BUYER’S GUIDE

Mazda MX-5 (NB) Review

As first-generation MX-5s get collectable and more expensive attention is turning to its successor as a source of cheap thrills. If you’re looking to pick up an MX-5 NB, then this buyers guide is a great way to get up to speed with the different options available, how to get the best insurance, and what to look for when viewing a Mazda you’re thinking of buying.

What is the Mazda MX-5 NB?

The Mazda MX-5 NB is the second generation of Mazda’s two-seat, rear-wheel-drive roadster, sold from 1998 to 2005. It followed the much-loved NA, keeping the same basic recipe — light weight, simple engines, rear-drive balance and a superb manual gearbox — but added a little more refinement, safety and performance.

The most obvious visual change was the loss of pop-up headlights, replaced by fixed lamps. Underneath, the NB remained very much an MX-5: compact, communicative and easy to enjoy at sensible speeds.

For buyers today, it offers much of the NA’s charm with more comfort, better equipment and usually lower prices. The key warning is rust. A good NB is one of the best-value modern classics around; a rusty one can quickly become uneconomic to repair.

When was the Mk2 Mazda MX-5 produced?

The Mazda MX-5 NB was produced from 1998 to 2005 after being previewed at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1997. Sround 290,000 NBs were created during that time, before the third-generation NC took over.

In the UK, buyers often refer to pre-facelift cars as Mk2s and 2001-on facelift cars as Mk2.5s, but both are NB-generation cars.

Mazda built second-generation MX-5 NBs globally. Like the wider MX-5 line, the NB was made in Japan, with MX-5 production centred at Mazda’s Ujina Plant No.1 in Hiroshima.

That production number makes the NB far more available than many classic sports cars, but condition now varies enormously. Rust-free, original UK cars are becoming harder to find, while Japanese-market Roadsters can be attractive if they have been properly maintained and protected since import.

What changes were made to the Mazda MX-5 NB over the years?

The NB launched in 1998 with 1.6- and 1.8-litre four-cylinder engines, a heated glass rear window, twin airbags and more modern styling than the NA. The car retained double-wishbone suspension, rear-wheel drive and a compact roadster layout, but felt slightly more refined and substantial.

A major facelift arrived for 2001. These later Mk2.5 cars gained revised front and rear styling, clear-lens headlights, a larger front intake, interior changes, improved body stiffness and a revised 1.8-litre engine with variable valve timing. Power rose to around 146PS in many markets.

The most desirable versions usually had the 1.8 engine, limited-slip differential, Bilstein suspension and six-speed manual gearbox, depending on market and edition. Special models included the 10th Anniversary, Sport, Icon, Phoenix and other market-specific editions. The rare turbocharged Mazdaspeed and SP models existed in some markets, but most UK buyers will be choosing between 1.6, 1.8 and 1.8 Sport models.

What are the common problems with Mazda MX-5 NB?

Rust is the main problem and should dominate any inspection. Rear sills, rear arches and front chassis rails are the big concerns. The front rails are double-skinned and can rust from the inside out, so a shiny exterior does not guarantee a solid car.

Other age-related issues include tired suspension bushes, worn dampers, seized brake calipers, cooling system neglect, radiator deterioration, leaking roofs, sticky electric windows and central locking or immobiliser faults. Engines are generally strong, but service history matters. Check cambelt history, oil leaks, coolant condition and signs of overheating.

Many NBs have been modified. Sensible upgrades can improve the car, but cheap coilovers, poor alignment, badly fitted roll bars, loud exhausts or undeclared forced induction can make insurance and resale harder. Poor rust repairs are also common, so evidence of proper metalwork is more valuable than fresh paint.

What should people look for when buying a Mazda MX-5 NB?

Start underneath. Check the rear sills, rear arches, front chassis rails, floors, jacking points and suspension mounting areas before worrying about colour or trim. If possible, inspect the car on a ramp and look behind undertrays and fresh underseal.

Look for clear service history, cambelt evidence, good tyres, straight panel gaps and quality previous repairs. The roof should seal properly, the carpets should be dry and the drains should be clear. On the road, the car should feel tight, steer cleanly, brake straight and change gear easily.

Avoid cars with vague histories, hidden corrosion, poor welding or cheap modifications unless priced accordingly. A specialist inspection is sensible, especially on higher-value Sport or special-edition cars.

Where does the Mazda MX-5 NB tend to rust?

The main rust areas are rear sills, rear wheelarches and front chassis rails. The sill and arch area can corrode from the inside out, especially if drain holes are blocked or previous repairs have trapped moisture. Bubbling paint is often only the visible part of a larger problem.

The NB’s front chassis rails are a particular concern. They are double-skinned and can rot internally, sometimes hidden by undertrays or underseal. Also check floors, jacking points, lower front wings, boot floor, battery area, suspension mounts and subframes.

A recently undersealed car is not automatically bad, but ask for photographs and invoices showing what was underneath before it was covered.

