Used Mazda MX-5 1989-1997 review

What's the used Mazda MX-5 like?

Few cars have been as right straight out of the box as this original Mazda MX-5. Such was its perfection that this dinky delight became an icon almost at birth.

Launched way back in 1989, it took all the elements of the traditional British two-seater drop-top – the simplicity, the agility and the relative affordability - and added in a huge dollop of Japanese reliability. It was so good that its popularity has continued unabated through four generations and one million sales worldwide, making it the biggest-selling two-seater convertible ever.

Overview

The original version of the Mazda MX-5 is an iconic sports car and, provided you shop carefully, a terrific used buy. 

Pros

• Great fun to drive
• Still relatively cheap to buy

Cons

• Rust can be a problem
• Not super-quick

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Engines & Performance: Make no mistake, the MX-5 is no ripsnorting roadburner, but it feels fast enough to be fun. It was more than outright performance, though, that stole people's hearts, it was the keen response of the engine, invigorating exhaust note and sweet manual gear change that won it so many admirers.

Originally launched with a 114bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine under its pert bonnet, the MX-5 was good for 114mph and 0-60mph in 9.1sec.

In 1994 a 128bhp 1.8-litre was added to the range, with the bodyshell suitably stiffened. This added the oomph needed to keep the little Mazda on a par with some of its more fearsome rivals, with performance increased to a 122mph top speed and a 8.2sec 0-60mph time. The 1.6 was detuned at this point to 89bhp.

Ride & Handling: Once again, don't expect this to attack corners like a roadgoing F1 car – it is a small, perfectly modest, old-school roadster with delightful, fun-focused driving manners rather than a super-stiff sportster that'll rattle all your fillings out.

Its handling is excellent, in any version. Here is a lightweight car (it weighs less than a tonne) with terrific balance and a relatively sophisticated suspension that attacks corners eagerly. Its power-assisted steering is quick, precise and well-weighted and there's plenty of grip from its relatively modest tyres.

Interior & Practicality: Interior space is sparse, so if you're six-foot tall or taller, you'll feel hunched over with the roof up – of course, the sky's the limit with the roof down. The boot will just about cater for a weekend away or some shopping, but aim higher than that and you'll have to get creative – install a luggage rack or ditch your passenger at the nearest bus stop.

As for the interior itself, it's certainly dated in terms of tech, but the design itself remains as simple and effective as ever – the quality isn't bad either.

Trims & Equipment: As we touched upon, this MX-5 is devoid of modern toys (although purists will argue that's for the better). Still, you've got the bare necessities, such as air conditioning and a radio. Some got leather seats and electric windows as well.

For the most kit, plus some cosmetic changes, there are a number of special edition models to look at. For instance, there's the bright yellow California Limited Edition and the simply named Limited Edition that's painted in classy British Racing Green.

If you're interested in finding a used MX-5, or any of the other sports cars and convertibles mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Ownership cost

What used Mazda MX-5 will I get for my budget?

Prices for slightly rough examples kick off from around £3000, but we’d aim to spend a little more than that to find a version that’s got a solid history. For this we'd recommend spending at least £5000 and checking the condition and history of the car very carefully. You can spend up to and over £10,000 on a fully restored example.

Ironically for a car designed to right the wrongs of old British sports cars, the main thing to watch out for with early MX-5s is rust. Make sure you check the car’s sills, floor and inside the wheelarches for signs of corrosion.

Our recommendations

Which used Mazda MX-5 should I buy?

This first-generation MX-5, known as the "NA" or Mk1, is now a classic car but it remains a great-value sports car.

We would buy the best-condition car we can find or afford, rather than wait to choose between the 1.6 or the 1.8. The 1.8 has more go but some feel it isn't as sweet a drive as the earlier 1.6-litre car. Both cars seem equal in terms of long-term reliability.

One option we might avoid is the later, lesser-powered 1.6 engine.

Modifications are common but original cars are increasingly sought-after and a hardtop is a bonus for year-round use. Search high and low for the best you can find, look after it, and it will reward you handsomely.

Our favourite Mazda MX-5: Mazda MX-5 1.6

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Mazda MX-5?

Fiat Barchetta 1995-2005

A delightful roadster based on the contemporary Fiat Punto. Alas it's left-hand drive only, so may put some people off. It's front-wheel drive with great looks and a spirited 130bhp 1.75-litre twin-cam engine. Faster than the MX-5 but with inferior handling. Engines can have issues, but the galvanised body isn’t too rot-prone.

MGF 1995-2002

A handsome and quick mid-engined sports car with a great ride and handling balance, but prone to sill/subframe rot and head-gasket failure. Now used examples will need careful vetting. Remember condition is king with all cars of this age, so shop carefully.

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If you're interested in finding a used MX-5, or any of the other sports cars and convertibles mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.