The Mazda MX-5 is the best-selling sports car in the world. Ever. Since it was unveiled in late 1989 more than 600,000 have been built.

Front-engined, with rear-wheel drive and weighing a touch over 2200lb, it was every inch the spiritual successor to the seminal 1962 Lotus Elan. Like the Elan, the MX-5 is a back-to-basics sports car. You won’t find electric soft tops or climate control and you might struggle to find power steering or ABS, too.

The car’s charm is its simplicity. Eager, uncomplicated engines, cheeky styling and delightful handling combine to produce a roadster that offers the fun of open-top motoring at a price that won’t break the bank.

Today you can pick up an early car for as little as £4,000, but tread carefully as specification changes over the years can make buying a used MX-5 quite complicated.

Since 1994 the MX-5 has been available with a choice of 1.6 and 1.8 litre petrol engines. During that time, however, Mazda has varied their power, which means you can buy a 1.6 with anything from 88bhp to 114bhp under the bonnet. The difference can be dramatic so it’s worth checking the output with a main agent before you part with your cash.

The best bet is to go for the 1.8 litre with 130bhp before 1998 and 140bhp thereafter. That translates into a top speed of nearly 130mph and 0 to 60mph in around 8sec.

And buy the S version if possible because that has power steering and antilock brakes as standard.

Handling is the MX-5’s forte and even without power assistance the steering is nicely weighted once on the move. Despite the car’s compact dimensions cabin space is good and drivers over 6ft will easily find a comfortable position. Unlike many other sports cars the MX-5 doesn’t often attract hooligan owners so they are rarely thrashed and seats and trim should be in good condition.

In 1998 the MX-5 had a major facelift, losing the trademark pop-up headlamps in favour of fixed units. These later cars also gained a glass rear screen, dual airbags and seatbelt pretensioners.

Running an MX-5 shouldn’t be hard on the pocket as all models have a good reputation for reliability, and engines and gearboxes rarely fail if the car is regularly serviced. An annual 9,000-mile service through a main dealer will cost between £130 and £180. Beware, though, that changing the timing belt at 54,000 miles will add £200 to the bill.

Mazda has regularly offered limited edition MX-5s and despite hefty premiums when new many can be bought for little more than the standard models. Among the most desirable is the 1.8i Sport: produced in December 1998, all cars were finished in red and came with leather seats, wood trim and air-conditioning.

A Eunos badge identifies a car as an unofficial personal import that was previously registered overseas. Many of these look good value but differences in specification can make replacement parts more expensive and some insurers charge higher premiums. Ultimately, you might find that despite the initial saving it wasn’t quite the bargain you thought.


USED BUY: MAZDA MX-5: CHECK IT OUT

Hard top £1,200 option when new; not the prettiest but useful if the car sits outside all winter
Hood Rear screen plastic on pre-facelift cars
Boot More luggage room after April 1998 update
Cabin Revised centre console with armrest on facelift models
Imports Eunos badge identifies an unofficial personal import
Steering Power assistance not standard on all models
Air-conditioning Optional on later cars
Wheels Some base models have steel rims
Brakes Discs front and rear, ABS standard on 1.8i S
Engines Avoid low-powered 88bhp 1.6s from 1995-97
Security Engine immobiliser standard on 1.8i
Headlamps Pop-up lights disappeared in April 1998 facelift
Colour Looks great in red or green, avoid white or black
Gearbox Five-speed manual a gem; six-speeds after June 2001

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Mazda MX-5 1.8i S
Engine Four cylinders, 1839cc
Power 140bhp @ 7000rpm
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 33.2mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0 to 60mph: 8sec
Top speed 127mph

THE ONE TO BUY
Mazda MX-5 1.8i S, 1999 S-plate with 40,000 miles. Pay £9,225 at a dealer or £8,295 to a private seller

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...
1999 V-reg Toyota MR2 T-Bar
2000 V-reg MGF 1.8i
1998 S-reg Saab 9-3 2.0iS Convertible
2001 Y-reg Vauxhall Astra 1.8 16V Conv
1998 S-reg Alfa Romeo Spider 2.0 TS

VALUES: MAZDA MX-5 1.8i S

Mileage 30,000
1998 R Trade £7,625; Retail £9,125
1999 S Trade £8,200; Retail £9,695
2000 V Trade £9,275; Retail £10,750

Mileage 40,000
1998 R Trade £7,225; Retail £8,725
1999 S Trade £7,725; Retail £9,225
2000 V Trade £8,700; Retail £10,195

Mileage 60,000
1998 R Trade £6,375; Retail £7,875
1999 S Trade £6,825; Retail £8,325
2000 V Trade 7,675; Retail £9,175

1.6i worth £1,400 less than 1.8i S; 1.8i worth £1,000 less than 1.8i S
Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ÔTrade' is what a dealer would pay for your car; Ôretail' is what you would pay a dealer