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.
Used Mazda MX-5 cars for sale
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.
Latest used Mazda MX-5
Mazda, MX-5
2016 (66) - Mazda MX-5
48Low Mileage
£11,995
Finance available £245 pm
*Representative example
- 1.5L
- Miles
45.7K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Convertible
Master Cars Biggleswade Ltd
Mazda, MX-5
2015 (55) - Mazda MX-5
26Low Mileage
£9,995
Finance available £200 pm
*Representative example
- 1.5L
- Miles
56.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Convertible
Llandudno Junction Car Centre
Mazda, MX-5
2008 (08) - Mazda MX-5
22£5,995
Finance available £111 pm
*Representative example
- 1.8L
- Miles
17.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Coupe
M & A Automotive Ltd
Mazda, MX-5
2017 - Mazda MX-5
33Low Mileage
£15,950
Finance available £327 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
20.2K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Convertible
Mazda, MX-5
2010 (10) - Mazda MX-5
38Low Mileage
£4,000
Finance available £67 pm
*Representative example
- 1.8L
- Miles
95.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Convertible
Maidstone Car Company
Mazda, MX-5
2019 (19) - Mazda MX-5
Low Mileage
£16,179
- 1.5L
- Miles
33.7K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Coupe
Bristol Street Motors Peugeot Launceston
Mazda, MX-5
2007 (56) - Mazda MX-5
15Low Mileage
£4,999
Finance available £89 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
58.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Convertible
Circuit Automotive Ltd
Mazda, MX-5
2010 (60) - Mazda MX-5
20Low Mileage
£5,995
Finance available £111 pm
*Representative example
- 1.8L
- Miles
77.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Convertible
Llandudno Junction Car Centre
Mazda, MX-5
2017 - Mazda MX-5
19Low Mileage
£13,995
Finance available £290 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
58.1K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Coupe
J and J Motors
Mazda, MX-5
2018 - Mazda MX-5
12Low Mileage
£15,298
- 1.5L
- Miles
21.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Convertible
Arnold Clark Chesterfield Motorstore / Vanstore
Mazda, MX-5
2010 (10) - Mazda MX-5
12Low Mileage
£5,995
Finance available £111 pm
*Representative example
- 1.8L
- Miles
74.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Convertible
Mazda, MX-5
2021 - Mazda MX-5
38Reduced
£16,991
Finance available £328 pm
*Representative example
- 1.5L
- Miles
18.4K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Convertible
Mazda, MX-5
2009 (59) - Mazda MX-5
56Low Mileage
£6,495
Finance available £122 pm
*Representative example
- 1.8L
- Miles
48.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Coupe
Mazda, MX-5
2017 (17) - Mazda MX-5
23Reduced
£11,483
- 1.5L
- Miles
38.3K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Convertible
EMG Motor Group Boston
Mazda, MX-5
2010 (60) - Mazda MX-5
24Low Mileage
£6,989
Finance available £133 pm
*Representative example
- 1.8L
- Miles
45.4K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Convertible
Adamsons Used Car Specialist
Mazda MX-5 snapshot review
Pros
- Lots of fun
- Performance suited for British roads
- Great value for money
Cons
- Limited adjustment
- Small amounts of storage
- Only two seats
Mazda MX-5 by type
Used Mazda MX-5 information
Engines and transmissions
Mazda has only offered petrol engines with the MX-5, combined with an automatic or a manual gearbox and standard rear-wheel drive.
Petrol- 1.5-litre SKYACTIV G 132 makes 130bhp and is rated at 44.8mpg.
- 2.0-litre SKYACTIV G 184 increases output to 181bhp and only drops efficiency to 41.5mpg.
- Older versions output 129-157bhp, with ratings between 40.9mpg and 47.1mpg.
Practicality
Customers generally choose the Mazda MX-5 because of the excitement and handling it offers, but it does have some practical features.
Interior space- Seats accommodate two people and provide plenty of adjustments.
- Leather heated seats are available for more comfort and style.
- Small storage box found between two front seats for holding items.
- Passenger seat contains an ISOFIX mounting point for child seats.
- 130-litre boot can hold a couple of carry-on suitcases or shopping bags.
- Boot remains the same size regardless of whether the roof is down or up.
- MX-5 RF has a folding RF-Targa-style hard-top.
- Convertible top has a fabric roof for a classic look.
Safety
- Four-star safety rating given by Euro NCAP in 2015.
- Pedestrian rating is 93%, with an adult occupant rating of 84% and child occupant at 80%.
- Standard safety kit includes airbags, stability control, tyre-pressure monitoring and a bonnet that pops up to protect pedestrians.
Technology
- 7.0-inch touchscreen display sits on the dash so that it's easy to see.
- Satnav available on newer models, with some trims including it as standard.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remove cables from the cabin.
Mazda MX-5 generations
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:
- 39 - 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:
- stars
Greenest
1.8i SE 2dr
Cheapest
1.8i 2dr
Fastest
2.0i SE 2dr
Used Mazda MX-5 information
Used Mazda MX-5 FAQ's
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.
Find a specific Mazda MX-5
Trim
Mazda MX-5 20th AnniversaryMazda MX-5 Exclusive LineMazda MX-5 GT Sport TechMazda MX-5 HomuraMazda MX-5 IconMazda MX-5 KendoMazda MX-5 KizunaMazda MX-5 KuroMazda MX-5 MiyakoMazda MX-5 NisekoMazda MX-5 Prime LineMazda MX-5 SMazda MX-5 SEMazda MX-5 SE+Mazda MX-5 SE LMazda MX-5 SE-L NavMazda MX-5 SE-L Nav+Mazda MX-5 SportMazda MX-5 Sport BlackMazda MX-5 Sport NavMazda MX-5 Sport Nav+Mazda MX-5 Sport RecaroMazda MX-5 Sport TechMazda MX-5 Venture Edition
Body Style
Transmission
Colour
Registration Year
Mazda MX-5 2005Mazda MX-5 2006Mazda MX-5 2007Mazda MX-5 2008Mazda MX-5 2009Mazda MX-5 2010Mazda MX-5 2011Mazda MX-5 2012Mazda MX-5 2013Mazda MX-5 2014Mazda MX-5 2015Mazda MX-5 2016Mazda MX-5 2017Mazda MX-5 2018Mazda MX-5 2019Mazda MX-5 2020Mazda MX-5 2021Mazda MX-5 2022Mazda MX-5 2023Mazda MX-5 2024
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