(October 17, 2017) A new decision tree from RealMazdaParts.com helps Mazda MX-5 Miata owners make an educated decision about whether or not to loan their car to a friend. Whether a long-term office buddy has finally scored a date with his crush on the first floor or a best girlfriend is asking to arrive at a beach party weekend in a convertible, a Miata owner may face the stress-inducing ‘can I borrow your car?’ question.

The step-by-step chart below guides Miata owners through the important questions that must be asked before handing over the keys.

“We know the MX-5 is more affordable than a Porsche or BMW,” says Bob Cockerham, director of RealMazdaParts.com. “But does the low sticker price make it any easier to loan your car to a friend? For instance, if your friend used to be a professional BMX racer, that's probably not someone you want to hand the keys to."

Some live by the adage "only loan what you can afford to lose." That's sound advice before handing over the keys to an MX-5 Miata, which is often described as one of the best cars ever made. Renowned for their extraordinary handling and visceral qualities, each generation of Miata since 1990 has been critically acclaimed.

When a friend asks to borrow the keys to your MX-5, it's easy to understand why. Of course, if that friend has a 4-a-day energy drink habit and owns the Fast and Furious box set, the decision tree indicates that you would be wise to decline.

"According to our decision tree, there's never a good reason to lend your Miata. To anyone. Ever," says Cockerham.