Mazda MX-5 Miata: 2007-’15
HISTORY
Mazda turned the sports car world on its ear when the cute-and-sassy Miata arrived in the fall of 1989. The two-seat roadster, which was reminiscent of a 1960s-vintage Lotus Elan, boasted a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine along with a five-speed manual transmission. The available four-speed automatic was a rarely ordered option. In 1994, the Miata’s engine grew to 1.8 liters and horsepower was bumped to 128 from 116. A larger and more-powerful Miata replaced the first-generation car for 1999, which continued until Mazda’s third-generation two-seater was launched for the 2007 model year. This highly refined version came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced as much as 167 horsepower. The rating fluctuated slightly from year to year. For the first time, a power retractable hardtop was optional, which looked great and added only a small weight penalty. A redesigned MX-5, jointly developed with Fiat, was launched for the 2016 model year.
THE GOOD STUFF
The fun-loving Miata represented one of the best sports-car values on the road. Along with its inspired styling and handling, the accommodations for the driver and passenger were comfortable, but snug. The manually operated convertible top, offered in vinyl or optional cloth, folded and unfolded with ease with one hand. It securely latched to the windshield frame and was built to last. The optional power-retractable hardtop not only looked neat, but turned the car into a practical four-seasons runabout. Despite the tame horsepower rating, the 2.0-liter powerplant provided decent pep and, according to Mazda, could produce zero-to-60 mph bursts in the sevensecond range.
HEADS UP!
People with a plus-size physique will find the Miata a tight squeeze, especially with the roof in place. Luggage space is also tight, with barely enough room for a single set of golf clubs (leave your pull-cart at home). As with any used-vehicle purchase, a careful inspection for signs of abuse is advised, but sporting machines such as the Miata are often flogged hard, resulting in possible premature wear of their key mechanical components. Know the vehicle’s history before signing off on your purchase.
PRICES AT A GLANCE
Next to condition, a major factor affecting Miata pricing is timing. Shopping in late fall or winter, when demand and prices are generally softer can often result in a lower purchase price. The hardtop (PRHT) models will cost extra.
YEAR RANGE APPROX. PRICE RANGE 2007-’08 $4,500-$6,000
2009-’10 $5,000-$6,500
2011-’12 $6,000-$10,000
2013 $7,500-$10,000
2014 $8,000-$10,500
2015 $9,000-$12,500
(The higher end of a given price range represents vehicles with more options and fewer miles.)
OVERALL
A used MX-5 Miata is a pretty strong bet as far as sports cars go. This spunky two-seater delivered both durability and eye appeal. Parts are fairly easy to obtain and various aftermarket companies sell performance and aesthetic add-ons. The Miata is often a second car that’s used only for occasional summer outings, so even older examples can have very low miles showing on the odometer, which is a bonus.
VITALS
Engine: 2.0-liter DOHC I-4 (158-167 h.p.).
Transmissions: Five-speed manual; six-speed manual; six-speed automatic. Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive. Body: Two-door roadster.