Mazda MX-5
43 reviews
- +7
The perfect modern day roadster – This is Mazda’s golden child. For the past 20 years, the MX-5 has set the bar for what a sports car should be. And unlike other sports cars, it's barely changed over that period in all the best ways. It hasn't gained weight, its wheelbase has hardly grown and it's still one of the best value sports cars you can buy today. The MX-5 has always been… Read more
more on the practical side of build quality. Everything is put together with great accuracy and a lot of plastic.
That means there aren’t any luxurious trims to be wary of when it starts to rain with the roof down, and it can weather those harsh Aussie UV rays in summer.
For $42,184 drive away, the MX-5 represents the best value for a convertible in Australia. This is the base model MX-5, and to be honest, it’s a fair price against competitors like the Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ.
The MX-5 is covered by a 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and has capped pricing for its first 5 services.
Service intervals are every 10,000km or 12 months (whichever comes first), and totals $1817 over this period.
MX-5s are notoriously reliable thanks to their simple engine design and lack of complicated parts, especially if you opt for a soft-top variant.
I’ll be honest: the MX-5’s sound system is lackluster. It does the bare minimum, but it’s not going to make you want to exclusively purchase the MX-5 for this reason.
What I was deeply impressed by was the integration of speakers behind the passenger seats. It allows you to listen to music with the roof down, and even make clear phone calls (with no complaints about wind noise from those on the other line).
Road noise is pretty obvious, but despite having a fabric roof, it’s still pretty quiet compared to the Subaru BRZ. However, passing external sounds can penetrate the interior more than a traditional coupe.
The naturally aspirated 2.0L engine doesn’t produce an addicting exhaust sound like you’d find on the likes of a Hyundai N car. Rather, it’s understated, with a deep bass and subtle overrun burbles. You could make it louder aftermarket, but I prefer the subtlety and raspiness of this engine - it reminds me of an old school Austin Healy roadster.
This car weighs just over 1,000kg, so it’s not going to take a lot to stop this thing. The brakes are quick to bite, but are easy to modulate for smooth day-to-day operation.
The MX-5 is now only available with a more powerful naturally aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder motor, producing 135kW and 205Nm!
For a car that weighs so little, this power goes a lot further than you might think.
This engine loves to rev through to redline, and it's rewarding to do so. You truly can have a lot of fun driving this car within the confines of the Sydney metropolitan area.
Even though Subaru worked hard on improving their naturally aspirated four-cylinder, this engine is just so much better. The lack of a turbo generates a more engaging drive and really suits the chassis of this car.
Not to mention, power is exclusively sent to the rear wheels, making harsh acceleration a breeze.
Outside of the Toyota GR Yaris, this is the best 6-speed manual I’ve driven this year.
The slick transition between gears was intoxicating, and clutch control came so naturally. Compared to other manuals I’ve driven, the 6-speed in here made the MX-5. I can’t imagine how the automatic would even be considered with a transmission so great.
Even in traffic and during low-speed manoeuvres, this lightweight transmission requires little effort to operate - not to mention that this is one of the lightest 6-speed manual transmissions ever built.
Mazda has a philosophy of the rider and horse as one. That’s exactly what I experienced in the MX-5. Firstly, you’re sat towards the rear wheels, with the engine and large bonnet leading the charge.
The roadster has a softly tuned suspension setup, making driving over harsh roads in such a low riding car far more bearable than a Subaru BRZ.
Once you’re hitting corners, the MX-5 comes alive. It’s reactive, predictable and playful. Steering feel is some of the best I’ve experienced ever, and allows you to read the road and tires through your fingertips.
Combining a lightweight construction, a rev-happy engine and a six-speed manual, you have the best driving experience for less than $100,000.
The lack of a turbo and the fact that it requires you to rev out this larger displacement four-cylinder means you’ll find the MX-5 to be a little thirsty on fuel.
I averaged just under 10L per 100km when driving around in the MX-5. It’s right on the money for a four-cylinder performance car. What I found obvious is that you could easily reduce that consumption figure, as long as you don’t lay into that throttle often.
This is a tiny car by modern standards. The interior is great for those who are 6’2” and smaller.
You have one of the best driving positions at your disposal, made easier to adjust to your body thanks to the inclusion of a telescopically adjustable steering wheel.
There’s a large rev counter and supplementary info in front of the driver, a basic touch screen slapped in the centre and a few buttons splashed around to control the air conditioning.
There’s nothing outstanding regarding the design, allowing you to have all the basics and simply focus on driving.
What really transforms the driving experience is the ability to quickly unlock the roof and throw it behind you at any given moment. You open up the light and remove the feeling of claustrophobia that the closed roof can bring. I certainly made the most of every clear sky that came my way.
Surprisingly, the MX-5 has been built to maximise every nook and cranny for storage and practicality. There’s a rear boot that’ll house 130L of space, a centre glove box between the drive and a tiny compartment under the driver’s elbow.
