Which is the most popular engine in the Mazda MX-5?

The larger 2.0-litre petrol engine is the most popular because it offers the most power and performance. Newer versions output 184bhp and are still considered to be relatively efficient, being capable of up to 41.5mpg.

Which are the most popular trim levels?

New MX-5s come in three trim levels: Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura. With used models, the most popular seems to be the SE, which was a base model but still came well-equipped with tech features.

What optional extras should I look out for?

Leather heated seats make the ride more enjoyable, and there's advanced safety technology that can enhance the experience, such as adaptive front lights, lane departure warning and parking sensors. We also recommend the premium 9-speaker Bose audio system to make the sound more immersive.

What does 'SKYACTIV' mean in Mazda cars?

SKYACTIV is an exclusive technology developed by Mazda and used in several of its cars. With the advanced lineup, engine output is increased with maximum fuel efficiency. These engines have been found to be reliable and long-lasting when properly maintained.

Is there a hybrid version of the Mazda MX-5?

Mazda hasn't added electric technology to the MX-5 yet. For now, there are only petrol models available. Mild hybrid technology has been added to some other cars from the lineup, such as the Mazda2 and Mazda3.

Is the Mazda MX-5 available as an automatic?

An automatic transmission was offered, but it's relatively rare on the used market. Most drivers prefer to maintain shifting control with the manual gearbox, which is easy to find among used models.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

Mazda has only ever built the MX-5 with a rear-wheel drive configuration. There has never been a four-wheel drive model. With rear-wheel drive, Mazda ensures that the handling is sporty and exciting at all speed ranges.

325 Used Mazda MX-5 cars for sale

Mazda MX-52017 - RF 2.0 SKYACTIV-G Launch Edition Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (160

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Anchor Cars Tadley

01182078518 *

Mazda MX-52010 (10) - 2.0i Sport Tech 2dr

Low Mileage

£9,490

2L
30.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Supercar Classics

01515417913 *

0/5 Stars

Mazda MX-52010 (59) - 1.8i SE Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 4 (126 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,995

1.8L
84.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Brooklands Cars

01536211977 *

4.4/5 Stars

Mazda MX-52016 - 1.5 SKYACTIV-G SE-L Nav Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (131 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,201

Finance available £301 pm

1.5L
21.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Mazda MX-52023 - MAZDA MX-5 1.5 SKYACTIV-G Kizuna Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£22,949

1.5L
6.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Norton Way Mazda

01462411361 *

Mazda MX-52017 (67) - 2.0 SKYACTIV-G SE-L Nav Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 6

£11,199

Finance available £228 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

AW Car House Ltd

01827213842 *

4.9/5 Stars

Mazda MX-52006 (06) - 1.8i Euro 4 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,491

1.8L
89.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

SMART AUTOS HAYES

02037728748 *

Mazda MX-52025 - 2.0 Skyactiv G Homura Roadster 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 184 Ps

£32,495

2L
473.0
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

EMG Motor Group Cambridge

01223800992 *

0/5 Stars

Mazda MX-52021 (21) - 1.5 SKYACTIV-G Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (132 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,799

1.5L
11.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

HPL Motors Atherton

01942597176 *

Mazda MX-52023 (23) - 2.0 SKYACTIV-G Homura Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

Reduced

£26,701

Finance available £528 pm

2L
2.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

THORP ARCH MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED

01937220370 *

Mazda MX-52010 - I ROADSTER SE 2-Door

Low Mileage

£6,495

1.8L
55.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

St Michaels Garage Millen Road

01795503972 *

Mazda MX-52010 (10) - 1.8i SE Euro 4 2dr

Low Mileage

£5,990

1.8L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

K-Cars

01707243228 *

Mazda MX-52021 (21) - 1.5 SKYACTIV-G SE-L Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£10,845

Finance available £159 pm

1.5L
22.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

KZ Autos Ltd

02476939692 *

Mazda MX-52013 (13) - 1.8i Venture Edition 2dr ++ LEATHER / DAB / APPLE CAR PLAY / 6 SERVICES ++

