Mazda MX-5 1.8i 2d (94) (1995/M) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
Considering I bought this as a ten year old car, I can foresee little depreciation. However, some bits are expensive, only if improperly maintained.
Costs
Service once a year at specialist, good tyres, next to nothing when compared to a modern 'faultless' car (note tongue in cheek).
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On the road
Driving
Super sharp handling, good tyres essential, noise from 4-2-1 header and Mazda speed exhaust sublime with roof down. Nothing like it bar original Lotus Élan or MGB. Newer models improve this feeling.
Performance
Not super fast, but it certainly will never reach its limits on UK roads. Power is perfect through LSD on tight corners, rear end action is plentiful and easy to recover. Watch out for greasy roundabouts, especially with LSD/1.8.
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Living with it
Reliability
Strong 323 Turbo-based engine good for 200k (proven!), synthetic oil a must. Watch out for leaky CAS/Crankshaft seals on earlier cars.
Image
People give thumbs up, smiles generally. I challenge those who ridicule to come on a ride with me a long my favourite roads, then we'll see who's laughing! Leather seats are essential in this case!
Comfort
Leather interior & stereo aftermarket, standard trim is sparse but definitely good to live with. Import features AC and PAS, useful on hot days when you don't want the roof down. Noisy on motorways.
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Security and Service
Security
Aftermarket immobiliser a must as a minimum. Roof is only a sharp knife and two eager hands away from coming off. Always leave car empty at night.
Service
No experience with Mazda UK, reports indicate good, but expensive.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Leaky CAS, fixed with no cost to me by dealer.
Other
Watch out when purchasing new wheels, original 14" alloys (on Imports) are best. 14" BBS on limited models even better.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes