Well still in search for a new car and after many recommendations in my threads I went and test-drove a Mazda MX-5 on Saturday afternoon.

I am not sure why I was initially reluctant on this car, but I was and it was not my first choice. I’ll probably compare it a lot to the Smart Roadster in this...

The model I drove (out of about 20 different MX-5’s they’ve made ) was an ’04 plate 1.8i, bog standard not the 1.8 s or 1.8 sport.

Styling wise I think it is a nice looking car, maybe a little ‘cute’ but I can live with that, it was silver with a black fabric roof, the two contrasting colours look really nice Inside is a lot nicer as than previous models as this one is the MK2.5 its has the updated interior. You don’t sit as low as you do in the Smart, but still low enough to create that sports car feel. The seats were a lot nicer imo although the seats in the smart arnt bad at all, fabrics also felt pretty durable. The interior felt a little less cramped than the Smart and a better place to be for longer journeys.

It feels a lot more focused on the driver when sat in the MX-5, the gearstick is at a perfect height, the steering wheel is right in front of you and there’s good visibility all round. The dash feels very solid and well screwed together and the instrument cluster is quite aesthetically pleasing.

The roof isn’t as smart as the Smart (see what I did there ) as it isn’t electronic and you cant put it down at any speed, however it does come down in a matter of seconds (literally about 10 seconds) and you need’nt leave the drivers seat.

The test drive then… Unfortunately it was one with the dealer sat in the passenger seat telling me where to go for 10 minutes, hardly a test drive. So I chose to blatantly ignore him and go about my own route, much to his disapproval I also drove the car as I would; this included some slow cruising and then some near red lining with brisk corners, although he didn’t seem too bothered about this.

I was disappointed with the performance, it felt quite slow if I am honestly, unless you really were giving it all you can, even then it wasn’t particully fast, and didn’t feel fast. The Smart on the other hand much the same, less power, but it gave the impression of speed and really did feel fast, despite not being fast. The engine had next to no torque either (imo) The engine note was ok, but not as nice as the Smart with it behind your head and a wastegate going off between gear changes.

I am aware you can turbo these quite easily and they turn into a drifting, tyre shredding monster, but I’ve not the realistic £4K needed to be able to do this.

The handling – well its something else. The car feels so balanced that it felt unnatural (that’s a good thing) I am used to the Fabia…. It really just sticks to the roundabouts and I felt so in control of it, I found myself forgetting about being disappointed with the performance! The gear box was another plus point to, really impressed with it, nice short shifts that really notched in place when you selected next gear.

Driving it was actually a pleasure; I really got on with this car and after about 30 seconds felt as if I had been driving it for years. Nothing felt as if it would take any getting used to, it really was a pleasure.

Being such a nice day as it was Saturday, sun out, nice and mild, I pulled over and took the roof off. Now this felt great, I didn’t want to go fast, I wanted to cruise and just enjoy the pleasurable drive this car rewarded you with

This car is also far more practical than the Smart, I can actually fit my golf clubs in the boot of the MX-5, or shopping if I so desired For longer journeys the MX-5 would excel imo, the engine noise isn’t intrusive like the Smart, wind noise is next to nothing, theres more storage space and the interior isn’t as cramped. As for MPG no idea but then I don’t really need to consider it with the mileage I do.

Overall I was really impressed with the car, it really does feel a solid car. The interior is comfortable and nice; the car is equally as good as cruising as it is taking sharp corners. I think the balance between practicality and fun is spot on Although I will be looking for the 1.8 s or sport with the 147bhp engine for that little extra oomph.

The Smart is still a desirable car for me though, it feels a lot more raw than the MX-5 with its loud engine behind your head, lower to the ground in a more cramped interior makes it feel sportier and excellent handling – but will I want this every day? I doubt it, sometimes I can see the car being tiring when all I want to do is get from A – B

So I’ve some decisions to make really, what do you think?

You are turning into a hairdresser mate. Smart roadster? Mazda MX5?

Glad to see mazda have finally come around to putting the steering wheel right in front of you.

Have you considered the Mini Cabriolet? Pug 307 cc? 206 cc?

Seriously though, find a Fiat x19 in good nick. Most fun you will ever have for 2k or less.

Yup the MX-5 is a little blinder

What about the S2000?? I've just been lookinga thtem and now I am getting impure thoughts

You cant beat open top motoring - I was going to buy a Z coupe but the salesman diddnt have one for me to test - 3 hrs with the roof down in the Roadster swung it for me

My latest stint of tyre kicking really has firmed up me belief that you dont need to go fats to have fun. The Focus ST, Golf 5 GTi and the Z all made me smile at less than 50mph.

