The NB-generation MX-5 refined the original formula with a stiffer body, better weather protection, and a slightly more mature driving experience. The 1.6-litre B6-ZE produces 110 hp in European specification and is mechanically simple, using solid lifters rather than the 1.8's hydraulic units. It is a non-interference engine, so even a snapped timing belt will not destroy the valves. The 1.6 was the volume seller in Europe and parts availability is excellent thanks to a vast ownership community.· more· less
Robust non-interference engineCheap parts, huge community
Structural rust in sills and railsSolid lifters need periodic checking
Buy if: You want an affordable, engaging roadster and can find one with clean sills, documented timing belt history, and no hidden rust.
Avoid if: You cannot inspect the underside thoroughly, or need a car for daily winter driving on salted roads.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€6,000
median asking price, typically 140,000 km
Typical range€4,700 – €8,200
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€650 – €1,250/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€400 – €700 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€250 – €550 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Moisture trapped between double-skinned steel panels causes hidden rot from the inside out · more· less
Rust is the single biggest threat to any NB MX-5. The NB introduced double-layer steel construction for the front chassis rails (to meet updated crash regulations), and moisture gets trapped between the skins with no drainage path. Corrosion starts invisibly inside and only shows as paint bubbling or bulging when already advanced. The sills suffer similarly, with water from the soft top drains pooling if the drain tubes become blocked. Outer sill repair costs approximately €450-500 per side if caught early. If the inner sill and wheel arch need work, costs rise to €800-1,000+ per side. Front chassis rail repair runs approximately €400-600 for both sides at a specialist. A full structural restoration including sills, arches, and chassis rails can exceed €2,500. Always inspect with the wheels at full lock and remove any undertrays. Cars from southern Europe or those that have been professionally rust-proofed (such as with Dinitrol or Waxoyl treatment) are significantly better prospects.
Soft top deterioration and leaks
€300 - 1,2002 of 7
Vinyl or fabric roof degrades with age and UV, leading to tears, leaks, and poor sealing · more· less
At 20+ years old, most NB soft tops have degraded significantly. The vinyl becomes brittle and cracks at stress points, particularly around the rear window area and where the frame contacts the material when folded. The rain rail at the back can crack and allow water to pool in the rear deck and boot, which in turn causes rust in the body structure. A vinyl replacement top supplied and fitted costs approximately €500-700, while a mohair (fabric) top runs €700-1,200 fitted. The roof catches by the sun visors can also wear, preventing a proper seal. Most NBs available today will need a soft top replacement within the first few years of ownership if it has not been done recently.
CAS o-ring and camshaft seal oil leaks
€100 - 4003 of 7
The cam angle sensor o-ring hardens and leaks oil down the back of the engine · more· less
The CAS (cam angle sensor) o-ring is the most common cause of oil leaks on the B6 engine. The factory rubber o-ring hardens over time and begins seeping oil, which drips onto the heater hose at the back of the engine. Left unchecked, the oil degrades the rubber heater hose, potentially causing a coolant leak as secondary damage. The o-ring itself costs under €5 and takes 20 minutes to replace. A Viton o-ring is recommended as a permanent fix. If the leak has been neglected, the heater hose and possibly the CAS sensor itself may also need replacing, bringing total costs to €100-400 at a garage. On some NB 1.6 cars, the CAS connector pins can also loosen from vibration, causing intermittent misfires or no-starts. Checking the connector is always the first diagnostic step.
Coil pack failure
€100 - 3004 of 7
Wasted spark coil packs degrade from heat cycling, causing misfires and rough running · more· less
The NB 1.6 uses a coil pack (wasted spark) ignition system rather than a distributor. The coil packs degrade over time due to heat cycling in the engine bay. Symptoms include engine misfires, rough idle, hesitation under load, and a check engine light with misfire codes. An OEM coil pack costs approximately €80-130, while aftermarket replacements are available from €40-70. Labour is minimal as the coils are accessible on top of the engine. Some owners report that very cheap aftermarket coils fail quickly. Quality branded replacements (NGK, Hitachi) are recommended. This is a common issue on high-mileage NB 1.6 models, typically appearing after 80,000-120,000 km.
Clutch slave cylinder failure
€150 - 3505 of 7
Internal seals deteriorate, causing loss of clutch hydraulic pressure and difficulty shifting · more· less
The clutch slave cylinder is a known weak point on all MX-5s from 1990 to 2005. The internal seals deteriorate over time, causing the cylinder to leak fluid or fail to hold pressure. Symptoms include a soft or sinking clutch pedal, difficulty selecting gears, and eventually complete inability to disengage the clutch. The part costs approximately €30-60, and labour is around €100-150 at an independent garage. Many owners replace the clutch master cylinder at the same time for approximately €50-80 more in parts, as it is a similar age and likely to fail soon after. This is a straightforward repair that does not require gearbox removal.
