Deal of the Day: Mazda MX-5

Save more than £1200 on the outgoing Mazda MX-5 1.8i SE...

Deal of the Day: Mazda MX-5

The new Mazda MX-5 is expected to go on sale in the summer this year, and you can click here to read everything you need to know about the new model.

The impending departure of the current generation MX-5 has driven prices down, making now a good time to consider buying the fantastic convertible.

The car: Mazda MX-5 1.8i SE
The saving: £1202
The discounted price: £17,288
The broker: Autoebid.com

For

The MX-5 is everything you want from a roadster. It’s fun, stylish, solidly built, and extremely fun to drive.

Its light body and rear-wheel-drive chassis provides supreme balance and grip through the corners and the low driving position in its comfortable seats adds to the fun.

Although a 2.0-litre petrol engine is available, our favourite model is the good-value 124bhp 1.8-litre engine that gives you all the power you need. It comes with a manual five-speed gearbox and really comes alive when you work it hard.

The MX-5 shouldn’t pose too many problems as an owner, either. It’s a durable car with a great reliability record and excellent build-quality, and it offers a reasonable claimed fuel economy of 39.8mpg.

Against

For all its fun, the Mazda isn't terribly refined because of the loud engine and wind noise.

From a practical point of view, the Mazda also comes up a bit short. The roof isn’t electric, although it is still quick and easy to operate by hand, and boot space isn’t too generous.

Inside the cabin, the space is rather snug for two tall adults and the steering wheel adjusts for height only, not reach. The pedals are rather off-set, too.

Owners may also find that running costs can be expensive because servicing isn’t cheap, particularly when compared with the Mini Roadster, which may prove better value in the long run.

Should I add any options?

The 1.8 SE 2dr that we recommend is a no-frills entry level MX-5 equipped with air-conditioning, electric windows, remote locking and alloy wheels.

The only optional extras available are for different paintwork, all costing £474.

For those who want more toys, the 2.0 Sport Tech adds bigger alloys, foglights, Bluetooth, cruise control, an upgraded stereo and leather seat facings.

What next?

Head to Autoebid.com then search 'Mazda MX-5' to see the full range of deals available.