Mazda MX-5 is declared the nation's most reliable new car by Which?

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Top down top performer: Mazda MX-5 is declared the nation’s most reliable new car by Which?

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I wonder if they count, 5 years+ into a production cycle, hoods which STILL can have pressing against roll hoop issues and wear marks at points a little above the windows and at the rear below and to the sides the rear window? Or potential hub carrier bushings costing ~ £700 aside to replace with the same design?

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Don’t get me wrong that’s great for Mazda but probably has as much to do with the fact that most MX5’s are cared for and cherished and do a lot less than average mileage.
I used to rate ‘Which’ but I’ve also seem them promote some trashy products so for me their credibility is not that great anymore.

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I am also amazed at some of Which’s conclusions, sometimes I wonder if a few “Brown Envelopes” have changed hands.

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I recall posts made on the first version of this forum, pointing out that Mk1 MX5s were very reliable, and rust was nearly unknown. It was true at the time.

Carbuyer came up with a different conclusion to Which

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I was one of those who filled in the questionaries (2 cars), and at last this year there are now a couple of places you can add comments about the survey and the unasked questions.
I mentioned the lack of balance, that it seemed to be aimed at the three-year PCP “buyers” and not those who might want a ‘Keeper’ for ten or more.

The Mazda3 does the highest mileage, so I said it was totally reliable, BUT it had useless satnav, extremely noisy tyres, poor rear vision requiring a parking camera, and lacked proper rust prevention, all issues I’ve addressed to make it a much better drive and last longer, but most buyers would not bother.

The MX5 is sufficiently old and a second car that it had even fewer properly relevant questions, again skewed away from long term ownership. More relevant than the questions were my comments; totally reliable, outstanding driving experience, very comfortable, but zero spare space and poor storage, noisy, useless infotainment as standard, no rust prevention.

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