Used Mazda Miata for Sale by Owner

Check out these Mazda Miatas for sale by owner. Find your dream car, then finish the deal with the convenience of the world's only transactional marketplace.
Used Mazda Miata For Sale By Owner

About the Mazda Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight, two-seat roadster that embodies the essence of a classic sports car. Launched in 1989, it was Mazda's modern take on beloved British roadsters like the Lotus Elan and MGB. The Miata quickly became a legend, reviving the affordable sports car market and earning a Guinness World Record as the best-selling two-seat convertible in history.

Both compact and agile, it is a great choice for driving enthusiasts who crave a raw, unfiltered driving experience. Over four generations (NA, NB, NC, ND), Mazda has meticulously refined the Miata while staying true to its "jinba ittai" (horse and rider as one) philosophy.

Under the hood, the current Miata packs a punch with its 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine, producing 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque—a far cry from the original's modest 116 hp. This powertrain is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, a tradition carried from the NA's precise 5-speed. This setup offers a thrilling driving experience, boasting a 7,000 rpm rev-happy engine.

The Miata's lightweight design (2,339 pounds) makes it a nimble and responsive car on the road. This featherweight status is a defining trait; even as cars grew heavier, the ND is just 148 pounds more than the 1989 original. Its rear-wheel drive and limited-slip differential efficiently distribute power to the rear wheels, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads.
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Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport is the base trim level, combining performance, style, and the pleasure of driving.

The standard features of the modern Sport include:

SKYACTIV®-G24 2.0 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT
LED headlights
LED tail lights
Daytime running lights
Variable-intermittent windshield wipers
Black power side mirrors
Body-colored front bumper, rear bumper, and door handles
Aluminum hood
Aluminum trunk lid
Solar-control/tinted windshield
Rear-mounted mast antenna
Black cloth convertible top
Trunk light
16 x 6 aluminum alloy wheels in Metallic Black finish
P195/50 R16 high-performance tires
Air conditioning
Power windows with driver's and passenger's one-touch-down feature
Side window demisters
Power door locks with speed sensor
Cruise control
Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry system
Push button start
Remote trunk lid release
Tilt & telescoping steering column
Driver's and passenger's vanity mirrors
Courtesy overhead light with dimming
12-volt power outlet
Mesh aero board wind blocker
Glass rear window with defogger
2 removable cup holders
Locking rear center console
Driver's and passenger's back panel-covered storage
2-passenger seating capacity
Bucket seats with reclining and forward/back slide feature
Driver's side seat tilt adjustment
Integrated headrests
Black cloth-trimmed seats
Black seat back bar trim
Leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel
Leather-wrapped shift knob
Leather-wrapped parking brake handle
Padded armrests
Carpet floor mats
Driver foot rest
Black upper door trim
AM/FM audio system with 6 speakers including driver's side headrest speakers
Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming capability
Speed-sensing automatic volume control
Dual USB-C audio inputs
Steering-wheel-mounted audio, phone, and cruise controls
Apple CarPlay™ integration
Android Auto™ integration
Alexa
8.8" full-color center display
Multifunction Commander control
Infotainment system voice command
Radio Broadcast Data System program information
HD Radio™
Pandora® radio integration
SMS text message audio delivery and reply
Mobile 911 automatic emergency notification
Full instrumentation, including tachometer, coolant temperature gauge, and fuel gauge
Black gauges with white lettering
Trip computer (distance to empty, average fuel economy, current fuel economy, and average vehicle speed)
4-wheel independent suspension

*Features indicated for the 2024 model year for all trims.

A used Miata Sport usually sells for $8k to $29k, depending on mileage, condition, and age.

Mazda MX-5 Miata Club

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Club elevates the driving experience by adding performance-enhancing features to the base Miata Sport. Building upon the foundation of the Sport, the Club offers a more refined and dynamic driving experience, making it an attractive choice for enthusiasts who crave more from their roadster.

Here are the features that separate the Club from the Sport:

Black rear lip spoiler
Black front air dam
Rear-mounted mast and trunk-mounted "shark fin" antennas
17 x 7 aluminum alloy wheels in Metallic Black finish
P205/45 R17 high-performance tires
Heated seats with 3 heat settings
Black cloth-trimmed seats with suede insert
Piano Black seat back bar trim
Leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel
Leather-wrapped shift knob
Leather-wrapped parking brake handle
Bose® 9-speaker audio system with AudioPilot®, driver's and passenger's headrest speakers and subwoofer
SiriusXM® Satellite radio with 3-month subscription
Asymmetric, torque-sensing limited-slip differential
Sport-tuned, 4-wheel independent suspension

A used Miata Club usually sells for $18k to $32k, depending on mileage, condition, and age.

Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring

As the top-of-the-line trim, the Grand Touring offers a luxurious cabin experience, advanced technology, and enhanced driving dynamics, making it the ultimate Miata experience.

Here are the features that separate the Grand Touring from other trims:

Auto on and off headlights
Adaptive front-lighting system
High beam control
Rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers
Body-colored heated power side mirrors
Auto-dimming driver's side mirror
17 x 7 aluminum alloy wheels in black with machine-cut finish
Automatic climate control
Mazda radar cruise control
Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry system
Frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink®
Black doorsill trim plates with stainless steel inserts
Mazda navigation system

A used Miata Grand Touring usually sells for $6k to $34k, depending on mileage, condition, and age.

Mazda Miata Fuel Economy: 26–34 MPG

The average fuel economy for all Miata trims is 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

Real-world mileage will vary based on driving conditions and habits. Mindful driving optimizes gas mileage across all Miata trims.

Mazda Miata Drivetrain and Powertrain

Mazda MX-5 Miatas are available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration across all model years.

The Miata's powertrain has evolved over its generations, always focusing on responsiveness and efficiency over raw power:

1. First-generation Miata (1989-1997): 1.6L or 1.8L inline-4 engine, producing 115-133 hp, paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
2. Second-generation Miata (1998-2005): 1.8L inline-4 engine, outputting 140-142 hp, with either a 5-speed (later 6-speed) manual or 4-speed automatic.
3. Third-generation Miata (2006-2015): Larger 2.0L inline-4 engine, generating 167-170 hp, mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
4. The fourth and current generation Miata (2016-present): back to basics with a 1.5L (non-U.S.) or 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine. The 2.0L makes 155-181 hp, with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. An optional limited-slip differential enhances traction.

Used Mazda Miata Prices

The year, model, mileage, and condition impact the price of a used Miata. Here is what you can expect to pay:

Mazda Miata Sport: $8k to $29k
Mazda Miata Club: $18k to $32k
Mazda Miata Grand Touring: $6k to $34k

You can filter PrivateAuto’s pre-owned Mazda MX-5 Miata for sale in your area to see what owners are asking for. Then, with our innovative offer feature, you can make an offer that works for your budget, sit back, and see if it gets accepted!
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Mazda Miata FAQ


What is the best year to buy a Mazda Miata?

If you’re looking for a reliable vehicle, 2003–2008 Miatas are considered highly reliable. But if you’re looking for a balance between reliability and luxury, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata is the way to go.

Why are old Miatas so popular?


Are Miatas good cars to own?


Are Miata engines reliable?


Is a 1990 Miata a good car for a teen driver?


How much is the Mazda MX-5 Special Edition?


Which are the most popular Miata trims?


Is the MX-5 Miata 3rd Generation a reliable vehicle?


Do the 2022 Mazda MX-5 MIATA trims come with leather seats?


How much does a used Mazda MX-5 Miata 100th Anniversary cost?


What is the curb weight of a Miata?


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Brad Parker
Contributing Author
Brad Parker is the CEO and co-founder of PrivateAuto, where his dynamic entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership are driving the transformation of the automotive industry....