Buying Guides

Mazda MX-5 (1990-2005) Buying Guide

Pictures shown may not represent exact model specified

by Richard Dredge

There are plenty of reasons why the Mazda MX-5 is the best-selling sportscar of all time; the key ones are the affordability, reliability and brilliant driving experience that it serves up. Such popularity ensures a steady supply of used cars, many of which are special editions. There have been at least two dozen of these, and they're invariably worth no more than standard cars. Don't dismiss 1.6-litre cars either; they're not especially quick, but they're still a blast to drive.

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We Like	We Don't Like
Great to drive Cheap to buy and run Well built Plenty to choose from	Automatic transmission Tiny boot Cramped

Key Dates
1/99	MX-5 on sale with 1.6-litre engine.
5/94	1.8-litre powerplant now available.
4/98	Facelifted car arrives, with fixed headlamps, glass rear window, revised cabin and more power.
6/01	Revised car appears, with standard ABS, electric windows, central locking and more prominent front bumper.

Checklist
Is the car a genuine UK-supplied MX-5? Imports are common, badged as Eunos or Miata. Hood catches break and are expensive to replace. Look for leaks from the core plugs along the length of the engine block. They're steel, so they corrode. Floor mats of Jasper Conran special edition can get caught in the pedals. Front foglights can work loose, with an electrical short resulting. Make sure there's no hood damage; replacing the cloth roof is pricey.

Checklist

Is the car a genuine UK-supplied MX-5? Imports are common, badged as Eunos or Miata.
Hood catches break and are expensive to replace.
Look for leaks from the core plugs along the length of the engine block. They're steel, so they corrode.
Floor mats of Jasper Conran special edition can get caught in the pedals.
Front foglights can work loose, with an electrical short resulting.
Make sure there's no hood damage; replacing the cloth roof is pricey.