Used Mazda MX-5 Miata for Sale nearKnoxville, TN

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 $25,696, and its lowest point over the past year was $22,209. 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 small sports car that puts driving enjoyment first. The all-generations owner rating is 4.8/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise its fun-to-drive character, sharp handling, and stylish design. The Miata also earns repeat praise for its responsive steering and lightweight feel, which make it especially rewarding on winding roads.

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

The main trade-offs across recent expert-reviewed years center on limited cargo room, a snug cabin, and technology that can feel less intuitive than the rest of the car’s personality. If you can live with those compromises, the Miata delivers a rare mix of charm, reliability, and driving fun.

32.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Mazda MX-5 Miata models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently praise the Mazda MX-5 Miata for its dependable character, easy maintenance, and strong overall value. Across the model years in the data, it also stands out for delivering a fun driving experience without asking much from you in return.

• 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 carefully.

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 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: The entry trim keeps the Miata’s core formula focused on light, rear-wheel-drive fun and is the starting point if you want the simplest way into the lineup.
• Club: This is the best-value trim if you want the sportiest setup, with the optional Brembo BBS Recaro package adding upgraded front brakes and Recaro seats for more support when the road turns twisty.
• Grand Touring: This trim adds black leather seating, with tan Nappa leather available, plus the automatic transmission and navigation on the top trim.
• RF: The retractable fastback hard-top version adds a quieter highway experience and a vintage fastback look, and it is offered in Club and Grand Touring trims.
• 35th Anniversary Edition: This low-production special edition gives you a limited-run version of the Miata for shoppers 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.

These higher-volume years tend to be the easiest places to shop because you get more inventory to compare and a better chance of finding the right color, trim, and condition. They also tend to attract more buyers, which helps keep the selection active.

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

The table shows a mixed picture, with one recent year moving down while several others are edging upward. That means you can still find some attractive pricing, but values are not moving in just one direction across the lineup. For used shoppers, the flatter years can be especially appealing because they suggest steadier pricing.

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

The 2016, 2022, and 2020 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 −3.47% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −0.12%.
• Deal availability: The 2024 model has 39.3% good and great deals.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2024 model has the most listings at a current average price of $30,102. The Mazda MX-5 Miata offers a playful, lightweight roadster character that makes everyday driving 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 earns 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.
• 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 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.