The Mazda MX-5 is just about the most affordable way to enjoy open-top motoring. It’s hugely enjoyable to drive, too.
Used Mazda MX-5 cars
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- Read more about 2021 used Mazda MX-5 1.5 SPORT 2d 131 BHP BOSE Audio Speakers, Rear Park Sensors, Keyless Entry,View this car
Mazda MX-5
1.5 SPORT 2d 131 BHP BOSE Audio Speakers, Rear Park Sensors, Keyless Entry,
- 18,300 miles
- 2021 reg
- Manual
- Petrol
- Read more about 2021 used Mazda MX-5 2.0 [184] 100th Anniversary Edition 2drView this car
Mazda MX-5
2.0 [184] 100th Anniversary Edition 2dr
- 31,500 miles
- 2021 reg
- Manual
- Petrol
- Read more about 2021 used Mazda MX-5 1.5 (132) Sport Venture 2drView this car
Mazda MX-5
1.5 (132) Sport Venture 2dr
- 6,604 miles
- 2021 reg
- Manual
- Petrol
- Read more about 2020 used Mazda MX-5 92070View this car
Mazda MX-5
92070
- 32,539 miles
- 2020 reg
- Manual
- Petrol
- Read more about 2020 used Mazda MX-5 2.0 SKYACTIV-G GT Sport Tech Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (18View this car
Mazda MX-5
2.0 SKYACTIV-G GT Sport Tech Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (18
- 16,946 miles
- 2020 reg
- Manual
- Petrol
- Read more about 2022 used Mazda MX-5 2.0 [184] GT Sport Tech 2dr ManualView this car
Mazda MX-5
2.0 [184] GT Sport Tech 2dr Manual
- 12,153 miles
- 2022 reg
- Manual
- Petrol
- Read more about 2023 used Mazda MX-5 101670View this car
Mazda MX-5
101670
- 1,001 miles
- 2023 reg
- Automatic
- Petrol
- Read more about 2022 used Mazda MX-5 2.0 [184] GT Sport Tech 2dr ManualView this car
Mazda MX-5
2.0 [184] GT Sport Tech 2dr Manual
- 7,485 miles
- 2022 reg
- Manual
- Petrol
Thinking of getting a Mazda MX-5?
The style of the car
The MX-5 is a convertible that blends traditional ‘roadster’ styling with a sharp-edged modern look. It’s very sporty yet also quite cute. It’s a very compact car, shorter even than a Ford Fiesta.
The interior is just as stylish as the exterior: A band of trim across the dashboard matches the colour on the seats. The fabric soft top is usually black, though some of the many special edition models have different colours. Some models have black wheels, too. There’s a different version of the MX-5 called the MX-5 RF – it’s a hard-top model with a fixed rear window and a removable metal roof panel.
How it drives
The MX-5 is enormously enjoyable to drive. It’s so small and low to the ground that you feel like you’re flying along, even at fairly low speed. So many modern sports cars are so fast that they’re not really enjoyable on normal roads. But the MX-5 is huge fun even at half the speed limit.
The steering is light and the manual gear change is precise. Being so small, it’s a doddle to drive around town. The top does restrict the view behind, but otherwise manoeuvring is easy. The MX-5 is surprisingly capable on motorways, too. There are two engines available, both of which provide good acceleration up to motorway speeds.
The interior
The MX-5 is a small open-top roadster with two doors and two seats. It’s about the same size as a Mini Convertible. It’s surprisingly spacious for two people, though tall people might find headroom a little tight when the top is up. Getting in can be tricky because the seats are low to the ground and the door openings are quite small. You raise and lower the roof by hand, unlike most modern convertibles which have an electrically operated roof. It’s a quick and easy process, and you can even do it with one hand.
The interior is cosy, if a bit dark with the top up. Storage space is limited inside the car, while the boot’s quite small. You’ll just about get a week’s worth of food shopping in there, or a couple of soft bags for a weekend away. All MX-5 models have air con and DAB radio. High-spec models get luxuries like sat nav, heated leather seats and cruise control.
Running costs and reliability
The MX-5 is inexpensive to buy new, so it’s very affordable as a used car, too. There are two petrol engines available, both of which return more than 40mpg, according to official figures. Road tax costs are low for a sporty car and insurance costs should be relatively low, too. Mazda’s reputation for reliability is very good and the MX-5 is generally extremely dependable. Safety experts Euro NCAP gave the MX-5 a safety rating of four stars out of five.
Mazda MX-5 vs rivals
The MX-5’s only real competitor is the Fiat 124 Spider. In fact, the Mazda and Fiat are basically the same car, except for different engines and front and rear styling. The Fiat feels a bit more luxurious, but the Mazda is more enjoyable to drive. The BMW Z4 is the same type of car but it’s bigger and more expensive than the Mazda. The Mini Convertible has four seats but it’s not as sporty or as good to drive as the MX-5. The Ford Fiesta ST and coupes like the Toyota GT86 are just as enjoyable to drive but don’t offer the open-air experience.
Check out our guide to the best used convertibles you can buy — the MX-5 is one of our favourites.
Common questions about the Mazda MX-5
The MX-5 is a long-running model that’s renowned for being robust and reliable.
Both engines available in the MX-5 return at least 40mpg. Road tax is low for a sporty car and insurance costs should be reasonable.
The MX-5 has a good amount of space for two people, though they’ll have to travel light as there isn’t much storage space in the cabin and the boot is rather small.
The MX-5 is more affordable than the BMW Z4 and more enjoyable to drive than the Fiat 124 Spider or Mini Convertible. It could be compared to other small, fun cars like the Ford Fiesta ST and Toyota GT86, but they don’t offer the wind-in-the-hair thrills that are central to the appeal of cars like this Mazda.