2011 Mazda MX-5 Sport Tech

Highlights

• Superb leather interior

• Two-litre twin-cam engine 

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive with LSD

• Folding hardtop roof

Overview

The MX-5 has long had a reputation as the go-to option when you feel the need for a small two-seater sports car, a reputation many would like to acquire. This third-generation model shows us the evolution of the MX-5 from a no-frills roadster into something you can happily use as everyday transport. Luxuries such as air conditioning and a solid roof mean you can keep enjoying the drive come rain or shine. 

Not that this particular car has seen much rain — it looks very clean underneath and very shiny on top. The glossy black paint allows the bright chrome badges to shine a little more brightly, and the ‘Aztec Sunrise’ orange wheels add a splash of colour. 

Inside the cabin, the driver and passenger are treated to supple leather upholstery which has been regularly treated with leather feed. The Bose sound system, and heated seats also ensure that your journey can be undertaken in comfort. 

And under the bonnet lies Mazda’s dual overhead cam, four-cylinder engine, which provides responsive power. This two-litre unit produces 157 brake horsepower, which it sends rearwards via a six-speed manual gearbox. This allows for entertaining driving whenever a sinuous country road presents itself, and relaxed motoring when you’re counting down the motorway miles. 

So if you have a sportscar-shaped itch to scratch, then you can’t really go wrong with an MX-5. You won’t regret it when you’re tearing off into the sunset with the roof down and a hint of opposite lock in play.

History and documentation

• Registered 31 Mar 2011

• Original owner’s manual

• Collection of old MOT certificates

• Two keys

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 18 Feb 2026

• V5 present in owner’s name

• The seller tells us that they first purchased the car in 2013, then sold it to a neighbour who owned it for about four years, before buying it back in Aug 2023

• Four registered former keepers, although two of these were the same person

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• The interior of this MX-5 is very smartly presented throughout 

• Black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching

• The seller tells us that the leather has been regularly treated with Autoglym leather food 

• The seats remain in excellent condition, with hardly any sign of use or wear 

• Heated seats 

• Matching black carpets in good condition

• MX-5 branded rubber footwell mats 

• The leather continues onto the door cards 

• Dashboard plastics and trim free from cracks and stains

• Multi-function steering wheel

• Cruise control

• Climate control 

• Analogue instrument cluster

• Manual handbrake lever

• Bose sound system

• Lockable storage compartment between the seats

• Hard-wired dash cam

• Carpeted boot to the rear 

• The seller tells us that the original jack, tool roll, and tyre inflator remain with the car 

Exterior

• Classic two-seater roadster shape 

• Small, low-slung, and nimble

• Finished in black paint, which retains a deep shine

• The paint is very good throughout, with some small stonechips, especially around the front end

• Body panels free from damage that we could see

• No obvious dents or corrosion 

• 17-inch alloy wheels 

• The wheels have been resprayed in ‘Aztec Sunrise’ metallic orange paint  

• There is some flaking around the wheel nuts, but otherwise the wheels are in very good condition

• Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres 

• The seller tells us that the tyres were fitted around 600 miles ago

• Chrome badges 

• Chrome fuel filler cap

• Headlights clear and bright 

• Folding hard top roof

• Heated rear windscreen 

• The underside of the car looks very clean for its age 

• Twin exhaust tips

Mechanical

• 1,999 cc four-cylinder twin-cam engine 

• Produces 157 bhp, and 140 lb ft

• Six-speed manual transmission

• Rear-wheel drive 

• Limited slip differential
• Bilstein Dampers

• The engine bay has been kept clean and tidy

• Only small amounts of surface corrosion that we could see on some suspension and exhaust components 

• No mechanical issues reported 

• We’re told that the car has recently been serviced 

• New battery said to have been fitted 

• Trickle charger included 

• No warning lights noted 

Summary

Clearly this MX-5 has been well cared for, and used sparingly. It’s a great example of Mazda’s evergreen sports car, which is ready to be driven and enjoyed by its next owner. 

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Wortley, South Yorkshire.