I drive a Red 2002 MX-5. The only negative side to the MX-5 is that the car is too red, too fast and the leather is too black. The aircon is too cold and the tyres don't want to loose grip when cornering too fast. Guess the "too" seater doesnt allow room for the kids. Get yourselve one too. |
I AM A VERY PROUD FORD/MAZDA DEALER.HATS OFF TO THE ABOVE COMMENTS--VERY SELDOM BMW OWNERS WILL ADMIT THAT A MAZDA IS SUPERB TO A BM. MY WIFE OWNS A 06 MX 5 IN BLACK WITH TAN ROOF AND SEATS--ONLY 10000 KMS, SHE MIGHT BE CONVINCED TO SELL AT R200K, THIS IS A AS NEW SUPER SPOTLESS CAR!!! AS WE ARE LOOKING AT RETIREMENT AND DUE TO GRANDCHILDREN VISITS WANTS A MERC. CLK CABRIO 350 OR 500.
MAZDA'S ARE SUPERIOR TO ANY OTHER CAR I KNOW WHEN IT COMES TO RELIABILITY--SYNOVATE RECENT SURVEY WORLD WIDE 550000 CARS, PROVED THE SUPER MAZDA 6 AS THE MOST RELIABLE CAR OF ALL,WITH HONDA SECOND AND TOYOTAB 3RD.SAD TO SAY THE GERMANS ENDED UP IN THE LATE 20'S @EARLY 30'S! SO GUYS, NEXT TIME A MAZDA PASSES YOU, SHOW A LITTLE RESPECT!!! THE MX 5,THE MAZDA 3 MPS @ MAZDA 6 MPS IS RATED UNDER THE WORLD'S 10 BEST CARS BY THE LEADING CAR MAGAZINES IN THE USA--GUYS THATS AMONGST PORSCHES,CORVETTES, ETC.!!!!!!!!!!!THAT CALLS FOR A STANDING OVATION, DO'NT U THINK????A STILL IMPROVED 2009 MX 5 IS ON THE CARDS --WHAT IS THERE TO IMPROVE ON A WINNING RECIPE?/I HOPE A 2.3 TURBO ENGINE!!!! THAT MY BOY WILL KNOCK THE SOCKS OFF ANYTHING YOU HAVE EVER DRIVEN!!!YOU CAN BET BOY!!! |
I paid only R120k for my Black MX5 and it has only 60000kms on the clock. It's in mint condition & an absolute steal for such a gr8 car, imho. Silver Surfer, I'm certainly not comparing a Yaris to a brand new R310k MX5 - there is no comparison!! Was merely stating that, for the price I paid I'd much rather buy something sexy and fun than a boring Yaris. U agree? |
Mika is a lady - one don't talk to ladies like that!!!
Also, get your facts straight - you can pick up a new shape MX-5 from anything around R150k, which is the same price as a Yaris I would say. So, she's not wrong! |
@Mika
“why drive a Yaris when you can drive a sportscar like this for the same price???” WTF?! Clearly you're some jealous guy.
If you're trying to be funny, don't. You sound like an a$$. You're comparing the MX-5 which sells for 310k to a crap piece of junk aka Yaris?!!!!!!!!!
Only sarcastic idiots like you would do such a comparison. The MX-5 is the worlds best selling sports car. It has everything one could possibly want: bi-Xenon, traction control on/off, 18 " rims, Bose sound system. And besides the beautiful sound that the high-revving engine makes, it has the looks to go with it too. Just ask some of the envious ppl who stop and stare. In fact I should ask you. |
I am the owner of a brand new 2008, MX5 roadster coupe, owned it for nearly 2 weeks, and I do have to say I love it to bits.
She is black with all her chromes on, and yes I went all the way got her private plates also. In Australia we are lucky to get them still brand new of the dealer floor. |
Great ride you got Bob, my friend borrowed me his and the drive was a blast. The engine is so free-revving the Honda way. It also manages to maintain engine sound with speed, unlike my Astra twin top that goes dead silent above 60 km/h. The rear-wheel-drive chassis is also a bless for the handling. |
I own a 1990 MX-5 (red). I will be replacing it with the new MX-5 (soon)! |
Mine is Black.
After driving Alfa's for the best part of my 40+ years of motoring - I'm really enjoying the Mazda!
Not quite the same - but as good!! |
The engine is weak, the styling is bland, the interior is a complete let down with seas of plastic and the service experience is below par compared to the germans.
