Mazda MX-5 (1990 - 2005) 1.8i 2d (01) Owner Review
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In their own words
The car is phenomenal to drive and if money was no issue then I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one - but the rust will keep coming because they are made of quite low quality metals that corrode very easily, especially in the rainy United Kingdom. If you can find an exceptionally well looked after one with low miles that hasn't been driven enough to have rust problems, I would say buy it, then drill lots of holes in the sills so that they drain properly (the cause of the sill rust that affects all MX-5s). And keep it under a roof.
Again, a brilliant machine. You feel completely connected to the road, like the car is an extension of you. It's incredible to drive, roof up or down. But 15+ years down the line, with the infamous rust problems, these are now very expensive to maintain. Be warned.
How reliable do you find the car?
Lots of rust issues - rust affects all MX-5s of this age/generation. Sad to say but you will keep sending it back to the garage to fix the rust. I've also had multiple issues with brakes, and suspension too. Maybe when they first released they were reliable, but mine hasn't been.Does the car do everything you expected it to do?
Drives amazingly. You will struggle to have more fun in a car at any price point. Its practicality surprised me - good boot space and decent cubbies / glovebox.About their car
- Fuel type Petrol
- When purchased April 2016
- Condition when bought Used
- Current Mileage 113,000 miles
- Average MPG 27 mpg
