1990 Mazda MX5

Summary:

Great for the money, but buy one that has been undersealed

Faults:

Common crankshaft fault appeared at 129000miles.

New radiator at 132000miles.

It now needs a new battery.

This car is a rust bucket!

General Comments:

This car is very well put together no oil leaks.

Everything works as it should.

Great handling and great fun.

This car has been thrashed and is now in a tired state.

It is a credit to Mazda that they put the car together so well and has lasted the abuse that it has been given without too much going wrong.

- but -

The body steel is crap. this car now needs a new body shell as all enclosed sections such as sills, rockers, are shot, wings are rotten also.

Be afraid be very afraid!, if you own an old one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th January, 2003

7th Jan 2004, 20:31

Be afraid?

I own a 1990 model and it has no rust at all.

It all depends on maintenance. If you never bother cleaning it, well, your car will rust.

28th Aug 2004, 10:46

I also have a 1990 roadster which looks and sounds better than my girlfriends 2 year old car, no rattles or rust anywhere.

I think you may have been unlucky as I have NEVER seen a rusty mx5 or roadster in the uk.

Don't be put of this car is a great smile generator for both the driver and passenger.

29th Nov 2005, 08:56

I live in Canada, and I own a 1990 miata with 185.000 km. Due to salt on roads and long winters in Canada, my miata needed a body reconstruction. I replaced driver side floor panel, both front fenders, rebuild quarter panels. Miata is not a rust fulproof car, if you're not doing an annual oil body spray. This is not a stainless steel body.

1990 Mazda MX5 1.6

Summary:

Sweet, very sweet

Faults:

Needed new hood which cost $1000.

Interior fading a bit due to exposure to sun.

No further expenses aside from regular upkeep.

General Comments:

Absolutely loved it, shouldn't have sold it, but I had to because of moving to the UK. Am looking for another one. The 1.6 engine is not fast, but character full when kept over 4000 RPM. Handling is excellent and the chassis could do with a bit more power. Fairly good mileage, small trunk. Can get a bit rough on long rides though. Poor standard radio.

Very reliable. A hoot to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th July, 2002

8th Oct 2007, 15:47

Could you do a comparison between miata and 200sx??Which car did you like most?Which one handles better?

1990 Mazda MX5 Eunos 1.6

Faults:

Plug leads.

Hand brake sticking.

Door lock sticky.

General Comments:

Fabulous handling.

Reasonable performance.

Great build quality and very reliable.

Can't fit the kids in!

Great fun to drive at speeds which won't get you in to trouble.

The best value 'Drivers' car on the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th March, 2001

1990 Mazda MX5 1.6 inj

Summary:

Not the fastest car in the world but with handling like that it doesn't need to be

Faults:

Battery died, but this is very common due to the fact that it is extremely small. Catalytic converter had to be replaced due to the heat shield corroding on the original. Bought a new one through the owners club. Much cheaper than one from Mazda.

General Comments:

Excellent car. Buy one now. The only reason we sold ours was due to the birth of our daughter. These cars have a serious feel good factor. Only thing to make sure of is a full service history and if it's done over 60,000 miles make sure it's had its major service including the cambelt.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th June, 2000