The Z4 styling is bad, but the dynamics and power are better than the MX. Look at a M Roadster
SLK looks better than the MX, has excellent service and has a variety of engines to choose. Look at a SLK350
Porsche has the best handling and good power with a brand that will not depreciate. Look at the Boxster
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If you gonna have yourself led by public opinions about a suitable gay/straight car, good luck for you my man - as there are as many opinions as there are cars. Every one of the roadsters mentioned here are good in it's own ways (and have it's negatives), so every individual to himself. We all must admit that a roadster is tons more fun than any other car out there! |
Great car and for all those interested join the mx5 club in South Africa. See you on the Roads. |
This car is a real gem!! I just bought a low mileage 2003 MX5 in Gauteng and have not regretted it one minute. It handles like a beauty, is very fuel economic and an amazing sports car for the price - certainly the most affordable out there. Mine has both a hard & soft top & so easy to operate. Besides driving in Cape Town with the top down being the most awesome experience, there aren't many of these cars on the road, and that makes it even more special! Being a young single woman I also at first couldn’t decide between practicality and pure fun … and finally figured “why drive a Yaris when you can drive a sportscar like this for the same price???” |
Oh come on Anonymous User! I know Bob bought this car privately and heck, of course a readers test will an may be a bit biased!! The price he paid has nothing to do with the performance of the car anyway. I have had the privilege to drive Bob's car, it is all he said and more. I have had 35 cars over the years and never experienced an awesome gearshift like that. Altogether a well written review! |
Nice article. If I couldn't afford the S2000 I too would have settled for the Mazda.
Fortunately I could so I have one and it is superior in power, handling overall performance, build quality and of course the wondrous V-Tec motor. And it's a Honda, made like Rolls Royces used to be.
I costs more because it is more car.
But the Mazda is excellent for the price. |
A little biased in my opinion as Bob used to work for Ford Motor Company and most probably bought this car for a steal as ex employees receive a large discount! |
Very good review.
What I like is the bias from an owners perspective, not some journo type bent on destruction of the auto industry.
Yes the MX 5 is a traditional soft top sports car. They are built as such and not decapitated coupe's.
I own a yellow 2005 S2000. It's a sports car built in the same tradition, but on steriods.
As mentioned the sound emitted through the twin pipes at 9000 rpm is orgasmic to say the least.
But both are icons.
Hey and I'm in my sixties!
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Andre Hartman of Pretoria has been winning every gymkana and driving test that he enters in his un-tweaked, stock standerd MX5. Scooby's, Lancers, M3's, etc, have all had to bow before him, his skill and his diminutive MX5. It IS a great car! |
I have a 2007 MX-5 Hard Top convertible. Used to drive a Benz before - the main reason I would never buy another Benz is cos of service. This Mazda!!! PHEW - really one of the best cars I've ever driven. The only car, for me, that could possible come close in terms of handling and driver-feel is the Porche. The Mazda is just a marvel - used it everyday - enough bootspace for a full months groceries, luggage to airport etc. The roof is genius - while my Audi Cab is still waiting its 25s, the Mazda is done in 12!!! It is truly a superb car and not the best selling roadster in the world for no reason (check it out in the Guiness Book of Records!). |
Thanks for all the interest guys (or Gals). Virgo_ct's point about the freeze or roast I would agree with if I was living in Gauteng - I don't think an open top car is at all practical there. But Wilderness has a temperate climate where it is cool and cloudy most of the time so a drop top is ideal. One of my most enjoyable drives was coming home at night with the top down and it began to rain - believe it or not if I kept it above 120 K's none of the rain got in!! It was a great feeling. Juan in Dubai - the TT is nice as a coupe but I don't think the style really suits a drop top. Finally Neall's point about the sexual preferences of Z3 drivers - well I was concerned to note that news item that a survey by a gay magazine in the US revealed that the MX 5 was very popular with gays there and came third behind the VW Golf and Eos. Hmmmmm... |
I was lucky enough to get hold of a 1990 model MX 5 earlier this year, and if Bob did not sumbit a reader test, I would have. I really love the car, but it is getting increasingly difficult, and expensive, to maintain it as it is not in a perfect condition. However, I can think of no other classic that I would rather have, because it is easy to live with, great fun to drive and spares are easy to obtain. I can understand its worldwide popularity. |
Had the pleasure of owning a S2000 for 3 years. I don't think R365k is overpriced for the world's most powerful 2.0 litre, normal aspirated, production engine in the world!
When I bought the decision was pretty easy. The TT was to common, every second person had one. The Z3 was not an option, due to the poor weight distribution the road handling over 160 km/h is just scary. The 350Z convertible was not out yet but I don't like a convertible that was designed out of a coupe... You can see it. The S2000 was amazing. NOTHING compares to 9000 r/min with the top down.
Loved the MX5 article though |
I just bought an SLK 200 Kompressor - (6spd Manual) and it might be "slow" - but it still ooooozes class and style which both the Honda and Mazda lacks.
