Mazda MX-5 1.8i California 2d (1995/M) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
One of the best value roadsters on the market today. As a 2nd hand buy, nothing else comes close. How can a car that costs so little be this good?
Costs
Cheap insurance. 38mpg if driven like a saint, but where is the fun in that?
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On the road
Driving
Great driving position, grin-inducing fun, comuncative steering, gear selection to die for, it goes exactly where you tell it to. Like they say in the ad, "the journey's the reward". It really is true.
Performance
What it lacks in straight line acceleration (which is respectable if not startling) it more than makes up for when it encounters the bendy bits.
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Living with it
Reliability
It's japanese, do I need to say more? My only gripe is that Mazda don't fit a front grill to prevent stones from striking the radiator. A grill is a cheap and wise investment.
Image
Mistakenly seen by some as a bit girly. Don't listen to them, though, they've probably never actually driven one.
Comfort
Great seats, powerful heater means that winter top-down motoring is perfectly viable.
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Security and Service
Security
It's got a rag top, so it's never going to be really secure, but it does have engine immobiliser and a sensitive alarm.
Service
Unable to comment.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
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