You could take a trip away in the MX-5, but you’ll need to ditch the hard shell suitcases for duffle bags and debate which pair of shoes to bring (no, you can’t bring both). But at least the MX-5’s roof doesn’t impact the boot storage at all, and when you raise it up, it provides an additional storage shelf.
Buy this thing if you love driving. That’s my reasoning to myself.
If you value the driving experience above all else, there’s a reason why the MX-5 is still regarded as the holy grail of pure sports car experience.
I love my Abarth 500, but the ND Mazda MX-5 is my next car for now. When I need to move on from my car, there’s nothing really as engaging, unique and encouraging to drive than the MX-5.
I can see clearly why it’s so revered, and it’s deserving of all of its praise. It’s so special that Mazda is carefully working on the NE generation to continue what makes the ND so great into the next generation. Sure, if you need more space, seats and features, there are other options out there. But nothing - aside from the Subaru BRZ - comes this close to a pure driving experience like this.
*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.
- +8
Perfect selection of factory upgrades but not entirely necessary for everyone – It’s Mazda’s slightly more aggressive MX-5 offering here in Australia. The MX-5 GT RS is essentially a handling package that’ll cost you around $10,000 more than a standard MX-5. So all I have to do in this review is decide for you if it’s worth it, or simply a factory upgrade you could do without. The most affordable MX-5 starts pricing at… Read more
$37,990 before on-road costs. Where this GT RS model of the MX-5 range is priced from $47,620 before on-roads.
You don’t get any engine or power upgrades. Instead, you get extra goodies like heated leather seats, BBS wheels, Bilstein dampers, front Brembo brakes, extra bracing around the front suspension struts, and body colour matched interior trim.
The MX-5 is covered by a 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and has capped pricing for its first 5 services.
Service intervals are every 10,000km or 12 months (whichever comes first), and totals $1817 over this period. Below is a breakdown of these service intervals and corresponding costs.
There’s no additional sound generated from this more aggressive MX-5 sadly. So you’ll need to opt for the aftermarket if you want a little more sound from this motor.
You do get BOSE speakers which are absolutely worth the upgrade, especially since they throw in some speakers into the headrests which make open-top phone calls a lot easier.
There wasn’t much issue with the standard MX-5 and it’s braking set-up thanks to it weighing barely 1000kg.
Throw on some larger front Brembo brakes, and you can delay you braking into corners since these bite a lot harder than the standard set. That translates to faster lap times compared to your friends who skimped on getting a GT RS.
There’s also front AEB just in case you’re busy looking in the reflection of a shop front to see how cool your MX-5 GT RS looks while you drive past.
Power outputs remain the same thanks to no power upgrades being made to the GT RS. That means you get the same 135kW and 205Nm produced by the 2.0L naturally aspirated four cylinder motor.
It’s a brilliant thing, and a lot smoother to run up the rev range than the flat-four motors found in the GR86/BRZ.
Outside of the Toyota GR Yaris, this is the best 6-speed manual I’ve driven this year.
The slick transition between gears was intoxicating, and clutch control came so naturally. Compared to other manuals I’ve driven, the 6-speed in here made the MX-5. I can’t imagine how the automatic would even be considered with a transmission so great.
The GT RS is able to send it through corners with more composure and less playfulness than the standard MX-5.
Those Bilstein dampers don’t ruin the ride for daily driving, but they absolutely allow you to exploit more of that power when pulling G-forces through tight corners.
Additionally that front strut bracing keeps the front of the GT RS flatter for longer, which helps convince the little roadster to stay composed and keep it’s rear in check. Where the standard MX-5 might become a little side-ways happy, the GT RS will feel like a surgical scalpel through that same corner.
This is a tiny car by modern standards. The interior is great for those who are 6’2” and smaller. You have one of the best driving positions at your disposal, made easier to adjust to your body thanks to the inclusion of a telescopically adjustable steering wheel.
That stiffened handling setup doesn’t do much to ruin the ride here. Although the standard MX-5 will be ever so slightly more comfortable if that’s what you’re after.
These upgrades aren’t too cheap on the aftermarket, so you might end up only saving a small amount of money if you did these upgrades yourself on a base MX-5. And you should, if you don’t want the additional creature comforts you get on this higher specced MX-5.
It’s a great base to add power on if you want to, but what it really is, is one of the best ways to exploit the power and handling of the ND Miata. It’s an absolute treat to drive, and will make you fall back in love with the art of driving. You won’t win a drag race, but with the GT RS you’ll be able to keep up with hot hatches with a lot more horsepower too.
*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.
