Mazda MX-5: Catch It While You Can

The cheap Mk1 MX-5 is a classifieds staple but are supplies starting to dry up?

Of all the cars to violently divide opinions at PH, the inoffensive little roadster from Mazda is surely one of the most surprising. Chris Harris famously described the MX-5 as 'execrable' back in 2011, before driving for (albeit with a bag on his head) for a video a short time after to at least see if it could win him over. Not a problem for editor Dan (and, seemingly, most of his family) who are among many very happy advocates of the pop-up headlight original NA.

The least likely place to find Chris Harris

I used to be pretty ambivalent about MX-5s, dismissing them as a clever piece of plagiarism. Mazda took the Lotus Elan's styling, added some Triumph Spitfire character, and synthesised these elements with its own drivetrain into something your mother clearly would like, creating the ultimate affordable roadster. But it wasn't that effortless - Mazda sunk huge resources into the MX-5's development, passing over some very interesting ideas along the way before settling on the definitive classic.

I saw them as another of those nails in the British car industry's coffin, recalling how Rover design boss Gordon Sked once said that he 'felt like crying' when he saw the first MX-5 at its launch in 1989, knowing that if his company had been braver in the 1980s, it could have launched something quite similar - proudly wearing the MG badge - several years before. Instead, Mazda profited hugely, launching into a market with no really credible opposition. And the industry took years to catch up. Including MG.

Is the cheap MX-5 disappearing into the sunset?

We've already declared the MX-5 a true PH Hero, and it should be about here where I declare that my scepticism was blown away the first time I drove one, about 15 years ago. That all changed when a former boss lent me his and, from the moment I stepped in, I found myself enjoying revelation after revelation that came from some truly great drives. After several days I decided I didn't want to give it back, suggesting he might want to swap for my Peugeot 405Mi16. He didn't go for it.

Strangely, I've still to sneak one into my garage. Perhaps because they're too good, and I enjoy a more flawed ownership experience. That might explain why whenever I've gone down the affordable roadster route, I've invariably plumped for an MGF. And then end up regretting it.

But time marches on - and the car that we once all called the modern reincarnation of a classic roadster is now a classic in its own right. 25 years is more than enough justification stop being sniffy, and accept it as the younger alternative to something like an MGB. But with the added advantage that it handles and drives beautifully straight of the box. Of course, there's a downside to a car's path into classicdom, not least that as the bangers, scrotters and smokers disappear, values start to shift upwards. Good if you have one, less so if you want one.

Clean, original cars are in shorter supply

But the good news is that if you're looking for an MX-5, there are still a few less tidy, and very usable, ones around to get you on the ladder - and for proper shed money, too. As a tool for quick summery blasts, or the odd track day, you really can't beat a cheap MX-5, as long as you're okay with a MIG welder, accept that it's not fast, and don't mind some scruffiness. But the chod is beginning to disappear, and the nice ones are starting to creep up in value, especially if you want one of the earliest - and most appealing - 1.6-litre full-power cars. And be prepared for a long search if you're particularly choosy.

Although those 1.6s are the ones that will probably go on to be worth the most in years to come, they're not the best overall. That accolade goes to the later 1.8-litre cars, developing a full-fat 130hp, making them the most fun of all MX-5 Mk1s. The 1.8 is quicker, more usable and, most importantly, less susceptible to rust around the rear of the sills - a big deal as this is a common issue along with corroding front chassis rails. Keep on top of it and you have a car capable of racking up big mileages though.

Clean £1,500 ones like this increasingly rare

Go for a later car, and buy from someone who clearly loves their MX-5, and you can be content in the knowledge that you're purchasing at the bottom of the market for these cars, and you're unlikely to suffer from any depreciation, unless you're very unlucky indeed. This one seems a good example of what I mean - and although I'd be looking to see that the lowering job is reversible, there are good vibes emanating from the page, which reads like a novel. It looks worthy a punt for your £1,500.

For those who side with Chris Harris, it's easy to dismiss the MX-5. But for the rest of us - and there are many - owning one of these is a great opportunity to pick up a fun, reliable, rear-wheel drive roadster for very little money. The situation won't last forever, of course, so act now if you're looking to secure a good one, and keep it nice for the future. As for me, I'll probably continue to ignore my own advice, stick with flaky mid-engined MGs, deciding to take the plunge when they're all gone.

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suffolk009

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