Parts availability for older mx5

[sawman]

Thinking about picking up an mx5 at some point. I had an NA years ago ( early noughties) at the time getting bits was pretty straightforward, but with the passage of time is it still easy enough to get bits to keep them going?
I haven't quite decided between NA and NC ….

[Belle427]

As far as i am aware yes, Autolink MX5 are popular for bits but i avoid the cheap kavo branded filters they sell as they are junk.
Most stuff you can get on ebay etc.

[Sad Weevil]

No problem at all getting any parts for an NA, from multiple sources. I'm enjoying my NC 3.75 very much, after 12 years of NA ownership. It's a very different car mechanically, but has the same dna, and is very good to drive and to live with.

[sawman]

Thanks, the nc is attractive as its a bit more modern, but the na has pop up lights

I am lucky enough to love in an area blessed with some great country lanes, when I had my na before i just loved thrashing it round the lanes without really going too quickly, i feel that even the most modern nd will have the same spirit

Edited by sawman on Saturday 31st May 19:11

Edited by sawman on Saturday 31st May 19:12

[Belle427]

I think the NC is the best looking version but i still prefer the NA, both great cars though.
Finding a good one is the hardest part really, some pop up from time to time on the MX5 owners forums.
There is an interesting NA BBR Turbo for sale on there at the moment but it needs a little TLC.

[callahan]

I've had an NA and nc2 and loved them both in different ways.

I was looking to get another nc2 having sold my GR86 last year but spent too much time looking at Goodwood Sportscars and just put a deposit on their VR-Ltd.

I can't wait to get back in an NA and will pick it up in a few weeks to spend some time on the Northumberland roads visiting family before bringing it south again.

Not very helpful in terms of parts availability, but my view was to buy a good one and hope I don't need to do too much to keep it healthy!

[sawman]

callahan said:

I've had an NA and nc2 and loved them both in different ways.

I was looking to get another nc2 having sold my GR86 last year but spent too much time looking at Goodwood Sportscars and just put a deposit on their VR-Ltd.

I can't wait to get back in an NA and will pick it up in a few weeks to spend some time on the Northumberland roads visiting family before bringing it south again.

Not very helpful in terms of parts availability, but my view was to buy a good one and hope I don't need to do too much to keep it healthy!

It was a 1.6 in silver at goodwood sportscars that piqued my interest - its just like the one i had 20 years ago

[Belle427]

Worth keeping an eye out here too, he seems to have some lovely Mx5s going through his hands.
https://www.themattjohnstoncollection.com/
Im sure there was a thread here somewhere recently regarding a car from one of the other respected sellers that was not all it was cracked up to be.

[callahan]

sawman said:

It was a 1.6 in silver at goodwood sportscars that piqued my interest - its just like the one i had 20 years ago

That does look nice, identical to the first one I drove 20+ years ago in New Zealand, you could rent them back then. Lots of fun on their 'unsealed' roads...

[sawman]

Belle427 said:

Worth keeping an eye out here too, he seems to have some lovely Mx5s going through his hands.
https://www.themattjohnstoncollection.com/
Im sure there was a thread here somewhere recently regarding a car from one of the other respected sellers that was not all it was cracked up to be.

OMG that tuscan he has in is lovely

[Belle427]

I stumbled across his cars but from what i can see his MX5s have been some of the best out there, what they are like in the flesh and where he gets them i cant say.

[jimmytheone]

Parts availability for NA is generally not a problem - i'm currently re-building mine and there are always options for parts - MX5 parts, BOFI, JASS, breakers...that's the benefit of owning the most produced sports car in history!

I seem to remember a few bits (bumper brackets from memory) were a bit of a problem, i'd imagine some interior trims are getting rare but most things are available one way or another.

[MRichards99]

You can easily get most parts for NAs - BOFI Racing have been a welcome addition to part suppliers. While they might look a place for only people wanting big power, they're extremely helpful and supply lots of OE parts. I've spoken to them on the phone a number of times and their customer service is exemplary, both in terms of knowledge and answering questions regarding ETAs etc.