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Mazda MX-5

Used choice: Mazda MX-5

Great fun, cheap and reliable – there’s not much to dislike about the original MX-5

By Ross Pinnock

29th April 2007

Mazda took the blueprint for a traditional roadster and improved on it – think MGB with decent performance and a leak-free roof. And you can now get one for a few thousand pounds.

However, with the earliest examples nearing 17 years old, it’s vital you buy on condition and service history rather than traditional factors like mileage.

Summer cars like this are unlikely to have covered huge distances, and their seasonal appeal means many have countless past owners – but don’t be put off if the price is right. Avoid the mass of imports (they wear the Eunos badge and have a retro-fit foglamp dangling from the rear), because there are so many UK examples around that you can afford to be choosy.

At this price range, the rise in value that most soft-tops experience at this time of year is much less painful, too (see our insider’s comments, below). So you can buy one now without the fear of paying too much over the odds.

Get a good MX-5 and you can revel in a slick gearchange, excellent chassis and retro styling. Even a replacement hood won’t break the bank – although reluctant pop-up headlamps can be an annoying glitch, so ensure they work.

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Mazda MX-5 stats

Prices: £1,500-£5,500
Production dates: 1989-1998
Engines: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 90bhp and 114bhp; 1.8-litre 4cyl, 130bhp
Why? Dealers won’t be prepared to haggle on soft-tops, but the original MX-5 is cheap and plentiful enough for it not to matter. Go for one that’s in private hands to get a real bargain.
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