A fantastic sports car – I have owned my 2009 mx5 since 2019, I wish I had gotten it sooner. It's not a very practical car however the pure joy it gives you more then makes up for that fact. I commute from the Gold Coast to Brisbane in this car daily and at times in peak hour traffic I wish I had an automatic but the feelings you get when you drive the mx5 is amazing this… Read more
has to be my most enjoyable car in the price range. I mostly service the car myself as it really is an easy car to work on and touch wood the car has not had any major issues. Honestly, if you want a fun sports car then I highly recommend a mx5
Reviews with attachments
Mazda's Devotion to a Vision – I have a 2005 NC, 15 years old, with 75,000 kms and it runs like a dream. There Is no other car that has made me smile as much. It handles extraordinarily well and on the Michilin Pilot Sport 4 tyres I installed I have not gone anywhere near its limits of adhesion which are immense. It needed a new fan which after 15 years had failed, so was… Read more
initially getting hot in traffic, but with that biggish job done it has been very reliable. Mazda set about fostering MX5 clubs in every region right from the beginning and as a result there is an extraordinary community around them online and in the physical world. I am 6 foot 1 and a half and I fit fine in my NC, which is the largest MX5, I even have my drivers seat 1 click forward from the rear-most position. You may find a subculture of people who sling off at the NC as being a boat because it is the largest MX5 and because as standard it sat a little high due to US regulations introduced late in its development cycle. The hanfling is still exceptional, and the ride height is easily dropped by 30mm or more with all kinds of suspension options from coilovers to lowered springs. I used Kings Springs which made it look great and handle even better than standard. If you ask those calling the NC a boat if they've driven one the answer is normally no. It has a much better power to weight ratio than NA or NB MX5s. In my view it is the best MX5 and it has been under appreciated, though that now seems to be changing. It took me till I was 59 to justify a 2 seater as a father to two and step father to 5. It is plainly a car for those in a position to give themselves the gift of a car that allows them to be a bit selfish. The NC has reasonable storage in the cabin with a glovebox, 3 storage boxes behind and between the seats, abd a cupholder/storage space in the console. The boot isn't huge, but it's adequate for the car it is and can manage a shop for the typical empty nester or young single owner. It's not big enough for a large suitcase, so if you're going to the airport and parking in the airport parking you'll need to go alone and use the passenger seat, and put the seatbelt in so the weight sensor doesn't bing at you. My only tegret in buying the MX5 is how long I waited to buy it.
In-depth reviews
The perfect bang for the buck sports car – Having previously owned a 2008 MX5 NC power hardtop which I regretted selling almost immediately, I purchased a 2006 NC soft top in sunlight silver from an elderly enthusiast owner in 2019. It was in concours condition having only travelled 15,000kms, and been serviced (oil and filter etc) annually. Two years on I’ve added another 2000kms,… Read more
replaced the original tires with slightly larger Bridgestone RE005’s (225’s vs OEM 205’s), replaced the original radiator header tank with an alloy version and done a few interior cosmetic updates. As with other things in life due to Covid, I note the price of used examples is gradually creeping up. The exemplary handling, comfortable ride (for a sportster) low running costs, bulletproof reliability and ease of service just cannot be beat…and I have what is basically a new car for a fraction of its price when new. They are out there! I have owned many cars over the years including a multitude of BMW’s, a Porsche and Audi etc but nothing puts a ‘smile every mile’ on your face like an MX5. It’s just fantastic to drive with a beautifully weighted gearshift, has the most forgiving handling and excellent brakes. The engineering that has gone into this and all generations of the MX5 is obvious. There is adequate luggage space inside and out. My promise to myself is to drive it much more in the coming years and have I many wine country excursions planned.
Best car i've ever owned! – 2007 soft top GT. I've had this car since new, loved every minute that i've had the pleasure of owning it, drives & handles like a dream. Purchased this car with the optional sports suspention package that came with the bigger blistien shocks, LSD ,traction control, & stability control. Got the side sill extenssions & the front & rear… Read more
extentions, really a sharp looking car. I get more complements on the appearance of this car now than i did when i bought it 13 years ago. Millage on vehicle is 68000 klms, always garaged & car covered when not in use, this is a second car not a daily driver. It's only been out in the rain about 4 times since I've owned it totally Mint condition. I change the oil at regular intervals & thats about it for maintenance,other than visual inspections & a little tinkering since new. I have replaced 1 headlight & an EGR valve, & i'm on my second set of tires, thats it in 13 years. I keep the battery on a trickle charger when i'm not driving it for long periods of time & i have never had a problem with the battery. This car ia a keeper, i have no intentions of selling it in the future, i'll keep it till i can no longer drive. To me it's part of the family. I'ts as tight & solid,"squeek free" as the day i bought it, & ilove it!
2004 Mazda MX5 SE Turbo Edition – My thoughts are purely based on the SE Turbo which I owned for roughly 7 years. My advice to any one thinking about a purchase of this great motoring marque would be to source out a very good solid one owner vehicle which is totally stock standard or still at factory specs. These particular cars especially the SE Turbo have a habit of falling into… Read more
the category of the slightly modded to a heavily modded vehicle. In the end mine fell into the heavily modded mold and put out a whopping 300 RWHP
If I had it over would I do it again? Definitely not and I think the way to go with these cars is totally stock.
Over the period I had mine which was an original one owner car when I sourced it from the Qld owner I clocked up roughly 40,000 trouble free klm
My SE Turbo actually did two very long and fast trips to the top end of Australia. One trip was a 14.000 klm jaunt and the other an 11.000 klm affair. Both trips were trouble free and the car was on the road daily for roughly six weeks per trip.
