Skip advert
Advertisement

Should you buy a Mazda MX-5 Mk1? - Mazda MX-5 Mk1 reliability and prices

It's the internet's default 'answer to everything', but should you buy Mazda's evergreen roadster?

The reliability

Remember that bit about the earliest examples being 26 years old? It shouldn’t be a cause for concern – MX-5s are very reliable indeed.

Engine woes are few. The very earliest cars, from 1990-1991, have the potential for engine failure due to problems with the crankshaft pulley bolt. It only affects a tiny number of cars though and it’s unlikely there are many problem cars left.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The only common cause of 'failure to proceed' is that of the clutch slave cylinder. It’s prone to leaking, and after a while you’ll find yourself with an inoperable clutch. Luckily replacement is inexpensive and can even be carried out at home.

The other common MX-5 malady is rust. Some cars are better than others, but blocked drain holes in the sills are the biggest issue – they fill up with road crud, water becomes trapped in the sills and rots them from the inside out. As such, decent-looking sills on the outside may hide plenty of crustiness below.

The looks

This is rather a matter of personal preference. Some dislike the MX-5’s lack of originality and its cutesiness, others are drawn to the simple styling, classical lines and compact dimensions. It’s ageing well though, and the Mk1’s pop-up headlights will win plenty of fans…

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

If we’re talking general exterior issues, then the only main concern (aside from the aforementioned rust) is to inspect the roof. They’re fairly good at sealing out the weather, but they do wear, they do tear and they do rip. Plastic rear windows can also go foggy. A new one will transform the look of the car.

Incidentally, don’t write off Japanese Eunos Roadster imports. They’re invariably better-equipped than UK cars (all include a limited-slip diff, for example) and few MX-5s have a full service history anyway so buying one whose early years were spent in another country is not a big deal.

The price

As with its reliability, one of the MX-5’s greatest attributes is its inexpense.

While solid, good-condition, non-modified cars can command £3000-£4000 and pristine, one-owner cars with low miles even more than that, finding an MX-5 between the £1000 and £2000 mark is not difficult at all. It might need a few tweaks here and there and there’s always the chance of rust, but most will be mechanically solid.

Of course, if you’re feeling brave then Mk1s can be picked up for as little as £500 or so (our Grand Challenge example cost £801). They’ll usually be pretty scabby on the outside (though rarely falling apart and almost always driveable) and may have a mismatch of original and aftermarket parts, but you’ll struggle to find a more entertaining car for the price of a sofa in the January sales.

Find Mazda MX-5s for sale on Classic and Performance Car

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Used Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder (2019 - 2025) review – the drop-top Cayman GT4
Porsche 718 Spyder
Reviews

Used Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder (2019 - 2025) review – the drop-top Cayman GT4

The Porsche 718 Spyder is a rare gem of a sports car, combining the very best of the Cayman in a sophisticated drop-top
26 Mar 2025
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 – front
Reviews

Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power

A screaming 296bhp Honda VTEC engine and a full chassis upgrade package turn the NC-generation Mazda MX-5 into something altogether more thrilling
25 Mar 2025
BMW Z4 Handschalter 2025 review – manual improves Munich's Boxster rival
BMW Z4 Handschalter
Reviews

BMW Z4 Handschalter 2025 review – manual improves Munich's Boxster rival

BMW has added involvement and driver appeal to the Z4 with the Handschalter, but it’s still a better GT than it is a sports car
20 Mar 2025
New Toyota Supra on the way, A90 Final Edition not UK-bound
Toyota Supra A90 Final Edition front
News

New Toyota Supra on the way, A90 Final Edition not UK-bound

The last of the A90 Supras will be the most potent and the most focused. Will it finally realise the potential of Toyota’s sportscar?
11 Mar 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – car pictures of the week
Hot hatch test
Features

Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we test three of the most sophisticated hot hatches on sale against each other on road and track – these are our favourite…
29 Mar 2025
Used Audi RS6 Avant (C7, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide – family-friendly supercar slayer from £20k
Audi RS6 – front
In-depth reviews

Used Audi RS6 Avant (C7, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide – family-friendly supercar slayer from £20k

Audi’s C7-generation RS6 may lack ultimate involvement, but it’s still a crushingly effective and desirable super-estate
27 Mar 2025
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 – front
Reviews

Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power

A screaming 296bhp Honda VTEC engine and a full chassis upgrade package turn the NC-generation Mazda MX-5 into something altogether more thrilling
25 Mar 2025