 01, 2017 9:19 pm

I can't resist.
The RF looks like one of those squashed animated toy cars. It just looks out of proportion to me. It's a love it or hate it design.
The biggest problem for me is the LE is way to many $$$ for what it has over the RF GT.
I know those parts are expensive but when you look at the price of an Abarth 124 which has some of them you really have to wonder why Mazda is charging such a premium. I guess because they can is the answer.
Regarding looks I don't 100% like the look of the soft top ND either and I now own one! ND front end and Abarth Rear end needs to be joined together for me to truly like it.

I did some checking up of the Strut Bar for the ND a few weeks ago. The Mazdaspeed one seems to be the same as the normal one, just in a different colour and a sticker. I think the Mazdaspeed bar may be Aluminium though.
And the price for the "normal" bar is ridiculous!!! I would want it made out of Titanium for $1000.

On the bright side for the used car buyer, in a few years the RF LE will be just another used MX-5.
Have a look how much LE models of NB's and NC's are worth over the "normal" ones.
This RF may just have enough parts to be worth a few dollars more on the used market in a few years as it has more than any other LE previously other than the 04/05 NB Turbo SE's.
Our 07 NC LE was in that basket. Bought it 4 years old for much the same price as a regular model. Sold it a few weeks ago for the going market rate. No one cared that it had BBS rims or Bilstein dampers. They bought it because it was in good condition at the right price for a MX-5.

Don't get me wrong, this is a nice car. I'm just giving you my realistic opinion on what will happen over time.

KevGoat · Postby **KevGoat** » Wed Nov 01, 2017 9:34 pm

Mazdaspeed Front Strut Bar at Rev9 roughly AU$728 delivered

Luke · Postby **Luke** » Wed Nov 01, 2017 9:40 pm

KevGoat wrote:Mazdaspeed Front Strut Bar at Rev9 roughly AU$728 delivered

Yes, but I don't think that includes the mounting kit that needs to be attached to the firewall. Bolts are separate as well.

KevGoat · Postby **KevGoat** » Wed Nov 01, 2017 10:02 pm

Or just save $$$ and get the Beatrush for around AU$400 delivered including the cowl kit .....

... and looks like a Titanium brace might just cost you a bit more than $1000 ... :mrgreen:

Luke · Postby **Luke** » Thu Nov 02, 2017 6:15 am

KevGoat wrote:Or just save $$$ and get the Beatrush for around AU$400 delivered including the cowl kit .....

... and looks like a Titanium brace might just cost you a bit more than $1000 ...

Now that is the pricing I would expect for a strut bar. Realistically how much does a little bit of fabricated aluminum or steel cost.
Same price for aftermarket titanium as a factory steel bar!!!
Just furthers my point that Mazda are blatantly ripping customer off for accessories available for the ND let alone the price premium to get all of them on the LE.