How reliable are mx5's?

Had a 1999 Mk 2 1.8 which never missed a beat and never failed to put a smile on my face - I loved driving the car - I think it was a subtle shape and looked very lotus like, especially in British racing green (odd colour name for a japanese car!). Only the headlight shape spoiled the looks. Every journey was enjoyable - the rev limit at 7500 is addictive and useful. the gearchange fabulous and handling fun. Cheap tyres and never unreliable, only needing servicing costs all made it cheap to run. Did have the problem of sills rusting out from the inside on one side - cheaply sorted. The hood is very basic but is quick and easy to put up and down (with no electric motor to replace). Quality hoods can be fitted for less than £500. It could do with being more economical though and I found the small size an asset in built up areas and for parking. A terrific buy and one I would always recommend.....

so why did I buy a Z4 as a replacement? For me the Zed is in another class in looks desirability and driving experience. My facelift 2.0l Sport is in a different league and I fell in love with it - the modern MX5s are nowhere near the looks or impact of my Zed. MX5s are great cars nevertheless and WILL put a smile on your face - someone has already said it - fun fun fun. :thumbsup:
 
Three days until i collect the 2.0 Sport to replace my zed;i will give you my findings on this thread.
 
Hi,
I had a Mk1 1.6 import (Eunos) for 4 years and it only had two minor problems; Air conditioning would not hold pressure and after 3rd year it would not start on extremely cold mornings (I never did get to the bottom of the problem).
I then had a Mk2 1.8 special edition (Artic) for a couple of years, a wheel bearing needed changing but the engine never failed.

So as far as reliability and costs go they are great as far as I'm concerned. :thumbsup:

Driving is fun in the Mx5 and I enjoyed owning them, but I wouldn't go back to one after driving the zed for a variety of reasons including size, cabin noise and torque. :|
Only had the zed for 3 months so no idea of costs yet, something I've obviously got to be prepared for. :driving:
 
The wind was howling and heavy downpours ruined my last drive in the Z4 as i drove it from Hampshire to Eastbourne to pick up the new car.Not a fitting end to a 2 year relationship which has seen "us" accrue more speeding fines and attend more speed awareness courses than i have ever achieved in any other car in a 24 month period.When we arrived in Eastbourne the rain had stopped but the wind was still fierce and we(Molly Springer-Spaniel and i) settled into the Mex for the return journey.I was expecting it to feel low and cramped and was surprised when it didn't;drove immediately to the Mcdonalds opposite the dealership and was in a state of nirvana brought on by the number of cupholders at my disposal.After a healthy Big Mac meal,we set off.All the luxuries i have become used to were there plus 5 stage heated leather seats;BMW only gave me 3 stages.Got on to the motorway and hit the cruise control,BMW didn't supply that and glided along at a steady 77mph.I had expected the ride to be harsh but it wasn't.It's firm but comfortable and the steering is a delight after the lifeless feel of the Zed.Halfway home the heavens opened and i got to experience a soft top for the first time in 20 years.Even at motorway speed it was more than acceptable and one of my biggest doubts,whether i could live with a soft top, has gone.
The weather promises to be kinder tomorrow so i am going to go on a hoon using my favourite B roads to see what the little mex can do with its limited slip dif.So far so good :D
 
Yowzer I just had a quick look online, cheap enough yes, but 25mpg around town? On a car that pushes 160BHP? The 35i manages that with double the power..

Still I can see the attraction of a simpler car, having been through what I have with mine. More complex they are, more they go wrong... but still... 25mpg knocking about? Do the Japanese have oil reserves?
 
i looked at an MX5 before i bought the Z, nice but felt cheap in my opinion. also the prices put me off too, the price i paid for my 03 Z would have bought me a 55 or 06 plate MX5 which means when it came to resale i'd have lost a fair bit. :(
 
the advertising banner is just too appropriate.

Is this a sponsored thread?


edit
ha! Not just a Mazda banner advert but Minstrels too :)
 
Forgot to mention the Bose system.What a spectacular piece of kit;much better than the one i had in my 2008 Alfa GT and obviosly better than the awful one in the Zed.Molly the Springer Spaniel,had her ears pulsating to Highway To Hell :driving:
 
Day two and it's growing on me more all the time.The handling is vastly superior to the Z and the Bose hi-fi is a real pleasure after the duff system in my Zed.Molly Springer-Spaniel loves a bit of a hoon with Highway to Hell at full volume
Had the roof down and lo and behold it has a wind deflector fitted as standard rather than being an optional extra.The heater could thaw out a Siberian winter so even though it was a chilly day the cabin stayed warm as toast.The four cylinder sound is truly awful after the banshee scream of the Zed but at least i can drown it out with AC/DC.
I was expecting better fuel consumption,the zed did 30mpg and this one only does 32 but that and the engine note are all that i can knock so far.Needless to say,nothing has gone wrong and it has no squeaks rattles or creaks. :driving:
 
mex.jpg
 
Carol M said:
.....seen that pic before somewhere.....strange.
It'll come to me where in a bit. :D
Click to expand...

That will be on the exclusive forum Carol.I shall pop over and increase your karma.
 
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