Opinions: Mazda MX-5?

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ButtermilkJa

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I'm thinking of buying a Mazda MX-5 and was wondering what peoples experience of these are? Any things to look out for, avoid etc! I'm thinking of a 1.8 1998+ model as I hear these are great little cars. I've been warned it's difficult to get a good reliable pre-98 model and to stay away from imports if possible, but I would love to hear other peoples opinions on these points. I actually wouldn't mind a 1994-ish import as I love the pop-up lights and the extra spec would be nice. Also they'ed cost less ;). Cheers!
 
Lovely cars.

Look at as many as you can and buy the best you can afford.

Avoid Eunos (imports).
 
They are brilliant. We still have our '90 one, and that comment about Eunos is misplaced.

Ours is a jap import, and it has NEVER needed any repair in the 9 years we've had it. Which is a lot more than be said for the 2 x TT's that followed it (fine cars though they are, too...).

You won't go wrong, and there's a good choice available. Jap import cars are also typicaly higher spec that OE Irish ones, so bear that in mind.........
 
My view is still avoid the Eunos.

You have been fortunate TT but they have no provable service history, and are difficult to sell on.
 
Agree with galwaytt. Have a 1990 import bough as stop gap around 7 years ago, and have been brilliant and reliable. Mazda top all reliability charts both here and abroad by a distance. Absolutely recommend MX5, and great fun to drive. Beware poor visibility in wet conditions, especially in busy traffic /motorways as low level gets a lot of splashing.
 
I would like to agree totally with Galway TT.
I too had a 1990 Eunos Roadster and it was a great little car never giving any trouble in the entire time I had it.
Thats a lot more than can be said for the TT that replaced it.
If you are interested in an Import give a guy called Art a ring.
His website is webcars.net.
I bought mine off him and found him fine to deal with.it , very genuine.
 
interested said:
...If you are interested in an Import give a guy called Art a ring.
His website is webcars.net.
I bought mine off him and found him fine to deal with.it , very genuine.
Click to expand...
That's the second time someone has recommended him to me so I reckon I'll be taking a spin down to wicklow soon!

I appreciate all the other comments also. In particular the debate about imports/non-imports. This is something that does concern me. I like the idea having the extra spec import models but am wary of stuff like service history, resale etc.

Also, out of interest, did you ever feel a bit less secure driving the soft-top. You know, that feeling that there's only cloth above your head! Or am I being too paranoid?

Any issues with vandalism while parked with the soft-tops?

Any opinions on the V-Special (nice one )
 
Mines never been tampered, broken into or stolen in 7 years. Do park in the odd dodgy area, and have had no probs. Softtop more of a worry should something fall of a truck or a building than turning over. Low centre of gravity, and good safety record with MX5. Mines a Eunos.
 
parts are cheap, including hoods, and there's a very active MX fraternity here who would probably do your hood f.o.c (labour) if you supply the .......beer/whatever !! A new hood for mine cost US$199, and I fitted it with a friend over a few hours. [broken link removed]

Yes, there may be an issue with proving a f.s.h., off the boat, so to speak........but you don't pay euro-money for it anyway, so that's a compensation for that. If you start your own fsh, then if you sell it, the next guy will benefit, and you'll contribute to protecting your investment. And, as people are telling you here, they don't stop anyway.........

V-special is nice, nice extra's, but not my personal taste.

driving a soft top is a revelation........kinda sneaky, like riding a bike but without a helmet........feels weird at first, but come a fine day, you'll be glad you did !
 
I love my MX 5 and have never had any problems with security. I have a hard top as well as a soft top but I haven't used the hard top in over a year.

The only issue I have with the car is the tiny boot space but thankfully there's another car in the household for more practical use.
 
I bought a Mark 1 v spec (definitely my favourite) MX5 import about 18 months ago and am delighted I did. Once you go with a reputable importer you should be fine. When it comes time to trade up I will definitely go the import route again.
 
As a big petrol head I was disappointed when my other half bought a 2003 MX-5. Was hugely suprised once I drove it a bit - One of those cars which puts a smile on your face, excellent chasis. Completely reliable.

I would prefer to go for a UK car myself because it is easy to source one with a documented sevice history.

