Used Mazda MX-5 Miata for Sale near Illinois

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 $27,548, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $22,198 over the past year.

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 earns strong praise from owners across every generation for its fun driving experience, sharp handling, and stylish design.

The all-generations owner rating is 4.77/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently highlight the Miata's nimble performance, responsive steering, and lightweight feel, and they also praise its engaging, open-air character. The car's sporty design and overall driving enjoyment come up again and again, especially for buyers who value a roadster that feels lively on winding roads.

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

The main trade-offs that show up in recent expert reviews are limited cargo room, a snug cabin, and technology that can feel clunky in daily use.

29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Mazda MX-5 Miata models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently praise the Miata for its fun driving character, strong handling, and overall dependability. The model's reputation is reinforced by owner feedback that repeatedly points to easy ownership, solid build quality, and a rewarding driving experience.

• Owners rate the Mazda MX-5 Miata between 4.5 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk looks manageable when you choose a well-kept example and verify service history.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 79.1% — 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: every trim gets lane-departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and cruise control.
• Infotainment: the 8.8-inch infotainment 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: This is the entry point for the soft-top lineup and gives you the core Miata formula with the standard manual transmission and the model's lightweight, driver-focused character.
• Club: This is the best-value trim if you want the sportiest setup, with the available 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, automatic transmission availability and the most upscale cabin presentation in the lineup.
• RF Club: This hard-top version adds the retractable fastback roof and includes the Brembo BBS Recaro package as standard fare.
• RF Grand Touring: This is the top hard-top trim and combines the retractable fastback body with the Grand Touring's more upscale interior treatment and automatic transmission availability.
• 35th Anniversary Edition: This low-production special edition gives you a commemorative version of the Miata for buyers who want something more exclusive.

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 tend to be popular because they give you more inventory to compare, which can make it easier to find the right color, trim, and price. They also often sit close to the sweet spot between newer features and used-car value.

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

The table shows a mixed resale picture, with some recent years easing and several others moving higher. That means you can still find value in the used market, but pricing varies enough that condition, mileage, and trim matter a lot. The strongest examples are the ones that combine desirable equipment with cleaner history and stronger demand.

The 2018 model year is 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

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

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 −2.45% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −0.56%.
• Deal availability: The 2024 model has 35.3% good and great deals.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2024 model has the most listings at a current average price of $31,446. The Mazda MX-5 Miata offers a playful, lightweight roadster character that makes everyday 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.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.