Used Mazda MX-5 (ND) review

Likes

Utterly intoxicating driving experience, in any scenario.
Bulletproof reliability.
Affordable to buy and maintain.
The epitome of the easy-to-live-with performance car.

Dislikes

Not the most practical car out there.
You can only impress one passenger at a time.
Long commute times as you’ll inherently take the long way home.
Physical pain from laughing and smiling constantly.

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Performance

Publish: July 21, 2023

Stuff you should know

The Mazda MX-5 or Miata has been around since 1989 and has always been the brands small front engined rear wheel drive 2-seat convertible roadster, continually highly acclaimed and deserving of its hero like status.

The 4th generation 2015 to current model ND series is powered by either a 1.5 or 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine and fun fact ,the 1.5 is the same engine you’ll find in the Mazda 2 and the 2.0-litre is powering the Mazda 3, CX-3 and CX-5, although they are substantially modified for the MX-5 but the fundamentals are the same.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, however, unless you’re buying the auto due to medical reasons, the auto is a very disappointing decision.

The automatic is not bad by any means but buying an MX-5 with an auto is akin to ordering plain toast and a glass of water at a Gordan Ramsey restaurant, fine we guess but you’re robbing yourself of the real experience.

Body style wise, the ND was initially available as a true drop top convertible, however late in 2016, a retractable fastback or RF model was announced, featuring a hardtop and almost Targa aesthetics and functionality.

The RF also adds 40 kilograms (88 pounds) to the kerb weight.

Speaking of weight, bucking the trend of new models growing larger and heavier with each new generation, the ND dropped nearly 100kg (220lb) compared to the previous generation NC and was shorter too.

However, as good as the early models were, Mazda couldn’t leave the ND alone and have honed and improved it with continual updates.

Firstly in March of 2018 with improvements to the noise, vibration and harshness levels then in September 2018 a more substantial update saw the engine enhanced to deliver more of the good stuff, a few annoyances within the cabin were sorted out and the levels of tech, safety and features increased.

Then for the 2021 year model, there was another subtle update featuring yet more tech, a few new colours and the addition of a flagship trim spec.

Just on the trim specs, globally there have been a huge array, but here in Australia the majority on the used market will be either the standard MX-5 or the higher spec GT but a smattering of special and limited editions were added and removed along the way and all are listed below.

What goes wrong

Exterior:

On early examples, the soft top can wear due to the roof rubbing against the roll over hoops when in the down position.

There are the odd reports of tiny signs of rust on the right hand door quarter window area.

The paint is quite thin thanks to saving weight, (and possibly production costs) but this means it can scratch and chip easily. Be on the look out for any dodgy repairs.

Make sure the drains are regularly cleaned, there are tutorials on YouTube but some owners have complained this is a pain of a job, just make sure it is done.

Check if there is any moisture in the boot, if it’s wet, the roof might be leaking, due to a clogged drainage system.

Interior:

Seats wrapped in the leather can lose tension across the leather over time.

The MZD infotainment screen can get a minor spider web crack or a smokey effect, and there have been reports of the infotainment system glitching out however a software update generally fixes it.

The rear view mirrors and the roof liner above the rear window can come loose but it’s not common.

Window switches can play up although this is easily fixed.

The gear levers knob can become worn due to being incredibly enjoyable to use.

Owners of pre-2019 models often despise the cup holders.

Mechanically:

Good news for mechanical reliability, much like its predecessors, the ND is very reliable.

Engine-wise, there is no one big issue that causes expensive failures.

With age, there might get the occasional water pump leak or coil pack failure however these are very few and far between.

There are some isolated cases of the low-pressure fuel pump failing but absolutely not a common issue.

Although speaking of the low-pressure pump, it’s located in the fuel pump and filter module in the fuel tank and it seems Mazda did not design it to be changed easily. Just about everything behind the seats has got to come out just to access the top of the tank and it’s not an enjoyable task.

Transmissions are very solid too.

There is the occasional gear selector issue in the manual, but again very far from common.

It should be noted many owners do attend track days and/or drive them extremely enthusiastically however, we’ve found the majority of these owners also love the car and care and maintain them accordingly to the use they give them.

The MX-5 was designed and engineered from the outset to provide maximum driving enjoyment on and off track and thanks to the low kerb weight and robust mechanicals, with correct maintenance even examples that have been driven very

Exterior:

On early examples, the soft top can wear due to the roof rubbing against the roll over hoops when in the down position.

There are the odd reports of tiny signs of rust on the right hand door quarter window area.

The paint is quite thin thanks to saving weight, (and possibly production costs) but this means it can scratch and chip easily. Be on the look out for any dodgy repairs.

Make sure the drains are regularly cleaned, there are tutorials on YouTube but some owners have complained this is a pain of a job, just make sure it is done.

Check if there is any moisture in the boot, if it’s wet, the roof might be leaking, due to a clogged drainage system.

Interior:

Seats wrapped in the leather can lose tension across the leather over time.

The MZD infotainment screen can get a minor spider web crack or a smokey effect, and there have been reports of the infotainment system glitching out however a software update generally fixes it.

The rear view mirrors and the roof liner above the rear window can come loose but it’s not common.

Window switches can play up although this is easily fixed.

The gear levers knob can become worn due to being incredibly enjoyable to use.

Owners of pre-2019 models often despise the cup holders.

Mechanically:

Good news for mechanical reliability, much like its predecessors, the ND is very reliable.

Engine-wise, there is no one big issue that causes expensive failures.

With age, there might get the occasional water pump leak or coil pack failure however these are very few and far between.

There are some isolated cases of the low-pressure fuel pump failing but absolutely not a common issue.

