Likes
- Brilliant driving experience
- Superb dynamics
- Inexpensive to maintain
- Possible investment opportunity
Used Mazda MX-5 review
1989 - 1997
Dislikes
- Lacks safety tech (or any real modern safety of any kind)
- Very few creature comforts
- Finding a good one can be a challenge
- Good ones are getting expensive
Stuff you should know
Let’s not beat around the bush, the first-generation Mazda MX-5 (Miata) is a motoring icon.
No other car brought the joy of driving to the masses like the MX-5. Front-engined with rear-wheel drive in a small, lightweight, topless body is the perfect recipe for motoring fun. Throw in sublime steering, a balanced and communicative chassis and Japanese reliability and it’s no wonder prices for good condition MX-5s are on the rise.
But being a performance car, it pays to be extra careful if you’re in the market for one as many have been badly modified or driven far too hard for far too long.
What goes wrong
- Rust can be an issue. Be sure to check the rocker panels, subframes, door bottoms, shock towers and frame rails for signs of crusty metal
- As some MX-5s are now over 30 years old, it’s important to inspect things like rubber hoses, suspension bushings, and electrical connections as they can wear out and fail
- Check for fluid leaks but make sure the previous owner(s) kept up with maintenance and servicing
- Rust can be an issue. Be sure to check the rocker panels, subframes, door bottoms, shock towers and frame rails for signs of crusty metal
- As some MX-5s are now over 30 years old, it’s important to inspect things like rubber hoses, suspension bushings, and electrical connections as they can wear out and fail
- Check for fluid leaks but make sure the previous owner(s) kept up with maintenance and servicing
- Rust can be an issue. Be sure to check the rocker panels, subframes, door bottoms, shock towers and frame rails for signs of crusty metal
- As some MX-5s are now over 30 years old, it’s important to inspect things like rubber hoses, suspension bushings, and electrical connections as they can wear out and fail
- Check for fluid leaks but make sure the previous owner(s) kept up with maintenance and servicing
Should you buy it?
YES, we highly recommend it.
Ok, it’s not exactly safe, it lacks any real luxuries and compared to even today’s hatchbacks, it’s not actually all that fast, but if you want a completely involving driving experience with the wind in your hair and a huge smile on your face, the NA MX-5 is an incredibly affordable way to embrace the love of driving.
YES, we highly recommend it.
Ok, it’s not exactly safe, it lacks any real luxuries and compared to even today’s hatchbacks, it’s not actually all that fast, but if you want a completely involving driving experience with the wind in your hair and a huge smile on your face, the NA MX-5 is an incredibly affordable way to embrace the love of driving.
Should you buy it?
YES, we highly recommend it.
Ok, it’s not exactly safe, it lacks any real luxuries and compared to even today’s hatchbacks, it’s not actually all that fast, but if you want a completely involving driving experience with the wind in your hair and a huge smile on your face, the NA MX-5 is an incredibly affordable way to embrace the love of driving.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body style:
- 2-door, 2-seat convertible
Engine & outputs:
- Series 1 & 2 – 1.6L, 4-cyl petrol – 85kW / 130Nm
- Series 3 – 1.8L, 4-cyl petrol – 98kW / 155Nm
Drivelines:
- 5-spd manual, RWD
Fuel use:
- 7.3L/100km (combined)
Dimensions:
- Height: 1230mm
- Length: 3975mm
- Width: 1675mm
- Weight: 955kg (Series 1 & 2), 983kg (series 3)
Body style:
- 2-door, 2-seat convertible
Engine & outputs:
- Series 1 & 2 – 1.6L, 4-cyl petrol – 85kW / 130Nm
- Series 3 – 1.8L, 4-cyl petrol – 98kW / 155Nm
Drivelines:
- 5-spd manual, RWD
Fuel use:
- 7.3L/100km (combined)
Dimensions:
- Height: 1230mm
- Length: 3975mm
- Width: 1675mm
- Weight: 955kg (Series 1 & 2), 983kg (series 3)
Body style:
- 2-door, 2-seat convertible
Engine & outputs:
- Series 1 & 2 – 1.6L, 4-cyl petrol – 85kW / 130Nm
- Series 3 – 1.8L, 4-cyl petrol – 98kW / 155Nm
Drivelines:
- 5-spd manual, RWD
Fuel use:
- 7.3L/100km (combined)
Dimensions:
- Height: 1230mm
- Length: 3975mm
- Width: 1675mm
- Weight: 955kg (Series 1 & 2), 983kg (series 3)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty:
3 years/unlimited kms
Servicing:
10,000kms or 12 months
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Disclaimer
Information correct as of January 07, 2021.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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