Mazda MX-5

2.0 Skyactiv-G Sport Nav (2016/16, 84k miles, £12,000)

“The MX-5’s rear-wheel-drive layout means it’s a blast to accelerate through the gears”

THE Mazda MX-5 has been a brilliant second-hand buy for decades, and the Mk4 model is finally reaching bargain territory now that it’s been on sale for a while; we found this 2.0-litre model for £12,000. Early 1.5-litre cars are cheaper still, but the larger engine is faster, more flexible and arguably more desirable. Don’t worry too much, though, because the 1.5-litre version thrives on revs and is really fun to drive.

All MX-5s are a joy on a twisty road. The manual gearbox is one of the best around, with a super-slick and satisfying shift action, plus the car’s rear-wheel-drive layout means it’s a blast to accelerate through the gears.

There’s a bit of body roll, but that’s part of the fun here, and is a result of the brilliant suspension set-up that’s a concession to comfort and composure on a rough surface. This means you can enjoy driving the MX-5 even on the lumpy, rutted roads around the UK, without having to worry about harsh bumps upsetting the car’s balance. Get the roof down – it takes a couple of seconds – and you’ll have even more fun, with the wind in your hair, but without too much buffeting.

There’s also the hard-top MX-5 RF, which has an electric mechanism, but this version isn’t as good when the roof is down. It’s more expensive, too, so the soft-top is our pick.

The MX-5 is a great convertible not just because of the folding roof, but also because it can convert from a thrilling sports car to a comfortable daily driver. The engines are economical and bring plenty of performance because the Mazda is really light, at just over a tonne. This has all sorts of benefits, and means tyres and brakes don’t wear quickly, while road tax isn’t much, so running costs are as affordable as the asking price.