Used 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata cost?

Prices are up 2.58% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 217 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata earns a 4.67/5 user rating, and the expert rating is 5.83/10. The standout strength is Performance at 8/10.

Owners consistently praise the fun-to-drive character, great handling, and strong performance, along with the stylish design and quality build. For you, that means this is a car that delivers on the core sports-car promise rather than trying to be everything at once.

The trade-offs are familiar: limited cargo space and noisy highway manners. That fits the Miata’s role as a budget-friendly, engaging third-car option rather than a do-it-all daily driver.

Good and great deals make up 33.6% of the market, so there are still some attractive listings if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a car that feels dependable, with attention to detail and quality build coming through in the reviews. That kind of praise matters for a used sports car because it suggests the ownership experience has been consistently positive over time.

The expert evaluation also emphasizes that the Miata is simple and rewarding rather than overly complicated, which can help reduce long-term ownership headaches. For used buyers, the main risk is less about the concept and more about finding a well-kept example that hasn’t been worn hard.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any car you’re considering, even if the listing looks clean. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that checks for signs of hard use, especially because this is a low-slung sports car that may have been driven enthusiastically. Focus on overall condition, since cargo practicality and cabin noise are already part of the Miata’s character.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Sport, Club, and Grand Touring trims differ in equipment, and the base model is the most stripped-down. Higher trims add more comfort and convenience, while the Grand Touring brings a more premium interior feel.
• Powertrain: Every model uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed manual standard and a six-speed automatic available. The manual is the enthusiast choice, while the automatic gives up a bit of fuel economy.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes low-speed braking support, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, a tire pressure monitoring system, and an engine immobilizer. Automatic high beams, traffic sign recognition, and an anti-theft alarm are available upgrades.
• Infotainment: Standard tech includes a 7-inch touchscreen, USB port, Bluetooth, HD Radio, AUX jack, and a six-speaker sound system. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, two USB ports, and a Bose nine-speaker audio system are available, but Mazda Connect is not offered.
• Fuel efficiency: The manual transmission is EPA-estimated at 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, while the automatic reaches 30 mpg combined.

Which 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata trim should I buy?

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is offered in 3 trim levels: MX-5 Sport, MX-5 Club, and MX-5 Grand Touring.

Here's the short version:

• MX-5 Sport: This is the entry point, so it makes the most sense if you want the Miata experience at the lowest price and can live with the most basic equipment. It gives you the core driving character without paying for extras you may not need.
• MX-5 Club: This is the best-value trim if you want the most engaging setup. It adds the sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks, limited-slip differential, and front shock tower brace, making it the trim that best matches the car’s enthusiast mission.
• MX-5 Grand Touring: This is the trim to choose if you want the most comfort and convenience. It brings a more premium interior feel, and it suits you best if you want the Miata’s driving fun with a more upscale daily experience.

The Club and Grand Touring are also available with the retractable fastback configuration, and the Brembo/BBS Recaro Package is the main add-on if you want the most performance-focused hardware.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 33.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 217 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 2.58% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 78.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $23,914, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata's resale value?

The current average of $26,078 sits slightly above last year's $25,421.

That upward move suggests the Miata has held demand well relative to its recent pricing history. For a future seller, that’s a useful sign because a model that stays in demand tends to be easier to price confidently when it’s time to move on.

The year-over-year increase also shows that buyers are still willing to pay for this car’s formula. If you keep mileage and condition in check, you should have a better shot at preserving value than you would with a less distinctive used car.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.67/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata safe?

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata comes with a good list of standard safety features including low-speed braking support, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, a tire pressure monitoring system, and an engine immobilizer.

It earns a 5/10 safety score from our experts.

The standard driver-assistance suite covers the basics well for a small sports car, and you can add automatic high beams, traffic sign recognition, and an anti-theft alarm. The main caveat is that there are no crash-test ratings cited here, so you should lean more heavily on the standard safety equipment and the car’s condition when evaluating a used example.

Should I buy a 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 33.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices are up 2.58% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It keeps the Miata formula intact with a budget-friendly, engaging third-car focus.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $28,314, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $26,078 average.
• It adds Kinematic Posture Control for sharper cornering.

The bottom line: Choose the 2021 if you want the better value and are happy with the classic Miata formula. If you’re willing to pay more for a newer-year upgrade, the 2022 is the better path; if price matters most, the 2021 is the smarter buy.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.