Faults:

It tends to leak fluid, leaving the clutch pedal soft or without return.

The thermostat gets stuck open, causing the temperature needle to drop while driving on the highway and triggering the warning light.

High oil consumption : When pushing the 2.0L engine at high RPMs, it is vital to monitor the oil level frequently to prevent internal wear.

Soft top wear.

Stabilizer bar bushings and suspension arms wear out.

General Comments:

It's most likely the most fun Mazda car of the 2000s. The one I owned was the most powerful version, with the 160 hp 2.0-liter engine.

As soon as I bought it, the moment I got my hands on the keys, the first thing I did was stow the hardtop so I could drive with the top down and let the wind blow through my greying hair. The Mazda MX-5 places your backside incredibly low, very close to the ground. This characteristic means you feel even the slightest discomfort in urban areas, such as when driving over speed bumps. However, the most interesting effect becomes apparent out on the open road. It handles very well there, and that is where it feels most at home (obviously, it’s a sports car).

It's 1,999 cc engine relies on high-revving capability rather than forced induction; the 160 hp is delivered at 7,000 rpm, and the peak torque of 188 Nm at 5,000 rpm. Acceleration was linear and powerful. Wind noise is very intense when the roof is off and the windows are down, but you really enjoy that sensation of flying low.

It’s a really fun car to drive; as I said, it might not be the best sports car, but it’s certainly entertaining.

Whenever I pushed the engine to higher RPMs, the oil temperature gauge would also start to rise; clearly, the lubrication system is under greater strain under those conditions. When driving gently, it supposedly consumes 7.6 l/100 km, a somewhat high figure for such a lightweight car. After all, we are dealing with a naturally aspirated engine with indirect injection; although it features variable intake, it isn't exactly cutting-edge technology. The best part is found at high revs, where the fun factor, and the sound quality, of course, really ramps up.

The six-speed transmission responds quickly and well.

The Mazda MX-5 is a two-seater designed for driving enjoyment; it is not particularly practical as an everyday car. The trunk is very small, barely 150 liters, comparable to that of a sub-4-meter city car. It does have storage compartments, but fewer than one would expect in a typical modern vehicle.

It’s not really suitable as a primary car, and I say this because, for many years, it was the only car I owned. It’s expensive to maintain and has high fuel consumption. But I can say that, during the few years I had it, it was at least fun.

Faults:

Nothing so far. Everything runs smoothly and reliably.

General Comments:

It is a very reliable and comfortable car. It seems that everything is well thought out and thus it runs without any problems.

Faults:

Car was delivered with a minor paint blemish on the bonnet.

Poorly aligned hood at the factory caused wind noise over 50 mph. Fixed by dealer under warranty.

Irritating "buzz" from one of the Bose speakers - replaced under warranty.

The illuminated gearknob sometimes flickers off when you change gear.

Slight hesitation / misfire for the first few miles after the engine has reached operating temperature

General Comments:

This is my third MX-5 having owned an example of each - a mk1, mk2 (.5) and this mk3.

I had reservations about this mk3 being a more "grown up" and more complex car than its ancestors. Certainly the piano black dash finish, big swooping dials and expensive feeling leather are a cut above the interior standard in the older cars. Handling is also more "mature" with some of the old go-kart feel sacrificed for greater stability and higher limits of grip. It's still a hugely fun car to throw around, whatever Evo say, but the priorities have definitely changed.

The 2.0 engine felt very flat and lifeless when the initial running in period was completed, and was to be honest a big disappointment, compared to the fizzier, more energetic 1.8 in my old mk2.5 Sport which was beautifully free revving after 72,000 hard driven, but meticulously maintained miles.

Thankfully, as the miles have gone on, the 2.0 has loosened nicely and now punches much harder and revs much more enthusiastically. It's not as sweet as the old 1.8, but much more muscular in the midrange, and manages to make the car feel quite quick on part throttle - something the old 1.8 never managed.

The excellent, ultra short throw of the 6 speed box, the confidence inspiring brakes, and the light, progressive clutch are all carried over unmolested from the older cars, In fact, this gearbox really has one of the most delightfully mechanical, shortest throw shifts to be found on any road car at any price. Like its older predecessors, it's a doddle to drive gently.

Before I bought this car, and after 15 years of MX-5 ownership I have had just two faults, one on each of the mk1 and mk2. Both were silly and trivial, and occurred at over 50,000 miles. This car however has proven far less reliable with a number of glitches and build quality problems which one might expect from a French product, but not a model noted for its unfailing reliability. The dealer has been absolutely flawless, taking the car at a few hours notice and providing a courtesy car (another MX-5 or once a Mazda 3 MPS Aero Sport - very impressive!) without me having to ask. Unfortunately it doesn't change the fact that I'm having problems with a car whose reputation suggests I shouldn't be. It's especially disappointing considering the old ones just never went wrong.

In many ways it's a lovely car. It's better looking than the old model, plusher, faster, quicker around the corners, and much better equipped, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't have major concerns over quality control and the added complexity of the car ruining what was probably one of the old model's enduring strengths - it's totally bombproof and utterly reliable simplicity.

Unless things improve, I will probably be buying something else next time around.