Mazda MX-5 RF running costs and reliability

2017 onwards (change model)

Running costs rating: 4.5 out of 54.5

Mazda MX-5 RF centre console climate control

Written by Murray Scullion Published: 6 June 2019 Updated: 29 March 2023

Miles per pound (mpp) ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only, and typical current fuel or electricity costs.

Petrol engines	5.5 - 6.7 mpp

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only.

Petrol engines	37.2 - 45.6 mpg

View mpg & specs for any version

Thirstier 2.0-litre engine still reasonably cheap to run
Smaller 1.5-litre car remains the most economical
Relatively low power output means reasonable insurance costs

What are the running costs?

The most economical Mazda MX-5 RF belongs to the 1.5-litre engine, with a claimed 44.8mpg. The 2.0-litre still manages to hover about 40mpg, with a figure of 40.9mpg, although the automatic gearbox sees this dip down to 37.2.mpg.

Stop-start is standard on all engines, while fuel tank capacity is 45 litres, so you should see towards 400 miles between fill-ups.

If you’re looking to minimise your carbon footprint then the cheaper 1.5-litre MX-5 is the one to go for, emitting just 142g/km of CO2.

Emissions for the 2.0-litre manual rises up to 155g/km of CO2, although if you spec the automatic gearbox, this jumps up further to 171g/km.

Servicing and warranty

The MX-5 is covered by a three-year / 60,000-mile warranty, which is on par with most of its rivals. However, it looks a bit stingy compared with the Toyota GR86, which offers up to 10 years of cover. Service intervals are every 12,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Reliability

Simple but well-engineered
No official recalls for MX-5
Hard-top roof worth keeping an eye on

The MX-5 RF’s reliability should be very similar to that of its soft-top sibling, a car that possesses very few major safety recalls or major faults.

However, there’s no denying that the RF is more complicated than the famously simple MX-5 soft top, with an electric folding hardtop roof and automatic gearbox option. Models with the latter fitted were subject to a recall in 2018 for a software update, as the automatic gearbox could unexpectedly downshift into a lower gear.

Make sure you treat both with care in order to get the best out of your MX-5 RF, regularly getting the vehicle serviced and not attempting to lower the roof in unsuitable conditions.

Our Owners’ Reviews section suggests MX-5 customers are highly satisfied with their cars and rarely report any serious problems.