1995 Mazda MX5 Reviews - Page 3 of 4

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.

Timing Belt snapped at 105k - regular maintenance is at 60k, obviously never done.

Dipstick handle broke off (common).

Pilot bearing on clutch starting making noise - went ahead and changed whole clutch.

Great little car. Fun to toss around in corners - is like driving a go cart! Maintenance and repairs is reasonably easy and fairly cheap; I changed my clutch in my garage with a buddy's help, complete setup for less than 100 bucks. Timing belt change, which is the major maintenance item on this car, including a new water pump, assorted seals and gaskets, was less than $200 doing it in my garage.

I use this car for commuting back and forth to work. It gets approx. 33-34mpg on the highway, a little less in city driving. Seats are comfortable, but driver's tends to wear on outside bolster. There are a ton of aftermarket items for this car.

Nothing, everything runs great although it has the typical Mazda HLA ticking until warmed up, and the top pinched itself.

When I got this car it was rough cosmetically. Mechanically the car was sound. After some minor bodywork, major detailing, and replacement of OEM parts, I have had a ball driving the Miata. Summer cruising top down is a blast, and the car is toasty in the winter. It runs like a swiss watch in all departments and looks like it will for lots more miles. Snowy/icy driving is totally out after some hairy experiences.