Used Mazda MX-5 2015-present review

Fun. That would be the best, most simple way to describe the Mazda MX-5. It exists as an enthusiast’s car, but an enthusiast’s car with concessions to the real world, where fuel prices are high, parking spaces are tight and road space is limited.

None of these challenges hold the MX-5 back; it’s an entertaining sports car for all situations and with used prices for early ones similar to those of a base-spec new small car, it makes for a great secondhand buy too.

Engines & Performance: A 1.5-litre engine opens the range. It may have a modest 129bhp, but it feels zingy and eager to rev up to its 7500rpm redline, so it's actually a rather endearing unit. The 2.0-litre alternative is noticeably beefier, being more powerful (158bhp) but feeling a tad less spry in its delivery, in fact.

A heavily revised 2.0-litre engine replaced it in mid-2018. Power went up to 181bhp, the redline rose from 6500rpm to 7500rpm and, in the process, the 2.0-litre engine gained some of the 1.5-litre's liveliness – all of these improvements were much welcomed.

The rival Toyota GT86 will outrun the 1.5-litre model but not the 2.0-litre MX-5s – the GT86 may be more powerful, but the MX-5 is lighter. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Porsche Boxster (even the original 1996-2004 Porsche Boxster) is generally going to best either Japanese sports car in a straight line.

Ride & Handling: A Boxster is also a sharper machine in the bends, but then again the MX-5 has never been particularly serious in the handling department. Sure, it's light on its feet, well balanced and amazing for driver engagement – the steering and manual gearshift are both wonderfully precise and expertly weighted – but the relatively soft suspension gives it a certain easy-going feel.

The 1.5-litre version is the better example of this, because it's more relaxed than the 2.0-litre models. There's a lot of body lean in the corners and it doesn't give you a great feel of the road beneath you. As such, it can take a few drives before you learn its limits – it can be great fun once you do, though.

The firmer 2.0-litre still leans a bit, but it feels tighter and more secure, giving you more of an instant, clear connection to the car and the road. Its extra power helps make it easier to play with the grip and balance of the car, too. It is heavier machine, mind you, and it does feel it – still, the MX-5 remains a feather to a BMW Z4.

All that said, even the 2.0-litre MX-5 still has a good amount of give in the suspension, meaning its ride is fairly forgiving. In other words, as sports cars go, this is one of your more comfortable options.

Interior & Practicality: Inside the MX-5, you get two snug seats, a stubby gearlever (there’s an automatic gearbox, too, if you want it) and a fabric roof that can be neatly folded away in a single arm movement. It’s not the most spacious two-seat convertible, though, and some owners have criticised the lack of storage space. With only a small cubby in the centre console and a shallow tray in front of the gearlever, you can understand their point.

The good news is that boot space is unaffected by the roof being up or down. Bad news is that, while you can fit a couple of overnight bags in there, the opening is rather narrow. How narrow? Well, a set of golf clubs will not fit. If you need more practicality, the Mini Convertible, with two extra seats, might be worth considering.

Trims & Equipment: There are countless special editions of the MX-5, but we're focusing on the main models here. The entry-level SE has 16in alloys, LED headlights, air-con, a basic audio system with an Aux connection, and a single detachable cup holder. Move up to SE L Nav and you'll get a 2nd cupholder for your passenger (or a thirsty driver) along with heated seats, cruise and climate control, plus a 7.0in infotainment screen that has a DAB radio and Bluetooth for your phone. If you go for a 2.0-litre engine, a limited-slip rear differential that helps with traction when cornering is included, along with larger 17in alloys.

Sport Nav gets you firmer sports suspension with Bilstein dampers, auto lights and wipers, leather seats, Bose premium audio, rear parking sensors and lane-departure warning. A safety pack was an option on this trim level; it included Blindspot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. Alternatively, go for the GT Sport Nav+, which included that pack and also gave you keyless entry and a reversing camera.

Interested in buying a used Mazda MX-5? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Used prices for a current-gen Mazda MX-5 start at around £9000. Expect an early 2015/'16 car with the 1.5-litre engine and around 70,000 miles to its name. Up your budget to around £10,000 if you'd prefer an early 2.0-litre example. For the 181bhp engine, you'll need around £15,000 – remember it'll be a 2018/'19 model.

As of writing, nearly new 2024 MX-5s go for upwards of £19,000.

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MPG: Since even the more powerful 2.0-litre petrol has a combined fuel economy of 40.9mpg, fuel costs are very reasonable, although that figure drops to 39.2mpg if you go for the automatic gearbox. The 1.5-litre unit is even more economical at 47.1mpg.

CO2 emissions: Not all the engine options for the MX-5 were available before the 1 April 2017 tax change, so we’re only concentrating on the ones that were here.

The one that produces the most CO2 is the 2.0-litre auto at 167g/km, while the manual is a little bit cleaner at 161g/km. Neither can match the smaller 1.5 at 139g/km.

Road tax (VED): Road tax for pre-April 2017 cars will be based on the amount of CO2 produced (see above paragraph). For cars registered after April 2017, a flat rate of £190 per year applies to all petrol and diesel vehicles.

Servicing: Servicing isn't quite as cheap as it is for mainstream rivals, but won’t be the worst out there. And if you do find a cheaper like-for-like service at an independent garage, Mazda will aim to match it on price.

Reliability

In our 2023 Reliability Survey, What Car? readers praised the Mazda MX-5 for its strong reliability. Most owners experienced minimal issues, with the car's dependable performance being a key highlight. A few mentioned minor electrical faults, particularly with the infotainment system, such as unresponsive screens and connectivity problems, but mechanical reliability was a standout.

Dealer service feedback was largely positive, with many praising Mazda’s efficiency and professionalism. While some noted higher-than-expected service costs, these concerns were rare, though communication on repair progress could be improved.

Discover more about used Mazda MX-5 reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page.

Engine: The later 2.0-litre option is our favourite MX-5 from a performance and handling perspective, but the 1.5-litre is still good to drive, plus it's considerably cheaper to buy and run.

Specification: All MX-5s are reasonably well equipped, but we'd seek out a Sport Nav car (Sport on later versions) that'll give you a healthy dollop of extra kit for not a great deal more money on the used forecourts.

Our favourite Mazda MX-5 1.5 Sport Nav

The MX-5 has few immediate rivals that fulfil similar niches.

The Mini Convertible is similarly cheap to run and benefits from a wider range of engines. It also has a pathetically narrow boot opening, but at least you can fold the rear seats down to load longer items. It is front-wheel drive, meaning you don’t get the balanced handling of the MX-5, but it is still a fun drive. You will have to pay a bit more for it, but the Mini does have more spacious interior to make up for that.

For sporting thrills for similar money, the BMW Z4 is a two-seater with a more refined folding metal roof and a more luxuriously appointed interior. You can get it with a six-cylinder engine, too.

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Interested in buying a used Mazda MX-5? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.