Just thought this would make an interesting question.?
Because it’s great, it’s fun, it’s mine, love it, love driving it
There is of course the fun factor but there are a lot of fun cars to drive. More importantly I think, it’s in the way this car makes you feel. There is a deep appreciation of what this car stood/stands for. The re-invention of the two-seater sports car. That means a lot to me. I would’ve loved that to have come from a british manufacturer but more importantly, glad that it happened at all. There is also the kudos attached to owning a well looked after 20yr+ car. Someone at work commented how nice it always looks. It’s dainty dimensions being dwarfed by the euroboxes around it. No-one says how nice the Saab looked or the BMW - both handsome cars but samey and I like my 5 for that - like that a lot.
Most of all, here in Cumbria, I can’t think of a daily driver I’d rather have. It is simply perfect for these roads - the sort of roads it was built for and given a good day with the sun out, just pretty much spot on. Yeah; this car makes me feel good 
The MX5 is the crack cocaine of the car world. Its cost me all my money. Its cost me my health (knobbled back thanks to a 6-point carbing rollbar). I’ve lost all reason, as I sink maybe £6k into a car worth £500, but nothing to show for it. Made me a social pariah as well, thanks to not being able to give anyone a lift. I’ve had 4 of them, but others are deeper in it.
I’m not… it’s just a car!
yeah right… 
Lovely day today so went for a long drive just for the sake of driving, roof down sun shining and pretty empty roads, had a big smile on my face, and thats from a bog standard 1.6 that cost me £600 four months ago, mind you the smile disapeared when I drove past a police van with a camera sticking out the back, thats my fault though not the cars. Wouldn’t say I’m addicted to them but had six of them and don’t think many cars can give so much fun for so little money.
Andy
I’ve had crap cars: Vuaxhall Cavalier saloon springs to mind.
I’ve had loony cars: Seat Ibiza Cupra Sport anyone?
I’ve had luxury cars: Alfa Romeo…well, until it went wrong.
But I’ve never, ever, had a car I’d considered a ‘keeper’ until I found my little red hairdressers car…
This. I just feel that I’m driving something special.
I’ve always loved the traditional British sports car but I’ve never had one because I’ve never been able to afford to have a car for occasional weekend drives and couldn’t justify it to myself even if I could.
The 5 has all the character of the best of the old cars but is reliable to run as a daily driver. If you drove an MGB like I drive my 5 you’d have a rusting pile of disconnected nuts and bolts on your drive within months but I know that my 5 is as reliable as an old Mercedes taxi.
I’ve been a biker all my life and this is the only car that makes me feel the way I do when I’m riding. It’s the way that being in the right gear for a corner matters in the 5. You can go round in a high gear if you want to but getting a corner right and powering out just makes me feel so alive.
I avoid driving my wife’s Mondeo at all costs. It’s a good car but it’s just transport. The 5 is so much more than that.
When I bought the car I have now it had been several years since my last one, a beautiful Mariner Blue '91, and I’d missed it so much. Every time I saw a Mk1 with the roof down I’d just feel so envious of the driver while I was poodling around in my econobox so it was only a matter of time before I found a way back into the drivers seat.
Now I have a fantastic red 1990 car which has been loved and cherished by it’s previous owner and I will be continuing in the same vein.
I drive to and from work in it every day and no matter what my day at work is like any day that starts and ends with a drive in my 5 is special.
In the same vain.
I started with the car I was given for free by my uncle: An Austin Cambridge that was older than me.
Moved on to cars I could afford the insurance on: Mini Metro, Opel Kadet.
Had cars that I loved: MGB & BGT’s until the rust and Lucas electrics drove me mad.
Had practical family cars: Escort Estate, Vaulhall Vectra then Diesel MPV’s.
Now I am lucky enough to have My 5 as a daily driver / for fun so the Nissan Terrano just sits on the driveway until I have to use it (lots of people / stuff to move / tow the caravan)
because she is red, I love driving her, I love working on her, and she is mine.
How much more fun can you have on 4 wheels.
And I would echo those sentiments, particularly as mine is red too
.
Its a joy to work on. You can make it “yours” in whatever way you want.
If you want a track car, you can have it, if you want a high bling show car, you can have it, if you want a reliable touring car, you can have it, if you want a reliable daily driver that you can drop the hood down on a summer day, yep, you can have it.
It’s an amazing car to drive. Other cars are also amazing to drive, but my MX5 just will not die. It’s outlasted two cars I bought to replace it, and continues to be huge fun that costs me very little to run.
Also I’ve put so much time and effort in to my car I can’t ever sell it. It’s going to stay until it is beyond my ability to keep it going.
Because he’s mine - birthday present from partner - aren’t I the lucky one.
He’s so handsome when he’s been polished - fun to use. Turns heads (possibly because I’m playing music so loud???) Did a tour of Scotland/Northumberland last year, apart from topping up the oil and putting some fuel in now and then, just got in, turned the key and went! What a star.
Yet to see if I am ! Have not drove the car properly yet . Finished some body work and maintenance after buying it in September . Hopefully I will enjoy it as much as everyone else . I am insured from Monday !!
It’s the contradictions.
It’s a fun car which is also reliable. It just shouldn’t be allowed. That’s like having a respectable affair. It’s guilt-free naughtiness. Eat all you want squidgy cream cake with zero calories. It’s science fiction with good acting. Angelina Jolie without the tattoos. An honest politician. My ex-wife in a good mood.
It’s 90% of an exotic supercar for 10% of the cost.
It’s a classic car but also bang up to date. Where else could you buy a 21 year old car with air con, LSD, electric windows …? And a reasonable chance they they will all work?
Cheap as chips, but makes you feel a million dollars. Disposal fun for a grand or less. Or a treasured classic for much much more. Your choice.
Great straight out of the box, but then you get to play with the add-ons. Mmm. Thank you, Autolink.
It’s one of the most schizophrenic cars on the road. What else can be Werthers Original with british racing green, tan leather and wood, and also be a black and chrome vin diesel street cruiser?
One of only two cars I’ve ever owned that have made me want to turn around and drive through a corner for a second time.
It’s not about the destination - you can get from A to B just as easily in an allegro. It’s not about the neighbour appeal - we have all endured the “hairdresser jibes”. It’s about the journey.
But most of all it’s that little twitch of the rear end when you’ve taken a corner with a tad too much brio. That feels like a kick of chilli in your food, a sneaky squidge in your nether regions, a wink from a sexy stranger…
… a reminder that you’re still alive. Hang on to that hammer, I’m not ready to have the coffin lid nailed down. Not just yet.
That ^^^^ is brilliant.
Seconded… That is brilliant!
Agreed -brilliant writing -sums up my thoughts… I have a newer BMW -which is a very good car- but I would take/use the 5 in preference…I can always think of a reason to get the 5 out…I love driving the little masterpiece…All manufacturers should specify the 5’s driving feel in all new car developments…
Anything else this good would either be very expensive or illegal …
Having only very recently bought one (4/2/12) it gives you what motoring was all about…FUN…it’s put the smile back onto my face when looking at it when the garage door opens…it’s doing 85 just sat there!
The curves don’t mind you staring at them !
A friend seeing it for the first time couldn’t wait for a “quick” spin around the block…roof off of course…how many other cars get a “You bet” when you ask if they want a “go”?
Roof down, 2 deg C, heater on, full Tank, salisbury Plain, 0800, sunday morning, little traffic, sun, and an excited 11 year old next to you having the car ride of his life …what a great journey…it would not have been the same in the Corsa or Volvo…we know that, but those who have never been in one have missed out…just glad I’ve finally got one…smiling drivng…