The biggest run of the two we headed off from Central NSW to Broken Hill, Port Augusta, Uluru, Darwin, Three ways, Mt Isa Bourke and back home. A trouble free jaunt with just one oil and filter change along the way.
Very good on fuel economy and pretty comfortable in the cabin too. I'm roughly 5.10" so not sure on long distance travel if you come in at 6 foot plus. We did manage to cram all out gear inside the rear deck plus the boot too...LOL
So again my advise would be a 5 STAR on buying an SE Turbo or any of the other NB variants BUT I would definitely advise future buyers to stay clear of any modded cars. The more the mods the better the chance of the risk of being tracked or heavily abused!
There not that expensive to buy now and there are still plenty of good unmolested car still there!
Positive reviews
It’s been the perfect purchase – I purchased my 2021 MX-5 in September after seriously struggling with customer service from another Euro brand .The staff at Southport Mazda Gold Coast have been brilliant with everything. The car is fabulous it drives and handles brilliantly the MX5 just hugs corners. I highly recommend Luke at Southport Mazda GC he really has a complete grasp of providing exceptional customer service. Show details
The best fun on the best budget – Our Mazda has reached just shy of 300,000km on the ODO and the only maintenance has been a new fuel pump. This comes despite her being completely flogged reached the rev limiter almost daily. If you want to drive round corners fast and have genuine fun driving but don’t wanna be constantly worries about breaking a more expensive car, this is the one for you. Show details
Versatile sports car – Purchased my Mazda MX5 ND/RF 135kw in June 2020. As the owner of a number MX5’s since 1993 I have always found the ownership experience as been totally positive. I may not fit the normal sports car owner profile, my MX5’s have not been purchased as daily drives. This ND RF package is winner in all categories. Although I purchased privately, my local dealer has welcomed my service custom with open arms. Show details
Negative reviews
Battery continually goes flat – I look after a 2017 Mazda Mx5 (2 litre) and the battery goes flat continually after 2/3 week of non driving. The owner lives overseas and I drive it every 1-2 weeks. I had the car back to the dealer several times and they can't find a fault, and I can't complain about their service, which is excellent. It is on its third battery and the problem… Read more
persists. The internet is full of concerns from other drivers with the same issue and I'm wondering if others have had the same issue and is there a know fix for it. Apart from that its a fabulous little car.
Extremely pleased until – Have had the car since it came out. Loved it, every second of it. I admired Mazda as a company who takes care of so much details they put in their cars. Heck i even went to see the Mazda stadium in Hiroshima to pay my respect to the brand... Only until one of the parts at the front of the vehicle (a tow bar eye cover) fell off while i was driving… Read more
it and even though this happened while it was under warranty, they declined my request to replace it as they failed to believe that it could happen. Attached is the outcome from them The part costs less than $10 ($120-150 with paint and labor) and the fact that i had to argue over a petty plastic part and failed to understand this is pathetic and very low of them. I was going to replace my CX-5 with the new CX-9 this year, gonna go with the Range Rover i suppose.
Flat battery – I have had my MX5 RF 2017 from new. 15 months after it was delivered the battery died and the car needed to be towed to the dealer, After it being at the dealership for 6 weeks sorting out many issues, I was told it had a faulty battery so a new one was installed. Then 4 months later the new one failed as well, so for the 2nd time my car was towed… Read more
to the dealership. I was questioned if I had left the the interior light on or modified the car to which I said not at all, I was made to feel that I had done something wrong and caused the problem! So after two weeks of testing and changing the battery I was told that they could find nothing wrong and to pick it up. The day I went in to pick it up, guess what, they went to get it and it would not start because the battery was flat!!!!!! What ever you do, do not purchase a Mazda MX 5 until they take ownership of the issue and fix it
Find out how Mazda MX-5 compares to other Convertibles
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Recent reviews
Easy car to live with and enjoy – Bought the car back in 2010 and only sold it in August 2020 (to make room for a new ND MX5!) Only sold it to get something newer. Car is brilliant to drive. Low fuel usage, tightest turning circle on a car I've ever seen, brilliant gearbox, cheap insurance, etc. Even the boot is usable for most things, including weekend trips away. And the… Read more
suspension is the best bit. The car handles like its on rails, but the comfort level on the road is unbelievable. The other car we had at the time was a Mazda 3, and to this day, I reckon the MX5 suspension was softer than it. I dont know how Mazda achieved the suspension on this car from factory. Amazing! The only thing this car didnt have that I would of liked is bluetooth connectivity for handsfree, but that was easily sorted. For a travel to and from work car for most people, this is the type of car you want. Could definitely recommend it to anyone even thinking about one.
