Lease takeover: red 2017 Mazda MX-5 GS in Java

Thinking of buying the 2017 Mazda MX-5 GS?

CarmaCars rents cars and does not sell the 2017 Mazda MX-5 GS; this page helps you judge it before you buy one elsewhere. We do not lease cars. A monthly rental has no long contract: each booking runs up to 365 days. The 2017 Mazda MX-5 GS for buyers: what the numbers say, what to check, how to try it.

A buyer's checks

Ask for the service records and check open recalls by the VIN. A private seller in Ontario must give you a Used Vehicle Information Package. In Ontario, a used car needs a Safety Standards Certificate to be registered. A pre-purchase inspection at a shop you choose is money well spent.

Engine and fuel

The 2.0L 4-cylinder does the work, through a 6-speed automatic. It calls for premium gas, which costs more a litre than regular. Rear-wheel drive gives balanced handling; in winter, the tires make the biggest difference.

The combined figure, 8.0 L/100 km, means roughly 24 litres for 300 km. At our price setting, 1,000 km costs about $140. EPA puts its fuel cost at US$2,850 a year for 15,000 miles at US prices.

Inside and out

As a two-seat sports car, it puts the driving first and the luggage second.

A good match for

It suits a stretch between cars, by the week or the month. It suits a summer weekend or a special occasion more than a move.

A longer test drive

Rent first, buy later: a week with the MX-5 answers the big questions. Rent the MX-5 for a week, or up to 365 days, before you commit to buying one. Renting first costs a fraction of the price of buying the wrong car.

The cost of driving it

The EPA estimates US$2,850 a year in fuel for 15,000 miles at US prices. At our price setting, 100 km costs about $14 in fuel. A 1,000 km month costs roughly $140 at our price setting.

Picking a year and a trim

Look at a few listings of the same year and trim to get a feel for fair prices. Write down the VIN of any car you consider; it unlocks the recall and service history. If you are unsure between two options, rent one of them for a week first.

The MX-5 and Java

If you are starting from Toronto, rent the car here and drive it to Java. We have no location in Java; CarmaCars rents from Toronto, about 442 km away.

When you know your dates

Rent it for a week, then decide: send a request with your dates.