Highlights

Desirable Sport with LSD, Bilstein dampers, strut brace and 6spd gearbox
Well maintained with regular servicing primarily by main dealers
Low mileage of 66,000 miles
Recent service and four new Goodyear tyres in March 2026
Vendor reports no faults over 15,000 miles of ownership
Current MOT to March 2027

The Appeal

A stiffer chassis, torquey 2L engine and more durable bodies all make the Mk3 MX5 a considerable improvement over its predecessors. A clever folding hard top and modern looks also add to its usability.

This Sport was the only first-generation ‘NC1’ model available with factory Bilsteins, LSD, strut brace and a 6-speed manual box, which explains why the current keeper spent a long time looking for one. He bought it in early 2025 and tells us that he has then covered 15,000 fuss-free miles without issue. The car is only for sale because of a change in circumstances.

It is a low-mileage car that has been very well maintained, mostly by main dealers. The last service was in March 2026 when the car also received a set of new quality Goodyear tyres. Finished in grey metallic with black leather, it is well kept and reflects the current keeper’s care and enthusiasm. The current MOT runs to March 2027 with a single, easily rectified advisory.

The vendor says:

“The car is a great, honest example of a 2008 "NC1" Mazda MX-5 in the desirable "Sport" configuration, being the only trim of the NC1 to leave the factory with a limited slip differential and 6-speed gearbox and benefiting from upgraded Bilstein dampers and an excellent Bose sound system.

“Clean examples are becoming increasingly difficult to find, and this example's provenance speaks for itself. With full heated leather seats and the desirable Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT), this car is truly usable year-round, and the extra 6th gear in the Sport package makes it a surprisingly adept motorway companion. These cars are becoming increasingly sought-after, and if it wasn't for needing a more suitable, larger car for long distances, I would be keeping it!”

Key Information

Mileage: 65,769 miles indicated (supported by MOT and service records)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 12th March 2027 with advisory
Technical specs: 158bhp 1,999cc inline four-cylinder petrol, 6-speed manual
Paperwork: Service history print outs, invoices, V5C, MOTs, warranty book

Service history:

03/26 - 61,396 miles - Meanwood Garage
03/25 - 51,400 miles - Leamington Mazda
05/24 - 49,405 miles - Arden Garages
05/23 - 45,014 miles - Burch-Mas
12/20 - 40,502 miles - Halfords
06/17 - 35,833 miles - Pentagon Mazda
06/16 - 34,859 miles - Milcars Mazda
06/15 - 30,125 miles - Milcars Mazda
05/14 - 24,665 miles - Milcars Mazda
03/13 - 19,282 miles - Milcars Mazda
01/12 - 12,195 miles - Milcars Mazda
11/10 - 6,815 miles - Milcars Mazda
11/09 - 4,175 miles - Milcars Mazda
11/08 - 7 miles (PDI) - Milcars Mazda

The vendor says:

“When looking for an MX-5 last year, I specifically searched for a 2.0 Sport with the factory Bilstein dampers, limited slip differential and 6-speed gearbox. Trying to find one with good history is becoming increasingly difficult, but after a few months of searching, in March 2025 I found my car for sale as an approved used vehicle with one year's manufacturer warranty from Leamington Mazda, surely one of the oldest approved used purchases in the country! I think that speaks to the car's condition and history; it has a history that exceeds factory intervals, with its first 8 services performed by the selling dealer, Milcars Mazda, then 7 independent services before a 108-month service from Leamington Mazda. Since then, I have fitted 4 high-end Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 tyres (despite not technically needing to be done) and serviced and MOT'd it in March of this year. It has not required any further maintenance or repairs in my near 15,000 miles of ownership and has been a faultless companion. My only reason for selling is that I now require a more practical vehicle for longer journeys!”

The Detail

Serviced and MOT'd in March 2026 as detailed above
Four Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 tyres fitted in March 2026
Underside cleaned by the selling dealer and not flagged on the most recent MOT
Grey metallic paintwork in good order with few signs of wear
Some stone chips and small scrapes present on the front bumper according to seller
Small area of corrosion under the driver's side front wing indicator
Minor scratches on bodywork, likely from repeated car cover use by a previous owner
Slight paint lifting on the rear section of the PRHT, described by the vendor as common on these cars
Very small area of clear coat failure on the third brake light housing
Slight vertical scuff on the centre of the rear bumper
10 spoke factory alloys with some kerbing to note on photos
Vendor advises wheels show signs of corrosion but remain serviceable
Folding hard top in good working order
Smart black leather ‘Sport’ interior in good order for age and mileage
Some creasing to the driver's side lower seat bolster typical of mileage
Original 'MX-5' branded floor mats still present
All instruments and switchgear reported as fully functional
Auxiliary cable fitted to the factory head unit for music playback
Features Bilstein shock absorbers, Bose sound and strut brace
Single advisory to note on MOT

The vendor says:

“The exterior condition is commensurate with an 18-year-old enthusiast vehicle; there are some stone chips and small scrapes on the front bumper, and a small area of corrosion under the driver's side indicator on the front wing. There are some small scratches which appear to be from a car cover being installed and removed repeatedly by a previous owner, but many of the imperfections would likely polish out. The power retractable hardtop has slight paint lifting on the rear section that lifts up (as these all seem to), and a very small area of clear coat failure on the third brake light housing. The rear bumper has a slight vertical scuff in the centre area which is very difficult to notice. The wheels are starting to show signs of corrosion and may benefit from a future refurbishment, but are perfectly serviceable as is. Otherwise, the Galaxy Grey Mica paint looks extraordinary in the sun, with slight hues of gold visible under direct sunlight and pairs well with the black full leather interior and satin silver roll hoops. The vehicle wears its Leamington Mazda plates from when I collected it. Underneath, there is some surface corrosion to the rear suspension components and subframe, as advised on the MOT in 2025 when I bought it. However, the selling dealer advised that they cleaned it up after testing, with no mention of underbody corrosion in the most recent MOT in March of this year.

“The interior is in great condition, with the optional Bose surround sound system with a 6-disc changer and heated leather seats in good condition, with slight creasing to the lower bolster on the driver's side from daily use. Original "MX-5" branded floor mats are still present. All instruments and switchgear work, including the automatic 6-disc changer. An auxiliary cable has been plugged into the factory head unit, allowing music playback from any device, and has been conveniently routed next to the 12v socket, which I have used to power a wireless charging phone mount.

“Throughout its near 18-year life it has received 15 oil changes, 2 gearbox oil changes and 4 brake fluid flushes and is very mechanically sorted, with a history file that exceeds the factory recommended schedule. It sits on excellent Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 tyres installed less than 12 months ago, and it handles brilliantly. A factory-standard car with no known mechanical faults.”

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