Mazda MX-5 (1990-)

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  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Fantastic. Twice as expensive as old car, but three times as fun!

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Fuel economy is good. Avoid dealer servicing once your warranty is up, though.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Fantastic, light, responsive, precise steering. Ride possibly too hard for some tastes.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Put Super Unleaded in - it does make a difference, even so the way it handles makes you want more power.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Had it for 12 months. The only things that need replacing are a windscreen wiper and a hood catch that was done under warranty - never let me down once.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    It's pity some pundits consider the MX-5 to have the cliche'd hairdresser image. Probably these people are jealous because they have to have a more practical car... If they've driven one that is...

    Comfort

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Noisy, hard ride. If you go on a 4-hour drive to London in it, your back WILL ache. But that's not really what it's about...

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Immobiliser as standard. If you get one, never leave valuables on show - like any soft-top really.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Hood catch was broken when purchased, fixed under warranty. Dealer servicing as always - unreasonably expensive.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Been sweet for the last 365 days - faultless.

    Other

    It IS uncomfortable. If comfort is a priority, then DON'T buy an MX-5, if fun is...

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes