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 $27,221, and its year-round low is $22,198.25. That gives you a useful snapshot of where this model sits right now across the years in the data. 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 4.77/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Miata for its fun-to-drive character, great handling, and stylish design. Across the years, the recurring themes are nimble performance, responsive steering, and a lightweight feel that makes even short drives entertaining.

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

The main trade-offs are the snug cabin, limited cargo room, and technology that can feel less intuitive in some years. Those are the kinds of compromises you accept for a car that delivers such a focused, playful driving experience.

26.0% 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 fun, engaging sports car with strong build quality and dependable day-to-day ownership. Expert commentary also reinforces its reputation for lively handling and a simple, durable formula that has helped the model stay popular for years.

• 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 is generally shaped more by condition, mileage, and maintenance history than by the model’s core character.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 78.6% — 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, cruise control, automatic high beams, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and a distance and speed alert
• Infotainment: an 8.8-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless on Club and Grand Touring trims

Which Mazda MX-5 Miata trim should I buy?

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata offers these trims:

• Sport: the entry point for the soft-top lineup, with the Miata’s core rear-wheel-drive roadster character and a strong value focus.
• Club: the best-value trim if you want the sportiest setup, with the optional Brembo BBS Recaro package, upgraded front brakes, and Recaro seats for more support when the road turns twisty.
• Grand Touring: the most upscale soft-top choice, adding black leather seating and the option for automatic transmission.
• RF Club: the retractable fastback choice for buyers who want the hard-top body style, and it includes the Brembo BBS Recaro package as standard.
• RF Grand Touring: the hard-top trim with the more premium cabin treatment, plus the automatic transmission option.

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 the easiest place to shop because you get more inventory to compare and more chances to find the right color, trim, and condition. They also tend to be the years most shoppers cross-shop first, which helps keep selection broad.

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

The table shows a mixed picture: a few years are easing slightly, while several others are moving higher. That means you can still find some attractive used-buy opportunities, but the strongest-value years are the ones that have already shown steadier pricing.

The 2017 model year is holding steady, with prices close to flat year-over-year.

The 2022, 2021, 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 −1.88% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −2.22%.
• Deal availability: The 2024 model has 30.2% good and great deals.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2024 model has the most listings at a current average price of $31,703. 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: Fortunately all trims get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto– wireless on Club and Grand Touring trims– and when these apps are running, the screen magically functions as a touchscreen.
• Safety: Still, 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 2027 inventory to mature.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.