Mazda MX-5 (1990 - 2005) 1.8i 2d (98) (1998/S) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
To the uniniated, that you're a bit camp. To those in the know, that you actually like driving.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Smiles.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, I'd love another as a second car.
What are you likely to buy next?
The MX5 was replaced in 2007 with a BMW 330i sport. Shame the BMW was nothing like as fun to drive.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£5,000
When did you buy the car?
August 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
Seemed like a reasonable price.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Having never owned a soft top before, wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
What was the dealer like?
Very pleasant.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
More fun than a night in with a hot Japanese girl. Brilliant, yet forgiving handling. I put a K&N typhoon induction kit on mine. Made no difference to the performance, but made it sound good. Deceptively comfortable seats made long journeys tolerable (though not as easy as a decent saloon). I enjoyed mine so much that the only time I didn't have the roof down was during rain or fog. Even snow is OK as it falls slower than rain, so any speed above walking pace is fine.
What's it like to park?
Incredibly easy. It's small and with the roof down, you can nearly touch the back of the car with your hands.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Nothing went wrong during the 20k miles that I owned it for. Easily the most reliable car I've ever owned.
What's most practical about your car?
Practical and soft top? Do the two phrases fit in the same sentence? On a slightly more serious note, it did 35mpg, had more boot space the the MR2 mk3 and won't leave you with head gasket failure (as per an MGF owner).
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The roof could be opened and closed whilst driving at slow speeds once you'd got the technique right.
