The Mazda MX-5 Miata (Mk1 and Mk2/2.5)
"The World's Favourite Sportscar"
At the age of 28, After over 10 years of driving pretty much nothing but classic Minis, I decided I wanted something very different. I thought the MX-5 was an unrealistic dream until I looked into it further. Here was a modern design classic, very thoroughly engineered, and also very reliable and with a reputation for not rusting! When I first test-drove one I was convinced. Sitting on the ground with the superb little gear lever and steering wheel directly in front of you the cockpit felt just perfect. Far more performance than I was used to, and the one I chose (a 1998 1.8i) had over double the power of the Mini Cooper that it replaced. I also looked into the MG-F, but I didn't like the driving position, and preferred the simplicity of the Mazda.
I owned the MX-5 shown below, which I nick-named "Brum", from early 2000 until late 2001. It was simply superb and I loved it. I liked the white. I thought it was striking and a bit different - but the "trade" didn't like white so I got it cheaply. My ownership ended when I crashed it (no ABS and a slippy road...) and then the new MINI came out and I couldn't resist.
I owned the MX-5 shown below, which I nick-named "Brum", from early 2000 until late 2001. It was simply superb and I loved it. I liked the white. I thought it was striking and a bit different - but the "trade" didn't like white so I got it cheaply. My ownership ended when I crashed it (no ABS and a slippy road...) and then the new MINI came out and I couldn't resist.
Here's a picture of my new MX-5 on the forecourt where I saw it first!
Find out why the MX-5 is such a superb car, Read my "Running Report" to hear how it went and see some photos of it . Read a road test by Top Gear's Vicky Butler Henderson or view some of my cool MX-5 Links.