Used 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata for Sale nearForrest, IL

Is the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata a good car?

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata earns a 7.5/10 expert rating, and the standout strength is Performance at 10/10. It is built as a rear-wheel-drive, two-seat convertible with a soft top or hard top, and the core appeal is simple: you buy it for driving fun, especially in the corners. The trade-offs are just as clear, with minimal cargo space, a cramped interior, and technology that can be frustrating to use. It also may leave you wanting more straight-line power. Even so, the Miata’s stylish design and precise handling make it a strong fit if you want a pure roadster experience rather than everyday practicality. Good and great deals account for 39.4% of listings, which gives you a decent chance to find a competitive price.

Is the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata is presented as a simple, back-to-basics sports car, and that simplicity generally works in its favor for long-term ownership. It uses a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a six-speed manual is standard, and the car’s mechanical setup is straightforward rather than complicated. The expert notes also point to strong driving dynamics and a well-sorted chassis, which suggests a car engineered around consistency rather than novelty. Mazda’s warranty coverage includes a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty, and 24/7 roadside assistance for three years or 36,000 miles. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about complexity and more about whether the car has been driven hard or neglected, since this is the kind of sports car that often sees enthusiastic use.

What should I look for when buying a used 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 93.6% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report and verify that the car’s condition matches its mileage and asking price. A pre-purchase inspection is especially important if you’re considering a car with sporty options or a hard-used appearance, since this model is often driven enthusiastically. Pay close attention to the interior, top operation, and any signs that the car has been used as a weekend toy rather than a lightly driven commuter.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Sport, Club, and Grand Touring trims define the lineup, with the soft top available across the range and the RF hard top limited to Club and Grand Touring. The base trim is the most stripped-down, while the Grand Touring adds leather seating and a more upscale feel.
• Powertrain: Every MX-5 gets a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, paired with rear-wheel drive. A six-speed manual is standard, and the automatic is limited to the Grand Touring trim.
• Safety package: Every trim gets lane-departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and cruise control. The Grand Touring adds automatic high beams and traffic sign recognition, while automatic-transmission top trims also get adaptive cruise control and a distance and speed alert.
• Infotainment: The cabin uses an 8.8-inch screen controlled by a rotary dial. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and wireless smartphone integration is included on Club and Grand Touring trims.
• Fuel efficiency: The Miata is rated at 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.

Which 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata trim should I buy?

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata is offered in 4 trim levels: Sport, Club, Grand Touring, and 35th Anniversary Edition.

Here's the short version:

• Sport: This is the simplest way into the Miata experience, and it gives you the core formula without extra frills. It suits you if you want the lightest, most straightforward roadster and care more about driving feel than features.
• Club: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the more enthusiast-focused character without jumping all the way to the top of the range. It is also the trim that can be paired with the Brembo BBS Recaro package, which sharpens the car’s sporty intent.
• Grand Touring: Choose this if you want the most comfort and convenience in the lineup. It adds leather seating, automatic high beams, traffic sign recognition, and the automatic transmission option.
• 35th Anniversary Edition: This is the special-edition choice if you want exclusivity and a low-production model, but the data here does not suggest it is the value pick.

Every trim gets lane-departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and cruise control.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage but still need to compare carefully.

• Deal availability: 39.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 421 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 93.6% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata safe?

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata has not been rated by either NHTSA or IIHS. It earns a 5/10 safety score from our experts.

Every trim gets lane-departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and cruise control. The Grand Touring trim adds automatic high beams and traffic sign recognition, and automatic-transmission top trims also get adaptive cruise control plus a distance and speed alert. Mazda also equips the car with dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, and door beams. The main caveat is that this is still a back-to-basics sports car, so you should not expect the latest advanced driver-assistance coverage across the lineup.

Should I buy a 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2025 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2025 if:

• 39.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 93.6% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• It keeps the Miata formula focused on precise handling, top-down fun, and a manual-first driving experience.

Consider the 2024 if:

• It adds new steering, a reworked limited-slip rear differential, and a more refined infotainment setup.

The bottom line: If you want the current-year Miata and you value the classic roadster formula, the 2025 is the easy pick. If you are shopping more carefully on price or want the prior year’s added steering and infotainment updates, the 2024 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.