Used Mazda MX-5 Miata for Sale nearWilmington, NC

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 $27,202, and its lowest point over the past year was $22,198. 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 pick if you want a lightweight roadster that puts driving enjoyment first. The all-generations owner rating is 4.77/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Miata for its fun-to-drive character, sharp handling, and stylish design. Across the model years, the recurring themes are nimble performance, responsive steering, and the kind of open-air driving experience that makes even routine trips feel special.

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 space, a snug cabin, and technology that can feel less intuitive than the rest of the car’s personality. For used buyers, that means the Miata makes the most sense if you value driving feel and simplicity over everyday practicality.

30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Mazda MX-5 Miata models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently describe the Mazda MX-5 Miata as a fun, engaging roadster with strong handling and a reputation for dependable ownership. The model’s long-running appeal comes from its simple formula, and owner feedback repeatedly highlights easy-to-enjoy driving and solid build quality.

• 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 if you choose carefully and verify condition, maintenance history, and accident records.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 78.7% — 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 point if you want the core Miata experience with the soft top and the model’s lightweight, driver-focused character.
• Club: The best-value trim for buyers who want a more performance-oriented setup, including the sporty feel that pairs well with the optional Brembo BBS Recaro package.
• Grand Touring: The trim to choose if you want the most comfort-focused equipment, including black leather seating and the automatic transmission option.
• RF Club: The retractable fastback choice for buyers who want the hard-top body style along with the Brembo BBS Recaro package as standard fare.
• RF Grand Touring: The top hard-top trim if you want the RF body style with the Grand Touring equipment set and automatic transmission availability.
• 35th Anniversary Edition: The special-edition choice for shoppers who want a low-production version with added collectability.

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 combine strong availability with recent-model appeal, giving you more choices at prices that still reflect used-car value. They also line up with the Miata’s core strengths, which keeps demand steady among shoppers looking for a fun, recognizable roadster.

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

The table shows a mixed picture, with some recent years easing while others are moving higher. For used buyers, that creates opportunities in the years that have softened, while the stronger years suggest the Miata continues to command solid demand.

The 2018 model year is holding steady, with prices close to flat year-over-year.

The 2019, 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 −2.64% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −0.2%.
• Deal availability: The 2024 model has 38.3% good and great deals.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2024 model has the most listings at a current average price of $31,315. The Mazda MX-5 Miata offers a playful, lightweight roadster character that makes every drive 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.
• 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.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.