Used Mazda MX-5 Miata for Sale nearRichmond, VA

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 $29,935, and its lowest point over the past year was $29,935. 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 roadster 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, great handling, and stylish design. Across the model years, the Miata also earns repeat praise for its engaging steering feel and lightweight, playful personality.

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

The main trade-offs in recent expert-reviewed years center on technology, cargo space, and cabin room.

32.2% 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 a dependable, easy-to-enjoy roadster with strong long-term appeal. Expert reviews also reinforce its reputation for engaging handling and a simple, durable character.

• 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 stays relatively low when you choose a well-kept example with a clean history and regular maintenance.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 76.6% — 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: 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 formula focused on the essentials, and it suits you if you want the classic roadster experience at the lowest step in the lineup.
• Club: This is the best-value trim if you want the sportiest 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, making it the right pick if you want the most comfort and convenience.
• 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 hard-top trim combines the retractable fastback roof with the Grand Touring equipment and the automatic transmission option.
• 35th Anniversary Edition: This low-production special edition adds exclusivity to the Miata 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.

These higher-volume years tend to be popular because they give you more inventory to compare, more pricing spread to shop, and a strong mix of recent features and used-car value.

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

The table shows a mixed resale picture, with some years moving down and others moving up. That means you can still find value in the used market, but pricing varies by model year and demand. The smallest changes are close to flat, while the larger increases show that some Miata years continue to command stronger prices.

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

The 2016, 2020, and 2022 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 −3.4% versus a year ago, and the 2021 model is at −0.1%.
• 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 $29,935. The Mazda MX-5 Miata offers a classic roadster character that makes it easy to enjoy every drive.

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 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata compare to the 2016 Ford Mustang?

Our experts score the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata 8/10 and the 2016 Ford Mustang 7.5/10. The Miata is the lighter, more focused roadster, while the Mustang brings much more power and a broader muscle-car character. If you want a playful, affordable sports car with strong efficiency and a smaller footprint, the Miata fits that brief well; if you want straight-line performance and a larger cabin, the Mustang leans that way.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.