Radiator and coolant system failures
€200 - 5006 of 7
Original plastic-topped radiator cracks with age, and coolant hoses deteriorate causing leaks · more· less
At 20+ years old, the original radiator with its plastic top tank often develops cracks or seam leaks. Coolant expansion tanks also become brittle and crack. Overheating from a failed radiator can warp the aluminium cylinder head, turning a €200 radiator replacement into a €1,000+ head gasket repair. An aftermarket all-aluminium radiator costs approximately €100-200, with OEM-style replacements around €150-250. Fitting costs €100-200. All rubber coolant hoses should also be inspected and replaced preventively if they feel soft or swollen. Running correct coolant with corrosion inhibitor is essential to protect the aluminium head. Many NB owners consider an aluminium radiator upgrade a worthwhile preventive investment.
Sticking brake calipers
€150 - 4007 of 7
Caliper pistons and slider pins seize from corrosion, especially on infrequently driven cars · more· less
MX-5s that sit unused for extended periods or are stored without proper preparation are prone to sticking brake calipers. The rear calipers are particularly affected. Corroded pistons or seized slider pins cause uneven brake wear, pulling to one side, or in severe cases a locked wheel. A reconditioned caliper costs approximately €70-100 each, with new OEM calipers at approximately €120-150 each. Labour is around €50-100 per caliper. Regular driving and annual brake fluid changes help prevent this issue. Check for uneven pad wear and feel each wheel for excessive heat after a test drive.
Mechanically robust, but rust is the real enemy
The 1.6 B6-ZE engine is one of the most durable small four-cylinder engines Mazda produced. It uses a non-interference design, so even a snapped timing belt will not destroy the engine. With regular oil changes and timing belt replacements every 85,000 km (or 5-6 years), the engine routinely reaches 250,000 km and beyond. The solid lifter valvetrain is slightly more maintenance-intensive than the 1.8's hydraulic setup, requiring valve clearance checks every 60,000-80,000 km. The gearbox is equally tough. The real threat is structural corrosion in the sills and front chassis rails, which can make a car uneconomical to repair. Always prioritise body condition over mileage when shopping for an NB.
Service history
Verify regular oil changes (every 10,000-15,000 km) and timing belt replacement history. Look for stamped service book or receipts.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes on sidewall), and uneven wear patterns. Standard size: 185/60R14 or 195/50R15.
Cold start
Start the engine completely cold. Listen for any unusual ticking or knocking in the first 30 seconds.
Test drive
Drive for at least 20 minutes including varied speeds. Check gearbox shifts cleanly through all five gears.
Specific for this vehicle
Inspect sills and chassis rails for rust
Remove undertrays and inspect with a torch. Check inner sills from wheel arches with wheels at full lock. Bubbling paint or bulging panels indicate advanced hidden corrosion. This is the most important check on any NB.
Check for oil leaks at back of engine
Look at the rear of the cylinder head for oil residue dripping from the CAS o-ring or camshaft seals. Check the heater hose below for oil damage.
Verify timing belt replacement date
The timing belt should be replaced every 85,000 km or 5-6 years, whichever comes first. If no evidence of replacement exists, budget for immediate replacement.
+ 3 more checksShow less
Assess soft top condition
Inspect the roof vinyl for cracks, tears, and thin spots. Check the rain rail for cracks. Test the roof catches by the sun visors for a proper seal. Look for damp inside the boot.
Test brakes for sticking calipers
After a spirited drive, feel each wheel for excessive heat compared to others. Any pulling to one side under braking indicates a sticking caliper.
Check coolant condition and radiator
Inspect coolant colour and check for contamination. Brown or milky coolant suggests head gasket issues. Check the radiator plastic tanks for discolouration from black to brown (indicating brittleness).
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Takata airbag inflator (applicable to certain production dates and markets)Verify completed
The NB MX-5 had very few recalls. Contact a Mazda dealer with the VIN to verify whether any applicable recalls have been completed, including the Takata airbag recall which affects many vehicles from this era. European models can be checked through the Mazda Europe recall portal.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / 100,000 km)Expired on all NB models
Extended warrantyNot available for vehicles this age
All Mazda MX-5 NB models are well outside their original factory warranty. No extended warranty programs are available from Mazda for vehicles of this age. Third-party warranty providers may offer limited coverage but typically exclude pre-existing conditions and corrosion.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
