Mazda MX-5 2009 Problems

The arrival of the Mazda MX-5 in 1989 was like a breath of fresh air in a market that was as dull as dishwater.It was a car you could truly enjoy driving again, a modern sports car that turned the clock back. Like all good things, the MX-5 has evolved over the years into a more refined, more sophisticated car, and you can't blame Mazda for allowing it to happen.The first MX-5 appealed to sports car buffs and anyone who wanted to relive their long lost youth, but when that demand was satisfied Mazda had to broaden its appeal to win over buyers who weren't traditional sports car buyers.Those buyers typically wanted the fun of the sports car, but weren't keen on giving up the comforts of the regular passenger cars they'd been driving. Hence, the MX-5 grew in size, comfort, and refinement. It became more serious.The 2009 update model was greeted with enthusiasm, rated the best ever. Outwardly there wasn't a lot of change apart from the smiling corporate grille that was common with the rest of the range in this new era of Mazda success.But the changes went deeper than a mere grille swap, the body was stiffer, the suspension was fine-tuned, the steering sharpened, and the engine output boosted. Where Mazda had one model in 1999, the range had grown to four models in 2009, with the choice of two-seater convertible and two-seater coupe with a folding roof.The folding roof helped rekindle dwindling sales when it was released in 2006, and the 2009 model went further by reducing noise levels and overall harshness. While Mazda made the sorts of improvements that would appeal to those not really committed to sports cars, they also made the driving experience better for those that are.The stiffer body made the steering response much sharper and the engine was more responsive with a new exhaust note that echoed the performance boost. At the top of the range the fully loaded Sports Coupe boasted BBS alloy wheels and Recaro seats.IN THE SHOP Mazda is a generally reliable brand and its cars give little cause for concern. The MX-5 rarely crosses our radar here at CarsGuide, suggesting owners are having a largely trouble free run from their cars. While it is early days for the 2009 model and most will have done less than 50,000 km, history suggests that there will be no hidden demons in the foreseeable future. For the moment look for oil leaks around the engine, and any signs of harsh treatment and crash damage, and seek proof of maintenance.IN A CRASH The MX-5 was well equipped with safety features, including front and side airbags, ABS braking, stability control and traction control. Equally as important it had a stiff chassis with the agility and responsiveness to avoid a crash.AT THE PUMP Mazda's official claim for the MX-5 was 8.1 L/100 km average; road testers at the time of the release recorded numbers above 9.0 l/100 km, but these higher numbers are likely to have been the result of a heavy right foot.MAZDA MX-5Price new: $42,460 to $49,805Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol; 118 kW/188 NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automaticEconomy: 8.1 L/100 kmBody: 2-door roadster, 2-door coupeVariants: Convertible, Coupe, Coupe Sports, Touring ConvertibleSafety: 4-star ANCAPVERDICTMore refined, but also reinvigorated, and even better than before.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used 1989-2014 Mazda MX-5.

Not only becoming the biggest selling roadster of all time, but also nudging many other car makers into building open-top cars, something that had previously seemed to be impossible due to ever tightening safety regulations.The Mazda sportscar is a delight to drive, with pin-sharp steering, excellent road grip, near-neutral balance and the ability to change direction mid corner at the merest hint through the wheel that it’s needed. Many owners love to take them for a quick blast along their favourite stretch of road on a sunny Sunday morn.They usually drive with the top down of course, even if the weather is threatening. That’s because the soft-top only takes seconds to send down and pack up again. You can do it when stopped at a red light, though it does require you to have a supple body, because a fair bit of upper body twisting and shoulder strength is needed.A folding hardtop roof made things much simpler when introduced in September 2006. It not only works neatly, but has added a minimum of weight to the car and takes little away from luggage carrying capacity. So popular did the folding hardtop become in Australia that imports of the soft-top slowed to a crawl and in the latest model, introduced in November 2012, the hardtop became the only unit offered in Australia. You may be able to get one on special order by speaking to your Mazda dealer.The Mazda MX-5 was launched in Australia in October 1989 and remained almost unchanged in its body until March 1998, when a near-new car was introduced. The original model had pop-up lights, the latter one fixed units. At the same time, an increase in boot space made the MX-5 a more practical car, one that could be used as a daily driver by a couple.A facelift in October 2000 saw the rounded grille replaced by what Mazda calls a five-point grille to bring it into line with the styling of the rest of the Mazda family. An all-new MX-5 arrived in October 2005. It was slightly larger than before, though weight rises were kept to a minimum.Engine power isn't quite as impressive as the chassis dynamics; the original MX-5 only had 1.6 litres. That was lifted to 1.8 litres in November 1993 in a new engine that was slightly modified but, surprisingly, wasn’t as happy to rev as in its previous incarnation although torque was fattened out.The 1998 model change kept the engine at the same size but gave it a little more punch, although still not quite enough. In October 2000, the engine received a new variable valve timing system to improve power and torque. Response was significantly improved with that latest engine but is still nothing to get excited about.A 2.0-litre engine was introduced in the new 2005 model and is arguably the best yet. Changes to the 2.0-litre engine in 2009 and 2012 saw it able to rev to higher numbers, yet it was improved in the low down grunt department at the same time.Anyway, half the fun of driving a little roadster like this is rowing it along on the gearbox, going for the right gear at the right time to make the best of the engine’s limited power. The gearchange on the original Mazda MX-5 is one of the sweetest units you will ever meet, with short positive changes that not only work well but feel great at the same time. So the relative lack of engine power is actually a bonus in the minds of some owners.Earlier gearboxes were five-speed manual units. A six-speed was used in the 10th Anniversary limited edition of 1999, and became standard in the October 2000 model. The six-speed is a close-ratio unit, having a similar ratio in top gear in both boxes. To our way of thinking the six-speed isn't quite as pleasant in its feel as the latter five-speed, but it’s still an excellent unit.An automatic transmission with six forward ratios became an option in 2005. Believe it or not, it's almost as nice to sit behind as a manual because of the very-sporty programming of its electronics. Good design and high build quality mean the MX-5 is reliable. It’s fairly easy for a good amateur mechanic to work on and spare parts are normally reasonably priced. The Mazda dealer network isn't huge but works effectively and we have heard of no real complaints about availability.Insurance can be expensive, particularly for young and/or inexperienced drivers so it’s worth shopping around to get the best deal. As always, make sure you understand what you are getting for your premium dollar.WHAT TO LOOK FORIn early models look for stitching that's worn or even broken in the soft-tops and for discolouration in the plastic rear window in early models. A glass rear window was used in the new model of 1998. Check under the carpets for dampness as the car may have been caught with its top down in the rain. It's best to ask the owner of the car for permission before pulling up the carpets.It's probably best to keep clear of MX-5s that have been used in lap dashes at race tracks or in rallies. These can often be recognised by tyre scrubbing (if they haven't just been renewed to hide the fact) and by the fitment of a rollcage, fire extinguisher or extra instruments. Also look for heavy deposits of brake dust on the callipers and the inside of the wheels.Check that the Mazda's engine starts easily, idles reasonably smoothly and doesn't blow smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration. The gearbox should be light and positive in its change action and not baulk or crunch even on the fastest of changes. The third-second change is usually the first one to show up any troubles.Look for crash damage that's been repaired, indeed it may be very wise to call in a professional if you are in any way suspicious.CAR BUYING TIPBeware the sports car that has actually been used as a car in sport - these are comparatively rare and may be in need of expensive repairs.