Mazda MX-5 (1989 – 1997) Review

Mazda MX-5 (1989 – 1997) At A Glance

Superb handling, very reliable, good parts support, excellent value for money, lots of fun. (Model designation NA.)

Rust can be a killer, roof isn't 100% waterproof, later 1.6s down on power.

Driving Mazda MX-5 (1989 – 1997)

If you want something that feels suitably classic, but doesn't have the reliability issues associated with cars built in the 1970s, then the Mk1 MX-5 is the car you're looking for. It combines a classic shape with an engine and gearbox that can stand the test of time. And it's got pop-up headlamps.

You won't need to worry about not feeling part of the scene, either. There's a well-supported owners' club, lots of MX-5 specific events, and great parts supply. In short - the Mk1 is firmly accepted modern classic, and a great first step into the world of older motors. But what's it like to live with?

We got behind the wheel of a 1996 special edition to find out. Specifically a British Racing Green model, which caused a bit of a stir when it was launched as people associated the colour more with sporting Jaguars and MGs. But it made a useful point - that the MX-5 was the spiritual successor to cars like the MGB and Lotus Elan.

This cost £16k when new, but you can easily pick up a good MX-5 for £3k these days. As well as the colour, this special edition got a black leather interior and 15-inch alloy wheels. Standard equipment also included power steering, immobiliser, and air bag. It really was the best of old and new.

And you instantly feel at home in the cabin. It's simple enough to make it feel old, but has enough mod cons to keep most drivers happy. All the controls fall easily to hand - although you'll need to remember that the indicator is on the right-hand side of the steer column.

The power steering makes it easy to manoeuvre round town, but doesn't get in the way once you're out on the open road, which is when the car comes into its own. With the 1.8-litre producing 140bhp, there's enough power to make it feel quick, but not so much that pressing too hard on the throttle will spin the rear wheels (in the dry).

Thankfully, there are few safety devices to spoil the fun. Like a Lotus, the throttle is linear so push it flat against the floor with the steering wheel on full lock is going have the obvious consequence of provoking the tail to break away. But the car is well balanced and there's plenty of feedback to allow enthusiastic drivers to get the best out the sweet chassis and multi-link suspension.

And like the older cars that it owes a debt to, it doesn't have anti-lock brakes - although it does stop neatly enough thanks to discs all round. This car rides on a standard suspension which, while it may not be very cool, is what we'd always prefer.

Why? Well, the MX-5 was nearly perfect straight out of the box. And while the many (many) modifications out there offer something different, we've never driven one that we prefer to the original. Especially if you're planning to use it every day or over long distances. While it might look great lowered with a big exhaust, that's going to get pretty tedious while you're stuck doing 60mph on the motorway.

Whether you're looking to take your first step into classic motoring, or just fancy something a bit different to run at weekends, you can't go far wrong with a Mk1 MX-5.

Mazda MX-5 (1989 – 1997) Buying Guide

Good

• Sweet, neat, 'back to basics' sportscar. The best small, affordable sports car ever made.
• Model designation NA (enthusiasts insist on this)
• Twin-cam 16-valve 114bhp 1.6 and 130bhp 1.8 engines. 1.6's uncatted at first. Rare 150bhp 1.6 BBR Turbo available, 5-speed gearboxes. (Autos only on independently imported Eunos Roadsters and Miatas.)
• Nice 'works' hard-top. Hood opens with one hand from driver's seat.
• 8th from top for reliability in Auto Express 2002 survey. 17th equal from Top in 144 car 2002 JD Power / What Car? Customer Satisfaction Survey of V and W reg cars. 100,000 mile H regers (11 years old) down to £2,500 at auction in 2002. Can't drop any more. Mazda generally 4th lowest average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 47.61 v/s lowest 31.93) Link:- www.reliabilityindex.co.uk 1995-1997 rated fewest breakdowns, problems and faults in 2003 Which survey. 98% of cars up to 2 years old breakdown-free over previous 12 months in 2004 Which? survey.
• Engines are "non interference", so if the timing belt snaps orr comes off the valves don't hit pistons.
• Original wheel and tyre sizes were 14-inch wheels with 185/60 or 14-inch wheels with 175/65 R14 tyres (though many will have been modified).

Bad

• Cheaper to build than a 323 but sells for a lot more money.
• Lots of dodgy second-hand Eunos Roadster imports about.
• Catalysed 1.6i engine from April 1995 not powerful enough (just 88 bhp, as against 114 bhp for previous 1.6, 130 bhp for 1.8 and 150 bhp for 1.6 BBR Turbo).
• PAS not always fitted.
• All Mk 1s had plastic rear windows unless replaceds by an aftermarket glass one.

Watch

• Due to certification numbers restrictions, for a short period from May 1998, uncertificated Eunos Roadsters imported by traders could not legally be registered, so some Eunos Roadster might be 'clones'.
• MX-5s are sports cars, so could have been thrashed.
• Fashion accessory MX-5s may not have been serviced properly.
• SVA 'kits' available to get imports through SVA, but non-SVA Japanese parts may then be put back.
• Check speed ratings on tyres (Japan has a 55 mph limit.)
• Series 1 headlight motors go.
• Uneven tyre wear probably signifies accident damage.
• Sills and rear wheel arches are very rust-prone. Sill rust sometimes hidden by kick plates. 
• Japanese market Eunos Roadsters were not rustproofed from new.
• Rear springs of Mk 1s prone to breaking.
• Wet carpets are usually the result of the drain holes in the sills becoming blocked with water and dirt running off the hood then filling up the sills and finding its way into the car. Sometimes it can be heard sloshing around. Almost certainly the car will be rusting around the base of the rear wheel arch and sills too. There is no simple cure for the rust, but as a preventative on all MX5s is to use something like a wooden kebab stick tp poke the drain holes clear on a regular basis from new.
  

Recalls

• 7/12/2000: 135 Jasper Conran Limited Edition MX-5s recalled because driver's floormat my interfere with throttle pedal causing throttle to stick open. Mat to be replaced with modified mat.

Running Mazda MX-5 (1989 – 1997)

Useful resources:

• Mazda MX5 parts, accessories and £190 cats: www.mx5parts.co.uk
• Owners Club (with discounted insurance rates for UK cars and imports)
  www.mx5oc.co.uk
• Specialist dealer www.twwhiteandsons.co.uk
• Another specialist dealer www.bfimports.co.uk
• For more info link to Sportscar Guides:- www.sportscarguides.com
• Cheap replacement hoods at £220 - £300 from www.hothoodsmx5