Mazda MX-5 (2005 - 2015) 2.0i Sport 2d (2008/08) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Wannabe Formula D driver?

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

My mum isn't keen, but everyone else is pretty jealous I have this car at 23.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Not straight away as I would like a 6 cylinder car next, but I would absolutely recommend one. Consider the 1.8 however if you're just looking for a toy during the weekend. The 2.0 is definitely more for the keener driver.

What are you likely to buy next?

I'd love a Bmw 125i coupe or a Nissan 350z/370z, but I'm not discounting hot hatchbacks as they do everything you'd need.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£9,000

When did you buy the car?

November 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

Reasonable, I managed to get £1800 p/ex for my old 06 Clio, which to be fair was about what it was worth so I can't complain too much.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I was actually looking at a hot hatch at the time, I started this up and instantly knew I had to buy it.

What was the dealer like?

Pretty helpful, I already knew lots about the Mx5 anyway as I am a keen car fan. So they just gave me the keys for the test drive.

What's it like to drive?

Well, it's an Mx5. Amazing is the order of the day. Yes, the 2litre engine could use a little more torque and is incredibly thirsty delivering around 22mpg with my driving, but it simply doesn't matter. It makes an enthusiastic sound considering the engine is basically out of a Fiesta and there's enough power to make life interesting when you weld your foot to the floor (160bhp). I won't go as far as to say it's fast, because it isn't. What it is, is a hoot to drive and every single bhp is exploitable.

What's it like to park?

Roof up, horrendous. You cannot see out the back window very well. Roof down, great. Sensitive clutch isn't ideal, but it is a sports car at the end of the day.

Have you had any problems with the car?

It's Japanese, does that answer it for you?

What's most practical about your car?

Let me make this clear, if you want a practical car you really need to be going elsewhere. Also, if you're taller than 5'10", you will need to go elsewhere. You won't fit.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The stereo is actually brilliant.