New toy – Just got new used nc on the weekend love it. This is the third Mx5 we have owned nb(2002) nc(2006) and now nc(2013)never had a problem with any of them .they are a great car for us older amateurs to play around with . Go and get one! Show details
Miata is always the answer – I considered a lot of other cars before deciding to upgrade from my Mazda 3 to a 2016 Mazda MX5. Having had a '99 NB which I missed driving, I decided on the MX5. It was my daily driver, perfect for everything and a joy to drive. Sold it recently but can't wait to buy another one soon. Show details
Excellent. First convertible. What took me so long? (I had an RX-7 in 1980s) – Bought June 2018. NC hard top convertible, black. My second car but use it on club rallies. Great fun. Mostly along the coast with roof down. Cheap to service with a guy who raves one himself. Quick but not so powerful. Blue tooth, cruise control, wheel controls. Seven speaker Bose. Very reliable and quite cheap stuff interchangeable with other… Read more
Mazda’s. Not unlike the two Mazda Sixes I’ve had. Any faults? I think the paint may be a bit soft cos there’s a few stone chips at fron end. Working thro them right now. Lights were clouded, fixed.
All they say it is – Fun weekend and special touring car to replace our motorcycle (BMW1300GT SE). Not quite the same but still get that open air buzz. Pros: - Read the motoring journalist's reviews: brilliant. - Exactly as the motoring journalists describe: superb handling and road traction - Enough power not to get ones-self into trouble (nippy). - Great… Read more
Roadster style
- Very easy to raise and lower the roof.
Cons:
- Biggest problem is the Soul Red colour: very soft and thin paint, marks, scratches, and chips easily
- This model has little of the great safety features that are supplied in the newest model
- Room is a problem if you're over 6 feet tall (183 cm)
- Not enough stowage areas in the cabin.
The real sports car – The Mazda MX5 has developed it's own unique DNA since the first NA model was launched over 25 years ago, small improvements in safety and driving dynamics have ensured the MX5 maintained it's true sports car credentials. I have owned my NC2 coupe for over 5 years, with regular services from my local Mazda dealer. This MX5 has never had any… Read more
warranty or service issues, although I have not used it on a daily basis, I feel the MX5 is better suited for that pure driving experience.
I LOVE THIS SPORTS CAR! – FOUR STARS Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis! FOUR STARS Price, Packaging and Practicality! FOUR STARS Safety & Technology! FOUR STARS Behind the Wheel! FOUR STARS X-Factor! What I like: FOUR STARS Braking and handling tweaks, FOUR STARS Stand-out styling cues, FOUR STARS Body-hugging seats. Not so much: TWO STARS Price relative to competitors, TWO STARS It could use more power, TWO STARS Tight headroom. Show details
Sweet Old School Roadster – When I saw a new red roadster with tan leather unholstery in the showroom I was smitten. It was just a matter of getting the same car in a manual for the best possible price. Within a few weeks I was driving it home and 18 months later I still love it. This time I kept my practical car because this one can only be used for some supermarket… Read more
shopping or small items. It is essentially a driver's car for driving and in that it excels. A 10km trip to the shops can easily turn into 50km + simply because it's such a sweet drive.
The looks are classic old school roadster with simple but elegant lines that are gorgeous. It's light, with lots of aluminium and a dedicated chassis that needs to be seen from underneath to appreciate how much work Mazda have put into this car. With the LSD and RWD you can feel it squirming for grip at times but it's so small and light you can literally throw it around with confidence and enjoy some real driving fun.
The finish is excellent and the seating position is very snug but totally appropriate. The Bose 9 speaker audio provides wonderful clear punchy sound even at 100km + with the top down. The gearbox shift is sublime and the engine delivers instant go from 2,000rpm while sipping fuel. My average is about 6.3L/100km, less than quoted.
It's also the sort of car that's begging to be modified and responds very well with lots of options available.
I replaced the coil springs with some much meatier ones that lowered it a bit and had a specific alignment to increase the negative camber. I also changed the exhaust and optimised the performance.
It's now a quick car that pulls harder above 5,000rpm with a sweet note and handling to match, yet there are several turbo and super charger options available to make this little roadster even quicker without breaking the bank.
if you want to feel young again this new timeless classic is hard to beat.
Yes, you can be in love with a car! – Every single time I sit behind the wheel... I smile. Pure bliss is what you feel when you drive it. No problems whatsoever so far. This is my first convertible/roadster so I do not have much to compare it to but if you feel like buying a toy you can actually drive, buy that one! Show details
Find out how Mazda MX-5 compares to other Convertibles
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Best roadster convertable I ever owned – Driving experience , drive one to experience the exelant feeling. Increadable reliable. Economical cost effective. I now own the 4th Mx5. 1990 + My first one (BLUE) was given to my Daurghter when she was of driving age at 16 y. Again I bought a next Roadster Merc slk and replaced this with next Mx5 white 9mths later. This one whent to 2nd… Read more
daughter at driving age.Then I got Toyota celiaca and replaced with Mx5 ( Green) that whent to 3rd Daughter. Then I got BMW roadster one year later replaced with Mx5 Red 1990 . No further Daughters my own at last. I bought in the y2000. Still own it today 2017 Feb. This car served me well. And we, me and my wife enjoy this red convertible every weekend out. We use this car every day for work and shopping travel.
