Mazda MX-5: the next chapter - Buying a used MX-5

The first two generations of the MX-5 have proved to be solid, reliable cars.

Look out for evidence of cars having been driven on track days, however. Stickers on the windscreen are the most obvious sign that they’ve been played with on some circuits, but worn suspension and brakes are another warning sign.

Always take a car for a test drive, and consider having it mechanically inspected by an expert if you don’t know your way around an engine bay.

The original versions of the car, with their pop-up headlights are now 15 years old, so you can pick one up from a private seller for a shade under £3000. Eunos Roadsters, imported versions from Japan, come even cheaper.

The second-generation car was launched in 1998, so even the initial models from this range are now seven years old. Private prices start at about £5000, while a dealer will expect a few hundred pounds more.