I am a big fan of the MX5 and whilst it is a current production car, it is old enough that the early models are legitimate classics. I know that some enthusiasts consider it a hair dressers car, but just consider the specification.
I have owned two of them and my current car is now 15 years old and my daily driver. It has a 2 litre engine, limited slip diff, foldable hardtop, rear wheel drive and mid mounted engine. When I am asked which cars I would suggest as a starter car for a new classic car enthusiast an MX-5 is always on the list.
Since its UK launch in 2015, the current-generation of Mazda MX-5 has won countless awards and it has added to its packed trophy cabinet again by being named Used Sports Car of the Year at the 2023 Car Dealer Used Car Awards.
The Car Dealer Used Car Awards have honoured the best of the best in the used car industry and Mazda has been a multiple winner at the annual awards. Having taken the overall Used Car of the Year title with the Mazda CX-5 last year, this year Car Dealer Magazine has honoured the Mazda MX-5.
Commenting on the MX-5’s Used Sports Car of the Year title, James Baggot, Editor-in-Chief of Car Dealer, said: “for over three decades the Mazda MX-5 has been the definitive sports car. Others may have more power and posher badges on their noses, but the MX-5 is the very essence of the modern sports car. Available as a traditional soft-top or practical folding hard-top, it’s enormously fun to drive, cheap to run and is a hugely popular used car”.
Wheeler Dealer Mike Brewer, said: “as icons go, there are few that can beat the status of the Mazda MX-5, over the years I have bought and sold loads of MX-5s and I know the appeal the car has among dealers and customers. It has been a favourite sports car for UK motorists for over 30 years and it’s easy to see why.”
A brilliant choice for enthusiasts looking for a fun, affordable and beautifully engineered sports car the Mazda MX-5 continues to be hugely popular in the used car market. Since the launch of the fourth-generation car in 2015 more than 24,000 have been sold in the UK, so there’s plenty of choice across both Roadster and RF body styles, plus when you factor in the 10 special edition models sold since 2015, there’s lots of opportunity to have a unique MX-5.
If you are looking for a reliable, affordable sports car for wind in the hair driving then the MX5 is hard to beat. And if you buy in the winter months then you might just get it a bit cheaper.
I think those who label the MX5 as a “hairdressers car” don’t really know the meaning of that phrase. The MX5 has always offered simple, low cost, fun driving in a well engineered package that also looks good, not something which is stylish but doesn’t have the abilities to back that up. Its also a good example of how power output is not the most important thing with a car to put a smile on your face.
Absolutely agree.