2000 Mazda MX5 1.8 is review from UK and Ireland

The passenger side door doesn't unlock through the central locking anymore. Needs a new actuator, but cannot be bothered yet to fix it.

Coming from a V6 Alfa I convinced myself that power and speed was not everything and chose a car which had a reputation for an enjoyable drive without bankrupting me on running costs. All the reviews were good so I found myself a very good example after a long search. After 6 months ownership I still like the Mazda, but I really think that Mazda should have put a better engine in to make it a really good drive. The engine is harsh and isn't a joy to use especially when you push it. But this car is only good at Sunday drives with the hood down on a twisty back road and not on long motorway journeys as the noise is excessive to say the least. It doesn't stir the soul like the Alfa, but the Mazda is fairly cheap to run and reliable. A really good second car which will always sell on easy with a good return.