Should You Buy a Mazda MX5? (Test Drive & Review MK2)
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- čas přidán 11. 02. 2020
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The Mazda MX5 has been around for three decades. In that time it has established itself as a very competent little sports car. Today I'm in my 2001 1.8 MX5 to see what its like.
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#mazda #mx5 #mazdamx5 #highpeakautos - Auta a dopravní prostředky
"Make sure you put your caps lock on", essential advice for keyboard warriors everywhere.
Hahaha rights
Great video. I owned a red 2010 MX 5 Roadster for nine years of exhilarating fun and trouble-free driving. Never a problem, never a rattle, never a regret for buying it. A brilliant car!
If you dont mind asking,what did you pay for a 2010 and how many miles does it have
This video sums the mk1/2 mx5s up perfectly. 12 years ago when I was 22, I looked at fiestas, polos etc and stumbled across the mx5 as a potential car; I couldn't believe how affordable they were. So good to drive with a rifle loading-esque gearbox and pinpoint steering. Mine never let me down in 2 years either, cracking cars.
Same, i was looking at Ford focuses and golf gti's and then i stumbled upon a mx5
And they’re also cheap as chips on insurance. As cheap as a 1.6L golf 4 would be. (For me at least)
I've had this car as my daily for 4 years now. It's a lovely balance of cheap, reliable and fun.
That said, the real fun (here in the UK) is during the summer.
Yes I agree - those two days are great!
@@HighPeakAutos Two?! Twice what we get in Scotland.
@@david1731048 I don't know how about Scotland, but to be fair, we've been roasting down in the south last summer and temperatures were ridiculous
I have an NC2, never-mind the summer, rainy roundabouts are 'where its at , man'.
I had a mk3 for years. Got an Elise now though, which gets used daily. Much more intimidating to drive than the MX-5 though :D
Another absolutely spot on review - outstanding!
As a 64 year old using my Mk.3.5 on a daily basis I don’t have any difficulties getting in or out. Once you learn the knack it’s easy peasy. 👍🏼
I owned a Mk2 from new, and then a Mk3 I bought new in 2007 and still have. The Mk3 is by far the better car (mine has the electric hard top which is superb) in that it has the same good things as the Mk2 (I think it actually handles better - mine has the Mazda Eibach lowered springs) but is far more refined. I'm nearly 72 and a big lad so getting in and out isn't as easy at it was, but it's worth it for the driving experience! I'm seriously considering upgrading to a Mk4 which at my age and build is daft - but hey, you only live once!
You gave an interesting take, and I have only driven my old Mk1 and current Mk2, but I always heard those two are a fair bit more raw than the albeit refined but watered down Mk3 which was heavier.
@@harrisonmurphy2490 I've now got a new ND2 and it is the best!
I’m 15 and I’m already planning on my first car, would you recommend this as a first car as a tall person? I’m also quite tall (6’1) but quite skinny so I don’t know whether I should purchase it.
@@gzk6nk congrats sir! Drive it till you cannot longer 🙂
@@haoyuan5 I do! I bought a new ND in 2022! Love it!
Great video...as always! I had a 2000 Mk2 model for about 5 years. I drove it the length and breadth of Ireland. An amazing little car, always felt you were doing 70mph+ even when you were only doing 35/40! Drove with the top down as often as possible, even on cold cloudy days(great heater!). I miss my MX5, thank you from the trip down memory lane. Keep up the great work......
My first ever car, it’s been a breeze to own and zero problems in over 2 years 👌🏻 genuinely love the car and it’s always fun to drive
Have owned 2 mk2's in the past, one of each engine variant and the 1.8 is the better option. Best 2 seater sports car in category without doubt, absolutely loved driving them, would definitely buy again. They are just so planted and albeit only about 8.5 seconds 0 to 60 (1.8) they still feel so quick. Large active owners club and classic insurance type policies available. There is a reason why they are the best selling 2 seater sports car and still in production today! Another great video!
Wife bought the ND 3 years ago its one hell of a roadster.
Fun at all speeds .
We all know its not fast.
The biggest critics are those who don't own one yet they are all experts on why its no good.
A million plus others say differently
My buddy had an old MX5 beater car, that he used as a daily driver, for years. Tough little car, that despite its age and condition, was surprisingly still tight and responsive.
