The Mazda MX-5 MkI – Five things you need to know

The fact that the Mazda MX-5 has been in constant production since 1989 and is now on to its fourth generation should give you some indication of how good of a car it really is. It’s a perennially popular roadster for the everyman (and woman) and has retained the front-engined, rear wheel-drive layout that made it such a fun and engaging car to drive from the outset. Introduced at a time when small convertible sports cars had fallen out of favour with the public the MX-5 immediately reignited people’s passions and the lightweight, chuckable machine from Japan was an instant success.

Seen as a descendent of the older generation of British roadsters such as the Triumphs and MGs that had come before, the MX-5 feels like a spiritual successor, flatteringly imitating their design and handling characteristics whilst bringing something extra to the table. Something incredibly important. Reliability. For anyone who has owned an old TR7 or MG B then you know how, let’s say, temperamental they can be. We love them and they’re great classics but they can be prone to eject the odd toy from the pram from time to time. That dependability that the MX-5 provided was a blessing and one that served to cement its popularity with the sports car buying public. Honda was doing something similar with the NSX, creating a reliable supercar to take on Ferrari and now it was Mazda’s turn to show the world that they could build a sharp, responsive and reliable roadster.

As it turns out they absolutely nailed it. It’s clear to see by anyone with eyes that the original MX-5 was influenced by the first generation Lotus Elan but what the MX-5 offered was the same sports car experience without the cost and minus the mechanical headaches. It took what was already great and simply refined it. That’s not to say the MX-5 wasn’t individual though and it had enough aesthetic and mechanical highlights to set it apart from those that it was paying tribute to. Initially offered with a 114bhp 1.6-litre engine or a more powerful 128bhp 1.8 there was plenty of performance for the little two-seater and that performance synergised perfectly with the exquisite handling, allowing the car to sit bang in that sweet spot between the two, with enough grunt to be exciting without compromising the car’s grip and roadholding abilities. With near perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a sub 1,000kg curb weight the MX-5 is incredibly lively and coupled with a precise gearbox and steering is bags of fun to drive.

The original Mazda MX-5 laid the foundations for future snappy roadsters and has firmly ingratiated itself with car fans as a true modern classic. It remains a timeless design and not only does it ooze driver appeal but it’s also still practical enough to be used every day. It’s a versatile little thing and while it does need to be pushed to get the most out of it it’s equally at home doing the weekly shop as it is melting down to the south of France and clipping apexes on a track day. Should you be considering one, however, (and you really should) there are five things you need to know.

1) Bodywork

The first-gen Mazda MX-5 is getting a bit long in the tooth now and many are succumbing to corrosion as a result, with Japanese imports having no rust-proofing whatsoever from the factory. Blocked drain holes in the sills is a common issue which can allow water ingress into the cabin so make sure any water can escape and check the sills themselves for evidence of standing water and rot. Lift up the carpets and have a look for any signs of damp. If the interior smells a little fusty chances are it’s too late. Rear wheel arches are also prone to rust so inspect these carefully and get underneath the car to look for any damage to the chassis, botched repairs or jacking point trauma.

2) Roof

The MX-5’s roof is a manual, mechanical affair but it’s incredibly simple to operate, even for the most ham-fisted among us, so get it up and down a few times to be sure everything is working as it should and that it fits properly. Seals can perish but these are easily and cheaply replaceable and again, signs of water inside the cabin can be indicative of a leaky roof. The rear window is plastic and can split if not looked after properly but the whole roof can be replaced if necessary.

3) Engine

Both the 1.6 and 1.8-litre engines have plenty of poke but the later 1.6 introduced in mid ’95 is gutless and best avoided. The 1.8 is really the one to go for but whatever the case a good maintenance and service record indicating regular oil changes is a must. They’re reliable lumps so as long as they have been looked after they should last. Being non-interference if a timing belt snaps it’s not the end of the world but regular replacements will indicate a car that has been cared for.

4) Steering and Suspension

This is one of the car’s trump cards and what makes it such an engaging and rewarding drive and so to get the most out of your MX-5 it’s imperative to ensure everything here is tickety-boo. Springs have been known to snap so check for any cracks or sagging. Additionally, uneven tyre wear is a good indicator of worn or damaged bushes so take a look at the tread on all four corners. Poverty spec models had no power steering which can be a little heavy at parking speeds but it soon comes alive when opened up and provides plenty of response and feedback. Later cars were available with power steering as well as a limited slip differential which enhanced the car’s drive-ability even further but do check for any leaks from either system.

5) History

The Mazda MX-5 MkI is cheap and plentiful and as such many will have been used and abused. There’s also the dog-in-a-handbag brigade to be wary of whereby the car was seen as a fashion accessory with scant regard for any kind of maintenance or service schedule. As mentioned earlier, check for regular oil and filter changes as well as any bills for repair work. If present, inspect the areas covered to verify the quality of workmanship. Some dodgy imports have slipped through the net and so check that what you’re buying is a UK car or a genuine, professionally imported and registered example.