Mazda MX-5 1.6i 

Advantages: Driver appeal, affordable, classic...and fun
Disadvantages: None

f you enjoy the open air and real driving, then the MX-5 is for you. This car is reliable, has the looks, delivers rewarding driving experiences and is packaged in a simple yet classic style. It really does have classic status, being introduced in 1989, the shape is hardly changed from then and most people will instantly recognise one. This car provoked the return of other 2 seater roadster models from MG and Fiat (the MGF and Barchetta). My car ...
...road. For me, the appeal is its simplicity. It gives sheer pleasure when driving on most roads, but is at its best on those open winding country lanes. Top-down motoring at its best. The hood is easy to operate, and has a zip-out rear window. This is plastic on older models which can get scratched, so take care. Newer cars have a glass window with heating elements. Confidence is inspired as the car hugs the road so well, making bends a dream. Another ... Read review

Advantages: Looks great, drives great, cheap to run
Disadvantages: low low ground clearance

...bought my 15 year old Mazda MX-5 convertible 6 months ago now, and i have been thinking very hard of what to write here. I decided to start with this... No review of this car can possible be negative, its just positive in every way. My MX-5 is the 1.6i Convertible, i bought it stock and have added a few bits on, but il review it firstly, as it was stock, how easy it was to upgrade, and what it is like now.. I actually travelled 100 miles up to ...
...it was a steal at only £900. For this i got the car as it was, with no CD player or speakers...but it did have power steering (life saver)! The sunroof was new and everything worked fine, including the air conditioning. So i drove it home at a steady 70mph with no troubles, not even straining the engine, leveling just around 3000rpm, great! The petrol tank took nearly empty to full around £30 and that would have got me there and back, averaging ... Read review

Advantages: fun, stylish, easy to drive, convertible
Disadvantages: fuel consumption around town, road noise on the motorway

...a full service history with Mazda and had been cared for by the Lotus garage that had taken the car in as a part exchange. The car did require the big service at 60,000 miles (includes the cam belt change) which was carried out by MKG3000 Mazda of Twickenham for the reasonable cost of £390. Around town the car deals with bumps very well with only large pot holes sending a shimmy through the chassis. Road noise around town is also very acceptable ...
...generally not an issue as Mazda recognizes the popularity of these models and works with the owners club to provide discounted rates. The average 9000 mile service costs between £150-£180 and the big 60,000 mile service costs between £390-£450. There is also a large aftermarket scene for these cars and many are personalized by there owners. Mostly though this applies to owners upgrading the interior with one of the many dashboard cover kits The ... Read review

Advantages: Brilliant fun to Drive and looks great!
Disadvantages: Having only two seats occassionally means passengers can miss out.

The Mazda MX5 was my final choice of purchase after being given some money recently. I was looking for something fun and sporty, but originally looked at four seater options such as the Astra Coupe and VW Golf. After reading good magazine reviews, I decided to test drive the MX5 - I was not disappointed. The low chassis hugs the road and the steering is responsive. The 1.6 is more than capable in the lower gears and the tight gearbox makes it easy ...
...was miles better than anything I had driven previously and this alone made me sure it was the car for me. Practicality is of course an issue when looking at owning a sports car, but the MX5 has cheap running costs, is supremely durable and insurance is good value for a two seater. The roof is pretty easy to use and the boot swallows enough for weekend breaks or the weekly shop. My wife and I both use this car daily and it effortlessly transforms ... Read review

Advantages: A great affordable sports car with fun driving added in for free!
Disadvantages: If you are a big shopper like me, you may need to put the roof down!

After my Mum eventually brought a 2 yr old MX5 3 years ago, I knew that it was the car I wanted to own. You get looked at (yes I am a poser!) and it just oozes sexiness. My mission was to own one! I now own a G reg (1990) MK1 MX5 1.6i. I have owned it since 2003 and I am still having fun now! It is such a great car! Quick and responsive, great handling!(I do throw it round corners quite a bit) for when you feel a bit naughty! But when you do want ...
...do that too! SPECIFICATIONS - (please note this is for a newer MX5 standard not modified like mine, information was last updated 2.12.04) Engine - 1.6i (1597cc) 16 valve 0 - 60 mph is 9.7 seconds Top speed is 119 mph (Ive done close to this and its still pulling) Fuel tank capacity is 50 litres The price of a new standard MX5 is currently £15,000 . The insurance group is 11E INSURANCE - I brought the car when I was 19. I had 2 years no claims ... Read review