Mazda MX-5 1.6i  > Reviews > The best car I have ever owned

Author's product rating:   

Road Handling	Excellent
Security	Good
Looks	Excellent
Fuel consumption	Excellent

Advantages:	Enormous fun, great to drive, looks fantastic yet cheap to own and run
Disadvantages:	Lack of space, uncomfortable on longer journeys

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

As far back as 1996, an MX5 had caught my eye. But I had just bought a Fiat Bravo and didn't have the confidence to swap my versitle, sporty hatchback for a car older and smaller than the one I owed. Then in 2003, after ownership of a truely horrendous Seat Leon, I found a 1.6 Mk2 for sale and decided to go for it. I have never regretted it since.

The car I bought was the bottom of the range, standard 1.6 model in the Mk2 launch colour 'evolution orange'. It doesn't have alloys, electric windows, abs or other complex electric trickery, and for that reason alone, it makes this car a gem to own and run. Its simplicity means that even a non-mechanically minded person like myself can service and repair almost all the bits on this car. I whimped out on the cambelt but if you source the parts yourself, then even the cost of that major service can be kept low.

Now 18 months and 30,000 miles later, I have to report that the MX5 has been 100% reliable, even in the depths of winter. The cabin is surprisingly warm and waterproof and the rear parcelshelf behind the driver can store more luggage than expected. The boot is small, but much larger than the new shape MR2 or the MGF.

The plus points of the MX5 are obviously its driving experience. This car handles extremely well. The 1.6 engine is no power house but because you can carry more speed through the corners it always feels like you are going much faster than you are. I added a strut brace and a set of alloys and it improved on the already great handling.

It is quite economical. I regularly get nearly 400 miles per tank of petrol. Petrol cost is about £30 to fill (at present prices). Not sure what the mpg is but it has to be high 30s.

The negative points (and there have to be some!) are very few. I have found that the MX5 is not an easy car to drive if you are tired or just not in the mood. Its ride quality is poor over rough surfaces, but that is to be expected in a car of its nature. Long journeys are ok but be prepared to suffer some fatigue. Other than that, nothing to report.

Oh and I almost forgot the most important bit - the soft roof, which easily drops down at the flick of two clips. Nothing is quite like open-top motoring - even if it is freezing outside! If the sun shines, get the roof down. Its great!