Faults:

No faults - totally reliable.

General Comments:

The Jasper Conran edition is basically a limited (400) run of the 146 bhp 1.8iS model, but with a nicer interior, full leather and special alloys.

The 1.8 Mazda MX-5 was voted best drivers car under £15,000 by Autocar (and Tiff Needell) in 2003. Came out ahead of the Clio Cup, Civic Type-R, Caterham 7 Classic and others. So it might look like a girl's car (I agree on this), but nobody who has driven one would think so.

Screaming 7200 RPM, 146bhp engine gives good performance in such a light car. Doesn't feel any slower than my previous 306 Rallye, although at about 8 seconds to 60, it is a little bit off the pace compared to the current mega hot hatches.

Although it's not slow, the MX-5's performance isn't exactly headline stuff, but the difference between a hot hatch and a purpose built sports car becomes apparent when you start chucking it around. For starters, its rear wheel drive, and near perfectly balanced, so it doesn't succumb to understeer (or electronic intervention). It also demands that YOU drive it, not the electronics.

Secondly it has a fantastic gearbox, fantastic brakes and steering with the kind of uncorrupted feel you can only get on a rear wheel drive car. Traction off the line is superb, and the car communicates as effectively through the seat as it does the wheel.

It's also a beautifully built car with typical Jap reliability. The interior of the MX-5 is a bit bland and sparse, but the brushed aluminium and leather of the JC model lift it a little. It has electric windows, a proper glass heated rear screen, ABS and a cracking stereo. Dealers and servicing costs are superb too.

Economy not great for a small 1.8 litre car - 32 mpg average, 25 worst. Most of this is because of the way the car begs to be driven though.

I have fallen in love with this car. It turns every journey into an event with its direct responses and laugh a minute handling. I love it.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with this car.

General Comments:

This car is a join to both own and drive.

The dealership has provided wonderful service and support throughout my ownership of this and my previous, 1990 Miata.

So far, I have logged 180,000 miles in Miatas and have loved every one of them. And no mechanical problems!

It is cheap to maintain, operate and defies the stigma of the 'unreliable roadster.' I have owned MGBs in my past and was ready to accept a little maintenance in exchange for the fun. After ten years of driving Miatas, I still have not had a car in the shop.

Faults:

The car was in perfect condition.

General Comments:

Fun to drive. Make you feel young again.

I should have bought the hardtop as an option.

The special edition keeps its value. A little bit more money, but great resale value.

Faults:

The car required new tires. Given the level of performance this car is capable of, the rate of tire wear was within the normal range of wear & tear.

General Comments:

The MX-5 Miata LS is an exceptional automobile. While you can spend considerably more money (the BMW Z3 or the Honda S2000), the increase in car is nowhere near the cost. Anyone who purchases a 2-seat roadster sports car should know the limitation of the type. With this said, the Miata is an absolute blast to drive, cheap to operate and insure and is rock solid dependable. For most people this is enough, but when you can reach up and drop that top. Autopia (car heaven)!!!