Made me laugh out loud!
Great review of a great little car. It's no accident that MX5s are often used at tracks to teach the basics of car control: accessible, balanced and signposts what's going on for the driver. 👍
Had a Eunos 18 yrs ago with the flick up headlights, was a great little car with lots of character, A binding brake calliper was the only trouble I had with the car in two yrs , thanks Shane uk 🇬🇧
I've been watching you for quite a long time now and really enjoy the vids thanks for keep filming them 👍🙏
"Make sure you put caplocks on." :D This statement killed it! Love your sense of humor.
I Had a eunos roadster in mariner blue fabulous car. Doubled my money on it.
I have a lovely 20th Anniversary MK 3 which has done a genuine 25,000 miles from new, fantastic car, cheap insurance and road tax, yes I only bring it out on nice sunny days, one thing I love is you can take the hood up and down in ten seconds, I have previously had two Morgans and you have to faff about for five minutes doing this. Choose wisely, take your time and you could probably run it for five years and get most of your money back when you sell. Great channel btw, really enjoyed the Bentley feature.
Nice of you to stop for the Austin Seven. Another lovely review. Thank you very much.
I drove one a few years ago and enjoyed it. That's the first Miata/MX-5 model with a rear window that had a defroster and didn't turn hazy and brittle. More refined than the original but not as heavy as the following generation. I always enjoy your videos. Keep em coming.
Yes thats right - thanks for watching
At the time of the launch I had an1992 323. I went to a cheese and wine evening when it was launched at my local Mazda garage. (When having wine was not considered drink and driving) It was great and nobody had seen a sports car that did not fall apart. Got the chance to drive one of the very fist in the country. I never owned one but have very fond memories. A great classic now!
Great video, upbeat, informative and an honest appraisal of an affordable daily drive convertible.
Great Review, put my car into my local garage and the owners on MX5 crazy, and they have a loner car which is an MX5, I had the car for 5 days and oh boy it was brilliant didn't want to give it back, feel in love with it. Great fun to drive and feels like your driving a much faster car. 10 out of 10
Weighs about as much as Kate Moss after a crash diet… Absolutely brilliant 😆
Another excellent review! Keep them coming👍🏻
On my 2nd. Had a 1990mk1 v spec eunos and now I have a 2000 MK2 sport. Love it 🤘🏻 Great vid
I had a MK1. Loved the pop up headlights 👍🏼💪🏼😎😍
Who doesn't?!
@@HighPeakAutos There's a guy in Arizona who has a fleet of MK1s restored in bright, pastel colours. Even more surprising than that, he's a hard as nails 6'5" shithouse... so cabin crew/hairdresser jokes are not advised in his presence.
Great review as always!
Just bought my first MX-5:) NB
I love it ,got it on valentines day ahaha
Your work gets better with every vid you produce, I even like when you went back in time for a second. 6.07
Haha I missed that - no end to my talents!
Austin perhaps?
@@HighPeakAutos Yes the 7 I think. It's funny that my mountain bike has wider tyres than an Austin 7.
King One Eye'd 😂 And very probably a faster 0-60 time
@@HighPeakAutos 0-35 time and that's not the bike.
Bet you do have corduroys really 🤪 enjoyable as always & good review, cheers. I reckon you love doing these videos 👍
Wife had the pop-up lights Eunos model in BRG in Japan at the end of the 90s. Brilliant fun driving the mountains roads in Japan. You simply can't have a better driving car IMO.
I run my 1997 Mark 1 as a Sunday car. Love it and it’s just passed it’s MOT this Monday!! So I’m looking forward to summer driving around the Peak District especially the Snake Pass 😀
Always looking forward to see your new car reviews. Thank you. 👍
Thanks!
Thanks for the memories. When I lived in the UK I had a mark 1 eunos. I don't miss petrol prices or road tax though. I have a '01 mark 2.5 vvt now here in ontario canada, running costs are certainly cheaper. £42/month full coverage insurance, the equivalent tax disc: £69 a year, £138 for two years.
When I went to view it; it was my 3rd mx5 hadn't been in one since the UK 8 years prior. My dad came with me who was 68 at the time. His first car was a 56 MGA when living in brum. We both jumped in and out like old pros.. Guess the roadster muscle memory kicked in for both of us. I find getting in fine, exiting is never quite as graceful tho.
