MX-5s all-round

Oct 20 2009 Mike Tumbridge

MX-5s all-round

THE Mazda MX-5 is twenty years old this year and as a result we can all afford one. The earliest are now available at around £1,000, which makes them an exciting alternative to a Fiesta for young enthusiasts. The latest ones have all-electric metal folding roofs and are perfect for empty-nesters, while the £3,000 - £5,000 Mk2s are spot on for a mid-life crisis.

What they all have in common is a sense of freedom: Open roof, tight little gearbox, direct handling. Go on, join the party.

Mazda MX-5 1989-1997

A breath of fresh air in the stale motoring 90s. A purist's car, with chipper styling and no-nonsense handling. This car was designed to be the new MG and in many ways that is what it became.

Used Car Expert buyers checks: 15

Used Car Expert price magazine pick: A 1.8 has much more guts than a 1.6, and 1995 year cars are around £2,000.

Mazda MX-5 1997-2005

Optional six speed gearboxes became available and slowly the options on Mk1 became standard on Mk2. Power steering, for example, became standard and automatic gearboxes became options. The 1.6 engine was dropped.

Used Car Expert buyers checks: 15

Used Car Expert price magazine pick: A 2003 1.8 with average mileage of 45,000 will be £5,100 - £6,400.

Mazda MX-5 2005-present

Chunkier in style, but also laden with equipment and safety equipment. The 1.8 is underpowered on motorways and dual carriageways. But still an absolute hoot on anything that bends. The two litre of course, is even better as an all-rounder.

Used Car Expert buyers checks: 0

Used Car Expert price magazine pick: A 2006 2.0 Sport car, just out of warranty with average mileage of 24,000 will be around £9,000 - £11,000