Used 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata for Sale nearWaterloo, IA

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

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata earns a 7.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Performance at 10/10. It fits your use case if you want a rear-wheel-drive, two-seat convertible that prioritizes driving enjoyment, precise handling, and a stylish roadster look over everyday practicality. The trade-offs are clear: it has minimal cargo space, a cramped interior, and technology that can be frustrating to use. For shoppers who value fun and handling more than space or straight-line speed, it remains a compelling choice, and 37.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

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 is part of its appeal for long-term ownership. Its 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, six-speed manual standard setup, and straightforward driver-focused layout suggest a low-complexity ownership experience compared with more complicated sports cars. Mazda also 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. The performance notes also point to a durable-feeling chassis setup with strong steering feedback and a suspension tuned for control. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about mechanical complexity and more about living with a small, firm, purpose-built roadster over time.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 90% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report and verify that the car has not had hidden bodywork or track-day abuse. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the convertible top, suspension condition, brake wear, and interior wear, since this is a small sports car that may have been driven hard. Pay close attention to how the technology and driver-assistance features function, because the cabin is simple and the infotainment setup can be frustrating.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring are offered with the soft top, while the RF hard-top version is only available in Club and Grand Touring trims. The base trim is the most stripped-down, so you should expect fewer comfort and convenience features than the higher trims.
• Powertrain: Every MX-5 gets a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, paired with a standard six-speed manual. A six-speed automatic is available only on 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 trim adds automatic high beams and traffic sign recognition. Top trims with the automatic transmission also get adaptive cruise control and a distance and speed alert.
• Infotainment: The car uses an 8.8-inch screen controlled by a rotary dial. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and they are wireless on Club and Grand Touring trims.
• Fuel efficiency: The Miata earns 26 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined.

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

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata is offered in 5 trim levels: Sport, Club, Grand Touring, RF Club, and RF Grand Touring.

Here's the short version:

• Sport: This is the simplest way into the Miata experience, and it makes sense if you want the core roadster formula without paying for extras you may not need.
• Club: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds a more performance-focused setup and is the sweet spot if you want the Miata’s sporty character without going all the way to the top.
• Grand Touring: Choose this if you want the most comfort and convenience features, including the automatic transmission option and the added safety and tech content.
• RF Club: Pick this if you want the retractable hard-top body style and the more performance-oriented Club setup.
• RF Grand Touring: This is the most upscale hard-top choice, combining the RF body with the Grand Touring’s added comfort and convenience features.

The Grand Touring trim adds automatic high beams and traffic sign recognition, and automatic-transmission top trims also get adaptive cruise control and a distance and speed alert.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully without expecting deep discounts everywhere.

• Deal availability: 37.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 412 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 90.0% 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, while top trims with the automatic transmission also get adaptive cruise control and a distance and speed alert. Mazda also includes dual front airbags, side impact airbags, and door beams. The main caveat is that this is a back-to-basics sports car, so you should not expect the latest advanced driver-assistance coverage.

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:

• 37.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 90% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• It keeps the classic roadster formula with a standard manual transmission and a strong focus on driving fun.

Consider the 2024 if:

• It adds new steering, a reworked limited-slip differential, and updated infotainment.

The bottom line: Choose the 2025 if you want the current Miata formula and a healthy share of good deals in the market. If you are price-sensitive and want a similar driving experience, the 2024 is worth a look for its updates and potentially lower average pricing.

How does the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata compare to the 2025 Toyota GR86?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata:

• Pros: Fun to drive, Great handling, Stylish design.
• Cons: Unintuitive technology, Not much cargo space, Limited interior space.

2025 Toyota GR86:

• Pros: Stylish design, Great handling, Manual transmission available.
• Cons: Cramped back seat, Outdated technology.

Our experts score the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata 7.5/10 and the 2025 Toyota GR86 7.8/10. The Miata is the more open-air, roadster-focused choice, while the GR86 gives you more power and a slightly higher expert score. If you care most about top-down driving and classic sports-car charm, the Miata stands out; if you want a coupe with stronger straight-line performance, the GR86 has the edge.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.