2003 Mazda MX5 Indiana 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Gorgeous looking fun car, that will make you smile when behind the wheel or looking at it

Faults:

I had to replace the original wheels, as they had bad rust.

General Comments:

This car looks the part, either with the hard top on or the soft top down; the Vin Rouge colour, contrasted with the cream leather, makes it look very refined.

The drive compared to my old MR2 is also more refined, with better storage, better comfort and road holding. The MR2 was more nippy and probably more fun, but the MX5 has won my heart, and every second behind the wheel is met with a huge smile.

Fuel costs are what I expected; apart from the original wheels being replaced, it has proven very reliable.

The tonneau cover for some reason will not remain fixed over 60 MPH, but not a biggie.

I would not think twice about buying another, but as I feel the Indiana is the nicest one they made, I guess any other would be second best.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th January, 2012

2003 Mazda MX5 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great car; not just for women

Faults:

In 2 years of ownership, the engine warning light has come on once. Dealer reset and said it was due to an O2 sensor.

General Comments:

I bought the car primarily for my wife in the limited edition colour of splash green. I wanted an S2000, but she didn't.

The car is quick (ish) but could easily handle more power. However, as many have said, the car is not about straight line speed. It's in the corners where the car comes into its own, you can think the car round roundabouts without incident. If you want, you can get the tail to slide out, but it feels safe and very controllable.

The handling is spot on, but as you would expect for a low riding sports car, the ride is very firm and can get tiring over long journeys. The wind noise is lower than I expected, and very acceptable.

The car also has one of best gear changes I've experienced, requiring only a flick of the wrist. Fuel consumption is OK.

Standard CD player doesn't sound that special.

Overall a great little car that you will want to take for a drive just for the hell of it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st March, 2008

2003 Mazda MX5 Indiana LE 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Petrol filler cap cable jammed.

General Comments:

The indiana limited edition must be one of the most luxurious versions of the MX5ever produced. It has beatiful beige leather seats and wood trimmed interior. A hard top is a worthwhile extra, giving you more security, as well as a quieter ride at motorway speeds. The performance is entertaining and will guarantee you a smile for every mile. What a superb bit of machinery.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th January, 2006

2003 Mazda MX5 1.8i Sport from UK and Ireland

Summary:

So so, looks good, goes well, but nothing special really

Faults:

Alloy Wheels replaced under warranty at 27000 miles, flaking of on all 4 wheels in and around the centre.

Been in the garage 4 times in past month trying to resolve a fault that the dealership just puts down to normal and acceptable for a 40,000 mile car. When in reverse and in the low gears going slowly ie traffic jams it sounds as if the exhaust is blowing. Each time the garage looks at it they either can't replicate the fault or when it does replicate itself they say that is normal. Not normal to me, my previous MX5, 100K plus never made this noise hence why it has made me take it too the dealership for fixing.

Window fit - both driver and passenger windows don't seem to to seal properly, had the seals replaced, but still very noisy at high speeds.

Tyres - Tyre on front gave up 9,000 miles in, garage said faulty tyre and replaced it. Others were fine. At 36000 miles needed to replace all tyres due to wear, cost an arm and a leg to put new shoes on at all 4 points of the car.

General Comments:

Very nice car when it works as expected.

Not too expensive in terms of servicing and running, the odd exception obviously such as the new tyres.

Will be changing car before the 54K service is due as this is the cam belt change and is the expensive service. Normally would change cars at 60-70K, but the expensive 54K service will bring that time forwards.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th October, 2005

27th Oct 2005, 16:40

Had three, no problems with any of them.

30th Dec 2008, 23:48

You mean the LEFT lane - the OP is a Brit. :)

Just bought my 2003 MX-5 Miata. Had it all of two weeks and love it. I'll add another comment within the next year. BTW, it has 22K miles and the wheels look just fine.

28th Nov 2009, 15:52

OMG... what you mean the 4 tyres didn't last for the life of the car??

Might I suggest that if you find 4 tyres expensive then maybe you can't afford to run a sports car?

25th Jan 2010, 21:36

Replacing 4 tyres on a sports car after 36,000 miles is not a problem.

It's a blessing.