Long-Term Road Tests

Daily updates on our fleet of cars and trucks

Mazda MX-5: Service and Soccer

Last Thursday our Mazda MX-5 paid a quick  visit to Long Beach Mazda for regular service. Service Writer Steve, quite possibly the world's nicest guy, facilitated our oil change needs in record time. Total cost: $70.97.

On Friday night, my husband and I jumped in the MX-5 to make the near 1,000-mile round-trip to Sacramento for a youth soccer tournament...

On the way up Barry did most of the driving, with few complaints. He grumbled a bit about the narrow window sills, smacking his elbow repeatedly against the glass as he was looking for an arm rest when the window was up. He did concede that it was a small complaint given that the cockpit is otherwise very driver-oriented.

We became accustomed to the wind noise, although attempting to use my mobile phone's voice recognition feature failed repeatedly. "Speak louder," it demanded.

The MX-5's aggressive exhaust note garnered attention as we pulled into the tournament parking lot amid a sea of SUVs and minivans. Several seventh grade boys came running over to check out the blue Mazda saying, "This car is cool," and "Look at me, I'm taller than the car."

The trunk was adequate for our overnight luggage, but when it came time to load-up the soccer gear, our personal belongings had to be left behind.

Six hours each way in the MX-5 sounded like it would be a real chore, but once we settled in, it was an enjoyable trip.

Tournament results: 2-1-1.

Kelly Toepke, Manager of Vehicle Testing at 9,124 miles

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