I know one person who's had one stolen - we never had any difficulties here with ours - I also saw an mx-5 parked on the roadside where someone had ripped the hard top off - presumably stolen to sell??

I think the older they are the more likely they are to be stolen for parts - cause they can be more difficult to track down.

Overall I'd say great car - on the risk of being stolen -definitely at the lower end of the scale - Unlike other commenters above I would get a hardtop for winter.
 
Before I ever had a rag top myself, I borrowed my Step Mums MX5 and myself and Mrs d2 stayed in Parknasilla and on the way home we drove the ring of Kerry with the hood down. The MX5 was delightful, it actually felt quicker than the stats suggest and the handling was excellent. On another note, hers was also an import, it has been ultra reliable and she still has it to this day, in fact, if she were to part with it I'd be finding some room in my driveway for it !
 
Hi All,

Firstly let me say up front that I import Japanese cars for a living.

We have been bringing in the Mazda Eunos (Japanese version of the MX5) for over 4 years now and sell quite a few every year.

We have found them to be excellent cars, reliable, and a whole lot of fun to drive. They are simple and tough, and mechanically very good indeed. They have repeatedly been voted as the best convertible sports car.

The point about service history being rare on Japanese Imports is well made and accurate, especially for older cars. Although we frequently find newer cars with a fully documented service history.

However this is normally offset by lower mileage, less corrosion, better options, and greater care on the part of the Japanese Owners. Early cars from Japan are typically in much better condition than an Irish car of similar age. Japanese drivers drive much less than Irish/uk drivers (typically 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers per annum), and many MX5/Eunos's are bought as a second car rather than the primary mode of transport making it possible to get even the older cars with very low mileages.

Of course, you have to be careful buying any used MX5 regardless of it's origin. The soft top typically lasts 3-4 years if the car is not garaged, the drivers seat side bolster is particularly prone to wear, and they can rust at the sills where the door pillar joins the floor. The cables which run the electric windows get gummed up and sticky on older cars, and check for correct operation and alignment of the headlights on pre-1998 cars. A hard top is a very good idea if you intend to drive the car all year round.

These cars have a huge following, and whether they are badged MX5, Eunos, or Miata, there are any number of knowledgeable owners and spares suppliers.

Check out [SIZE=-1]www.mx5oc.co.uk or www.mx5ireland.com as a good place to get real owners thoughts and experiences with these cars.[/SIZE]

I do not know of any other convertible which offers as much reliable fun for as little money.
 
Japnuts said:
Hi All,

Firstly let me say up front that I import Japanese cars for a living.

We have been bringing in the Mazda Eunos (Japanese version of the MX5) for over 4 years now and sell quite a few every year.

We have found them to be excellent cars, reliable, and a whole lot of fun to drive. They are simple and tough, and mechanically very good indeed. They have repeatedly been voted as the best convertible sports car.

The point about service history being rare on Japanese Imports is well made and accurate, especially for older cars. Although we frequently find newer cars with a fully documented service history.

However this is normally offset by lower mileage, less corrosion, better options, and greater care on the part of the Japanese Owners. Early cars from Japan are typically in much better condition than an Irish car of similar age. Japanese drivers drive much less than Irish/uk drivers (typically 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers per annum), and many MX5/Eunos's are bought as a second car rather than the primary mode of transport making it possible to get even the older cars with very low mileages.

Of course, you have to be careful buying any used MX5 regardless of it's origin. The soft top typically lasts 3-4 years if the car is not garaged, the drivers seat side bolster is particularly prone to wear, and they can rust at the sills where the door pillar joins the floor. The cables which run the electric windows get gummed up and sticky on older cars, and check for correct operation and alignment of the headlights on pre-1998 cars. A hard top is a very good idea if you intend to drive the car all year round.

These cars have a huge following, and whether they are badged MX5, Eunos, or Miata, there are any number of knowledgeable owners and spares suppliers.

Check out [SIZE=-1]www.mx5oc.co.uk or www.mx5ireland.com as a good place to get real owners thoughts and experiences with these cars.[/SIZE]

I do not know of any other convertible which offers as much reliable fun for as little money.
Click to expand...

Good post and very fair. Nice one :D
 
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