Blog

Ask any MX-5 owner what makes their car special and you’ll hear the same things: the balance, the feedback, the connection between driver and road. That connection doesn’t just come from the engine and gearbox, it runs through every bush in the suspension. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what bushings do, how rubber and poly compare, what you’ll notice in real-world driving, and which option makes sense for your MX-5.

One of the defining traits of the Mazda MX‑5 is its gearbox. Across every generation, from Mk1 to Mk4, the MX‑5 is known for its short, mechanical, confidence‑inspiring gear change. But if your shift has started to feel notchy, vague or reluctant, especially when cold, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most commonly forgotten service items that affect shift quality, how they wear, and how to restore that crisp, factory‑fresh feel.

The Mazda MX‑5 is renowned for its precise, engaging manual gearbox, but like any hydraulic system, the clutch relies on a small network of components that wear out over time. If your pedal feels soft, your gear changes are notchy, or you’re struggling to select gears cleanly, there’s a good chance your clutch hydraulics need attention.

Owning a Mazda MX-5 in the UK means embracing top-down driving whenever the weather allows, and making sure your convertible hood is ready for everything the British climate throws at it. Whether your MX-5 runs a vinyl (PVC) hood or a mohair (canvas) hood, understanding the differences, and how to care for each will keep it looking smart, watertight and long-lasting.

In Part 5 of our Project Mk1 Turbo series, the build moves into its final bodywork phase with new doors, a replacement boot lid and a switch back to OEM-style front wings. With panel alignment underway and corrosion treated, the car is now firmly on the home straight towards paint.

Most MX 5 leaks come from a handful of well known areas, and many are straightforward to diagnose and fix at home with the right parts. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common leak points on each MX 5 generation (Mk1–Mk4/RF), explain what causes them, and link to proven replacement seals and fixes available on our website.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a professional car nut builds a daily-driver MX-5 for his daughter… welcome back to Cowland on Cars. A lot of people have been asking what happened to the Project Mazda Paul was working on, and the answer is delightfully simple: it’s now his daughter Amber’s daily driver. Yep, Paul’s number one daughter is behind the wheel every day, working at a Mazda dealership, commuting in a lowered, corner-loving Mk3 MX-5 she’s slowly turning into her own.

The Mk1 Turbo rebuild continues as attention turns to the passenger rear quarter and the underside of the car. With rust uncovered, repairs escalate into a full rear subframe replacement, transforming the strength and integrity of the chassis. With new suspension arms fitted and both rear quarters now complete, this iconic MX-5 is one big step closer to the road.

Few cars have captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts quite like the Mazda MX-5. It’s the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car, a true motoring icon, and for many owners, it’s more than just a car, it’s a way of life. Whether you call it an MX-5, a Miata, or an Eunos Roadster, this little roadster has carved out an incredible legacy over more than three decades. We’ve pulled together some of our favourite MX-5 facts, a mix of the obvious, the obscure, and a few that might even surprise long-time owners.

The turbocharged Mk1 build continues! After tackling the clutch, flywheel, short-shifter and the major bodywork reconstruction seen in Part 1 & Part 2, the Lights Up Lights Down team are now pushing forward with the next phase of the restoration, refreshing key components, rebuilding the rear quarter, and upgrading the suspension setup.