Now that’s a coincidence, I just got off the phone to steve at goodwood and I think we’ve made a deal on a mk1! Such a nice guy. Will post a pic if all goes well but I have a very good feeling about this. Really enjoying the tips about every body’s favourite generation, it seem there is an mx5 for everyone!
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Great news - I’m sure you will enjoy it. I loved my NC and ND2 but found reason to move on, not sure what would get me to part with my NA.
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Goodwood Sportscars is a great suggestion 
Glad you’ve hopefully found a decent option. As a previous Mk1 owner and now having a Mk3.5, ultimately there are pros and cons for each version. Just comes down to what you want to use it for.
But if I’d had room, I’d have just kept the Mk1 as there’s something special about ‘the original’ I think.
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Anyone got opinions on wheels? Steve’s offered two options, 14’s or 15’s I like the look of both of them not quite sure I understand the relationship of sidewall to handling and can’t find straight answers anywhere else yet.
Also only just realised the spelling and corrective text shockers in the thread title! Can you tell I’m new to the forum?
The sidewall will flex when you try to turn the car - officially known as slip angle.
A smaller sidewall ( lower profile tyre ) will feel sharper in the handling department.
However - the lower profile tyre will give a harsher ride than a taller sidewall.
Between a 14 and a 15 - I would be more interested in the available selection of tyres.
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Totally agree with CBRDEANO. General rule of thumb is
higher profile = more comfort and less sharpness and response
Lower profile = sharper, more direct, better feedback but less forgiving ride.
Having said this, tyre brand and makeup can make a lower profile feel as nice as a higher one if the compounds are different.
Cleaned that.
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Hi There, well…. It just so happens that this week I decided to put my pride and joy, a very nice NC Mk1 up for sale. It’s got the 2.0l engine and only 75k on the clock. It’s been garaged all its life and is in unmarked condition. If you’re interested to get in touch.
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That makes sense. Are we thinking 15” tyres are more readily available? I saw you can get track tyres in 14r with a 60 aspect sidewall, interesting that semi-slicks would be on the ‘better ride’ end of the spectrum, I guess f1 tyres have massive side walls too?! I did read traction and breaking is better with a bigger sidewall but I would have thought you’d want responsiveness over all on track.
Hi. I have a 2004 NB which has just been Sorned, with the intention of looking to part with it in spring 2024. However, I live in Hartlepool and you would be welcome. to come and have a look at your leisure. Not sure how to contact you through the forum ie. email or tel number.
Car has been garaged for the last few years and the MOT expires on 17/03/24.
David Harding
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I preferred my Mk1 on 14s, that’s what it had originally and it was nice to run the same spec.
The last tyres I bought for it were Falken ZE310 in a 185/60/14 and were easily obtainable (and cheap!)
I still have that set of wheels and tyres, original BBS alloys from an S-Special if you’re interested! 
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Welcome to the club.
Go for the NA. l have owned this little pocket rocket for 21 years now with no regrets, true it’s now only a summer toy but has given me miles of smiles over the years. With regular services (by myself) I’ve never been let down by it. Just been amazing. And it’s RED! 
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Nice @simplyred ! Very smart looking NA. I am in the process of buying a roadster through goodwood, fingers crossed it all goes through and looking forward to 20 years plus of fun.
Is yours on coilovers? Looks almost stock but not quite
All stock with the exception of style bar and stainless steel exhaust, complements of MX5 Parts . . . sounds nice and throaty when pushing through the box, but not too boy-racerish! Did think about a new set wheels but decided against it as wanted to keep it original. I think Mazda got it right first time re wheel weight and size.
Steve @ Goodwood is a top bloke and you won’t go wrong buying a car from him. I almost did some time ago but now I own an 18yo NBFL with only 33k on the clock which was my dad’s for around 12 years .
Everybody has their favourite 5, if money was no object and I had a garage I would have an NA but as my NBFL is a daily and sits on the street that does me fine. It’s been fully undersealed by Preserve & Protect and does have some rust on the wings (new wings being fitted in Spring '24) but as long as you keep on top of general maintenance I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them.
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1998 MX5 Berkeley custodian here, at over 6 foot tall, this run out edition NA fitted the bill for me. Good idea buying from a dealer, you’ll have 6 months protection with the powerful Consumer Rights Act 2015, look it up. All MX5’s struggle with rust issues, find a car that’s had remedial rust protection work with proof, but avoid a car thats only had slapdash application of some oily paint that is used by sellers to cover up corrosion. Check the cars MOT history, it is a blunt tool but it can still provide a little bit of insight into rust issues. NA engines are robust when maintained but no engine ever made is ‘bullet proof’, thats just marketing guff. Take the car out for a 30+ minute test drive, this allows the engine to get up to working temperature. It took my car for a 60 minute test drive, its 24yrs old and it performed impeccably. Service history is useful but what got done in 2008 is irrelevant now. Check the pop up lights work as they should, pop them up on the test drive and watch for headlamp wobble, easily fixed but a sign of poor maintainence. Check the soft top for damage. Basically, test drive the car longer than the seller wants you too. Its your money, spend it well, enjoy the hunt!
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I have a 3.75 with extras garaged at the moment- true red beauty but possibly looking to sell May 24 after MOT- however looking at nearer £9000 for her. I’m in York
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That’s the one to have eh! Don’t think I can stretch to 9 but sure you’ll find a buyer, she’s a beaut!
The later NC’s have a forged crank shaft right? I did hear there were forged bits on the NA 1.8’s too but can’t remember where. Is that a thing?
Not aware, mines been gone over a fair bit so hopefully not🤞🏻 Iv spent quite a bit on her, mind you I may weaken and keep her come some sun😂
oh no! forged is good! rather than cast the crank is formed under pressure making it stronger so it can spin faster and make more power. The post face lift models have it and allow the redline to be lifted to 7.5 rather than 6.8 (So I have read) seems to be the main reason the facelift models are so desirable, and why I cant afford one 