We have a hard top that comes off on sunny days. Shopping not space on some shopping days. However everything we make to fit. We run a guest home so plenty grosery shopping needed weekly. For only 2 this car will have plenty space. We enjoy most weekends travelling in Nz staying over at resorts. Plenty space for weekend or long weekend packing.
When we chose to camp out still space to pack all camping gear. We prefer using restaurants when camping. Ha Ha.
Economics. This fast performer with manual gears gives lots of grunt on roads and mountain passes.
Travel extreemly well uphill and this 1500 cc motor has plenty torque and power for this well designed light body. I got it with 11000 km and traveled all over in Nz where the km read today 298000 in 2017 Feb.
Soon be far over 300 000km on clock. Chaining cam/ Timing belt every 100 000 so 2 changes done myself. Need next one soon. However old belts were in good condition after changing.
Petrol use about 4.5 to 5.1 liter per 100 kms.
Service. Every 20to30 000 km. I use Wynns engine flushed about 2 to 3 weeks before the new oil change. After replacing 3 liter new oil 20w50 or 15w50 , I include one bottle of motor up engine treatment. Change plugs every 80000 km and use Wynns fuel sys cleaner with oil change when not replacing plugs. I keep recording this in small book. Records important.
Cosmetics. The look of the motor from top and bottom I clean with cheap degrees and good all pursue cleaner about once every 6 mths . Every time the bonet is opened it looks like a bran new motor and car. This keeps the value high.
The paint work: I whash and wax about ever 2 to 3 weeks only 17 times yearly, I clean my Mx5 with Crc Vortex wash & wax spray on.
Every about 2 months I do full detailing using Autohouse polich and car Autohouse wash from the bucket. Auto house glass cleaner, my experience the cheaper glass cleaner with green frog on as logo on white bottel works even better.
The liqud polich take a long time to apply and it preserve the paint work to keep it prestigious condition it outshine even the latest Mx5 models of 2017. My Mx5 is stored under a canapé not in the garage that holds our Cx 3 and the motorbikes a Harley and Suzuki vs 800 both customised.
For a Mx5 red to look like new 27 years later make us feel good when we hear comments as others admire this Mx5, from guests at resorts and camp sites we visit regularly. In the Mx5 club other Mx5 owners make good comments to find out what I do to keep my Mx5 in this top preteen condition.
Well, we enjoy this Mx5 plenty.
I have been offered from $ 9 to 12 k for this 27 year old classic. Insurance very cheap as classic.
One can get this model from 98 to 97 for about $3k to $4k. When you get one enjoy the polich and wash with wash and wax regulary. Keep Clean the interior . This reliable Mazda Miata will serve you well and supply plenty enjoyment. Perfect for 2. Shooting and weekend travels.
Anyone thinking of a convertible take a test drive in a Mx5. From the Gen. 1 to now Gen. 4 even the new fast back hardtop removable is all reliable and enjoyable. Compair to other reviews. Test drive one and you will be happy choosing a Mx5 as a all grunt car. No better sensation to enjoy the wind in your hair when the top is down on a good day.
Review Feb 2017 about Mx5 1990 Jan model.
Everything you could want in a cheaper sports car – Bought this rare marble white series 1 NC back in 2009 when it had 42,000kms on the odometer. Having travelled a further 68,000 kms through Vic, SA, NSW and Tasmania, I can honestly say this is an exceptionally reliable car and a real fun driving experience. Also a good touring car albeit not a very practical one. I love the handling although it… Read more
me some time to learn to drive fast on winding roads ( I have always been a very cautious driver ). Generally the car has been economical recording around 7 litres per 100kms on two interstate trips and using 98 octane. Around town about 9 litres per 100 kms.The recent 110,000 km service carried out by a local mechanic cost only $440 and included 5 litres of FL 22 coolant and a new air cleaner element. Mazda dealer was contacted regarding cost of coolant service and quoted a hefty $340 which included 2 x 5 litre containers of the "magic" green liquid. Decided by the local mechanic to only drain and replace the coolant in the radiator and carry out the next flush earlier than 5 years/50,000 kms. False economy? Just test coolant strength every 12 months. The car has a nice interior apart from the plastics used. Tyres have been replaced every 40,000 kms and always Michelin Pilots. And I love the ease of putting the fabric hood up and down as I still have memories of the silly set up on my old MGB. My only gripe, the truck like manual transmission when cold. Can't see myself selling this car, at least not in the next 10 years when I will be too old to drive anyway. Perhaps I will then keep it in the garage under the custom made indoor cover provided MX5 Mania.
Value for money – Car looks great. Feels great to drive. Retractable hardtop is down in 12 seconds. Very secure. Not the fastest car but very smooth. Sound system bose is superb. Leather seats still smells inside like new. Uses approx 9ltrs per 100ks. It has 4 cupholders! Last mx5 1999 had only one hidden one in console. Cruise control and control on steering wheel for radio is awesome. Lights look fantastic! Show details
Comparing my Mk2 and Mk3 MX5's – For a short time I owned both these models so can give you an unbiased opinion. I brought a 2005 red Mk3 with black leather 4 years ago, and love it. Paid $24k from a dealer and its mint condition with 60,000k on the clock. 2 years prior to that I brought a used import Mk2 brought privately for $8k with 140,000km, and loved that too, never had any… Read more
problems with either apart from tyres and a new batteries. The 1.8 litre Mk2 felt (and was) older and slower, but easier to drive. The doors were also lower and no rollover hoops, so you felt a bit more exposed from all angles and a bit more vulnerable, but more in touch with the outside world. I thought it was the Bees knees until I got the Mk3 !!!!
