Got my eye on a H reg MX-5 soft top. Very tempted by it.

Are parts for these cheap? Are they reliable? What sort of general running costs and fuel economy am I looking at compared to my 1.2 92 Clio?

Thanks guys

MX5 pros:
Ultra reliable
Incredibly fun to drive.
Parts are reasonable (stateside)
Mechanically straight forward

cons:
No trunk space


I can t think of anything else bad about them. Theyre so damn fun to drive with the little stubby shifter and all. Parts may be a bit more in the UK, but youll likely not need anything outside of plugs and wiper blades.

Fuel economy isnt stellar, about the same as a Golf with a 2.0L petrol engine. Expect to get around 30-33mpg with imperial gallons.

they are great cars to drive, assuming it has been looked after.

With a car around that age, it all depends on how the previous owners have treated it.

Reliability is generally excellent but again depends heavily on how closly the service schedule has been followed and the quality of the work. A good size service history file is a good sign and lots of dealer stamps in the book.

Parts for jap cars can be quite expensive, as can servicing.

Sounds reasonable to me. The guy selling it says it runs smooth and is his daily motor, it seems in good nick although the bodywork is showing its age. Im going to take a look at it I think

Shortback&sidespleaseLOL

yea nige when did u start working at toni&guy?

^^boy thats predictable^^

Britain has a history of gentlemen motoring in even smaller sportscars. I say Nige would be carrying on the tradition, even if its Japanese.

Nige, youll surely have to get a proper motoring hat to make this allwork. That and a plaid car coat.

I was also going to make the hairdresser quip, but I think two is enough  

I never really liked MX-5s, until I saw an MX-5 only race series at Donington Park (called MaX 5 racing or something). Seeing all those 2 seater soft tops drifting around the corners was pretty good. In fact if I didnt already have a track car lined up Id be hooning around in one of them too!  

the triumph spitfire, tr series and mg midget were all REAL MENS CARS the mx5 is not

Quote from: Eddthe triumph spitfire, tr series and mg midget were all REAL MENS CARS the mx5 is not

spot on! esspeicially the midget.
the mx isnt bad tho. the mk3 MR2 is a bit girly so is the MGF, the TF is ok tho.

Quote from: Eddthe triumph spitfire, tr series and mg midget were all REAL MENS CARS the mx5 is not

Oh, give it a rest. Oil puddles in your drive do not a man make. Youre just jealous that the mx5 outperforms any of those. Looks are a personal matter, but take em on a track and the Mazdall smoke them.

Quote from: maximusotter

Quote from: Eddthe triumph spitfire, tr series and mg midget were all REAL MENS CARS the mx5 is not

Oh, give it a rest. Oil puddles in your drive do not a man make. Youre just jealous that the mx5 outperforms any of those. Looks are a personal matter, but take em on a track and the Mazdall smoke them.

hardly surprising as the mazda is 20+years newer.

Is there any MG you wont defend to the hilt?

Quote from: funkychicken9000Is there any MG you wont defend to the hilt?

probably not, i was defending the triumphs too tho.

Its just abit stupid comparing 1970s cars with 1990s cars.

Mazda MX-5 is adequate enough and reasonably sporty, despite others comments.