1991 Mazda MX5 review from North America

I've had it for less than a year and had the O2 sensor replaced to pass smog when I registered it.

I had ~$3k worth of work done to it before I picked it up so that it would be 100% when I picked it up including new brakes, radiator, AC changeover, added cruise, etc. The car had ~$8k of upgrades including body kit, silver metallic paint, hardtop, exhaust, JR intake, strut tower brace, 5zigen wheels, 205/40-16 tires, new leather seats, indiglo gauges, carbon fiber trim, adj shocks, lowered, etc.

I flew to TX and drove it back to CA. It's more fun than the 240SX and the Mustang SVT that I had. It corners extremely well and the small wheelbase, stiffer suspension and lowered riding position makes it feel like a slot car.

I'm 6'0" 200# and I fit in it very nicely... not cramped at all unless you're used to an "arm's reach" laid back seating position (I'm not). My exhaust is louder than stock which makes it even more exciting to drive.

I considered buying an early Boxster or Z3 but after driving them vs. the Miata, it was a no brainer (if you like fun more than image). The body kit makes the car more unique than the other brands, too.

I'll never sell it...never. Next year I'll add the chassis braces and a turbo kit and you'll never get the smile off my face!

It's a great car stock, even better with a few mods and with a lot of mods like mine, it's a better choice than a new Elise... and a lot better looking. And...maintaining/fixing an English-made Elise out of warranty (oh my!). Same for Porsche and BMW.

It's the best value in a sports car ever made, whether kept stock or modified. Forget buying a newer one; get an older one, fix it up and you won't regret it.