The Mk3 has much more power (all you really need in the real world), crisper handling, more room, its point and shoot, it would leave the Mk2 behind on any road. It has rollover hoops and higher doors so you feel a bit safer (not much), and less wind buffeting.
Probably the biggest improvement is the centre hood release so if it starts raining you can unhitch with one hand and push back while driving in rush hours at about 40 kph, and, with a good pull you can pull the hood back up with one hand and secure it while driving at 30 KMph. The Mk2 requires reaching across to the passenger side to release both catches so not possible while driving alone, if it starts to rain you have to stop. Also to keep things tidy in the Mk2 you have a torneau cover you have to put on, whereas the Mk3 is just more neat as it folds down.
Both models kept getting flat batteries in the garage, as I only used them once or twice a month, new batteries and a trickle charger fixes that.
I get lots of comments in my Mk3 "thats a nice car" but didn't get any in the Mk2, perhaps because it was white, not red.
The downsides of the Mk3 is it doesn't have a spare wheel (the Mk2 did), just a pump and some goo (like a motorbike), so I am reluctant to take the Mk3 cross country or in isolated places. Some of the plastics feel a little harder and cheaper than the old car too, and home servicing would be a little more difficult being a modern engine. Occasionally I have to spray under the rear suspension with Silicone lubricant as it dries out squeaks over judder bars. The Mk3 requires more input to keep it on the road being a lot more responsive, where the mk2 you didnt have to concentrate quite as much. If you have a choice, pay a bit more and go for the Mk3. If you can only afford a Mk2, you still wont be disappointed. Id rate Mk2 9.0/10 and the Mk3 9.5/10. A little more power would be appreciated. You really need another normal car for carrying people and goods,
and keep this as a toy. Hope that helps if you cant decide. Handling, looks, fun factor, reliable, cheap to run, single hood release. No spare wheel, battery goes flat when not used, not a practical car.
spare parts – I have a 2014 mx5 which needs a new fuel pump and Mazda Australia has no spare fuel pump in Australia. The best they offer is a 3 week delivery from Japan. Interested to know if other people are experiencing similar unreasonable delays from Mazda Australia? I wish Mazda's sales brochure was more realistic about time delays for standard parts. I suggest the by-line should be Zoom Zoom (until you need a spare part). Show details
Three week wait is normal in NZ for MX5 parts, they all come from Japan.
Great car – Owned a 2006 hard top for 3 years and absolutely loved it. Can't wait for the new gen 4 version to release at next years Chicago Car Show in February. Handling was great. Loved the styling and stereo system. Sat nav would have been nice. Maybe in the 2015 model. Great cornering. Fast and nippy to drive. Show details
Brilliant affordable sports car – I'm not going to write a really long winded review - google NC MX5 and you'll find millions. The car is brilliant, handles fantastically out of the box, looks good, is damned cheap to service, and near indestructible. I've owned a number of turbo cars, so in a straight line it is a little underpowered. As far as breathing modifications go, I've… Read more
added a quality rear muffler, headers, and high flow panel filter. Interior I've added lambswool seat covers (yes, daggy, but leather is sticky and hot!) and a quality Pioneer infotainment unit with GPS (Do this properly, don't skimp, and make sure you get a quality install that retains ALL steering wheel controls). Mail me if you want details.
The breathing/tuning mods have transformed the car, and brought it up closer to the 150Kw mark. An ECU tune is coming, so I'll update this once done.
UPDATE: ECU tune, racingbeat headers, quality high flow rear muffler = 120Kw ATW. Not bad for a N/A vehicle.
This is about where you'd leave it, if staying NA. Chasing more power than this from the MX5 is futile without forced induction, and is easily a 10K proposition to do properly.
Best advice I can give - find a low km used example. The NC 3 MX5 has not changed, and I wouldn't dream of spending $47,000 on one of these. $25,000 though? Hell yeah, that's a sports car bargain Light, handles, brakes, steers, classic rear drive, in tune with driver Nothing, but it is a simple car - don't expect much in the way of mod cons.
Driving Nirvana – I have owned a 2009 soft top MX5 NC for the past 8 months and have found it to be a highly enjoybale everyday car to drive. Whether driving to work or exploring back roads the car has been practically faultless. The car feels so connected to the road and the slightest inputs are translated through the steering wheel. I have found the power to be… Read more · 1
more than adequate even when on holiday loaded up with luggage and 2 people. The car idles very well on the freeway at 6th gear. I believe manual should be the only option for this car since the 6 speed manual is an absolute delight to drive and is a massive part of enjoyment in any sportscars. There is the stigma with MX5s as with most smaller convertibles but who cares when a car is this much fun what anyone else thinks.
