The NCs are really plummeting in price; recent examples of both are showing sub to low '20's. I have been dreaming of Cayman ownership, but the maintenance fears are very real, insurance is killer in my area, and I worry about the image that driving a Porsche would project at my work environment. A Miata? Harmless!
So, tell me the pros and cons of each of the PRHT MX-5 models. I much prefer the interior of the Grand Touring, but prefer the exterior of the Club. Both have technology that seems to date back to the early 2000's. I understand that the Grand Touring has the LSD and Bilsteins optional. I hear looking for yellow Bilsteins on GTs is a good clue; are there any other chassis differences between the two?
The 25th anniversary editions are real bombshells; they combine the best of both models. I doubt that dealers are giving them away, though. Considering how quickly lightly used models are depreciating, buying new does not seem to be a wise decision. Ghost edit: didnMt realize they were so uncommon.
Mitchell wrote:
I worry about the image that driving a Porsche would project at my work environment.
I don't even understand what you mean by this?
How could a Porsche project any type of image at work?
Do you work at an anti-German organization?
It's about money, or at least the appearance of money that dailying a modern Porsche would project, since I work in a predominantly blue collar warehouse.
There is another option too. Get an older one and put a 2.5L in there. They are getting about 190-200 WHP with the swap and a set of cams. Brian Goodwin is doing the swaps there in California. I've driven one and to me it's a really nice setup. Nice pull through the RPM range with the ease of upkeep of a NA motor.
In reply to yupididit:
You know the old saying about Porsches and cactii...prick is on the inside, etc. I've had jobs that are the same way; some clients start asking a lot of questions once you're spotted in a flashy car, regardless of what it actually cost.
Mitchell wrote:
It's about money, or at least the appearance of money that dailying a modern Porsche would project, since I work in a predominantly blue collar warehouse.
Yup this. When I bought my Beemer everyone started saying how much money I was making. I spent $15k on that car. The 3/4 ton diesel trucks that were there could have paid for 3~4 of my Beemers.
Perception is reality. Facts can be negotiated.
All I do know is the NC and the RX8 do share a lot of parts, the later the better, and if something does happen to my 8 I would definitely be looking at a later NC.
Why just PHRT out of curiosity?
Flight Service wrote:
Mitchell wrote:
It's about money, or at least the appearance of money that dailying a modern Porsche would project, since I work in a predominantly blue collar warehouse.
Yup this. When I bought my Beemer everyone started saying how much money I was making. I spent $15k on that car. The 3/4 ton diesel trucks that were there could have paid for 3~4 of my Beemers.
Perception is reality. Facts can be negotiated.
Yup. I paid 5k for my e46 and people act like I drive a Bentley. Oh well.
JtspellS wrote:
All I do know is the NC and the RX8 do share a lot of parts, the later the better, and if something does happen to my 8 I would definitely be looking at a later NC.
Why just PHRT out of curiosity?
I don't like how soft tops look when they are in the up position... Any of them, really.
The club is just a stripe and stick on styling kit. Order it seperately and put it on your Grand Touring.
I don't like the look of the PHRT in te upright position and would prefer a basic hardtop instread, but to each their own :)
The suspension improved dramatically in 2013. Either get one of those or budget for new shocks at a minimum. As noted, they all have the same body. The club first appeared with the 2013 redesign, that could be why you're associating the new nose with it.
The PRHT is really nice to have, more so than a removable hardtop. It's very easy to get used to just pressing a button to convert the car from coupe to convertible. It has a real impact on potential roll protection if this is to be a track car, however.
Mitchell wrote:
I worry about the image that driving a Porsche would project at my work environment.
I get some of this too in public since I have an E36. I should just start projecting more of a balla status to increase the allure; They value the badge on the car quite highly and are very unlikely to buy one no matter what.
If I still lived in LA, it wouldn't be an issue... BMW's are basically Camrys over there, 911s the equivalent of Mustangs.
In reply to Mitchell:
There's so many Cayman's in our area. I saw like 4 it 5 going through Fontana and 215 the other day. I REALLY want a speed yellow Cayman S. Like REALLY REALLY WANT.
Meteor gray with spicy mocha interior; I think that is the one to go after. I'm a sucker for reddish brown or baseball glove brown seats.
Looks good with the top up, too!
So, just drove a new Club. My feeling about it:
There's a '13 for less than 20k that I was hoping to look at tonight, but looks like I won't make closing time, so I'll have to wait for the weekend.
Yeahhhhh the late NC is a REALLY good car. Not just a good Miata, but a really good car. I would love to have one.
These things sadly still like $4k out of my price range. Drove a 2013 PRHT today while my girlfriend was test driving a mazda 3. Really liked it. Wish to trade my crown vic in for it.
You guys had better stay away from the 2016. It'll ruin ya.
Swank Force One wrote:
Yeahhhhh the late NC is a REALLY good car. Not just a good Miata, but a really good car. I would love to have one.
I drove a 328i convertible earlier this summer; amazing how much better (more fun) the Mx-5 is. The interior is admittedly low-buck, but it is at least minimalist.
I still prefer the PRHT, but really like how easy the cloth top is to open.
Yea, I'm buying a 2016 in about 5 years. Will be my next, next car.I just have to decided on something between now and then...
Keith Tanner wrote:
You guys had better stay away from the 2016. It'll ruin ya
That much better, eh? The new one is in the league of $30k cars... Does it still come out on top?
Just look at that back end of it man. Looks amazing.
Maybe because the car was on a plinth, but the '16 I saw today looked (proportionally) larger in the front. The rear is very nice, though.
Keith does the ND match well against the NC in terms of "This could be my only car?"