Blasting boy racers away at the lights may be fun for a while but going through corners is where the fun is.

MX5's are great little cars, you should find it'll last for ever too.

If you can get over the "image" and past people calling you a homosexual hair dresser then its great. After all you've got a skoda at the moment and I've just bought a glorified Datsun.

Try a Westfield - one with a Blade or Bussa engine if you are mad, or a little 1.8 if you ain't

I must admit to liking the mx 5 myself, and also two seater open top driving. All started by a mate of mine with an X19 fiat.

Nice review. Sounds like it is lacking the WOW factor though. So whats next Walkie ?

I reckon this

Or maybe it's Mailbu Walkie

has walkie come out of the closet, did I miss that thread?

I saw an MX5 on Friday with the reg number R7 GAY - says it all really, it was parked outside a gym too

Hi Walkie

Now you have been seduced by the charms of a well balanced drivers car, give an MR2 a test drive as well.

On the engine front, most smaller engined petrol cars feel positively gutless in the midrange after the Fabia vRS.

Chris

The VX220 does it for me (thought I'd never say that about a Vauxhall!).

The (original) Elise is a nice car, but the problematic K-series lets it down.

You are turning into a hairdresser mate. Smart roadster? Mazda MX5?

Glad to see mazda have finally come around to putting the steering wheel right in front of you.

Have you considered the Mini Cabriolet? Pug 307 cc? 206 cc?

Seriously though' date=' find a Fiat x19 in good nick. Most fun you will ever have for 2k or less.[/quote']

Have you considered a labotomy?

A 307cc? a 206cc?......and.........a FIAT X19???

i mean, i laughed at the 307 and 206, but absolutely cracked up at the X19

come on, serious now, why would anyone want to own a 20+ year old Fiat that was prone to failiure in just about every area.........why would you wish that upon anyone

its just cruel

you have a sick sense of humour

The limiting factor for me at this age is always the insurance, otherwise I would have a much wider choice.

Cars the the VX220 and the Elise would be right at the top of my list, but I cant warrent £4K insurance :(

The Toyota MR2 is still one I am yet to test drive, it falls within my budget (just) but the insuance is high, however if it turns out to be a cracker then I might stretch to it.

Monkeychild - S2000 gorgeous car, but out of budget and I've already owned the Fisher Price car, I want something I havent had before

Cars the the VX220 and the Elise would be right at the top of my list, but I cant warrent

Jeez! How old are you? 15???:eek:

20.

mental age 15

What about a Z3? Easily within budget, drivers car, rwd, rag top and best of all as its a BMW its got proper build quality

Have a drive in one you wont be dissapointed and yes i've got one in the DaveU fleet at the moment if you want a go in one

I know were this is for sale if your interested

First Registered: 1 Nov 2000 "X" Registration 50,000 Miles

ABS

E/Mirrors

CD

E/Windows

Immobiliser

Alloys

Air Cond

Power Assisted Steering

Remote C/Locking

Leather Upholstery

F.S.H.

Hard Top

£8495

Darren

When I was 20, I was running around in a lttle AX GT & that was costing me £700 in insure!

Insurance is always a killer if you're young. TBH, I'd wait until you have a few more years NCB under your belt.

I told you Walkie go to the garage near me and test drive that Lamborghini Countache and the cobra. I am so tempted to try and bag a test drive in that lambo, but at 20k for the car I couldnt afford to buy it, and if its as hard to drive as people say will probably end up crashing the thing.

Awesome to see in the flesh though

Right, it looks as if the Toyota MR2 is next then after a little research this afternoon.

Admiral are superb for insurance, whilst every other insurance company is quoting me £2.5K plus for insurance on the MR2, Admiral come with a quote cheaper than the MX-5 :eek:

It seems to me from the reviews I've read that the MR2 is rated a little better than the MX-5 in terms of the fun factor (which is the only factor I am after tbh) coupled with the fact that the MR2 is imo a very nice looking car.

Been doing a bit of Autotrading and you can pick up a 2000-2001 model with 30-40K miles for £7.5-£8K

Admiral are superb for insurance, whilst every other insurance company is quoting me

Go hairy chested retro rather than hairdresser modern, TR7 drop top, Stag, rapide convertable :lol:

Go hairy chested retro rather than hairdresser modern, TR7 drop top, Stag, rapide convertable :lol:

......or TR6...........mmmmmmmm.

Still fetch alot of money though.