The MX-5 ND is the latest and current generation of the roadster from Mazda. Are there any weaknesses in the model that Mazda has been building since 2016? Is rust currently a problem or could it become a problem? You will find answers to all of these questions here.
Condition of the body:
Due to the water-based paint, plastic and metal parts may have paint differences. This difference in paintwork is therefore not a direct indication of an accident or subsequent paintwork on the vehicle, but is completely normal. In order to identify accidents, you can use the gap dimensions between the body parts as a guide, which are usually very well adhered to at the factory. Deviations from the gap dimensions are a relatively good indicator of accident damage.
Interior:
The MX-5 ND was available with different interior versions depending on the equipment chosen. There are standard seats with speakers in the headrests, as well as the somewhat sportier Recaro seats from the Sports Line, also with speakers in the headrest. Vehicles up to 2019 have an interior with red stitching. This excludes the special model "30th Anniversary", where the entire vehicle is kept in bright orange. From 2020 there will now be the interior with beige seams. In addition, the entire interior is available in light beige.
In the G160 version only the height of the steering wheel can be adjusted. In the G184 it can also be moved closer to or further away from the driver. Here we offer a conversion kit to a G184 steering column.
Slight noises from the rear axle when decreasing revs are not a problem with the MX-5 ND and can be ignored. In general, minor noises that occurred with the first vehicles have been rectified by the dealer afterwards.
Suspension and steering:
In general, the standard suspension is relatively soft. The Neomax suspension from Silver's Suspension is recommended for road riders, and the Neomax-R for use on the racetrack. Lately we've seen more screws rusting up in the bushings. You should know about this for future wheel alignment or suspension changes.
Softtop / Hardtop:
On the front of the convertible top, scrubbing marks tend to occur in the convertible top on the first vehicles, so you have to be careful when inspecting the vehicle.
The RF models tend to have wind noise at higher speeds, but this is normal due to the roof construction. Both roof variants should definitely be checked for their function. If the servomotor for the RF roof is defective, it can quickly become expensive.
Engine bay and Power train:
When buying the car, you should make sure that the service intervals are adhered to, as the cars were delivered with 0W-20 oil. Anyone who has ever seen 0W-20 oil knows how thin the oil is. The motors are correspondingly sensitive if the service interval is not adhered to and the oil can no longer fulfill its full lubricating function over time.
The transmission from the first and second generation likes to cause problems. Mazda has launched a recall campaign for this purpose and should have been changed when you buy it. Otherwise, it is fairly quick to go to the dealer to exchange the gearbox. There is a very simple trick here to find out which generation of transmission is installed:
When driving slowly between 2000 and 4000 revs, it should be very easy to change gear between second and third gear with one finger. If this is not the case, the probability is very high that it is a first generation transmission.
The same applies to the generation 2 gearbox, a simple test can also be carried out here during the test drive. Here you have to fully accelerate the vehicle in third gear, fourth gear should also be able to be engaged with little force.
If you have further questions, you are of course welcome to post a comment under this blog or alternatively send us an email.
Your SPS Motorsport Team