NC Miata Buyers Guide

[POS Racing]

So hippopotamusly speaking what does one want to steer clear of on an NC?

Are the 2008+ cars more better than the older cars? Forged internals??

Thoughts? Suggestions? Links? Snide comments?

[Titus]

It's bound to be said so allow me to be the first... Wait for the ND.

[POS Racing]

It's bound to be said so allow me to be the first... Wait for the ND.

Meh I'm looking Used. Figure I'm a few years away from TCB used prices on ND's

[OZMDD]

Avoid the 07. Significant failure rate in that year on slipped pulleys, crank issues. Other than that, 06-08 are all about equal. 09+ have better internals and tranny syncros, redesigned front hub that is marginally better handling. 11+ got a better factory ride height.

Personally, 06 are at the sweet spot price wise right now, but are the least refined. Still, I loved my 06 and the value was incredible for what I got out of it, and its still going strong.
Otherwise, I'd opt for an 09 to get the best of the design/interior and mechanical improvements while keeping the price reasonable. Steve E just sold their 09 PRHT GT for $12K with low miles. Too bad you missed that.

Regardless, $8k-$13k will buy you a lot of car. FYI - Jason Minehart is still selling his former-STR NC. It has had a lot of go fast bits removed, but he still has them and the car is still nice with PPE headers/exhaust, OS Giken diff, RPF1 wheels/tires, crate motor from Mazda, 6MT, etc. I know he is motivated to sell at a very good price.

[lostlorin]

Did you not replace the motor on your 06?

[OZMDD]

Are you trolling, or just really not good at reading? Its been discussed multiple times. Motor was misdiagnosed, was never bad, made a funny noise, replaced it out of a desire to avoid tearing into the motor. Do I need to get this made into a sticky?

[wrx74]

1) Bandit
2) Chris Robbins
3) KB
Maybe Rogue is right about them Fords! Better watch out!

[OZMDD]

Sigh. Seriously? All the of those cars have had the rev limits raised by 1000+ rpm, had the living shit driven out of them for years at track and autox, etc. I can certainly think of plenty of NA/NB cars that have blown motors, diff's, etc when driven hard and raced for extended periods. By this logic, nobody should ever own an S2000.

[wrx74]

...just sayin'...
And I thought St00ks had no soul?

[wrx74]

Besides, we are really hoping POS Racing buys a new 'Vette so we can all Co-Drive!

[OZMDD]

Mick, talked to Minehart. He wants $10k for the car pretty much fully stock. Crate motor is a year old, 6mt, new top this year, interior clean, white/charcoal (same as Sammmmm's was).

He still has EcuTek tuner/cable, Motons and PPE exhaust available if you wanted them. $13.5k for everything.

[POS Racing]

Settle down everyone I'm still in kicking tires mode.

Have looked at Several Boxsters and a Cayman that just weren't as great as advertised. (Side Note - Clean carfax doesn't make it a cream-puff no matter what the seller says.)

Have also looked at a couple of C6 Vettes and I'm too cheap to own one yet.

Since I have already had 2 NAs and 2 NBs not really wanting another one of either style.

Haven't had an NC yet which is why I posted my question today.

[OZMDD]

Oh, my buddy with the 911 vert is down to $16.5k and motivated to sell. FYI.

[TexasStig]

I'm starting a slush fund to by the NE when it comes out around 2020. Ya know... the miracle of compound interest.

[altiain]

996 vert is the least desire able model of the least desirable generation of 911s. Even at $16.5k, that car has a lot of room to depreciate. It's also flexy, soft (compared to a coupe), and has the worst interior of any 911 (shared with the first gen Boxster). But it will have the maintenance costs of a 911. I don't see an upside to that.

S2000s have been price stable for the last five years and/or appreciating slightly. They're pretty robust, good performers, fun to drive, and you can buy one, drive it for several years, and sell it for what you paid for it. What's not to like?

[Rogue]

Have looked at Several Boxsters and a Cayman

Last night i walked out of work to this Boxster revving at me……..a 2012 Boxster S Black edition, one of 330 stateside.
It was my buddy in his wires Pcar, but man it was nice.

not actual pic, but i wish that was my drive home.

[Steve E]

996 vert is the least desire able model of the least desirable generation of 911s. Even at $16.5k, that car has a lot of room to depreciate. It's also flexy, soft (compared to a coupe), and has the worst interior of any 911 (shared with the first gen Boxster). But it will have the maintenance costs of a 911. I don't see an upside to that.

S2000s have been price stable for the last five years and/or appreciating slightly. They're pretty robust, good performers, fun to drive, and you can buy one, drive it for several years, and sell it for what you paid for it. What's not to like?

Soul?.... but then austinites are weed addled

[POS Racing]

Went to go look at a '08 NC this afternoon and the dealership couldn't find it..... Fun Stuff!

[OZMDD]

Morons.

[general default]

If you have not driven one maybe a co-drive would be a good idea. I am guessing you are thinking stock "street". Maybe Lorin would offer a stock car experience at the track.
If you are thinking STR. Go S2K. I think it is 2008 or later for the Honda.