USED Mazda MX-5 Open (98 - 05)

My car

I loved my MX5 when I bought it from new 5 years ago - my very first brand new car. I cannot fault the road handling and the engine reliability. However, I have had several problems with rust - the alloys were replaced under warranty after 3 years, both sets of brake discs have been replaced and the car has only done 19000 miles - shortish journeys which require brake use. Rust developed inside the boot lid and around the suspension points in the bonnet wells. The worst rust however, is on the wheel arches and the offside sill. I reported it to Mazda but they refused to accept it was perforation. I paid for an independent surveyor who concluded it was not usual to find this level of rust in a modern car of this age (4 years old at the time). Mazda then sent their surveyor to look at it who told me that the arches problems were caused by road salt and the sill had been replaced ( a welding join was evident), thus causing the problem. Having had the car from new I knew I hadn't replaced it and Mazda refused to admit that it was done after leaving the factory. I involved the SMMT but they just took Mazda's word. I am bitterly disappointed in this aspect of it and would not have another Mazda.

My car

This is my third MX-5 (previously owned 2 mark ones) I can honestly say its the best car i've ever owned , extremely reliable (even my M reg never gave me a days trouble)Its fabulous to drive great cabin and all i've ever had to do is replace tyres. Lifes too short not to own an Mx-5 at some point!

My car

I recently took the plunge and bought a 2003 MX-5, having originally been looking at a pre-2000 Mercedes SLK and BMW Z3. I am far from disappointed with it.

The driving experience is superb. The handling is great, the steering nicely weighted and communicative, and the ride surprisingly compliant. As you would expect for an open top there is a little bit of scuttle shake, but its not bad, especially if you have a roll bar fitted.

I've had the car now for three months, and because its not my only car I don't use it that much. Fuel consumption has been quite reasonable - probably better than my main car in fact, but then you don't really buy a car like this for its fuel economy. Insurance is also very reasonable.

When all is said and done the MX-5 is a two seater, and if you're over 6 foot tall you're going to struggle to get comfortable in the driver's seat. The boot is quite small, though you can squash a fair bit in with some effort and planning. Quality is very good, as can be seen from the condition of my 5 year old, 60,000 mile example.

Overall, and excellent little car, as long as you don't have unrealistic expectations about practicality.

My car

The car is fantastic to drive, it looks good and the running costs aren't too bad, the build quality is second to nothing i have ever owned.

The alloys do however bubble which is a common fault on all Mazdas that i see so must be made cheaply. But aside from that my wife and i love it.