Mazda MX-5 1.8i S 2d (98) (1998/S) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Not a lot of car for the money, poor standard equipment, although now the new prices have come down, making it a little more reasonable.
Costs
Thirsty for a 1.8, mainly due to overly low gear ratios. Expect sub 28mpg for motorway speeds, bizarrely it achieves better ecconomy in town! Parts cheap, depreciation better than some, but still pretty bad. Eats rear tyres, but that's probably down to me
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On the road
Driving
Superb handling and the best steering I have ever experienced on a road car. Perhaps a little 'safe' for the enthusiast, as in the dry the chassis could handle a lot more power.
Performance
Excellent, rear drive chassis, coupled with slick transmission, limited slip diff and 150bhp. Rear drive coupled with tiny weight gives masses of grip from a standstill make it out-accelerate much more powerful cars.
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Living with it
Reliability
It has NEVER gone wrong, in any way ever. I've stuck to the servicing shedule and it has passed two MOTs with no work while I've had it. Only changed pads, disks, tyres and a relatively inexpensive cambelt.
Image
If you're a chap, forget it. Girls will love you, boys will laugh their nuts off. It's immensly satisfying to humilliate idiots in boy racer cars from the lights; Saxos, Golfs, etc who take the mickey.
Comfort
Just bearable if you're under 6', poor driving position for tall people. Suspension firm but bearable, seats more supportive than some, but not enough lumbar support to compensate for awkward driving position. Better if you're short!
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Security and Service
Security
Standard fit immobiliser, but I managed to break into mine when I locked the keys in the boot in five minutes flat with a coat hanger and caused no damage... hmm... Since then I don't leave anything worth more than a tenner in it.
Service
I didn't use them after the first service and some warranty work due to the total incompetance of my local dealer (JCT600) and painful smarmyness of the salesman.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Sounds rough when cold.
Other
I wouldn't buy another, even though I love it. Simply put I've moved on and up, I'm looking for the right Porsche at the moment. However I would reccomend one to ANYONE. Don't bother with the 1.6, though.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
No