Used Mazda MX-5 2005 - 2015 review

What's the used Mazda MX-5 like?

It's rare for a car to reach iconic status, but the Mazda MX-5 is one of those that has. Since its introduction in 1989, it's charmed motorists the world over, sold by the bucketload and put a smile on the face of over one million owners.

This is the third generation car, which made its first appearance in 2005. Unlike previous MX-5s, this model is available in two different guises: to complement the traditional soft-top roadster, a Coupe Cabriolet was introduced. Its electrically powered folding hard top gives the refinement of a coupe, but allows you to get the wind in your hair at the touch of a button.

Overview

The Mazda MX-5 is fun, fast and rock solid: what more could you want from a convertible sports car?

Pros

• Great to drive
• Neat roof
• Excellent reliibility

Cons

• Limited boot space

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The MX-5 is one of the best-driving cars available, regardless of budget or badge. Both hard and soft-top models are impressively agile. The steering is precise and full of feel, while the rear-wheel-drive chassis offers fluid handling with bags of grip. The ride is comfortable and controlled over broken surfaces, especially in the hard-top coupe, which has slightly softer suspension settings.

A two-seater sportscar can never be described as practical, but the MX-5 is comfortable and reasonably roomy for two, while the boot provides a good usable space for smaller bags.

The good news is that the MX-5 won't cost a fortune to buy or to own, and used examples now look very attractive. It also has a good reputation for reliability and longevity, with many cars having been carefully looked after. This version has had two minor facelifts, in 2008 and 2013, mostly centred around minor styling updates. All in, if you're in the market for a little wind-in-the-hair fun it's a great purchase.

Ownership cost

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

Avoiding Cat D cars and those with above average mileages, prices for this third generation car start at around £3000, at the time of writing. This would net you a 2005/2006 car with an average mileage for the year, think around 60 to 80,000 miles, from a private sale or a trade dealer. Up the money to between £4000 and £6000 and you'll find good, clean 2008, maybe the 2009 facelifted car, with, again, an average or even below average mileage - MX-5s are often used as weekend cars, so mileages tend to be under the average for the year. If you're after a 2010 to 2012 car, you'll need to spend somewhere between £8000 and £10,000, but for that you'll get a clean example with a full service history, probably from a good independent or franchised dealer. Post-2013 facelift cars seem to start at around £10,000.

Our recommendations

Which used Mazda MX-5 should I buy?

There are far more roadsters than Coupe Cabriolets on the market. The first is cheaper to buy, but the second does have a slightly higher spec as standard, so it's not bad value.

Avoid the entry-level model, which come with steel wheels, unless it has the Option Pack fitted. This adds alloys, a leather steering wheel and cabin trim, and a stereo upgrade. The 1.8-litre model is fast enough, and slightly cheaper to run. However, if you want to make the most of the MX-5's agile chassis the 2.0-litre is best. The larger-engined model also comes with electronic stability control and side airbags as standard. The Sport, only available as a 2.0-litre, has alloys as standard, as well as leather upholstery and heated seats.

The range was facelifted in 2009, with changes to the front and rear bumpers, door mirrors and enhanced cabin trim. SE replaced the old entry-level trim, while Sport Tech superseded Sport. A further facelift in 2013 brought minor changes to the front grille and lights, and some styling changes to the wheels.

Our favourite Mazda MX-5: 2.0 Sport/Sport Tech

Alternatives

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

Part of the MX-5's success has been down to it not actually having any true alternatives. For years, it had the cheap, open-top market almost to itself, with most of its rivals being larger and more expensive.

The most obvious contender is the premium BMW Z4, a compact soft-top two-seater, the first generation version of which was a great car let down only by an unforgiving ride. The second-generation version, introduced in 2009, resolved this issue, while still keeping the involving handling of the earlier car. BMW also went to the trouble of putting a folding metal roof on the Z4 to make it a more usable everyday car, with the added benefit of increased protection against thieves. Used examples look like excellent value right now.

Consider also the 2006 to 2014 Audi TT Roadster, another beautifully built premium product that has dominated its class for years. It's more expensive than the MX-5, and larger, too, but if you're after great performance and agility and an upmarket feel you can do no better. Residual values are strong, so prices are high, but there are still good buys to be had.

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