Used 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata cost?

Prices have softened 1.23% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 236 listings available, which suggests a modest but workable pool of inventory for shoppers.

Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata earns a 4.67/5 user rating and a 5.83/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Performance at 8/10.

Owners consistently praise its fun-to-drive character, strong performance, and stylish design, and they also call out the quality build and attention to detail. The overview points to the same use case: you’re looking at a rear-wheel-drive sports car that works well as an engaging weekend car or a budget-friendly third-garage-stall option.

The trade-offs are familiar for this kind of car: limited cargo space, noticeable noise, and outdated technology. Even so, the Miata’s combination of driving enjoyment and approachable positioning makes it a compelling choice if you value the experience more than practicality.

Good and great deals account for 41.1% of listings, which gives you a decent chance of finding a competitive offer.

Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback also points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with praise for quality build and attention to detail. On the expert side, the car’s connected, engaging driving character and forgiving clutch support the sense that it’s easy to live with over time.

Mazda’s warranty coverage adds some reassurance for used buyers, and the model’s straightforward mechanical setup should help keep long-term ownership risk manageable if the car has been maintained well.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 80.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace documentation. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear items, top condition, and signs of hard use, especially if the car has been driven as a weekend toy. Pay close attention to the cabin and cargo area too, since condition matters a lot in a small sports car.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Sport, Club, and Grand Touring trims differ in equipment, with the higher grades adding a more premium interior and more convenience features. Base models get cloth upholstery, while the higher grade gets black leather seats, and the Club and Grand Touring can be had with the retractable fastback configuration.
• Powertrain: Every model uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard, a six-speed automatic is available, and the car is rear-wheel drive only.
• Safety package: Standard safety equipment includes low-speed braking support, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, a tire pressure monitoring system, and an engine immobilizer. Automatic high beams, traffic sign recognition technology, and an anti-theft alarm are available upgrades.
• Infotainment: Standard tech includes a 7-inch touchscreen, USB port, Bluetooth, HD Radio, AUX jack, and a six-speaker sound system. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, two USB ports, and a Bose nine-speaker audio system are available, but Mazda Connect is not.
• Fuel efficiency: The manual transmission is EPA-estimated at 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, while the automatic reaches 30 mpg combined.

Which 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata trim should I buy?

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is offered in 3 trim levels: MX-5 Sport, MX-5 Club, and MX-5 Grand Touring.

Here's the short version:

• MX-5 Sport: This is the entry point, and it gives you the core Miata experience at the lowest price. It makes the most sense if you want the lightest path into the car and do not need the extra comfort or convenience features found higher up.
• MX-5 Club: This is the best-value trim if you want the more performance-focused setup, since it adds the sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks, limited-slip differential, and front shock tower brace. It suits you best if you care most about driving feel and want the Miata’s enthusiast character without moving all the way to the top trim.
• MX-5 Grand Touring: This is the trim to choose if you want the most premium cabin and the most comfort-oriented setup. It adds the more upscale interior treatment and more convenience features, making it the best fit if you want a Miata that feels a bit more refined for regular use.

Safety-wise, the standard feature set is strong across the lineup, with additional items available on higher-spec builds.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

The market leans in your favor right now, especially if you’re shopping carefully and comparing listings.

• Deal availability: 41.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 236 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.23% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 80.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $23,910, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata's resale value?

The current average of $25,521 sits slightly below last year's $25,839.

That modest decline suggests the market has softened a bit, which can help you as a buyer today but may temper short-term gains if you plan to resell soon. For a future seller, the current pricing trend implies you should expect value to hold reasonably well rather than surge.

The Miata’s niche appeal helps support demand, especially among shoppers who want a fun, affordable sports car. If you keep mileage reasonable and condition strong, you should be in a better position when it’s time to sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.67/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata safe?

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata comes with a good list of standard safety features including low-speed braking support, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, a tire pressure monitoring system, and an engine immobilizer.

It earns a 5/10 safety score from our experts.

The standard driver-assistance suite is solid for the class, and you can add automatic high beams, traffic sign recognition technology, and an anti-theft alarm. The main caveat is that the model has not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, so you do not get the reassurance of published crash-test results.

Should I buy a 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 41.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 80.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.23% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 carries over the Miata’s engaging rear-wheel-drive formula with few changes.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $27,896, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $25,521 average.
• It adds Kinematic Posture Control for sharper cornering stability.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2021 is the smarter buy because it combines a lower average price with strong owner satisfaction and a healthy share of good deals. If you’re willing to pay more for the newer-year upgrade, the 2022 is the better path for buyers who want the added chassis refinement.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.