Faults:

Air sensor failed after 100,000km.

Water pump failed after 200,000km.

General Comments:

I've owned my car for 3 1/2 buying it when it was 7 years old. £230 worth of repairs & servicing says it all. I know I will never find a car as reliable as this ever again.

My car has been through the wars too. 6 months after purchasing the car, my psychotic ex-girlfriend crashed the car into a wall causing £2500 worth of damage. I put the car back together again which involved grafting onto the car a new front chassis. But the car has still been outstanding. I have a 90 mile commute every day for the past 3 years and it has handled it faultlessly. it was particularly special finishing work late and driving home with the top down at 11pm with nothing, but the stars and my favorite music for company. Sheer magic.

And driving the car was a pleasure. Docile when you wanted the car to be docile, and when you felt the urge to push on a bit, it responded with the most communicative handling I have ever experienced. Just it lacked a top end power and did get a little noisy and tiresome at motorway cruising speeds.

One car that a manufacturer put a severe amount of love and thought into.

Sadly I've thrashed it to bits by doing 75,000 miles in 3 years, but it's still going strong.

Time for a bit more practicality for me, but I will be desperately sorry to see it go.

Faults:

Rear brake caliper replaced at 72000 miles due to brake fluid leak.

Battery failed at 75000 miles (probably due to infrequent vehicle use).

General Comments:

While no quicker than most 'hot hatches' the MX-5 does everything a budget sports car should do. It feels and sounds sporty, responding well to all the controls, offering true rear wheel drive handling characteristics, and open air motoring.

It is well equipped and finished, and has an easy to operate hood. My example wears its 10 years and 75000 miles extremely well.

The only downside is a fairly lumpy ride, and cramped driving position for those over 6 feet tall.

Running costs have proved to be very low, with cheap insurance available via the Owners Club in the UK.