As a lifelong sports car enthusiast, few come close to the Mazda MX-5 in delivering sheer affordable driving thrills. Lightweight, rear-wheel drive agility meets Japanese reliability at a reasonable price – what‘s not to love?
In this comprehensive 2000+ word review, I‘ll cover if the legendary Miata provides sufficient excitement to warrant ownership. Spoiler alert – few can match it for pure interactive fun. But does owning one require lifestyle compromises? Let‘s shift into gear and find out!
How Does Driving the MX-5 Feel?
Sliding into the cosseting bucket seats, the Miata‘s intimate cockpit becomes clear. Analogue dials, compact steering wheel dimensions and an ultra-short shift manual gearstick create a focused sports car ambience.
Thumbing the start button elicits an eager snarling engine note. The SkyActiv 2.0 liter naturally aspirated motor truly encourages full throttle exploration with its free revving characteristics. Out on twisty backroads, dipping deep into the powerband rewards you with G-forces pinning your grinning face sideways.
Few cars transform routes home into endless adventures quite like the MX-5. The ride proves unexpectedly compliant soaking up patches of broken tarmac with a shrug. Darting into tight hairpins reveals nimble, almost kart-like direction changes from the ultra-sharp hydraulic power steering.
You can drive the Miata at 8/10ths capacity while barely exceeding legal speeds. It eggs you on to fully utilize the combination of steering, chassis and powertrain operating in perfect harmony. An almost telepathic connection with the car soon becomes second nature.
How Does The Mazda MX-5 Handle and Perform?
The Miata prioritizes handling precision and feedback above all else. Double wishbone front / multi-link rear suspension, near 50:50 weight distribution and Limited Slip Differential enable corner carving agility belying its modest power output.
During hard corner entry, the MX-5 feels sublimely balanced displaying almost no understeer or oversteer. It darts confidently wherever you point the steering wheel aided by the LSD tugging you towards the apex. Mid-corner bumps barely register either thanks to the suspension compliance.
Turn in proves instantaneous with minimal body roll before rapidly transitioning towards corner exit. This is where the rear drive LSD setup helps slingshot you down the next straight. The tail breaks traction ever so progressively once you stamp on the throttle enabling easily controlled drifts.
In terms of limits, understeer only becomes noticeable at absurd corner entry speeds. But lift-off suddenly mid-bend does break traction sharply – highlighting the car‘s playful balance when intentionally provoked. On track, the stock brakes also elicit some fade when pushed hard lap after lap. But for road use thestopping power feels strong with good modulation.
Ultimately agility, not velocity or lap records is the Miata‘s forte. But some key performance metrics still help contextualize its real world pace capabilities:
| Specification | Figure |
|---|---|
| 0-60 mph time | 5.7 seconds (MT) or 6.1s (AT) |
| 1/4 mile | 14.2 seconds at 95 mph |
| Top Speed | 130+ mph |
| Skidpad G-Force | 0.89G |
| Slalom Speed | 70.5 mph |
MX-5 acceleration, handling and braking capability metrics (Source: Car & Driver)
Those figures put it ahead of equivalent sports coupes like the Toyota GT86 and Fiat 124 Spider. Surprisingly they also surpass more powerful and expensive roadsters including:
- Subaru BRZ (0.81G skidpad)
- BMW Z4 2.0 (14.5s quarter mile)
- Audi TT 1.8 (66.5 mph slalom)
Clearly Mazda‘s obsessive focus on weight reduction, balance and chassis tuning helps offset gaps in sheer horsepower. So for tooling around twisty backroads or even autocross events, few can keep up with an MX-5.
Ownership Experience – Running Costs and Practicality
Sports cars demand occasional compromise as daily drivers. However, the MX-5 won‘t completely break the bank to own or be totally impractical as an only car depending on your lifestyle.
Servicing and Repair Costs
Mazda‘s famed reliability extends to keeping maintenance bills relatively low for a sports car. Straightforward DIY items like brake pads, oil changes and filters cost under $30 if tackled yourself. Paying a dealer assumes around $800 per annum averaging 10-15k miles.
| Service Interval | Approx Cost |
|---|---|
| Oil Change & Filters | $120 |
| Air Filter Replacement | $80 |
| Brake Fluid Change | $130 |
| Coolant Change | $210 |
| Transmission Fluid Change | $175 |
| Total p.a. for Above | $715 |
Typical Miata yearly servicing & fluid replacement costs (Source: RepairPal)
The engine timing chain tensioner requires inspection around the 60k mile interval adding $350 in labour costs. Replacing the chain itself before 100k miles adds approximately $965. Considering lower than average parts plus labour rates, the MX-5 won‘t bankrupt you through ongoing ownership.
What Real World Fuel Economy Can I Expect From an MX-5?
The slick 6-speed manual transmission maximizes efficient use of the naturally aspirated 2 liter engine. Cruising gently at 55 mph on the freeway easily returns 35+ mpg. Equally, pottering around suburbia assumes low 20s fuel economy. Seeking fun on twisty roads expects economy in the 28-32 mpg bracket.
