Mazda MX-5 Review Covering 2005 To Date

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Quick Summary of the Mazda MX-5

OVERALL

Take a look at a used third generation MX-5 and ask yourself what a used Honda S2000 offers for £10,000 more. Yes, the Honda is a little faster but how often will you need to go that fast? The Mazda handles better and even feels better built. It’s still one of the best used buys around. Some things don’t change.

SOFT TOP, HARD SELL

Success can be a double-edged sword. While it’s great to reap the financial rewards of huge sales, it can also make designing a replacement that much trickier. Still, as problems go, it’s a nice one to have. Mazda were faced with just such a predicament when they came to replace the second generation MX-5. Although evergreen was a word often used to describe this car, all vehicles have a shelf life and the Japanese company couldn’t afford for this one to overstay its welcome. The third generation car was a bit bigger, a whole lot smarter but still true to the original formula. A used buy remains one of the safest roadster purchases you can make.
Used Mazda MX-5 for sale

History of the MX-5

First a brief recap on the Mazda MX-5 to date. Introduced to rave reviews way back in 1991, the MX-5 rapidly became an institution, shamelessly aping classic British sports cars but without the flaky build quality. The second generation model arrived in April 1998. The pop-up headlamps were ditched in favour of fixed lights, the engines were made more powerful and the vinyl zip out rear window was upgraded to a proper glass item. Twin airbags were fitted and the S model received a Torsen limited slip differential. Somewhat unbelievably, a low fuel warning light wasn’t fitted until 2002 when the range underwent a mild freshening.The third generation model debuted in September 2005 and although it was a little bigger and heavier, the styling rejuvenated the car, being a bit edgier than before, and the introduction in September 2006 of the Roadster-Coupe model with a folding hard top further broadened the appeal to customers who wanted the handling of the MX-5 but weren’t enamoured of a fabric roof.
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Mazda MX-5 Road Test

Five basic requirements were defined to realise the third-generation MX-5 design criiteria. Firstly the car would be as light as possible while meeting global safety requirements. Next, the cockpit would comfortably accommodate two full stature occupants with no wasted space. The basic layout would continue with the original’s front-engine rear-wheel drive configuration with the engine positioned ahead of the driver but behind the front axle for a 50:50 front to rear weight distribution. All four wheels would be attached by wishbone or multi-link suspension systems to maximize tyre performance, road grip and dynamic stability. Finally, the chassis would provide a solid connection between the engine and the rear mounted differential to sharpen throttle response.That the MK3 MX-5 scores in these departments is obvious from its basic details. The engine moved back fully 135mm for better weight distribution, while chassis torsional rigidity goes up by 47 per cent. Rather than concentrate on kilograms saved, Mazda insisted that every component would be weighed in grams. Take care of the grams and the kilos look after themselves. The 125bhp 1.8-litre alternative is far sweeter and rewards hard driving more vocally.With a 0-60mph acceleration time of 9.4s, there’s plenty of scope to explore the 1.8-litre MX-5’s potential without entering licence confiscation territory. The 2.0-litre unit is capable of 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds which is still fairly tame by today’s standards. Neither car will trouble any of the top-line hot hatchbacks that are currently available in a traffic light face off. The entry level car has a 122mph top speed compared to 130mph in the range-topper.
Used Mazda MX-5 for sale

Buying a Mazda MX-5

With the MK2 MX-5, there were all sorts of pitfalls regarding parallel imports and ponied up used examples, problems that you tend not to have to look out for with the third-generation model. Just make sure that the car has been serviced on the button, hasn’t been crassly modified and hasn’t suffered accident damage. It’s also quite easy to immolate a set of rear tyres if you know how to disable the stability control and have found a deserted airfield or benign roundabout, so make sure there’s some tread on the rears. Otherwise just check the alloys for kerbing damage, the tyres for wear and the hood for signs of rips, damage or discolouration. The Roadster-Coupe roof mechanism should also work quickly with no need for manual alignment. Mazda raised the ride height of the MX-5 by 30mm to pass EU pedestrian crash tests. Apparently the car handles far better when returned to the factory ride height. Not that we would condone such antisocial behaviour…
Used Mazda MX-5 for sale

Mazda MX-5 Typical Pricing

Prices for the 1.8i soft top are just starting to dip below £10,175 for an 05 plater with option packs adding around £500 to that sum. The 2.0-litre engine offers a bit more grunt and you’ll need from £11,300 for an 05 plater or £12,275 for a Sport version. Insurance starts at Group 11 and tops out at a very modest Group 13.
Used Mazda MX-5 for sale

Mazda MX-5 Parts

(approx based on a 2006 MX-5 1.8i ex Vat) A clutch assembly is around £200 and an exchange alternator about £225 while a starter motor is around £150. A door mirror is about £125 and a windscreens just under £130.
Used Mazda MX-5 for sale

Mazda MX-5 Rated

Performance Performance 3.5 out of 5

Comfort

Handling

Economy

Styling

Equipment

Build

Depreciation Depreciation 3 out of 5

Insurance

Value

Mazda MX-5 Review2005 To Date