I now find myself travelling out of my way to find more corners and fun roads to drive on.
Highly recommended! Perfromance, engne note, spacious cabin (within reason), simple roof folding mechanism, suspension is not hard but is perfect for hard cornering, brakes are fantatsic, everything
M is for Magic – I have owned my MX 5 for 5 years and l have no hesitation in recommending the car - low maintence - but more importantly low maintence costs. I did have trouble with the passenger side head light constantly having to be replaced every 2 to 3 months (this was done at my local garage at a cost of $26 each time) until l took my car to a Mazda… Read more
Service shop where they cleaned the light before installing a new bulb - the cost $15 and I have never had a problem since. Economical to run especially since l have 50kms to travel to work - 100kms round trip each day. In the 5 years i have had my Mazda, l have only had to replace the tyres and a battery... My next car will also be a Mazda MX5 Performance and economical
Exactly what I was looking for! – Have never been a rev head and its never really worried me what car I got from A to B in. A mate of mine asked me to look after his NB whilst on holidays and said to me to take it out on a nice day if I wanted, big mistake! Perfect sunny day, top down, driving through the windey mountain roads, I was hooked! The minute I got home, I was online… Read more
looking for one for myself. Bought an NC model and I've never been so interested in the weather too. Im continuously looking at the weather forecast hoping the weekend's going to be sunny so I can take my baby out for a spin. I've even found I'm pushing it more and more around the windey bends and the handling is amazing, even for a good driving novice. Awesome car, totally recommend it. Looks tough, drives tough, and is the perfect way to unwinde. Nothing at all. If I had to choose anything, is your constantly wondering how you can make it any better than it already is, and I can't!
Excellent – 900,000 people world wide can’t be wrong. Mazda now holds the Guinness Book record for the manufacture of light weight sports Roadsters and only after 3 major updates. Mazda must be proud of the progress in the evolution of such a great sports roadster. I look forward to the next update with Sky Engine and Gearbox enhancements! The British may had… Read more
held the title in the 60s but Mazda has reinvented the concept and it only gets better with each evolution. "Jinba Ittai" - Rider and Horse as one is the perfect war cry for this fantastic ride. The series 3 (NC) MX5 is a perfect evolution of the make. It handles stops and goes with acceptable pace for today. 14.9 second for the quarter mile is not what you would call slow and the vehicle will get the tail out and put a smile on your face when provoked. It puts some so called performance cars to shame when playing on a twisty road. Mazda says the power is adequate and I have to agree. With more poke I feel it would not be as enjoyable. When I test drove the first NC limited edition two up without traction control and with a 4000 RPM launch I had the tail at 45 degrees for some time while the LSD was trying hard to lock the car to the ground and the rev limiter was telling me to change gear! If you look closely underneath you will find the suspension is fully adjustable with graduating plates to show alignment. This is not a cheap build item and along with the alloy double A Arm front end with inclined Brillstein Shocks (older race car design) and the light weight multilink assembles in the rear mated with light Forged BBS Wheels makes unsprung weight very low. The placement of engine well behind the front end and kept low and locked through the gearbox and differential by a lightweight ridged frame and finally the inclined radiator inside a large plenum inlet provides the low Cof G necessary for such a vehicle. This combo package makes this vehicle staggeringly good. All this at a reasonable price. My 2006 MX5 Blaze Limited Edition was part of a shipment of 200 delivered to Australia. Mazda has a habit of producing end of year builds with no cost extras to sell off in the following year. While these are available in Japan in Auto/Manual and Soft-top/Hardtop. I n the land down under you can only get a Manual Soft-top. Mazda Australia will not request the others!Handling wise - When push comes to shove I found there was too much for and aft body movement under full steam. I got tired of look over the bow of a ship while pressing on, this also affected steering input. The lateral roil in corners is acceptable and neutral; butI have fitted Non progressive rate Racing Beat Springs from the US that are 25% stiffer and ½ inch lower mated with the largest Sway Bars from Selby’s which I have found fixed all my gripes. While it rides firm it is not over the top and allows the MX5 to really do what it was designed for. I wish the Recaro Seats of some models were available in mine and a spare wheel would be almost necessary in Australia with such large distances between towns. I have been caught out once with a deflating tyre that had only 13 PSI when I finally got to a service station. I had to drive very carefully to stop from rolling the tyre off the rim! A tyre pressure monitoring system would be a nice upgrade item; I now carry a 4X4 tyre repair kit jus in case…..
Nice! – We've been for drives with my mate who's got the car. i think he did some adjusments to the car though like it was really low and had a new exhaust. It was a good ride, pretty smooth cos usually manual cars are really bumpy ( or is that just the driver?) seats were real comfy and the exhaust didn't make too much noise. it's not a muscle car and it's not a girly car. it's like in between so I'd get one!
Great car – Great car. Have never had any issues with it. Very reputable brand
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Update: the car is now falling apart after the manufacturer's warranty. 1. The trim that holds the… Read more