Nearly new buying guide: Mazda MX-5
We’ve said it before and we'll say it again - there's nothing quite like an MX-5
Usually, if you want to do something fun in life, it’s going to cost you. The current, Mk4 Mazda MX-5 (known as the ND) proves this need not be the case, as an entertaining little sports car that can now be bought for as little as £12,000.
The engine range starts with a 129bhp 1.5-litre four-pot. This sounds modest, but you can still enjoy brisk acceleration with it, since the MX-5 weighs comfortably less than a tonne. Then there’s a 2.0-litre unit that was initially offered with 158bhp before being uprated to 181bhp in mid-2018.
There are countless special editions of the MX-5, but we’re focusing on the main models here. The entry-level SE gets 16in alloys, LED headlights, air conditioning, a basic sound system with an aux input and a single detachable cupholder.
*Click here to buy your next used MX-5 from Autocar*
Move up to SE L Nav and you get a second cupholder for your passenger (or a thirsty driver), along with heated seats, cruise control, climate control and a 7.0in infotainment screen with a DAB radio and Bluetooth for your phone. If you go for the 2.0-litre engine, a limited-slip rear differential is included along with larger (17in) wheels.
Sport Nav gets you firmer sports suspension with Bilstein dampers, automatic lights and wipers, leather seats, a Bose stereo, rear parking sensors and lane departure warning.
This trim level’s optional safety pack adds blindspot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Alternatively, GT Sport Nav+ includes that pack plus keyless entry and a reversing camera.
Weight, or rather the lack of it, is key to the MX-5 being as good as it is to drive. Its lightness means it doesn’t need stiff dampers, springs and antiroll bars to control body movements in corners. You can therefore have a nimble car – especially important on winding country B-roads – without compromising on ride quality. It may be a little tauter than the original MX-5, but this latest generation is still very supple, especially on its smallest wheels.
Inside, you’ll find two snug seats, a stubby gearlever (there’s an automatic gearbox if you want one) and a fabric hood that can be neatly folded away in a single arm movement. It’s not the roomiest two-seater, mind, and there isn’t much storage space: only a small cubby in the centre console and a shallow tray in front of the gearlever.
The good news is that boot space is unaffected by the roof being up or down. The bad news is that while you can fit a couple of bags in there, the opening is rather narrow. Anyway, packing too much stuff would undo all those weight-saving measures.
Prices start at £12,000 for a 1.5 SE or a high-mileage 2.0. The 30th Anniversary edition is a touch pricey, with most going for at least £25,000, so it’s best to look for a tidy 2016 Sport Nav example with a relatively low mileage for around £15,000.
*BUYER BEWARE*
*Engine* There's no service book so you'll need to check the service history with a dealer or with Mazda. Invoices will show you the detail of what's been done. The stop-start system requires many things including the charge state of the capacitor and even the angle of the steering wheel to be just-so, so don't be too concerned if it doesn't work on the test drive. It probably will do in the future and especially if you do some long drives.
*Roof* Check for heavy algae staining round the lower edge of the hood. A soft brush and a proprietary cleaner such as Auto Glym's Convertible Soft-top Clean and Protect will fix it. Water leaks are rare but check for damp carpets anyway. Make sure the drain holes on the windscreen scuttle are clear (they block up easily). A well-adjusted hood shouldn't rattle unduly on the test drive.
*Locking* Check the automatic door lock system works. It doesn't always but this is not necessarily a fault. It usually decides to work later for some inexplicable reason.
*Interior* Where fitted, check the seat heating works since leaning on the seats to open the roof can damage the heater elements. Check with Mazda if any sat nav map updates have been performed. A system update may also be necessary if they have.
*Wheels and tyres* Examine the tyres for uneven wear and the wheels for scrapes. The rims are well protected by the tyre side walls but it's still possible to grind them on a kerb.
*Body* Stonechips on the nose and bonnet are common but since it's made of aluminium, not a serious issue. Touch-up repairs are a sign of caring ownership. Check the front bumper underside for grounding and the sills for damage caused by the seatbelts being trapped in the doors as they're closed.
*Need to know*
Fuel economy is reasonable for a car that’s meant to be enjoyed. The lighter 1.5 engine is obviously better, at 47.1mpg, but the official 40.9mpg of the 2.0 is achievable. The automatic gearbox does knock this back to 39.2mpg, though.
There have been three recalls so far on the MX-5, for an issue with the engine start/stop system; the automatic gearbox downshifting unexpectedly; and a bracket that holds on the undertray failing. To find out if your car is affected, use Mazda’s website or ask a dealer.
Leaking shouldn’t occur on a car so young, but if you’re still worried, take the car through an automated car wash to test for water ingress.
*Our pick*
*MX-5 2.0 Sport Nav: *Heated seats allow you to enjoy top-down motoring much more often, so SE L Nav or more popular Sport Nav trim it is. And the 2.0-litre engine, since it gets a diff that’s great for drifting – only on track, of course…
*Wild card*
*MX-5 2.0 30th Anniversary:* The lurid orange paint of this special edition is for lovers of Lucozade, Terry’s chocolate and not losing your car in a car park. It could be worth it for the upgraded brakes, too.
*Ones we found*
2016 MX-5 1.5 SE, 21,500 miles, £12,999
2016 MX-5 2.0 Sport Nav, 58,000 miles, £11,998
2019 MX-5 2.0 Sport Nav+, 2300 miles, £20,990
2019 MX-5 2.0 GT Sport Nav+, 2500 miles, £21,995
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