I agree with rust prevention. I bought mine just over two year ago, rust free.Tho I drive it through canadian winters (my daily driver) I immediately started annual oil film sprays where they drill half dozen holes in key locations such as the doors and rocker panels. Works great if you start the process early enough and can find a rust free example. Which can be tricky these days.
I enjoyed your review, cheers!
I have a mk 3 (I'm tall and it's slightly larger). Great fun to drive and even on a chilly winter or spring day with the roof down, it just is not cold inside. Great car.
Once again an ideal car and what more could you want in summer than driving through The Peak District , wind in your hair and enjoying a bit of foot down.
I didnt think the words "tight budget" and "sports car" could go hand in hand, but point made and very nicely too
With the MX5 they do :)
I reviewed one of these on my channel back in November and had an absolute blast! Absolutely huge fun, I couldn't agree with you more about your experience with MX-5s.
They're great fun
@@HighPeakAutos, the one I drove was slightly modified, so it was even more fun!
I had a Mk3 and absolutely loved it, my favourite car to date. I could be tempted to buy another one. Anyone taking the piss out of an MX-5 hasn’t driven one.
Mathew Davies Exactly!
Mathew Davies I’ve driven one only for a laugh though and they are a gay car just like the Audi TT. How any man could get excited with a Mx - 5 is beyond me. They are that gay even women don’t buy them
I have an MX5 and I will bend you over and treat you like a lady big boy x
david stephenson no thanks I’m not bending over any MX-5 I’ve got a reputation to keep
Mathew Davies I should of replied anyone that thinks a MX-5 is cool hasn’t driven anything else
My dad bought one of these in a bit of a midlife crisis moments, had it resprayed and drove it for a week and hated it. At 6ft 5 he was too tall to get comfortable. I bought it off him and absolutely love it, you can rag the absolute proverbial out of it everywhere having huge grin inducing fun and your still never doing illegal speeds. Only thing i wish it had was the 1.8 and an LSD but thats part of the fun of the mx5 there are so many options for modifying them.
I have always worried about hidden rust on these but really think i need too have a go in one now!
Love all. Mx5 generations, what a bargain the mk2 currently is.
Love this video.....another car for my collection whenever I manage to build an aircraft hangar in my garden
..some day. I am currently building my first garage so I can play with my Jags and Range Rover.... Matt your videos are fantastic, honest down to earth practical advice e. I have been looking at your videos during my hols here in Spain. For me better than recent episodes of Top Gear. Well done Matt. Wishing you every success
Haha thanks!
Great vid thanks for sharing. You drive all the cars and your honesty is appreciated. One thing you touch on is hinting at how the MX5 drives compared to TTs etc, it would be good if you could expand your that with say a cut-paste walk round,drive and costs of several similar cars, as I don’t believe I’ve seen any vids like that.
I like your reviews mate. You are knowledgeable and honest plus the cars you review are affordable. Keep up the great work!
Thank you. I appreciate it
I love these roadsters even though I haven’t even sat in one let alone driven one. For me the MX5 is just a little too small for me but I love them all the same
i sold mine last year. what a great car it was! in country where i live it's actually an understatement - a new classic. as they gotten old problems appear: soft top will need replacement, rubber seals in folding mechanism deteriorate, interior will show age, rust (sills!) and in my example emissions. but everything can be fixed, support regarding parts is great. the positive thing about driving it (besides the BEST gear shifts): you always feel like you are going faster than you actually are. It is also great car for learning how to drive, the RWD will teach you to respect the speed when going into corners or slippery surface. (yes, i span few times).
I recommend it, but don't buy the cheapest, trashiest example (thou it will probably run and drive nice) unless you see it as a project. check the rust, thoroughly: sills, wheel arches, front mud guards (inspect car in good lighting conditions). 2.5 is apparently much better than straight MK 2. oh and faulty camshaft position sensor - fix is easy once you have right diagnosis (car won't start when hot). if soft top was recently replaced that is huge advantage (you can buy completely new soft top but installing is pain in the a$$), if car comes with hardtop - even better (super useful in winter time and rainy season).
I have one myself, and I love her so much!! Great in pulling up, great in the curves and roundabouts. And hard to get in and out??? Its a sportscar, its for sportsmen!!
