Is the Mazda MX-5 MK1 the perfect first sports car?

History of the Mazda MX-5

The Chicago Auto Show introduced the Mazda MX-5 in 1989 with the aim of creating an affordable, lightweight sports car that would later become the best-selling two-seater convertible in history. The car hit the UK market in March 1990, with a price tag of £14,249. Inspired by the Lotus Elan, the car’s design showcased pop-up headlights and a convertible roof, resulting in an overall nostalgic and charming look. The MX-5 is incredibly enjoyable to drive, long-lasting and easy to maintain. Additionally, it has a vast community of owners, making it an ideal choice for new car enthusiasts.

Cost and Repairs

Today, you can purchase a Mazda MX-5 MK1 for as little as £1,500. Its recommended to invest in a good road-worthy MX-5, these can cost around £3,500. For top-quality models, you can expect to pay around £10,000. Provided it is serviced regularly the MX-5 is a very reliable car. However, potential buyers should be aware of the possible issues due to the age of the car. One of the main issues is corrosion, particularly to the sills and rear wheel arches. Therefore, it is important to check for any signs of corrosion before purchasing the car. It’s essential to inspect the fabric roof for any damage as it can cost between £500 and £900 to replace it. The Mazda MX-5 is an affordable, reliable sports car that has stood the test of time.

Performance

The Mazda MX-5 delivers an exciting and playful ride at an affordable price. When the car was first introduced, it only had one engine option – a 1.6-liter engine that produced 114bhp. However, in 1994, Mazda added a 1.8-litre engine that offered an additional 14bhp. This may not seem like a significant increase, the MX-5’s lightweight construction, weighing in at just 960kg, allowed it to achieve a 0-62mph time of 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 126mph.

The Mazda MX-5 is such a beloved sports car due to its exceptional handling, compensating for its relatively modest engine power. The car’s steering is precise, and its 50:50 weight distribution and rear-wheel drive enhance its driving. In fact, adding more power to the MX-5 would have meant adding more weight and potentially compromising its performance.

Interior

The layout is simple and classic, featuring a cassette player, air conditioning, a cigarette lighter, and light switches. This may seem dated to some, but it enhances the car’s lightweight-focused nature, contributing to an overall enjoyable driving experience. The fabric folding roof is manually operated, which is a great feature for those who appreciate the simplicity and reliability of mechanical systems.

If you’re looking to purchase a first-generation Mazda MX-5 and want to give it a personalized touch, there are a variety of modifications you can make to enhance it. You could upgrade your seats, steering wheel, gear knob, handbrake sleeve, and even add roll bars for added safety. You could even install an Apple touchscreen car play to bring your car’s technology up to date.

Exterior

The MX-5 is a classic car that has maintained its iconic exterior look featuring pop-up headlights and a curved build. However, with the customizable options available, you can modify the car for a more sporty spec. There are numerous upgrades available such as spoilers, personalized number plates, mud flaps, grilles, upgraded wheels and tyres, exhaust, and suspension springs.

These upgrades can help you transform it into the car of your dreams. From upgrading the engine to changing the colour with a wrap, the possibilities are endless. Just imagine the feeling of driving a car that is uniquely yours.

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