Although speaking of the low-pressure pump, it’s located in the fuel pump and filter module in the fuel tank and it seems Mazda did not design it to be changed easily. Just about everything behind the seats has got to come out just to access the top of the tank and it’s not an enjoyable task.

Transmissions are very solid too.

There is the occasional gear selector issue in the manual, but again very far from common.

It should be noted many owners do attend track days and/or drive them extremely enthusiastically however, we’ve found the majority of these owners also love the car and care and maintain them accordingly to the use they give them.

The MX-5 was designed and engineered from the outset to provide maximum driving enjoyment on and off track and thanks to the low kerb weight and robust mechanicals, with correct maintenance even examples that have been driven very hard are showing excellent reliability.

Recalls:

February 2019 – Mazda MX-5 (ND) Automatic vehicles manufactured between 2015 and 2019 are affected by a fault in the Transmission Control Module (TCM), potentially causing the automatic transmission to downshift unexpectedly, leading to an abrupt wheel speed reduction and compromising vehicle stability, posing a risk of a loss of vehicle control and potential accidents, with 1,891 units being affected.
July 2019 – Mazda MX-5 2015 models, 256 affected units – The metal bracket on the vehicle under cover may separate while driving, posing a hazard as it may fall from the vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents or injuries to vehicle occupants and other road users.
December 2021 – Mazda issued a recall for 90,363 vehicles (Mazda2, Mazda3, CX-5, CX-9, Mazda6, MX-5, CX-3) produced from 2017 to 2019 due to a defective low-pressure fuel pump impeller, which could cause the fuel pump to stop working, potentially leading to vehicle stalling and an increased risk of accidents, injuries, or fatalities for occupants and other road users.

Exterior:

On early examples, the soft top can wear due to the roof rubbing against the roll over hoops when in the down position.

There are the odd reports of tiny signs of rust on the right hand door quarter window area.

The paint is quite thin thanks to saving weight, (and possibly production costs) but this means it can scratch and chip easily. Be on the look out for any dodgy repairs.

Make sure the drains are regularly cleaned, there are tutorials on YouTube but some owners have complained this is a pain of a job, just make sure it is done.

Check if there is any moisture in the boot, if it’s wet, the roof might be leaking, due to a clogged drainage system.

Interior:

Seats wrapped in the leather can lose tension across the leather over time.

The MZD infotainment screen can get a minor spider web crack or a smokey effect, and there have been reports of the infotainment system glitching out however a software update generally fixes it.

The rear view mirrors and the roof liner above the rear window can come loose but it’s not common.

Window switches can play up although this is easily fixed.

The gear levers knob can become worn due to being incredibly enjoyable to use.

Owners of pre-2019 models often despise the cup holders.

Mechanically:

Good news for mechanical reliability, much like its predecessors, the ND is very reliable.

Engine-wise, there is no one big issue that causes expensive failures.

With age, there might get the occasional water pump leak or coil pack failure however these are very few and far between.

There are some isolated cases of the low-pressure fuel pump failing but absolutely not a common issue.

Although speaking of the low-pressure pump, it’s located in the fuel pump and filter module in the fuel tank and it seems Mazda did not design it to be changed easily. Just about everything behind the seats has got to come out just to access the top of the tank and it’s not an enjoyable task.

Transmissions are very solid too.

There is the occasional gear selector issue in the manual, but again very far from common.

It should be noted many owners do attend track days and/or drive them extremely enthusiastically however, we’ve found the majority of these owners also love the car and care and maintain them accordingly to the use they give them.

The MX-5 was designed and engineered from the outset to provide maximum driving enjoyment on and off track and thanks to the low kerb weight and robust mechanicals, with correct maintenance even examples that have been driven very hard are showing excellent reliability.

Recalls:

February 2019 – Mazda MX-5 (ND) Automatic vehicles manufactured between 2015 and 2019 are affected by a fault in the Transmission Control Module (TCM), potentially causing the automatic transmission to downshift unexpectedly, leading to an abrupt wheel speed reduction and compromising vehicle stability, posing a risk of a loss of vehicle control and potential accidents, with 1,891 units being affected.
July 2019 – Mazda MX-5 2015 models, 256 affected units – The metal bracket on the vehicle under cover may separate while driving, posing a hazard as it may fall from the vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents or injuries to vehicle occupants and other road users.
December 2021 – Mazda issued a recall for 90,363 vehicles (Mazda2, Mazda3, CX-5, CX-9, Mazda6, MX-5, CX-3) produced from 2017 to 2019 due to a defective low-pressure fuel pump impeller, which could cause the fuel pump to stop working, potentially leading to vehicle stalling and an increased risk of accidents, injuries, or fatalities for occupants and other road users.

Should you buy it?

Should you buy one, YES, in fact if you want the perfect fun car, the Mazda ND MX-5 is probably it.

Buying a dedicated sports car rarely involves including logic into the decision making process but the ND MX-5 is simply the logical choice.

It easily provides just as much enjoyment and dynamic depth as far more exotic performance cars when it comes to driving in it’s own unique way.

It’s small and lightweight so like a Lotus Elise, it’s kind to the mechanicals and consumables even when pushed hard yet the MX-5 is substantially more affordable to buy, and it offers a level of practicality and accommodation the Elise could only dream of.

It’s safe and relatively fuel efficient, it’s a Mazda so unlike much of the competition parts and labour are affordable and chances are, very little will go wrong in the first place.

And most importantly, it’s just so much fun all of the time and at any speed. If you’re having a bad day, the ND MX-5 will cheer you up.

In fact not only should you buy an MX-5, everyone should have an MX-5, it would make the world a better place.

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