1991 Mazda MX5 1.6 from Portugal

Summary:

An almost perfect sports cabrio

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Solid, reliable, and a car built for corners.

Nothing went wrong, even with 250000km on it; a car built in the old days where things were meant to last.

I love this car; just wish it had a bit more torque.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th March, 2015

1991 Mazda MX5 Base 1.6L from North America

Summary:

Best value convertible. Excellent weekend fun

Faults:

The Miata is running great.

The original soft top needs to be replaced due to normal wear and tear (canvas separated from support/roof bar, which makes a flapping noise, and the rear window is hazy/scratched up with swirls).

Mechanically, no problems to report, but this was a low mileage buy.

General Comments:

This is the first Miata that I have owned. The transmission is smooth with no hiccups so far. Clutch engagement point is very predictable, and getting into and out of gears has a very 'mechanical' feel - a solid click, and you know you're in gear.

I have the soft top option, and at highway speeds, I noticed flapping noises initially, but over time I got accustomed to them, and now have tuned them out. - Update - After applying weatherproof 3M adhesive to the top (remember, using less is more) the top is secured to the frame top. The rear plastic window becomes brittle in cold conditions (~40 deg F) and will crack easily if one does not undo the zipper prior to opening the top.

Can't comment on the stock audio system since mine is aftermarket (who needs a radio when you have the glorious inline-four revving to 6k rpm?).

The previous owner removed the power steering so handling is very 'tight'. At any given moment, I can feel the camber of the road - every nook and cranny - but it also becomes a herculean task to park, since there is no power assist and I normally park at slow speed.

Haven't had a chance to take this to an autocross/track day, but believe you me, I will have come summer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th December, 2012

1991 Mazda MX5 BBR Turbo 1.6 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fantastic fun

Faults:

Touch wood, absolutely nothing!

General Comments:

I was looking to replace the thrills I used to get riding a motorcycle with less of the drawbacks ie death or serious injury.

This one came up at the right sort of price, and being the factory approved BBR turbo model with almost 50% more BHP and torque, well...

It's seriously good fun, and unlike my old Alfa, you actually think it will get from A-B without having to worry!

Would recommend one of these to anyone, and you can pick them up early ones for a song these days.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th April, 2010

1991 Mazda MX5 1.6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

It is the most consistently enjoyable driving experience I have ever had in a car

Faults:

Cooling system didn't cope with extremely hot driving conditions (50C). Had radiator flushed and fixed a small leak in the top tank.

Thrust bearing on clutch was noisy.

Gearbox lost hardening on 2nd and 3rd gears. Very noisy. Replaced with a cheap 30000 K import.

Rear brake calipers seized and vehicle couldn't be moved.

Soft top aging and the plastic rear window is hard to look through. Replaced with new top with a glass window.

General Comments:

This car is much more than the sum of its parts. It's getting on in years; its body is a little tired, and its interior is a little shabby. It uses a bit of oil.

And I'd rather drive it than anything else I've ever owned or ever driven. It is just so much well balanced FUN!

For its age and use, it has been surprisingly reliable. But I don't care about how reliable it is... I don't even care much about how fast it is (well maybe a little)...

It is the most consistently enjoyable driving experience I have ever had in a car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st February, 2008

1991 Mazda MX5 basic model 1.6 from North America

Summary:

Everyone should have one

Faults:

The car must have been stored outside before I purchased it so most of the door and window rubber had to be replaced. Put in new battery and alternator.

The car body and interior are flawless. It is hard to believe this vehicle has been driven 19700 kms.

General Comments:

I love this car. It handles like my MG midget I had in 1977. I will never get rid of it. My plan is to slowly rebuild it when I retire.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2007