MX5 NC1 or NC2?

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Looking for a reasonably cheap track car to tide me over while we complete on our house. It needs to be usable for the odd road trip so I won't be stripping it out or anything. I keep coming back to the MX5 NC due to it being relatively modern, quick enough, aftermarket support etc.

I've looked at MR2 Mk3s (and have had one before) but really needs a 2zz conversion at fair expense compared with the car's value. Also, the MX5 power can be increased much more cheaply.

I particularly like the NC2 facelift, they just seem more "grown up" and are just more pleasing to my eye. However, I'm looking at up to around 10k for a good one. Whereas if I go for an NC1 I could be looking at 3-4k.

I'm going to put coilovers on it and then look to improve the power e.g. BBR etc.

Question is: is it a false economy going for the NC2 just because I think it looks nicer? Are the engine upgrades (and other updates) in the NC2 worth it to justify doubling what I spend on the base car?

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CABC said:

if prices are that different (really?) then NC1 every time. you're switching out suspension anyway.
if you got one without seat airbags you could fit a bucket seat and still pass the mot.
buy on condition - check engine as these could be neglected and were ran low on oil.

Prices seem vastly different on average. Why do you say NC1 every time? I hear the NC2 has uprated engine etc. etc. or are the 'gains' not that noticeable or beneficial in reality?