Good short review. Straight to the point. Kind of the mx5 of CZcams reviews really. Nice one
Thanks!
79 of 400, owned it 12 years and drive it everyday. Best car I've owned, never tire of it!
Think it may be the car for you! Good to see Tideswell again.
YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHEN IT COMES TO DEFINING WHAT IS A SPORTS CAR......sorry couldn’t resist, love the videos 😀👍🏻
Great review! You should do a video on the BMW e90
I think that's the best shape. I had the uprated 18is in guards red so it had a 7.6 0 to 60 and sounded a bit better. Had supercharged this and that's and turbos but this is the only car that's ever left a genuine smile on my face
Bob on review (again!). I have a mk2 and agree it’s the one to have. I got mine for £500 with 36k miles and for further £500 have done suspension, wheels, induction and brakes. What else would be as much fun for the money? Agree, only as a second car makes sense. Tax isn’t that much on mine! Perfect companion for my 528i F10. Great job!
Good video and I agree with everything said, however the rust issue was a bit understated
I bought one and my local mechanic said that despite it having 10 months MOT, he says it shouldn't be on the road because of the rot and rust, and would cost £1k+ of welding to make right.
Rust-free examples are extremely rare and expensive.
Still, get a good one with minimal-to-no rust and it's impossible not to love it
Thanks for a brill vid!
You are correct about the R word, especially the sills. Great, honest review.
Mick
But Mk2s rust in the same places as the Mk1, plus the front chassis legs crumble, so its worse for rust than the Mk1. This is why Mk2s go for peanuts.
Love the videos!
Thanks
Top review. I was thinking about one of these Matt before I dismissed it for a Porsche Boxster 3.2 S. It was to quick to have road way fun in. Thats why I got bored with it quickly. Then as I said in a past review of yours, started looking at the SLK's (as I said to you the other day). With the Rover 75 this looks like the ideal choice for a bit of weekend fun. But in Black of course lol.
IVE PUT MY CAPS LOCK ON TO AGREE WITH YOU THAT THE NB IS THE BEST ONE.
One of the best car reviewers I've come across on CZcams !!!!
Thanks!
So weird how you’ve just uploaded this... I just put a video out on this very car!! Awesome
I saw that - thats a coincidence. This one didn't get written off though haha
Found this video the day after I bought myself a mk3 2.0 Sport, so glad it said only good things about them. 😊
I totally agree with you. The series 1 and series 2 Mazda MX5 were the best overall sports car ever made. And this from me even though I have never desired to own one
Well spoken to the point no rubbish review. LIKED IT
Thanks!
Another great video, keep them coming, how do you rate the BMW Z3 in comparison? Keep up the good work 👍
£325 for road tax on a little car like that is ridiculous.
Alex H €673 in Ireland
I pay the same £325 for my E46 330ci convertible
Get one registered before March 2001 and it's currently £265 tax in the UK. Still a lot but the same as most cars that age.
What a ridiculous tax, but why ?
That's the same as my 330ci...
Great video!
Thanks!
Review a Seat Leon FR Mk3 if you can mate - thinking of getting one ! Love this channel👌👌
This is my favourite MX-5 too...great car and a bargain now...👌🚗💨
Cracking review! Oh forgot cap's lock. I owned a rare mk1 BBR turbo model about 850 made and was tweaked to 10 psi boost around 220 bhp with high pressure pump 1.8 injectors etc and it was fantastic. Totally reliable once I upgraded the clutch. Sadly the tin worms killed it though I sold it for the running gear on to a grass track racer. Bought an audio tt roadster to replace and remapped to 265 is bhp but by comparison was dull to drive, mx5 great little cars for sure.
Thanks for this video. As I get closer to retirement (although a few years to go yet) my thoughts have been about getting a small sports car where on a summers day I can just drop the roof and head off over the border into Wales. The MX5 was my 1st thought, now it's my only thought. Roll on retirement :-)
Thats definitely the way to go
Same as me mate . Five long years to go.
As someone in their mid-60s and an NC owner, I can tell you getting in is really easy.... it's the getting out that takes effort! The major problem with it is the lack of good weather in the UK. In 2019 I did a massive 400 miles in it over the course of the year, weather was pants and don't talk to me about 2020!
why wait till retirement?
