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Mazda MX-5 roadster (2005-2015) - MPG, running costs & CO2

The Mazda MX-5 is quite costly to run, with high CO2 emissions making road tax expensive

Carbuyer Rating

4.2 out of 5

Owners Rating
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MPG, running costs & CO2 Rating

3.8 out of 5

The Mazda MX-5 offers exceptional value for money to buyers seeking maximum driver satisfaction on a limited budget. Mazda’s reputation for longevity means this is one sports car you can easily drive every day and it won’t cost to earth to maintain.

Mazda MX-5 MPG and CO2

There are just two engines in the Mazda MX-5 range, and if you want the larger 2.0-litre engine, the choice is easy – you’ll have to go for the Roadster Coupe, because it’s not available in the Soft Top. The Roadster Coupe offers both engines, because it’s by far the most popular bodystyle in the range.

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The 1.8-litre engine is claimed to be capable of 39.8mpg economy and its CO2 emissions are rated at 167g/km, meaning road tax costs £205 a year. The 2.0-litre model claims 36.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 181g/km for a tax bill of £225 annually.

That 2.0-litre engine is also available with an automatic gearbox, and is the costliest MX-5 to run in this form. Here, fuel economy drops to 35.3mpg, while CO2 emissions increase to 188g/km boosting road tax to £265 a year.

Better news is that continued demand for used Mazda MX-5s means that when you come to sell, the car should retain around 50% of its value after three years or 36,000 miles. That’s a little more than the more expensive Toyota GT 86 will manage.

Mazda MX-5 insurance group

Mazda MX-5 models with a 1.8-litre engine fall into insurance group 21 or 22, which is reasonably competitive given it’s a two-seater sports car. Move up to a 2.0-litre model and you could find your car falls into group 28 for insurance, although group 26 or 27 is more likely.

Mazda MX-5 warranty

The Mazda MX-5 warranty is a fairly standard three-year/60,000-mile offer. The MX-5 is also covered for paint and corrosion for three years and against rust holes for 12 years. The warranty can be transferred to a new owner and can also be extended for an additional cost.

Mazda MX-5 servicing

The Mazda MX-5’s service intervals are every year or 12,500 miles, whichever comes first. Mazda makes it easy to pay for the maintenance on your MX-5 by offering three years’ worth of servicing for a £499 up-front payment.

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Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

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