Mazda MX-5 ND

The affordable sports car

The fourth-generation Mazda MX-5, known as the ND, arrived in 2015. It went back to the original recipe: a small, light, rear-wheel-drive roadster with a naturally aspirated engine and a manual gearbox. It is not the fastest car in the world, but it is one of the most enjoyable.

The ND is available with a 1.5-litre engine and a 2.0-litre engine. The 1.5 is revvy and sweet, with 130 bhp. The 2.0 started with 160 bhp and was upgraded to 181 bhp in 2019. The manual gearbox is the one to have. The automatic is smooth but dull, and it does not suit the car's character.

The MX-5 is a masterclass in packaging. It is smaller than a Ford Fiesta, yet it has enough room for two adults and a weekend bag. The roof folds by hand in a few seconds, and the RF version has a folding hardtop. It is cheap to run, easy to park and reliable. That is why it has such a loyal following.

Running costs

Mazda services the MX-5 every 12 months or 12,000 miles. A minor service is £200 to £400 at a Mazda dealer, and a major service with plugs and filters is £400 to £600. The engine is simple and robust, and parts are cheap. This is one of the least expensive sports cars to maintain.

Tyres are small and affordable. A set of premium 16-inch or 17-inch tyres is £400 to £600. Brake discs and pads are £400 to £700. Fuel consumption is around 40 mpg on a run and mid-30s in town. Insurance is low for a sports car, and road tax is reasonable.

The MX-5 is also easy to work on. Many owners service their own cars, and there is a huge aftermarket for parts and upgrades. That keeps costs down, but it also means you need to check the quality of any modifications. A car with cheap coilovers and a loud exhaust may not be the bargain it appears to be.

Known weak points

The early ND 2.0 had a well-documented transmission problem. The six-speed manual in some 2016 and 2017 cars could fail, especially if driven hard or used on track. Mazda revised the gearbox, and later cars are stronger. Check the service history for a replacement gearbox, and listen for a whine or a crunch on the test drive.

Rust is the other big issue. The rear wheel arches and the sills can rust from the inside out, especially on cars used in winter or near the coast. Inspect the arches carefully, including the inner lip, and check the underside for corrosion. A car with fresh underseal may be hiding a problem. A rust-free car is worth paying more for.

The soft top can wear on the sides and around the rear window. Check for tears, leaks and a musty smell in the cabin. The RF hardtop is more secure and quieter, but it adds weight and complexity. The roof mechanism should operate smoothly, without grinding or hesitation.

The infotainment system is dated on early cars, but it works. Check the screen, the speakers and the USB ports. The seats can wear on the bolsters, and the driver's seat may sag on high-mileage cars. The cabin is small, so check that you fit comfortably before you buy.

Buying checklist

Ask for the full service history and check that the car has been serviced on time. The MX-5 is reliable, but a neglected car will still have problems. Look for a car with a recent timing belt? The ND uses a timing chain, so there is no belt to replace. Check the oil level and condition, and look for leaks around the engine and gearbox.

Inspect the rear arches and sills for rust. Bring a torch and a magnet, and check the inner lips and the underside. A car with bubbling paint is already rusty. Check the soft top for leaks and the boot for water. The drains behind the seats can block, causing water to pool in the cabin.

On the test drive, listen for a whine from the gearbox and a clunk from the suspension. Check the brakes for a firm pedal and the steering for play. The MX-5 is sensitive to alignment, so check the tyres for uneven wear. A car with mismatched tyres may have been neglected.

A pre-purchase inspection by a Mazda specialist is worthwhile, especially for an early car. The gearbox and rust are the two big risks, and both are easier to spot on a lift. Ask for a compression test if the car has high mileage or a patchy history.

Market and depreciation

The ND MX-5 has depreciated, but it has a floor. Early 2015 and 2016 cars with 60,000 to 80,000 miles were £10,000 to £14,000 at the time of writing. Later, low-mileage 2.0 cars with the 181 bhp engine were £18,000 to £25,000. The RF and the special editions hold value better.

The MX-5 is not an investment, but it is cheap to own. A well-maintained car will hold its value reasonably well, and clean, low-mileage examples are holding firm. Avoid cars with rust, accident damage or a questionable gearbox. A car with a full service history and no modifications is the safest buy.

The ND is likely to stay affordable, which is part of its appeal. It is a car you can buy, use and enjoy without worrying about depreciation. That is rare in the sports car market.

Who it suits

The MX-5 suits someone who wants a fun, affordable sports car that can be used every day. It is not fast in a straight line, but it is quick enough on a twisty road. It is comfortable for short journeys, and the roof makes it feel special. It does not suit someone who needs space, refinement or a quiet cabin.

If you need rear seats, the Toyota GR86 is the obvious alternative. If you want more power, the BMW Z4 or the Porsche 718 Boxster are the next step. The MX-5 is the purest of the group, and it is the cheapest to run.

Alternatives

The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are the closest rivals. They have rear seats, a more powerful engine and a similar rear-wheel-drive layout. They are heavier and less efficient, but they are more practical. The BMW Z4 is faster and more luxurious, but it is much more expensive. The Fiat 124 Spider is based on the ND, with a turbocharged engine, but it has a smaller dealer network and is no longer in production.

The Mazda MX-5 RF is the choice for someone who wants a hardtop. It is quieter and more secure, but it is heavier and more expensive. The soft top is the purist's choice, and it is the one to have if you value simplicity. The 1.5 engine is the sweetest, but the 2.0 is faster and easier to live with.

How this review was compiled

This review is based on Mazda's published technical and service information, owner reports from Miata.net and MX-5 Owners Club forums, UK specialist servicing guides and current Auto Trader listings. Prices vary by specification, mileage and condition.