Mazda MX-5
ENGINE 1598cc/4-cyl/DOHC POWER 110bhp@6500rpm TORQUE 105lb ft@5000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 122mph 0-60MPH 9.8sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 25-40mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed auto MoT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 149,031 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The car springs into life on the first turn of the key and the idle speed is spot on. The engine does not smoke or rattle and the exhaust does not blow. There are no water temperature issues and the brake discs and pads feel like they have plenty of life left in them. MX-5s are renowned for their handling and this particular car certainly doesn’t disappoint in this respect. Steering is tight and precise, throttle response is instant and power delivery smooth. This car’s auto ‘box engages happily, and the brakes feel strong. The only fault we could find was a slight knocking sound from the front suspension under full lock at parking speeds.
BODYWORK CHECK
The car has obviously been re-sprayed at some point in its life because the original black is still visible on the inside of the doors, engine bay and boot; the DVLA still has it listed as black, too. The respray has clearly been completed to a good finish, however, and the paint itself is in good condition overall. The underneath presents equally well and there is no rust on the exterior at all. The original Mazda alloy wheels are untouched and the Prestivo 2000 tyres all have good tread. Unfortunately, the large crack in the offside of the windscreen looks as though it may be beyond repair.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The cabin is in generally excellent condition. The seats, door cards and carpets are all faring well without excessive wear or any damage and the comfortable seats retain their shape and firmness. The dashboard is not cracked or weathered and neither is the centre console, although the arm rest/cubby hole lid is currently being held together with tape, so this would need to be addressed. The steering wheel and gear selector are in good shape and all gauges and electrics work as they should. The roof is in top condition with no rips, tears or holes and the whole cabin is watertight. The boot is presentable, too.
UNDER THE BONNET
Considering the mileage, the area under the bonnet is very clean. It doesn’t look like the engine bay has been steam cleaned – it’s just been well maintained, and the engine is obviously not leaking any fluids. There are no areas of standing water and no rust, even on the exhaust manifold heat shield. The car was treated to new belts, including the cambelt, in January.
THE CCW VIEW
This MX-5 would make a great weekend car or the perfect base for a track day toy. Either way it’s a heck of a lot of fun for not a lot of money. Some may be put off by the fact that is a Japanese import with an automatic gearbox, but this is still a very good sub-£3k MX-5.