Low Mileage

£7,970

1.8L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Mazda MX-52010 - 1.8i SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£9,999

1.8L
24.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Caru Automotive

01384883988 *

4.8/5 Stars

Mazda MX-52019 (19) - 2.0 [184] Sport Nav+ 2dr

Low Mileage

£14,290

Finance available £297 pm

2L
33.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Croydon Mazda

02038056852 *

Mazda MX-52016 (16) - 2.0 SKYACTIV-G Sport Nav Euro 6 2dr

Low Mileage

£13,300

Finance available £275 pm

2L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

Mazda MX-52019 (68) - 2.0 SKYACTIV-G Sport Nav+ Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 p

Low Mileage

£18,490

2L
19.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

AutoUnit Ltd

01633741698 *

4.9/5 Stars

Mazda MX-52023 - 1.5 [132] Exclusive-Line 2dr

Low Mileage

£20,495

Finance available £400 pm

1.5L
10.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Bells Crossgar

02844330480 *

Mazda MX-52018 - 2.0 Z-Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£16,499

Finance available £346 pm

2L
31.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

David Hayton Ltd (Autostore Carlisle)

01228522423 *

Why buy a used Mazda MX-5?

If you're in the market for a sporty two-seat convertible, then a used Mazda MX-5 is the ideal choice. It provides great value for money without sacrificing on driving pleasure, style or technology. This lightweight sports car glides effortlessly along the road, offering superb handling and a supremely fun driving experience. It's also relatively affordable to buy and run, thanks to its small size and efficient engine range.

Used Mazda MX-5 snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

Pros

Lots of fun
Performance suited for British roads
Great value for money

Cons

Limited adjustment
Small amounts of storage
Only two seats

Read our Mazda MX-5 review

Mazda MX-5 video review

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Different generations of used Mazda MX-5

Built out of a love for British sports cars, Mazda first released the MX-5 in 1989 and it quickly became a popular model. Currently in its fourth generation, the MX-5 hit a million units sold in 2016. Even though it started out with a basic lightweight design, Mazda has continued to improve the styling, features and technology to keep it relevant and exciting.

Fourth Generation (2015 to Present)

Mazda refers to this generation as the ND, and the size became even more compact than the original. Compared with the previous generation, the MX-5 weighs 100kg less, massively improving both handling and fuel efficiency. Despite its small size, Mazda has managed to equip the MX-5 with high-tech safety equipment and reliable SKYACTIV engines. This generation had a twin manufactured by Fiat, known as the Abarth 124 Spider.

In 2016, the RF Targa-style folding hard-top was released, providing more options. In 2021, a slight refresh arrived with new Kinematic Posture Control. This advanced system allows for better cornering by applying the brakes to individual rear wheels as needed.

Fuel type:: Petrol
Engine Size:: 1.5 - 2
MPG:: 37 - 47
Acceleration:: 6.5 - 8.7 seconds
Boot space:: 127 - 130 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 4 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.5 SE 2dr
Cheapest
1.5 SE 2dr
Fastest
2.0 [184] Homura 2dr

Third Generation (2005 to 2015)

Internally, this MX-5 is known as the NC and it arrived with a wider, heavier and longer body than ever before. With a more spacious and modern cabin, some enthusiasts were happy, but others preferred the old style. Thankfully, there were 2.0-litre powerful engines in the lineup that kept it fun to drive. During this generation, Mazda also released the MX-5 Roadster Coupé with a folding hardtop.

A 2009 facelift modernised the look of the MX-5, as well as improved the handling thanks to more responsive steering. As a result, these models command a premium on the used market.

Fuel type:: Petrol
Engine Size:: 1.8 - 2
MPG:: 34 - 40
Acceleration:: 7.6 - 9.9 seconds
Boot space:: 150 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 4 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.8i SE 2dr
Cheapest
1.8i 2dr
Fastest
2.0i SE 2dr

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

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