Used Mazda MX-5 Miata for Sale nearDakota, IL

How much does the Mazda MX-5 Miata cost in today's market?

Used Mazda MX-5 Miata prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Mazda MX-5 Miata's current nationwide average price is $25,546, and its lowest point over the past year was $22,212. Recently, prices have eased on the 2024 models, while other recent model years have held firm or risen.

Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata a good car?

Yes — the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a strong choice if you want a fun, engaging roadster with broad owner appeal. The all-generations owner rating is 4.8/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Miata for its fun driving experience, sharp handling, and stylish design. Across the model years, the car’s lightweight feel, responsive steering, and playful character come through as recurring strengths, along with a reputation for reliability and easy ownership.

Expert reviews rate the 2016 and 2017 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs that show up in recent expert coverage are limited cargo room, a snug cabin, and infotainment that can feel clunky. For used buyers, that means the Miata works best when you value driving enjoyment and open-air character more than everyday space and convenience.

29.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Mazda MX-5 Miata models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the Mazda MX-5 Miata as dependable, fun to drive, and easy to live with over time. The strongest recurring themes are reliability, engaging handling, and a simple, well-built feel that helps the car age well.

• Owners rate the Mazda MX-5 Miata between 4.5 and 5 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is generally low if you choose a well-kept example and verify its history and maintenance records.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 76.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2021 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: lane-departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and cruise control
• Infotainment: an 8.8-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless on Club and Grand Touring trims
• Fuel efficiency: 26 miles per gallon in the city, 34 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg combined

Which Mazda MX-5 Miata trim should I buy?

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata offers these trims:

• Sport: The entry trim keeps the Miata’s core formula focused on light, engaging driving and is the most affordable way into the lineup.
• Club: This is the best-value trim if you want a more performance-focused setup, with the optional Brembo BBS Recaro package, rear lip spoiler, gloss black front air dam, and 17-inch BBS wheels.
• Grand Touring: This trim adds black leather seating, available tan Nappa leather, navigation, and the automatic transmission option.
• RF Club: This retractable fastback version adds the hard-top body style and includes the Brembo BBS Recaro package as standard.
• RF Grand Touring: This hard-top trim combines the RF body style with the Grand Touring equipment and the automatic transmission option.
• 35th Anniversary Edition: This low-production special edition adds exclusivity to the lineup.

What Mazda MX-5 Miata do most buyers choose?

The Mazda MX-5 Miata years with the most listings are 2024, 2025, and 2023.

Higher-volume years usually give you more choices in trims, colors, and condition, which makes it easier to find the right used Miata. They also tend to be the years shoppers cross-shop most often, so inventory stays deeper.

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

The price movement is mixed, with several years edging down and several others moving up. That gives used buyers some opportunities, but it also shows that certain model years continue to command stronger prices. The overall pattern suggests you should compare year, mileage, and condition closely rather than assuming every older Miata is automatically cheaper.

The 2018 and 2021 model years are holding steady, with prices close to flat year-over-year.

The 2022, 2020, and 2016 model years have held their value best, with prices flat to rising year-over-year.

Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata safe?

• 2025: 5/10
• 2024: 4/10
• 2023: 3/10
• 2022: 3/10
• 2021: 5/10
• 2019: 5/10
• 2017: 7/10
• 2016: 6/10

For the safest used buy, the 2017 model posts the highest confirmed score of 7/10.

Should I buy a used Mazda MX-5 Miata now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2024 model is at −3.07% versus a year ago, and the 2021 model is at −0.14%.
• Deal availability: The 2024 model has 34.8% good and great deals.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2024 model has the most listings at a current average price of $30,403. The Mazda MX-5 Miata offers a lightweight, playful driving character that makes even routine drives feel special.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: Every MX-5 gets a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque going to the rear wheels, and it returns 26 miles per gallon in the city, 34 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg combined.
• Tech: The infotainment system is housed on an 8.8-inch screen controlled by a rotary dial, and all trims get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless on Club and Grand Touring trims.
• Safety: Every trim gets lane-departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and cruise control, while the Grand Touring trim adds automatic high beams and traffic sign recognition.
• Starting price: The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata starts at $31,065 including destination.

If you're buying used today, the 2024 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for the next model year's inventory to build up.

How does the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata compare to the 2024 Toyota GR86?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.