How the Mazda MX5 (Eunos/Miata) has evolved over 25 years.
Interested in how the MAZDA MX5 Has evolved over the years? Check out the Video and information here!
The Mazda MX5 Roadster
The Mazda MX5, also know as the EUNOS or MIATA Roadster, is the most popular small sports-car in the world. Having owned an imported 1990 Mk1 (NA) EUNOS for close to 7 years I do not find it hard to see why... they are simply a lot of fun!
I have recently purchased a 1999 Mk2 (NB) MX5 that is in need of a lot of TLC and so the Mk1 has sadly had to go, after many years of good service. I was very sorry to see it go, and do hope I have not made a decision I will later regret. On this blog I will share some of my experiences, past and present, including photos and information related to restoring and repairing my Mk1 Eunos, along with details of my current repair and restoration of my Mk2 MX5.
After many fun filled miles, the mk2 has now been replaced by "Bumble", a yellow 2002 MX-5 Arizona!
I have listed the basic specifications of all cars below:
1990 MAZDA EUNOS ROADSTER
Mk1 NA 1.6L 5 Speed Manual in Silverstone Silver. Constructed 1990. Imported 1999 (Japan). 14inch Wheels, Pre-Cat, Sports Exhaust. Viscous LSD (unverified). Air Con. Electric Windows, Power Steering.
MAZDA EUNOS ROADSTER
Sold with around 138,000 miles on the clock. Flew through its first few MOTs, and I only got through one pair of rear shocks, one set of brake pads all round, and a set of rear brake disks. Also needed a rear sill welded recently but overall it was rust free. For a 25 year old car she was in great shape, probably due to the time it was not subjected to our UK weather. I added remote central locking and alarm, roll bar, car PC, Sports steering wheel and boss, DayGlo white dials, and an induction kit. Performance was as expected for a 1.6 engine, with most of its power towards the mid and high end of the scale.
1999 MAZDA MX5 ROADSTER
Mk2 NB 1.8S 5 Speed Manual in Classic Red (SU). Constructed 1999 UK version. 15inch Wheels, Catalytic Converter, Stock Exhaust. Torsion LSD. ABS, SAS, Electric Windows, Power Steering. Electric Mirrors.
MAZDA MX5 ROADSTER
Purchased with around 168,000 miles on the clock. To look at, this car is a mess! Coolant is leaking into the cabin, all of the paint work is faded, looks like a horse has been living inside it (hay etc everywhere) and the ABS light keeps coming on. Check out full list of MX5 Mk2 Defects. On a positive note, boy does she go! So much quicker from standing with the power available at all ranges, and feels very planted to the road.
2002 MAZDA MX-5 ARIZONA
Mk2.5 NBFL (Face lift) Arizona Special Edition (SE) 1.8 VVT 5 speed manual in Sunburst Yellow Mica (26S). Constructed 2002. Sports suspension and big 270mm sports brakes, ABS, LSD, SRS, projector headlights, full leather interior.
MAZDA MX-5 ARIZONA
With just over 96k miles it is in quite good condition overall, however after owning it a year i have started upgrading and replacing parts, including front brake pads with calliper rebuilds, rear pads, discs and calliper rebuilds, brake hoses and a repair to the rear brake line. I also have another front ABS sensor to sort out, all of which i have covered in previous posts regarding my previous 1999 car.