1990 MAZDA MX-5 (3)

When the settled summer weather kicks in, the MX-5 is the faithful, affordable, easy-on-the-eye nugget of fun that you can’t wait to jump in and enjoy for the sake of it.
Not that the NA-series roadster should be classed as a fair-weather friend. At close to 30 years of age, the hood design is good enough to fend off the elements when the weather turns, the car is as dependable as most moderns, and performance remains brisk and more than adequate for the demands of modern motoring.
Even on a short strop to the local cafe, the car’s old-school attributes delight: crisp, unassisted steering, compact dimensions, low weight, double-wishbone suspension, short-throw ’box, finely balanced chassis. The sense of engagement can lift your spirits within a few hundred metres.
Often the original is deemed to be the best. As good as the current MX-5 undoubtedly is (especially with its sophisticated styling and new, improved 2.0-litre engine), some folk can’t see past the impressive sports car basics of the delicate NA. We understand why.

We are buying similar cars in superior condition: keepers@kiwigarage.co.nz