Opting for the smooth shifting automatic transmission brings minor fuel savings from smarter RPM control. You can expect 1-2 mpg improvements across equivalent driving cycles. The Miata won‘t match hot hatchbacks for absolute thriftiness, but proves perfectly reasonable for a traditional RWD sports car.
| Driving Cycle | City mpg | Highway mpg | Combined mpg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual | 21 | 28 | 24 |
| Auto | 22 | 30 | 26 |
Real world MX-5 fuel economy figures (Source: Fuelly)
Assuming a 70/30 highway/city split at 12k annual miles, yearly fuel bills ring in around $1200 give or take. That‘s pretty economical going for spirited weekend road trip abilities. The manual‘s extra interaction also makes efficient driving more rewarding in itself!
Is the Miata Practical Enough For Daily Duties?
The MX-5 cabin best suits average height or below occupants. Taller drivers will find headroom tight owing to the low roof line. For shorter folks, the snug bucket seats prove accommodating even on long journeys. Passenger space falls strictly into the 2-seater category only.
In-car storage proves adequate rather than generous with shallow door pockets, a small glovebox and central cubby tray behind the gear shifter. Space behind the seats swallows a modest 130 litres – sufficient for weekend getaways or a weekly grocery haul only.
Overall cabin storage pales against compact hatchbacks or crossovers. But remains usable enough for short trips carrying soft bags. For longer excursions, pack judiciously and utilize luggage racks when required. The minimalist ethos partly defines MX-5 appeal – reminding us travel light to rediscover true driving enjoyment!
Passenger and storage space falls short of larger vehicles (Source: MotorBiscuit)
Ultimately occasional compromise becomes integral to Miata ownership. But the joys of blissful backroad adventures outweigh minor shortcomings for many. For single drivers or couples the Mazda works surprisingly well as affordable fun transport without forcing excessive impracticality day-to-day.
Resale Values, Depreciation & Cost of Ownership
Sports cars suffer heavier than average depreciation as they transition from expensive playthings into affordable drivers’ machines. However, the Mazda MX-5 drops in value gentler than its niche segment rivals making it a sensible long term purchase too.
How Well Does The MX-5 Hold Its Value Over Time?
The Miata sits among a select group of ‘future classics’ holding value far firmer than average. Iconic status among enthusiasts, production caps on special editions and robust mechanical durability all assist stronger residual prices.
| Ownership Duration | Value Remaining |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | 65-70% |
| 3 Years | 55-60% |
| 5 Years | 45-50% |
| 10 Years | 25-30% |
MX-5 trade-in and private sale residual value decline rates (Source: MojoMotors)
After the initial 12 month dip, values stabilize losing under 5 percentage points annually – far gentler than equivalent BMW Z4 or Toyota GT86 models. It means MX-5 running costs stay relatively low even factoring longer term depreciation.
In addition, limited run commemorative editions like the 30th and 40th Anniversary Miata models halve overall value loss. Their initial price premium gets largely recouped upon eventual sale making them a ‘free’ upgrade cost wise.
Auction sales data further cements the resilient prices:
| Model Year | Mileage | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Grand Touring | 19k mi. | $23,500 |
| 2012 Special Edition | 58k mi. | $15,400 |
| 2008 PRHT | 89k mi. | $12,500 |
| 2001 LS | 130k mi. | $9100 |
Auction sales samples demonstrating strong residual Miata values (Source: BringATrailer)
Enviably high satisfaction plus iconic status among enthusiasts translates into great long term value holding. Running an MX-5 won’t cost the earth and puts many flavour-of-the-month crossovers to shame on the depreciation front.
Customization & Aftermarket Support
The sheer popularity spanning 30+ years of production means owners gain pick from a vast array of aftermarket parts. Customizing your Miata proves almost endless allowing easier power and handling upgrades down the line.
Top items enthusiasts add include:
- Exhaust systems – catbacks liberate induction/exhaust noise plus 5-10 BHP ($600+)
- Intakes – allow freer breathing for upto 15 BHP gains ($350+)
- Coilovers – height adjustable suspension sharpens handling precision further ($800+)
- Limited slip differentials – increase corner exit traction for RWD power down ($600+)
- Big brake kits – provide fiercer, fade-resistant stopping power ($2000+)
Numerous online forums and specialist retailers exist too catering specifically for generation model discussions. Sourcing used parts sees prices drop over 50% allowing budget customization. Ultimately keeping your Miata mint for years becomes realistic thanks to specialist support.
Whether maintaining a classic NA model or tuning the latest ND variant, huge community assistance makes ownership more rewarding. Harder modifications like engine swaps also gain simplified bolt-in kits to transplant Honda K20 or even V8 motors!
Verdict – Who is The Mazda Miata Suitable For?
The Miata legend promises lightweight rear wheel drive roadster brilliance blending dynamism, affordability and reliability. For driving purists not fussed by practicality limitations, nothing delivers interactive enjoyment close to a slick shifting manual MX-5.
Mazda‘s masterpiece suits younger enthusiasts relishing value performance alongside style and sociable weekend thrills. Equally, classic NA/NB model owners can keep their garage darling running smoothly thanks to specialist support.
Ultimately, newer sports coupes like the Toyota Supra pack more power at lower money but cannot replicate the tactile delight of an MX-5 masterclass. The Miata stays true to ‘less is more’ minimalist brilliance – maximizing grins per mile rather than outright speed.
Few choices make affordable power sliding fun more accessible either. So if twisty road adventures matter above all else, the MX-5 deserves shortlisting. Just ensure occasional hair tousling and luggage overflow becomes a charming quirk rather than deal breaker!