Common corrosive areas on the Mk2 Mazda MX-5

Front chassis legs

Sills

Rear arches

Mazda MX-5 (1998–2005) Checklist

With the same basic engine, transmission, suspension and brakes the NB MX-5 shares the original’s reputation for mechanical simplicity, toughness and ease of maintenance, making it an attractive choice for the DIY enthusiast
The 1.6 and 1.8 engines are fundamentally the same as the previous version, though breathing was improved with a new 4-2-1 exhaust manifold and, on the 1.8, a variable-length intake system known as VICS
As with the Mk1 make sure you check the obvious things, like levels for coolant and oil, signs of emulsification in the latter on the inside of the oil filler cap and obvious leaks; cambelts need replacing every five years so factor this into your first service if there’s no evidence of it being done recently
The NB was significantly updated in 2001 with an obvious facelift – look for the triple-lens headlights, bigger air intake and foglights (or blanks) on the outer edges of the front bumper as the obvious signifiers; you may hear these cars referred to in some circles as NB2 or Mk2.5 cars
The post-2001 1.8 gained variable intake valve timing branded as S-VT and increasing power from 140PS (103kW) to 146PS (107kW), torque climbing from 162Nm (119lb ft) to 168Nm (124lb ft); while the six-speed gearbox only fractionally improved acceleration and top speed figures it means improved flexibility and high-speed refinement
Rust is the biggest killer of NB MX-5s, so should be top of your list of things to look out for; sills and rear wheelarches are common spots and many cars will have had some manner of repair or patching done here so check for the quality of the work and have a proper poke around, especially where the sills join the rear arches
Visible rust is one thing and an indicator of what may lurk deeper within, so, if possible, get the car on a ramp and remove the undertray for a good sense of whether the front chassis legs are sound or not – these are double skinned and can rust from the inside out so check thoroughly as rot can often be terminal
While it’s up on the ramp check the condition of the floorpan and sills; the powerframe linking the gearbox and differential, the subframes and the suspension arms will likely have surface rust on them but look carefully at inner wings, suspension mounts and for any damage to the chassis rails from speed bumps or poor jacking
Feel around the interior for wet carpets or other signs of a leaking roof or blocked drain holes

What do people love about Mazda MX-5 NB?

Owners love the NB because it gives classic sports-car enjoyment without the constant fragility of many older classics. The steering is direct, the gearbox is excellent and the chassis is friendly, adjustable and forgiving. It feels light, simple and honest, but not crude.

Compared with the NA, the NB is a little more grown up. It has better refinement, more equipment, a glass rear window and, in 1.8 form, useful extra performance. It is still small enough to make ordinary roads interesting and low-powered enough that you can enjoy it without needing extreme speeds.

For many buyers, the appeal is also practical. It is easy to service, parts support is excellent and the owner community is huge. It is a car you can use, improve and enjoy without feeling intimidated.

How does the Mazda MX-5 NB drive?

One of the original MX-5’s literal weaknesses was its rather flexy body, the scuttle shake over bumpy surfaces detracting from its otherwise perfect handling. For the NB Mazda stuck with the same overall powertrain and structure (the dimensions are pretty much identical) but stiffened things up with some carefully targeted reinforcement in areas like the A-pillars, transmission tunnel, floorpan and sills.

It’s a little heavier like-for-like as a result, but only to the tune of 50kg or so. As such it maintains that delicate balance and sense of agility, but feels more substantial without the wobbles and rattles you sometimes get in the NA.

Post-2001 1.8s with the updated engine, variable valve timing and six-speed gearbox therefore feel a significant step on in capability, without corrupting the MX-5 character we all love. Bilstein dampers and a limited-slip diff on Sport models were another welcome addition for UK buyers.

How easy is it to get hold of parts for the Mazda MX-5 NB?

It’s very easy to source parts for the mk2 MX-5 by classic standards. Service parts, brakes, suspension, exhausts, hoods, trim, repair panels and upgrade parts are widely available from MX-5 specialists. Used parts supply is also strong. Rare special-edition trim, original wheels and market-specific parts can be harder to source, but routine maintenance is straightforward.

What’s good about the MX-5?

While the interior is actually fundamentally similar the NB is testament to what a difference a few squishy bits of interior trim and fancier switchgear can make to the overall ambience of a car. Little things like the glass rear screen on the hood (Mazda being Mazda the engineers achieved this AND a weight-saving over the previous arrangement) help with daily refinement and, as the car evolved, specifications got steadily more luxurious. Moving the spare wheel and battery from inside the boot to under it also helps practicality, and the sense of it being a more grown-up, higher-quality vehicle.

The revviness of that later 1.8 combined with the six-speed gearbox and limited-slip diff also make the NB feel a much more modern, grown-up proposition without messing with the MX-5’s natural playfulness.

For buyers the fact they’re younger and, perhaps, a tad less desirable than the NA means these second-generation cars are much more affordable to buy as well.

What’s bad about the MX-5?

