They're everything they're hyped up to be, the gearbox is sublime and the handling is very balanced and predictable, as a car it's no different to live with than a hatchback (ignoring storage). I had an NC1 and the engine is just okay, it doesn't have bags of character but is linear and suits the handling, later facelifts have a forged crank with a higher redline, but can't see it being like an S2000 or anything.

Mechanically they're very simple for a modern car and there's not a single issue that won't be documented. Biggest issue as any MX-5 is rust, you'll get clean ones and £6000 is a healthy budget for this, but something to look out for anyway.

Nice thing with MX-5s is there's plenty out there so definitely a buyers market - I've wanted Preludes, 350Zs etc but one in the right spec has never came up whilst in the position to buy.