Overview of the Mazda Mx5
In 1989 this compact, lightweight Japanese roadster emerged to invoke fond memories of great, affordable British sports cars of the past.
One of the world's most popular sports cars ever since, the MX-5 has won countless fans with its engaging dynamics, affordable pricing and a retractable (soft or hard) roof that accessed open-air motoring.
MAZDA MX-5 GENERATIONS
1989-1997
1998-2005
2005-2015
2015 on
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption
1.5L 4-cylinder: 6.1 to 6.4 litres per 100km
2.0L 4-cylinder: 6.9 to 7.1 litres per 100km
2.0L 4-cylinder (pre-2015): 8.1 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Every 10,000km or 12 months, whichever is sooner. Each service currently costs from about $304. Mazda MX-5 parts and accessoriescan be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO MAZDA MX-5
Abarth 124 Spider
Nissan 370Z
Porsche Boxster
Toyota 86
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: MAZDA MX-5 (2015 ON)
The first Mazda MX-5s have proven themselves to be very robust and durable, so it's no real surprise to learn that the all-new model from 2015 seems to represent more of the same.
About the only complaint we've heard is that some examples make a clunking noise from the rear suspension which has since been identified as a noise rather than a problem.
But we'd still drive any second-hand MX-5 through a commercial car-wash to check for leaks in the roof, but there's a high likelihood you'll almost never find one.
In the case of the sliding-roof RF model, make sure the roof works properly as it's a complicated set-up that requires proper alignment.
Beyond that, as with any sports car, check for accident damage. The rule of thumb is that if you can see where repairs have been made, they haven't been made properly.
