I’m considering buying a late model 2ltr NC or an early model ND.
Previously I have always owned soft top MX5’s.
Regarding the 2ltr NC with a folding hardtop. It would be interesting to know if anyone has experienced any issues with the folding hard top during ownership.
No issues on mine, owned for 2 years. Keep the moving bits lubed and inspect certain bolts are not loose it’ll be fine.
If you are looking at buying a PRHT NC then make sure you operate the roof a couple times, check for a smooth open/close operation, no judders.
As MickAP says, try the roof operation before buying.
If you can, take someone with you to operate the PRHT, then stand outside and look at the mechanics of it while it is part way through the opening/closing.
Had mine for 11 years now, with no problems 
Had my 2013 PRHT since 2016 with no issues.
If you test one and it “judders” 9/10 it will be the slightly loose domed Allen bolts.
Also check the gearing where you can see on the deck to make sure not worn/broken teeth and all good.
If you hear some grinding noises (witnessed and diagnosed) the motors which is basically bearing failure where moisture has got in, (not mine).
Two motors on the deck.
Two motors for the roof.
Also check all the seals on the roof to make sure all good and not perishing.
The vast majority are in great shape with no problems. 
Just an opinion, get yourself a rooftop controller!
Best gadget and well worth the money.
I would definitely get one of these wind deflectors to replace the original fold down one. They are more effective and have the added benefit of being higher so removing the temptation to place anything in the roof storage void behind the seats!
As long as you can live with the extra time for the roof to operate and put up with a little creaking from the roof as it settles I would go for it. As you have had soft tops it’ll be a nice change.
What type of lube is recommended on the moving parts, oil or a light grease.
I used a silicone spray lube on the plastic gears, you can use a lithium grease or light grease on other metal or cables moving parts. I also used a few drops of 3 in 2 oil on all the folding/pivot points of the roof frame. Wipe clean any drips that may form, minimal use of lube everywhere really, don’t overdo it. Good to go over it again every 6 months.
No problems with PRHT on my Niseko for almost a decade of regular use apart from the chrome-dome bolts working loose a couple of times in the first year. The symptom is the quadrant deck gear becomes noisy; a grumble grumble sound.
I added a touch of MEDIUM Loctite to the bolt threads, and the problem went away. Medium allows one to undo it again, but usually prevents vibration loosening
Check the seals are intact, and watch the paint on the rear deck, I have seen several ones that need to be repainted
The OP mentions considering the ND version ( which is the RF?) I’d be wary of this because you still have a huge blindpoint regardless of the roof state. So much more visibility in the NC with the roof down.
Not having had a softtop I do get tempted by that quick up and down rather than the twelve secs that lass forever with the PRHT.
However I use mine all year and given some of the recent heavy rain/sleet downpours I’m thinking again….
yes BUT if you get the smarttop controller - or the similar, cheaper one - then you can do up/down whilst moving and do not have to hold the button down either 
You temptress you! Yer but. I’m a secondhand man. Last one was £220 on here. Someone sells the car and enjoyed the mod and pops it out and gets a good bit of their wedge back. Win win👍
Great topic, as a PRHT owner i found usefull advice here about the maintenance of the foldable roof and have to ask; about the smarttop controller…what is the cheaper one? Just as good? how cheap?Where to buy?
MX5Things Roof Controller £163 (not £330 as per SmartTop original) - I got mine in June last year.
Now £148 but currently sold out ;-(
Thanks , will follow this (their stock) up.
Seems to be a US based shop, if yes …did you have to pay much import/shipping fees?
no import fees etc. Had a problem with the unit and they told me to go online with the laptop in the car at 06:00 hours (and c midnight at their end I believe) and they tried to diagnose problem live. Couldn’t. Returned and got a replacement. Great service from them/him.
Problem turned out to be my weak car battery ;-(
, Nice to read this about their customer service, gives you confidence in their business .
I will follow this (their stock) up as its almost half the price its worth waiting .
In stock now, £203 inc delivery. Be quick 
Thanks, would be great…if i was a UK-resident; 203 GBP is a great price but in my case (living in Spain) i’m sure the shipment will not be free, beside that the EUR price will be very different (guess 240-260 eur ) and to top it of there will be import charges/costs as it’s a +150 eur article.
If i add all of this up i’m better off buying the “original” controller, the cheapest one was retailed at 330 eur incl. delivery here.
But, as (thanks to your input) i now there’s a budget variant of that controleer i will keep an eye on this and hope to find a retailer in the EU.