If you consider yourself an auto enthusiast, there’s no doubt you’ve heard of the Mazda Miata. Let’s take a closer look at why the Miata holds the Guinness World Record for the best-selling 2-seat convertible sports car in history.
Background
The Mazda Miata, also known as the Mazda MX-5, was first introduced to the public in 1989 at the Chicago Motor Show. The debut of the 2-door, 2-passenger roadster led to over one million of them being built, making it one of the most popular sports cars in the world.
Originally, the Miata was powered by 116 horsepower with a five-speed manual transmission. In 1991, an automatic option was added, and six-speed manual transmission was launched in 1999. All models from 2016 to 2018 produce up to 155 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft of torque. The 2019 to 2022 models upgraded to 181 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft of torque. As any good sports car should, all Miata models have a RWD (rear-wheel drive) drivetrain.
What makes the Miata stand out is its sleek, incredibly lightweight design. It’s agile yet dependable, offering a fun and engaging experience for whoever’s behind the wheel.
Are Mazda Miatas Reliable and Efficient?
One of the top selling points of the Miata is its above-average reliability. J.D. Power gave the 2022 model a 79/100 for quality and reliability. The company also awarded the model the third spot in their list of top compact sporty cars for the year. It also received the coveted CR Recommended label (gated content) from Consumer Reports 10 times between 2006 and 2022.
The Miata will rarely need repairs, but if you ever want to upgrade, another reason the little convertible remains popular today is because its parts are so easy to get a hold of.
Don’t let the compact size of the Miata fool you, it’s got enough endurance to get you where you need to go. Kelley Blue Book rated it as one of the most fuel-efficient convertibles of 2021 and 2022.
What Does the Mazda Miata Cost?
Initial Price of the MX-5
The price of a Miata varies depending on the model year, trim, and condition, but it’s considered an ideal choice for those concerned with affordability.
If you’re lucky, you may be able to find a model from the 90s for close to $5,000. If you want a used model in decent condition, your budget will have to start at a minimum of $10,000.
For a new vehicle, you’ll need to aim higher. The 2022 MX-5 starts at $33,300 and the 2021 model begins at $33,200. Although these prices can climb quite high, the Miata is still considered a budget roadster, and fans think it’s worth every penny for what it has to offer. If you want to further personalize it, you can add accessories.
Is a Mazda Miata Expensive to Insure?
Multiple factors influence how much you’ll pay for automotive insurance:
- driving history
- credit score
- how often you drive
- location and age
- vehicle type and value
With all these factors to consider, it’s difficult to estimate how much you’ll pay to insure a Mazda Miata. But, for a general example, a 2021 study by finder.com claimed that the average cost to insure a Mazda MX-5 with a base price of $35,172 was $240 per month ($2,880 per year).
What Are Possible Maintenance Costs?
Like with most vehicles, Miata owners can expect to pay more to maintain their convertible the older it gets, but the annual cost of doing so is below industry average.
Recommended maintenance tasks for the Miata include:
- tire rotation
- cooling system flush
- transmission fluid service
- oil and filter change
- hood hinge, trunk, and door lubrication
Some of these tasks will need to be done more frequently than others. To keep it in good shape, inspect your car every 8,000 km to 16,000 km to see what services it needs.
Here to Stay
Appreciation for the Mazda Miata has yet to fade after more than three decades, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re in the market for a fun and reliable roadster, the Miata should definitely be on your shortlist. For more automotive tips and news, check out our blog.