Potential NB purchase - will I fit?

[TheFungle]

I've got some cash burning a hole in my pocket and I fancy returning to MX-5 ownership.

Previously I had a daily driver NC Sport which I adored. This time it will be a second car and realistically it's an NB I should be looking at with my £3k budget.

Intended use will be enjoyable weekend blasts.

Most importantly, will I comfortably fit? I'm 6'1 and found the NC spot on, even with roof up.

Assuming it fits, are there any major gotchas to be watch out for part from the dreaded rust?

NC pic for old times sake

[mazzer1]

I am 6'3" and fit in my NA no problem, roof up too.

[LesMcQueen]

Hi OP, I agree with the previous post. I’m 185cm tall and 16 stone and I fit even with the roof up. Great car!

[InvaderMK2]

I'd highly recommend purchasing one which has had at least Chassis rails, inner & outer arches & sills replaced (with photographic evidence & invoices). Even if it costs you a decent bit more, it will still be cheaper than buying a car and then having the work done.

I speak from experience as my MX5 NB (Full Mazda Service History, sub 40k miles from new, 2 owners from new, only previously taxed for summer use) is currently being restored.

Good luck!

[Super Josh]

Looking on AT there are plenty of early NCs within your 3K budget.

[snotrag]

I'd be much more confident about buying an NC for 3 grand than an NB. The only possible NB's id ever consider woulld be a super pampered 1 owner garaged its whole life kind of car, or one thats just had a complete shell strip and rebuild.

[TheFungle]

snotrag said:

I'd be much more confident about buying an NC for 3 grand than an NB. The only possible NB's id ever consider woulld be a super pampered 1 owner garaged its whole life kind of car, or one thats just had a complete shell strip and rebuild.

Are they really that bad for rust?

I'm not averse to spending money on the upkeep but I'm not after a money pit.

[LesMcQueen]

My Wife bought my Mk2 for £700 some years ago as an anniversary present. 56k miles. I have spent a lot of money on it, starting with the sorting of the sill rust. The chassis rails have been fine on mine, although mine is a Mk2 not a Mk2.5 (I understand the rails are more a problem on that series of car). I don’t regret the spend for a moment, absolutely love the car and don’t plan to ever sell it. If you can, try to buy 1 that has had the work done by a reputable restorer as will likely save you a fair bit of cash.

[jamieduff1981]

TheFungle said:

Are they really that bad for rust?

I'm not averse to spending money on the upkeep but I'm not after a money pit.

They're all pretty bad for rust. The NB has one additional area over NA. Not sure if it's shared with the NC. It's the front chassis rails in the engine bay. Everything is fixable, but it's a lot of labour.

I'm working on my NB just now.

[MattsCar]

I don't think you will fit and be in a comfortable driving position in all honesty. I am 6 foot and had to change the seats, steering wheel to get in to a good driving position. Well worth it though!