Should I buy a used MX-5?

The MX-5 is a great little sports car for someone looking for some fun on the road. The earliest ones are getting a little long in the tooth and are looking a little tired. Go for an NC model, that's from 2005-on, and you shouldn't go wrong. They're reliable, user-friendly, they look good, and they're great fun to drive. Look for a low-mileage example and avoid any that look like they might have been used in competition.

Best options for a fun convertible?

The easiest question on record. Get an MX-5 and you'll have all the sunshine and fun you want. The only problem will be choosing between the 1.6 and 2.0-litre engines. Most prefer the "big-bore" engine but I like the engagement you get with the smaller one.

Mustang, 370Z, IS350F, 86 or MX-5?

If you don’t want a convertible, which rules out the MX-5 as my easy first pick, then the 86 is the car for driving enjoyment on a reasonable budget. But don’t overlook its Subaru twin, the BRZ, which is my choice of the two. Both get The Tick, having shared our Car of the Year award.

Mazda MX-5, Toyota 86 or Mustang for long-time V8 driver?

Wow, that is a major change of direction. Before you make such a change I would suggest you actually test drive each of the cars you're thinking of to see if they really suit you. The Mazda MX-5 is a two-seater and not very practical for instance. It's hard to advise you because we don't anything about what you want from the car you buy. If it was me I would probably buy the MX-5, I would have no problem with a two-seater.

Price of parts after manufacturing stops?

The limited competition provided by Ford-Holden-Toyota is having little if any effect on parts prices and that won't change. Is the headlight price on the MX-5 just an excuse to get the car you really want?

Expensive headlights in MX-5?

I was also a bit shocked to see the fitted price is $2609.75, but that's likely to be similar to most of the other new LED systems. LED lamps give better light intensity and control, drain less energy, and allow more flexibility in front-end design and styling, so they're not technology just for the sake of it.

Which new MX-5 engine?

For road use I'd be happy with the 1.5 but, since you're going to be hitting racetracks, I'd definitely get the "big banger" 2-litre engine as it will be more rewarding to drive in those conditions.

Future value of repaired classic cars

If the body repairs are done well and are not clearly visible the affect on a car's value is minimal, but it does depend on how rare the car is. If a car is very rare it will have little affect, but if a car isn't so rare it is likely to have a greater affect. The cars you list aren't terribly old and they are still relatively common in classic terms, so I would be buying the car in the best condition possible. I would be very careful about buying the cars you list, as I reckon you'll be waiting a long time for the values to appreciate substantially.

Mazda MX-5 1999 Problems

No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Mazda MX-5 1999 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Used Mazda MX-5 review: 1989-2014

3 Dec 2014 · by Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used 1989-2014 Mazda MX-5.

Used Mazda MX-5 review: 1990-2012

16 Nov 2012 · by Ewan Kennedy

Not only becoming the biggest selling roadster of all time, but also nudging many other car makers into building open-top cars, something that had previously seemed to be impossible due to ever ...

Hit and miss?

Answered by CarsGuide 11 Dec 2009

GOOD information. It's possible you are correct.

Engine

Hit and miss

Answered by CarsGuide 27 Nov 2009

INTERMITTENT problems are always hard to track down, but I doubt it's the plugs or leads. I would be looking at the engine sensors and making sure they are working correctly. I would look closely at the crank angle sensor. That can cause a problem like the one you describe.

Engine

Used Mazda MX5 review: 1998-2005

28 Jan 2009 · by Graham Smith

In a world in which it is becoming increasingly difficult to enjoy driving cars the Mazda MX5 stands out as a beacon of old fashioned fun. Mazda’s little sports car isn’t the most expensive, it isn’t ...

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Mazda MX-5 1999 Problems

Used Mazda MX-5 review: 1989-2014

Used Mazda MX-5 review: 1990-2012

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Used Mazda MX5 review: 1998-2005

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