Love the responsiveness of the throttle, handles like a dream and corners like its on rails! |
Anonomous - You missed my point regarding bad image! I agree they are reliable et al, our family owned a 1980 323 1400GLC from new, it was a great car, but hardly an iconic car!!! It rusted badly, we are in Durban though. As a student I took it to 170km/hr!!! By the way it was rear wheel drive just like the MX5. FWD sucks - sorry Audi fans... |
I suspect I'm a similar age to Bob ... and also took the plunge a while ago, buying a mint 2006 Honda S2000. The MX5 has always appealed to me - it looks like a real open-top in the "old" style I used to drool over 40 years ago. But the S2000 just "did" something to me once I got past 6000 rpm.... at my age that's about as close to "did" as I will get. Oh - and I still own a 2004 Honda VTR SP2 superbike! |
I liked the humour that was included in the article. It makes for a more interesting read. To the Z3 fan and no offence intended, unless you're gay, you should note that it was voted as the "Gay" car at the time, so be aware of that stigma. To the MX 5, a super car, but my preference would be an open top from the Benz stable, such as the CLK, as we are a current Benz owner. Enjoy your car and happy motoring |
Fantastic choice. I really like the MX-5. They got it so right from the very first design and the evolutions have kept the basic formula up to date. Its a very fun car to drive. Agree with your points on other cars, bar the 350Z which looks great in my opinion. I went through a similar selection process at the end of last year, but ended up with the S2000 (It came down to a used Boxter S vs. brand new S2000). YES, its a bit overpriced, but it is an engineering masterpiece that really gets under your skin :) That said its a different target market and if my price limit was R300K I would have taken the MX-5 no question :) There is simply no real competition at all at the price point! |
I don't see the Z3 being mentioned in here - really think this a great contender for the MX-5. Great value car for not a lot of money. I bought one 6 months ago and would keep it forever. Awesome little car! ...and I've never been a BM fan :-) |
Nice write up and nice car, but a ladies or old folk car in my opinion. I'm spoiled my 350z Roadster is a real monster and I cant wait for the 370z. Enjoy the garden route roads they are awesome. |
To virgo_ct. Obviously you don't drive a cabrio. I drive one without a hat. You get a early start on a tan. Especially important if you live in CT. A cabrio is a car for all seasons and everyday. Its never to hot or too cold to drop the top. Get a cabrio and experience it for yourself but then again, maybe you might burn your skin. Taning on the beach will also get your skin leatherly. |
Not the best looking car. Not the most powerful car at all. But this car is one of the Greats in the motoring world. The old MX5s (Miata) are still going strong all over the world and have good resale values.Well done mate. A very good buy. |
Great article! MX5 is a beaute of a car, pity Mazda is so underrated in SA. What bout looking at a second hand Z3? I drive one, great car they're a good price and weren't designed by "a committee of blind men". Next generation Z4 is going back to look more like the Z3! Convertibles are the way to go |
Great peice. Makes me want one! |
I agree with P123 on the iconic status - this car is sure to become a classic. Having a Lotus 7 at present, I will certainly consider the MX5 when I start acting my age too....! |
Great car. Was at the Wild Coast Sun Sports Car Run last Sunday and saw a MX5 with a bloody great V8 under the bonnet! Mind blowing! Seems to be a bit over the top, but was a pleasure to talk to the owner, who couldn't wipe the smile off his chops!
Enjoy! |
Loved your summary of other convertibles. So true (although I do like the look of the 350Z). One thing that people should realise though is that a convertible is impractical for most of the year (unless you're willing to freeze or roast). The photo of you wearing a hat says it all - without one that head would be red with sunburn. Even with a hat you're gonna get all leathery from the sun pretty quickly. Other than that, its a beauty. |
P123: I don't think Mazda have a bad image at all. they are pricey in the new variations but the old midges are 'bullet proof' especially the 1300's with the Mazda engine. ask anyone who has driven them and you will hear just how reliable they are and fuel efficient as well. how many old mazda 323's don't you still see on the road from the 70's and early 80's. my Dad's 323 has done over a million km and I know of many that have done over 300 - 400,000km with no overhaul etc. the midges are a bit old now and I would imagine that some of them would be starting to rust but they are still fantastic cars and for thise who are students, retired or on a budget, their servicing costs and reliability can only be equalled by the likes of citi golf and toyota tazz/conquest. |
The MX5 has always been a great car. Bob, you obviously bought one of the later models and it looks fantastic. The only problem I can see is how do Mazda improve on it. I am green with envy. Actually, I don't even like you anymore! |
"..she just gathers up her skirts and goes like Angelina Jolie on steroids" - Beautiful! |
I loved the MX5, not owning one myself but a all round pleasant package.
I have a 328i Convertible (1999 e36) and love that baby...but the MX5 would have been my choice but without rear seats, I chose the BMW.
The TT was also a choice, but they only came out long after.
Remember when you have a Convertible, there is always passengers. A 2 seater does not cut it, as long trips are out.
Nice Choice anyhow |
Great article! Unfortunately Mazda has a really bad image in SA (one tends to think of rusted Midges), however this car is iconic. A few years ago I had a BMW 330ci, in hindsight I should have gone for the Mazda. At the time I to had the urge for a convertible, but a BM convertible just doesn't make good sense, it was so so heavy (1.7 tonnes), the motor did sound glorious however with the hood down! Enjoy! |
Great car Bob, it is great that you can enjoy motoring in the period of ones life that affords you the time and means to do it all day, everyday! |
Good read - why didn't the TT make it to your list. Heard the 3.2(old shape) is a blast |
I have a 1989 MX5 (one of the first ever made, imported from Austalia) and I can say that its the best car ever. I drove a BMW325 before the MX5. The MX5 handles better than the BMW. It's like driving a go-cart. Burning to buy the new MX5 hardtop. Mazda MX5 rocks!! |