The OP is still around and has been reading with interest. Thanks for everyones input, at the end of the day its all about opinions and I have decided a later model NC is the way forward. I like the way mine drives and I prefer the looks to the ND. Should have a new NC by early next week.
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Keep us posted, we like being showered with pics of an MX-5đ
Donât rule out the 1.8 NC. The 2.0 has to be revved very hard to find the extra power - it has a higher red line and torque isnât much higher. If you rarely go over 5000rpm, the 1.8 wonât feel slower.
For comparison purposes, 70mph in 3rd is about 5000rpm in the 1.8. I doubt many people hold 2nd gear to 70mph.
Are you sure that 70mph in second is correct?
For example the ND2 2.0 will be at 61mph at 7,500 rpm. Interestingly the same car with the automatic box will be 71mph at the same revs.
If you have the ratios and the tyre size I can put them in my spread sheet to cross check.
Decided on a late NC 2.0 Sport Tech.
Things to do: Replaced Wiper blades as they were terrible. Noticed the arms were silver in places where paint has come off so did these with plastidip.
Things to do. Steering wheel ordered from Royal. Wheels - refurb black. New tyres. Poly door bushes, Stubby Arial, Paint calipers, new pads and discs - possibly. Gear oil, engine oil and filter, Diff oil. K&N Filter, Brighter Headlight bulbs, Gear knob- ordered - Remove drain tubes and clean them out - the ones on my previous car were completely blocked. Got an attachment for a jet wash which will clean under the car and takes snow foam as well.
Wire brush under. Lanoguard or similar. Might do the rear exhaust box but on the last car I fitted the MX5Parts stainless one but wasnt overly impressed so may not bother. Bit cold at the moment but plenty to crack on with when it gets a bit warmer.
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Which nd did you own because i wouldnât say the engine is superior at all
Interesting topic this⌠Iâve owned both an NC and now an NDâŚ
I will say that everyone that has been in my ND as a passenger has kind of struggled⌠The footwell on the passenger side is very short, so people over 5â5 will start to struggle, as in knees up highâŚ
I recently gave a friend a lift who is 5â10 and he hated it! he had to fold himself into my car 
I never had complaints in my NC from any passengers so for the taller person it may be the optionâŚ
Course being 5 foot it doesnât effect me at all I fit perfectly in my ND
This was my previous NC, such a lovely car⌠I had the hard top Venture Edition one⌠Enjoy your NC 
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I donât actually like the ND.
If Iâm being honest, I preferred itâs fiat cousin.
The ND is a superb car to drive.
I loved each of the three different versions I test drove a couple of years apart while my NC was being serviced, as well as pinning the revs in a sprint up the hill at Goodwood in a mere 1.5 during the launch.
But my back hated all of them after only about ten to fifteen minutes, I had to stop and get out of each of the production cars (1.5, 2l, Recaro) and walk about for a couple of minutes to ease the aches and cramp before taking each back to the dealers. Alas the ND is just a bit too small for me, being tall with swimmerâs wide shoulders. Otherwise Iâd have bought a 184 2l by now.
So I ended up with a very nice 25AE, almost the last of the NCs when I was forced to replace my dear old Niseko. Plenty of elbow and head room, and no back problem. Comfort!
Well you definitely need to get in an ND to see if it is big enough. I sat in one & it felt very cramped. Main problem for me was the windscreen. It felt like it was going to stick you in the head as it felt to low for me.
Your next question is are you happy with the standard car or are you possible thinking of upgrading? If so NC every time. The ND has a known weak gearbox, (if you donât believe me check BBR GTi website and itâs all on there). ND 2.0 Engine has known weak connecting rods, no good for me as I prefer the turbo route.
But there will be plenty of comments on here for positives and negatives for both models. The only question you need to ask yourself, is which suits you better? Only you can decide that oneđ
As you say, if youâre thinking of modding then these points should be taken into consideration.
Thereâs been much written about this and incidence is statistically low in normal use.
if youâre looking to boost the engine, otherwise they are perfectly fine and absolutely strong enough in normal operation.
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First I have heard about this. What is the problem and how does it manifest itself? I would very much appreciate an answer as I had a problem on my BBR Super220 ND that BBR couldnât/wouldnât diagnose. It sounded to me like big/little ends or something similar getting worse with time. I ended up selling the car at a massive loss because of this.
Tell us more about the actual problem that couldnât/wouldnât be diagnosed if you will please ?
It was a knocking noise during idle and when under light load e.g. blipping the throttle or raising the engine revs when stationary. The frequency of the knocking noise was proportional to the engine revs. I had the car over a pit and the noise was definitely coming from the bottom end. The noise got worse and worse to the point I dare not drive it for fear of ruining the engine. I had it trailered to BBR who bought the car off me. They have since sold it on.
Thanks, its good to know 
Donât let that put you off an ND. I bought another and love it. I would just be very wary of tuning one now.
An NC with 75k isnât exactly ancient. NDâs are pretty cute and first got me into the taking a closer look at the MX5.
I think you need to spend ÂŁ15k to get a decent ND example whereas the NC is often more of a bargain simply because there are so many about competing for you wallet.
I couldnât make up my mind so went for the cheap option. The NC was quite a shock. Itâs pretty crude compared to my TT that was much the same price (4K)
My point is itâs quite a crude, basic car. Thatâs a lot of its charm because despite that itâs a hoot to drive. So why spend an extra 10k getting much the same?
By crude I mean itâs materials/build rather than its design so I donât get flammed
Interesting when you say being 5 foot it doesnât affect you at all. I am 5ft3 and i find that i am sitting slightly too low in my 2021 GT Sport Tech. I have seen plenty of seat lowering kits but none that will raise itâŚwell apart from a set of cushions perhaps.
You can raise the seat height very easy,I raised mine slightly,undo the back two bolts of the seat rail,then you can buy some nice round large washers,and also two new longer bolts,I find with the back raised slightly it is perfect.
Simon
I do like a cheap solution. At 5â10â I should be the ideal customer but I find Iâm peering over the dash a tad.