1998 Mazda MX5 1.8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

As much fun as a bugeye Sprite and 100 times as reliable!

Faults:

The very small battery goes flat within about 3 weeks if the car isn't driven. If it's a 'weekend special', make sure you take it for a run every couple of weeks.

The paint seems to be very thin and chips easily.

Otherwise, it runs like clockwork!

General Comments:

I owned a bugeye sprite once and thought I'd never find another car that was as much fun - but I was wrong.

To drive an MX-5 is to be guaranteed a huge smile, and the car is beautifully put together as well.

And, to top it all off, the resale is excellent - if you ever sell. I know I won't, mine's a keeper!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2002

1998 Mazda MX5 MkII 1.8i petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Would be OK if it didn't have rust problems

Faults:

It has been back to the garage 4 times due to corrosion problems.

This car is 2 years old...... Mazda give a 6 year anti-corrosion warranty....... this does not sound like quality.

If I wanted a rusty old banger I would have bought one.

If you have a MkII check where the boot closes, (rubber foot), under the clear plastic sticker where the rear number plate lights are (drainage holes), and under the rubber door seal - both sides - bottom corner.

All are design problems.

General Comments:

The engine/interior/hood etc. are great.

It was rusting away within 2 years - it was a bad buy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th July, 2000

7th Nov 2002, 16:05

Rust is a common fault with early models and wheels can corrode as well.

Usually though, it's under warranty and so is fixed FOC.

28th Nov 2009, 16:16

Mine has rust problems is is just out of warranty unfortunately.

If buying a used one, be very careful checking the sills at the rear, and where the rear sills join the wheel arch - the spot welds weren't very good, and Mazda didn't seal the cars properly in this area. Under the boot lid is another place to check. Unfortunately Mazda wheels do tend to corrode early, but you can refurb in the UK for about £50 per wheel.

1998 Mazda MX5 Berkeley 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Absolutely nothing, although I've only had it 8 months & 9,000 miles.

General Comments:

Love the looks - looks great with the top up or down.

Handles like a dream, the steering is really responsive.

Could do with a little more power.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th October, 1998

1998 Mazda MX5 II 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

None. Car only 2 weeks old.

General Comments:

So, far so good.

Excellent build quality. Handling / Acceleration are superb. Great value for money.

It's a pity British manufacturers can't match Japanese build quality ie MGF / Elise.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 1998