Used 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata for SaleNationwide

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

Prices have held steady compared to this time last year, signaling a stable and predictable market for this model year.

There are 223 listings available, which suggests a modest amount of inventory for you to compare.

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

Yes — you’re looking at a 4.67/5 user-rated car with an expert rating of 5.83/10. The standout strength is Performance at 8/10.

Owners consistently praise the Miata’s exceptional driving experience, stylish design, and strong performance. They also highlight its attention to detail and quality build. In practical terms, that lines up with the car’s role as a budget-friendly, engaging third-car option that prioritizes fun over everyday utility.

The trade-offs are familiar: limited cargo space and wind noise at highway speeds. The market still shows 39.5% good or great deals, which means you can still find value if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?

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

The owner feedback points to a car that feels dependable, with praise for its quality build and the kind of trouble-free ownership experience shoppers often want from a weekend or third car. The expert evaluation also emphasizes that the Miata is simple and focused, which usually helps keep ownership straightforward.

Mazda’s warranty coverage adds some reassurance, and the car’s mechanical setup is uncomplicated compared with many modern sports cars. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about complexity and more about whether the car has been driven hard or neglected.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a small sports car can be more likely to have seen spirited use. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear items, signs of curb rash or track use, and whether the car’s condition matches its mileage. Pay extra attention to the top, interior wear, and any evidence of hard driving.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Sport is the simplest version, while the Club and Grand Touring add more comfort and convenience. Base models get cloth upholstery, while higher grades bring a more premium cabin feel. The Club and Grand Touring are also available with the retractable fastback body style, which changes the car’s look and usability.
• Powertrain: Every version uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard, and a six-speed automatic is available. The car is rear-wheel drive only, and the manual is slightly less fuel-efficient than the automatic.
• Safety package: Standard 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 offered.
• Fuel efficiency: The manual transmission is EPA-estimated at 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. The automatic improves combined fuel economy to 30 mpg.

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 if you want the Miata experience at the lowest price. You still get the core formula: the 2.0-liter engine, manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and the standard safety and tech features. It makes the most sense if you care more about driving feel than luxury extras.
• MX-5 Club: This is the best-value trim if you want the most engaging setup without jumping too far in price. It adds the performance-focused character of the lineup, including the sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks, limited-slip differential, and front shock tower brace. If you want the Miata at its most driver-focused, this is the trim to target.
• MX-5 Grand Touring: This is the trim to choose if you want the most premium cabin and the most comfort-oriented setup. It brings the more upscale interior treatment and adds convenience features that make the car easier to live with, especially if you plan to use it more often than just for weekend drives.

The safety package is standard across the lineup, with additional safety-related features available on higher-spec builds.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but should move quickly on strong listings.

• Deal availability: 39.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 223 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 79.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $23,925, 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 $25,837 sits slightly above last year's $25,652.

That small increase suggests the Miata has held value well rather than swinging sharply in either direction. For a future seller, that kind of stability is helpful because it points to steady buyer interest and a market that isn’t being flooded with steep discounts.

The year-round range also shows that pricing remains fairly contained, which can help you estimate a realistic resale window. If you keep the car in clean condition and avoid accident history, you’re more likely to stay near the stronger end of the market.

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.

Mazda also offers automatic high beams, traffic sign recognition technology, and an anti-theft alarm as available upgrades. The main caveat is that there are no crash-test ratings cited here, so you should lean more heavily on the standard safety equipment and the vehicle’s condition when shopping used.

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:

• 39.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It remains a budget-friendly, engaging third-car option with a manual transmission and strong handling.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $28,049, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $25,837 average.
• It adds Kinematic Posture Control for sharper cornering stability.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2021 is the smarter buy because it delivers the core Miata experience at a lower average price. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer model-year update, the 2022 is the better secondary path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.