Mazda MX-5 (2005 - 2015) 2.0i 2d (Option Pack) (2007/07) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I like to think it's an individualist's car - but less so than the Mark 2.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They like its appearance.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Not sure.

What are you likely to buy next?

Maybe I'd check out the Mark 3.5 model, which I've heard brings back some of the rawness of the older cars.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

November 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes. Bought from a Skoda dealer.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

What was the dealer like?

As expected. They plugged £1200 worth of superfluous insurance and other extras very hard, but I resisted.

What's it like to drive?

A little disappointing. If you've never driven the Mark 2 MX5, you'll probably like it. It's fast, and stable round corners. But despite what most reviewers say, the steering is NOT that great: it is plasticky and muffled. The Mark 2 had a point-and-shoot quality that made it a joy to drive even at low speeds. In the Mark 3, there always seems to be a slight delay between the steering input and the change in direction. You feel a little bit like a passenger rather than a driver. It's more powerful than the Mark 2, but it's not as much of a sports car. From the driver's perspective, it could be any well-built but anonymous hot hatch.

What's it like to park?

Parallel parking's a doddle. In car parks, you're aware of how wide it is.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Not yet, but I've only had it a month.

What's most practical about your car?

Bigger boot than the MK2 MX5.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Gadgets don't interest me.