Top Tips for Buying a Used Mazda MX-5 (1989-99)

    Cliff Chambers2 July, 2024

    mazda_mx-5

    Image: wheelsage.org

    Born in 1989 and with cumulative sales in late 2023 totaling more than 1.2 million, the Mazda MX-5 is the world’s most successful sports car. Today, the fourth-generation ND model remains true to the original NA’s ethos of being a lightweight, fun and affordable sports car, ensuring a MX-5 of any era should be on every driving enthusiast’s 'must have' list. 

    Despite the modest 85kW/130Nm outputs of the original 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, the NA Series MX-5 was greeted with extraordinary enthusiasm. 

    At introduction in Australia, it was priced at $29,550, with air-conditioning and a hardtop extra. Similar money would buy a Honda CR-X while the Ford Capri Turbo was $2000 cheaper. History will show that the little Mazda has outlived and outsold them both. 

    Mazda MX5 NA

    Image: wheelsage.org

    NA versions might have struggled for performance in a straight line but throw some bends into the mix and perceptions quickly changed. The MX-5’s magic combination of light weight, precise steering, playful chassis and high cornering limits have long made it a favourite for weekend driving thrills and club track days. 

    By 1994 the NA Series MX-5 had adopted a larger 1839cc engine offering a punchier 98kW/155Nm and extra features including power steering, a CD player, a power antenna and optional four-speed automatic transmission. 

    Almost a decade after the launch of the original, the second-generation NB MX-5 was revealed at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, arriving in Australia in 1998. It was slightly larger and heavier and featured more kit, with a commensurate bump in power and torque to 106kW/165Nm. 

    Local prices by late 1997 had topped $43,000 but were then trimmed with the arrival of the NB Series to $39,800. That didn't stop limited production versions like 1999’s 10th Anniversary edition from reaching a lofty $47,000.

    Sadly, for people who bought these early versions of the NB, they are available in today’s market for less than an early NA. 

    Simplicity was pivotal to the MX-5’s success but has also been a factor in its failure to retain value. The Mazda RX-7 and other Mazda rotaries with quirky engineering and extrovert styling now command increasingly significant money, but the MX-5 so far hasn't followed the trend. While that’s great for buyers, it’s less so for collectors.   

    Availability is another obvious issue, with 430,000 of the NA Series MX-5 built between 1989-97 and a further 127,700 of the NB Series arriving between 1997-99, it will be decades before any of these become rare.

    Cars in the sub-$10,000 bracket needing paint and mechanical refurbishing offer no real saving because repair costs will push your outlay past the price of an already-excellent car. 

    Things To Watch Out for When Buying a Used Mazda MX-5 (1989-99) 

    • Signs of previous crash repairs including poor panel fit and mismatched paint

    • Underbody crush damage, especially to the exhaust

    • Missed services allowing sludge to affect overhead camshaft operation

    • Cooling fans failing to operate 

    • Clutch shudder and slave cylinder failure

    • Worn shock absorbers 

    • Hood material damaged and window fogged

    Valuation Timeline Mazda MX-5 (1989-99) 

    🛠️ Timeline

    1995
    $35,000
    2005
    $14,500
    -58.57%
    2010
    $11,500
    -20.69%
    2014
    $9,500
    -17.39%
    2024
    $23,500
    +147.37%
    NA Series 1989-1993

    Investment Rating

    4 / 10

    Cliff Chambers

    Writer & Head Valuer

    At age 14, surrounded by stacks of motoring magazines from the local junk shop, Cliff Chambers was warned by a concerned mother that he would ‘Never get anywhere knowing a lot about old cars.’  Seventeen years later when his definitive book, Making Money From Collectable Cars was published, she was proud to be proven wrong.

    That was in 1987, but Cliff’s life was already revolving around all things automotive. From working part time in a panel shop while at university, he moved to motor industry consultancy roles and managing a Championship winning rally team.

    During the 1990s he joined the classic vehicle insurance industry, at the same time becoming a prolific writer for magazines and motoring websites. Then came his ongoing contribution as one of the country’s leading vehicle valuers.

    Away from work, automotive events and objects remain prominent in Cliff’s world. He has owned more than 40 cars now considered ‘classic’ and within his collection of motor-related items there remain some of those magazines acquired as a fact hungry teen.

    Cliff brings to Retro Rides a blend of unique industry skills and a love of vehicles that will become more obvious with every contribution he makes to the site.

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