Rocky wrote:I sometimes think about with what I will eventually replace the MX5...The idea of a full-on fun car like a PRB Clubman appeals but I have never dríven one and have no idea of the pitfalls of ownership.
Rocky wrote:Sounds like the big issue is the unsophisticated suspension set-up.
Have one that's setup for the road - fun, but with limitations. You really need to have a few decent drives of clubbies to make up your mind if it's for you. If you join the OzClubbies forum you might find there are some owners up your way. But as long as you do plenty of research & buy carefully, you can always resell, bearing in mind the market has been on the way down. Fortunately you live in QLD, which along with WA, is one of the clubbie friendly states registration-wise.
Personally don't find the suspension uncomfortable, but because they differ individually so much there are other considerations, which vary from state to state, like:
soft top, windscreen, wipers & washers, rear exiting exhaust, retractable seat belts, plenum/ airbox, 10cm minimum ride height, seat head rests, rollbar height, bootbox storage space, cycle front guards or clam shell front guards, protection on front face of rear guards, tonneau cover, heater (obviously not a problem in FNQ), demister/fan if soft top & side curtains are used, spare wheel, jack, winder & brace or can of goo, left foot brace or at least some where for left foot when not operating clutch pedal, quick release steering wheel for entry & exit, how you're going to listen to your favourite tunes, apart from the exhaust & intake noise. A final consideration is that they're not necessarily designed to be easy to service & maintain.
As a fellow MX5 owner who uses a hardtop, you may find being in FNQ that a soft top is a must. If so, keep in mind that if clubbie soft top is in place then getting in or out is an issue unless you have a flap opening designed in or you undo the soft top.
Have thought about what I'd long term replace the MX5 with for a few years now, but have come to the conclusion it would be another MX5. For the money, it's just such a good all rounder, if you can live the space limitations of a small two seater car.