Came close to buying one of these a few years back but bought a mint MGF VVC instead. Loved that car. Not quite as sharp-handling as the MX-5 but less whiff of cabin crew for me. Plus a mid-engined rear wheel drive little British sports car for not much money is a rare beast these days....
As someone who owns a 2003 NB in the same Brilliant Black color, I am in agreement with the points made in this video with respect to the driving experience and the ownership experience. As a fair-weather plaything, it's really hard to find a fault with the MX-5.
BRILLIANT VIDEO MATT ( SORRY CAPS LOCK STUCK ON MATE ) 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Ooohhh Mx5 suits you sir lol
Another great review
Just bought a 1999 with 64000 on the clock...stacks of bills..rust free...new soft roof...love the car.should have bought one years ago
Great little cars. I love my 98 mk2, and since it's an import it's rust free (and I've had it comprehensively undersealed) plus it's got an LSD and the 6 speed box, which I actually prefer over the 5
A good summing up of the Mx-5 there (must point out my bias as I'm on my 8th Mx-5!... currently own a Mk4).....Can't disagree with anything you say, with rust being a major issue in particular the front chassis rails, cills and wheel arches...and with regular servicing will be very reliable....a perfect weekend toy!
Sensible review - can't wait to get my Mk2 Icon out when the pandemic allows !
I daily'd a S2 Lotus Elise for 2 years and it was great. I also bought a MK3 MX5 one snowy February and sold it 3 weeks later (for a profit) - but what a great car MK3 is my favourite.
I've had a few MK3's, great cars too. Nicer interior than this one also
Another great video buddy
Thanks
Quality upload as normal Matt 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌
stevie 007 Thanks! 👍🏻
Thinking of buying one.....seems exactly what I'm looking for good value, reliable, fun to drive open top sports car. Will start doing my research - as I fancy buying one later this year.
Hi and greetings from Germany, I really enjoy your channel. Cars from the noughties offer so much value for your money.
Three years ago I bought an MX-5 NB and it is the first car I kind of fell in love with. I very much prefer the looks of its more muscular German competitors, but the driving experience is just something else. When your driving on the countryside and hit 6000 RPM, it feels like sitting in a hoovercraft. Well grounded to the street, but it does produce quite some adrenalin. Also, it is the only convertible where you really are in the open air. Most everywhere else, you still feel very surrounded by the car. Finally, it is dirt cheap to drive and maintain. This year I considered trading it for an A4 B7 convertible, but my six year old daugther vetoed because she just loves her „baby“ car.
Good choice! I would keep it over a B7 Convertible too. Thanks for watching
I have a 2003 facelift nb and love it. It’s really not fast but I don’t care, it’s all about the driving pleasure, my daily is an Audi S5 V8 which is much much faster but on a sunny day I always get the mx5 out for a B road blast, it’s just so much fun. Wider wheels, lowered and a good exhaust makes all the difference as does a good 4 wheel alignment.
Nice video. Well produced.
Cheers
Thank you. Enjoyed. My problem now would be the getting in and out. Cheers
This is the car I love cracking review Matt as always there’s , 😊nothing out there to compare. I bet some traders aren’t happy with some truths you give out. Awesome buddy
Thanks 👍
Another cracking video. Found myself wearing a hat in my Honda Jazz the other day, a new low, so I need an image makeover. I'd take being mistaken for a hairdresser or cabin crew over a hat wearing Jazz driver. Great weekend car.
Ji.We've got the 1.6,same year as yours.I rattled on about 'haidresser's car' then bought one for my wife (ok,she was once a hairdresser!) Great little car,we love it,lots of fun on twisty A roads once I'm in it.60 now with a dodgy back! ☹
NB is my favorite, too. I like popup lights, too. The thing is, the front and especially the back, look much better than the NA. NB for the win.
I had a mk3 2009, 2litre for 3 years absolutely cracking car. A bit thirsty on the fuel but handling to die for and reliable as they come. I had to get rid as it was hard to get out of at my age
Awesome video thank you
Thanks for watching
Well I now have a blazing yellow Mk2 on the fleet. And it’s great. For all the reasons you say Matt!
Am persuaded. Just been test driving one today!
Have fun!
Lovely to drive, terrific gearbox, good roof but ... everyone has got one and the fact that they make a Jasper Conran edition tells you all you need to know.
Nice drive through Tideswell