Survival Guide: Mazda MX-5 Mk3
Fun, affordable and virtually unbreakable – so what’s not to like about the Mk3 MX-5?
While the first two generations of MX-5 were closely related, the Mk3 from 2005 was a bold departure and, dare we say, just a bit more grown up. Don’t take that as a negative, it’s still one of the most fun two-seaters you can buy – it’s got huge club and specialist support, and early ones are now temptingly cheap.
The most notable change was the use of ‘MZR’ Ford Duratec-derived 125bhp 1.8- and 160bhp 2.0-litre petrol engines that allowed the open-topped gem to accelerate from 0-60mph in 9.6 and 7.6 seconds respectively. Oh, and it also got a brand-new multi-link rear suspension that further refined the MX-5’S lovable go-kart like handling.
Other NC mod-cons included stability control, optional keyless-entry and the benefit of a limited-slip differential on 2.0 manual models.
A year after launch, Mazda added the Roadster Coupé (RC) with its neat two-piece folding hardtop that cleverly retracts – electrically – into the same space as the soft-top without eating into the luggage area. It’s a popular choice for those doing longer journeys, or who want a year-round daily driver.
Distinguishable by its bigger headlights and larger grille, the Mk3.5 (or NC2) followed in 2009 with revised suspension geometry, a revvier version of the 2.0-litre with a forged crank, a throatier exhaust note and a new six-speed transmission.
Then, a final revision resulted in the NC3 (or Mk3.75), which went on sale in 2013. Again, apart from minor mods to improve throttle response and pedestrian collision features for the front-end, the changes were largely visual; different headlamps, an even larger and deeper grille, and a new chin spoiler to aid aerodynamics.
Now, we all know about Mazda reliability and this era MX-5 is exemplary in that respect. That said, as we show, you’ll save cash by shopping around at one of the many independents for parts.
While the 1.8 was only available with a five-speed manual transmission, the 2.0 came with either a six-speed manual or a less popular paddleshift automatic – apart from being a bit tight from cold, they’re all reliable.
Suspension/steering
There’s double (alloy) wishbones, coilovers and an anti-roll bar at the front, and a five-link arrangement with coilovers at the rear. The Mk3 rides quite high from the factory; and while Sport models had uprated Bilstein dampers and a strut brace to add rigidity, lots of owners fit lowering springs and aftermarket dampers when the originals start feeling a little soggy. There’s lots of choice, with a 25-35mm drop being a popular option. And here’s a useful tip; beefier anti-roll bars from the Mazda RX-8 are a straight swap.
Other than normal wear, it’s usually the anti-roll bar droplinks that knock first. There are no real issues – although being sensitive to suspension geometry, if there’s uneven tyre wear get a four-wheel laser alignment check to find out what’s wrong.
Brakes
You’ll find 290mm vented discs up front and 280mm solid discs at the rear on the MX-5, a configuration that remained the same throughout its lifespan. While they will haul the car up perfectly well under normal road use, if you want to improve the stoppers there are lots of aftermarket options, the cheapest starting point being to fit a set of uprated pads.
Other issues
Don’t scrimp when it comes to tyre choice because it’ll compromise the MX-5’S leech-like grip. Toyo T1RS and Nankang NS-2RS are the most popular options.
Hood fabrics last well, and the fact that there’s a heated glass rear screen is a bonus. However, try not to close the roof in freezing conditions, because the fabric will suffer. Damp carpets point to blocked hood drains; MX5 Heaven sell them secondhand for £18. That electric hood on the RC should retract in 12 seconds, and it seems problemfree. Some owners have reported that the bolts for the motor can occasionally come lose, so check them regularly. Oh, and fitting a smarttop module is a good idea; it’s £222.30 from smarttop.shop and allows you to lower and raise the roof while moving at slow speeds.
Finally, a common gripe, if you can call it that, is the lack of audible soundtrack from that lively MX-5 engine. The obvious solution is to fit an aftermarket system, although talk to specialists and other owners to avoid buying one that