1995 Mazda MX5 SE review from Australia and New Zealand

Rear wheel bearing at about 110k.

The soft-top can leak (very slow drip) at the rubber join half way along the drivers window - but I have a hard top now instead.

Leather seats wear quite easily. Cloth seats are better in this respect.

Not much fun if you never get a bit of empty road to play on.

These are really minor niggles - in 60k of driving (with an aftermarket turbo) over 7 years it's been rock solid!

Great fun to drive when traffic is light - the 1600 is even better!

I read a lot about the image issues on the forums, but the only comment I've had was from someone who thought it was a Ferrari! (yeah it was dark at the time, but still)

It's been a lot of fun tinkering with it, going from a modest sports car to a turbo-terror which can out-do most factory turbo cars with ease. A lot of parts are interchangeable with RX7s (diff, injectors), 323s (engine, wheels) and even Toyotas (wheels, injectors) and Hondas (wheels).

Have done basic servicing myself - it's never *needed* to go to the dealer or mechanic, other than to buy the odd oil filter.

Engine is seriously tough, having put up with 7yrs/65km of turbo'd driving (10psi, and about double the hp) without a hiccup.

Fuel economy is OK, 10-12km/l. Only a smidge less than our Toyota bB, but a lot faster and more fun.

If I was doing it all again I'd get an early 1600, as they are purer, fun, rev-happy little puppies!

As much as I dislike being on display, the car really does shine :) when the top is down.