BUY IT

Everything you need to know before buying an MX-5

START WITH THE BUYING GUIDE
Thinking of buying an MX-5? Start here

The MX-5 is one of the easiest sports cars to recommend — but buying the wrong one can still get expensive quickly.

Project MX5 brings together practical buying advice based on real ownership, common faults and the things actually worth checking before you buy.

A mechanic inspects the engine of a grey sports car with its hood open in a car dealership parking lot.
BUYING GUIDE

The Complete MX-5 Buying Guide

Everything to inspect before buying a Mk3 MX-5

READ GUIDE

A low-angle view shows the undercarriage of a car, highlighting the suspension, differential, and a slightly rusted exhaust system.
RUST

MX-5 NC Rust Guide

Where they rust, what’s cosmetic and when to walk away

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A red Mazda sports car with its hood open, revealing the engine bay.
ENGINE SIZE

1.8 vs 2.0

Which engine makes the most sense for you?

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A black Mazda MX-5 and a red Mazda MX-5 parked side-by-side on a coastal overlook at sunset, with the ocean and a winding road in the background.
ROOF CHOICE

Soft Top vs PRHT

The pros and cons of both roof types

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TAKE THIS WITH YOU

Free MX-5 NC Buyer’s Checklist

A simple printable checklist covering rust, engine, gearbox, suspension, roof, interior, paperwork and the test drive.

DOWNLOAD THE CHECKLIST

What to check before you buy

RUST

Sills, arches and underside corrosion

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ENGINE

Cold start, smoke and service history

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GEARBOX & CLUTCH

Crunching shifts, notchiness and clutch feel

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SUSPENSION & BRAKES

Knocks, worn dampers, uneven ride height, discs and pads

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ROOF

Tears, leaks and proper operation

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HISTORY & PAPERWORK

MOT history, servicing and previous repairs

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