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WHEELER dealers star Mike Brewer has revealed one of his top second-hand car picks and - and it's a modern "bulletproof" Japanese classic.

The TV host says this sporty model offers great value for money, making it a standout choice for buyers looking for a reliable and fun drive.

Man in One Automotive jacket standing in front of cars.
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Mike Brewer has named this modern Japanese classic as one of the best bargains on the second-hand market, praising its reliability and fun factorCredit: oneautomotiveuk
A blue Mazda MX-5 convertible driving on a road.
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The Mazda MX-5 Mk3, produced from 2005 to 2015, was the first MX-5 to feature a retractable hardtop optionCredit: Mazda

The Mazda MX-5 Mk3, built from 2005 to 2015, is one of the best bargains on the second-hand market.

In fact, Mike has been full of praise for the Japanese sports car, calling it "amazing" and excellent value for money.

He told the Telegraph: "The Mazda MX-5 Mk3 takes the best of what British sports cars like MG and Healey had to offer, then reverse-engineers it into something even better.

"It's one of the best fun cars you'll ever drive, and they're fundamentally bulletproof."

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Automotive experts at Parkers highlight the Mazda MX-5 as a top choice for driving enthusiasts.

However, there are a couple of trade-offs.

Experts at Parkers describe it as "not very practical," with limited storage space and cramped interiors.

Additionally, its fuel economy falls short of being impressive, averaging between 34-40mpg.

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For those on the hunt for a bargain, WhatCar? suggests that you can pick up a well-maintained MX-5 from this generation for as little as £3,000 with the 2009 facelifted version going for around £4,000 if it has average or lower mileage.

Given that these cars are often used as weekend drivers, many models have lower mileage than the average for their age.

However, buyers should be cautious, as rust is a known issue with this generation, particularly on the sills and wheel arches.

A full service history is recommended to ensure key components, such as the soft-top roof mechanism and suspension, are in good condition.

Three generations of Mazda MX-5 Miata parked in a field.
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It first introduced better safety features, including airbags and traction control, while maintaining the lightweight, rear-wheel-drive formula that made the MX-5 famousCredit: Alamy
Mike Brewer standing next to a white BMW.
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The Mazda MX-5 Mk3 had a more rigid chassis and a larger 2.0L engine (1.8L in some markets), producing up to 170 hp, making it more powerful than its predecessorsCredit: YouTube/@MikeBrewerMotorsUK
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