Unfortunately not all of Mazda’s upgrades to the body were as welcome as others, the double-skinned front chassis legs turning out to become a notorious rust trap where terminal corrosion can take hold and wreak unseen havoc on an otherwise solid looking car.

This, and the existing problem areas like the sills and rear arches, mean many otherwise appealing NBs have been lost because the values are such it doesn’t make economic sense to repair them properly. And a lot of that is down to the fact that, best will in the world and for all the objective improvements, the NB will always live in the shadow of its cuter predecessor.

Still, many people prefer the styling of the later MX-5 NB, and if you’ve always wanted to get your hands on one then this guide should help you sort the wheat from the chaff and secure a Mazda which will bring you joy for years to come.

Is the Mazda MX-5 NB classed as a classic car for vehicle insurance?

Yes, many insurers will treat the Mazda MX-5 NB as a modern classic, especially where it is a second car, garaged, used for limited mileage, and/or kept in good condition. Early NBs are now approaching 30 years old, and the model has a strong enthusiast following.

It also has clear collectable appeal. Good, original, rust-free examples are becoming more desirable, while Sport and special-edition models can be worth significantly more than tired cars. That makes agreed value important.

Not every NB will suit a classic policy. A daily-driven, heavily modified or track-used car may need different cover, but a well-kept weekend NB is exactly the sort of car specialist classic insurance is designed for.

How much does it cost to insure a Mazda MX-5 NB?

You can get classic car insurance for your Mazda MX-5 NB with Goodwood Classic Solutions from £155 annually. Your exact price will vary depending on your driving history, how you’ll be using your MX-5, and other details, so you can call us on 01243 913 333 to talk through your options, or get a quote online now.

How does the condition, modifications and how the MX-5 NB is used affect insurance premiums?

Condition affects both value and risk. A rust-free, well-documented car may justify a higher agreed value, while poor repairs or corrosion can make valuation harder. Insurers will want the declared value to reflect the car honestly.

Modifications must be declared when you take out your policy, to avoid any issues later on if you ever find you need to make a claim. Suspension, brake or reliability upgrades, plus turbocharging, engine swaps, track preparation, roll cages or major cosmetic changes can all be handled by our team of experts at Goodwood Classic Solutions, as we offer modification cover tailored to your vehicle and the changes to it.

Use is equally important. Limited mileage discounts can bring the price of your insurance down dramatically if you’re only going to be driving your MX-5 occasionally, and secure garaging and club ownership can help lower the cost. Commuting, business use, high annual mileage, street parking or track days will usually need specific cover and may increase the premium.

Is specialist classic car insurance a good idea for the Mazda MX-5 NB?

Yes, particularly for a clean, garaged, limited-mileage NB. Specialist cover can include agreed value, modification cover, limited mileage discounts, spare parts cover and salvage retention. That is useful for a car whose real enthusiast value may not be reflected by a standard used-car insurance policy.

Who is Mazda MX-5 NB recommended for?

The NB is great for buyers who want an affordable, usable modern classic that is genuinely enjoyable to drive. It suits first-time classic owners, weekend drivers and enthusiasts who value handling more than outright speed.

It is also a good choice for someone who wants a strong parts supply and a large knowledge base. It is less suitable for anyone who needs lots of space, motorway refinement or a rust-free car without doing careful inspection. Buy on body condition first, specification second.

What are the most popular specifications for Mazda MX-5 NB?

The most popular enthusiast specification is usually a 1.8 manual, ideally a Sport or special edition with a limited-slip differential, six-speed gearbox and Bilstein suspension. These cars offer stronger performance than the 1.6 while keeping the MX-5’s light, playful character.

The 1.6 should not be dismissed. It is cheaper to buy, still enjoyable and often perfectly adequate for relaxed weekend use. Facelift 1.8 cars are popular because of the VVT engine, extra stiffness and more modern looks. Pre-facelift cars can feel a little purer and simpler.

As always with an NB, condition beats specification. A clean, standard 1.6 is a better buy than a rusty 1.8 Sport.

Which model to choose?

Given the earlier NBs are closer in spirit to the previous-generation MX-5 but lack some of the charm it can feel harder to make a case for them. In terms of engine while the 1.6 was more appealing in the previous car the small weight increase means the 1.8 is probably the more desirable option here. The more so when combined with the Bilstein dampers, limited-slip diff and six-speed gearbox combination seen in some limited editions like the Icon and 10^th Anniversary, and then the post-2001 Sport model.

You can see where this is going and, for the clear ground it puts between itself and the first-gen MX-5, we’d probably hold out for a later 1.8i Sport with the variable valve timing if possible, though there are bargains to be had and if a genuinely rust-free example of a five-speed car or earlier version came into view we’d be seriously tempted.

Specifications – Mazda MX-5 1.8i Sport (2001-2005)

Engine

1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol

Power

146PS (107kW) @ 7,000rpm

Torque

168Nm (124lb ft) @ 5,000rpm

Transmission

Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive

Kerb weight

1,100kg

0-62mph

8.4 seconds

Top speed

129mph

Production dates

1998-2005 (total production)