Used 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata for SaleNationwide

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

Prices have held steady compared to this time last year, signaling a stable and predictable market for this model year.

There are 225 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 4.7/5 user rating and a 5.8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Performance at 8/10.

Owners consistently praise its exceptional driving experience, strong performance, and stylish design. They also appreciate its attention to detail and quality build. On the trade-off side, the cabin can be noisy and cargo space is limited.

For you, that means this Miata makes the most sense if you want an engaging, budget-friendly weekend car or a third-garage-stall option rather than a practical daily hauler. With 38.2% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s still room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable?

Owners rate it 4.7/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a reliable, dependable car that many drivers feel good about keeping for the long haul. The expert notes also emphasize the Miata’s connected, engaging character and forgiving clutch, which supports an easy ownership experience if you choose a manual.

Mazda’s warranty coverage adds some peace of mind, and the model’s simple, driver-focused setup can help keep long-term ownership straightforward. For used buyers, the main risk is less about complexity and more about finding a well-kept example that hasn’t been worn down by hard use.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a sporty two-seater can be more likely to have seen enthusiastic driving. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear items, cabin condition, and signs of neglect. Since the Miata is a low-cost sports car with limited practicality, condition matters more than mileage alone.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Sport is the simplest version, while the Club and Grand Touring add more comfort and convenience. Base models get cloth upholstery, while higher grades get black leather seats, and the Grand Touring is described as the premium interior choice.
• Powertrain: Every Miata uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard, a six-speed automatic is available, and the car is rear-wheel drive only.
• 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 technology, and an anti-theft alarm are available upgrades.
• Infotainment: Standard tech includes a 7-inch touchscreen, USB, Bluetooth, HD Radio, AUX, and a six-speaker audio system. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, two USB ports, and a Bose nine-speaker system are available, but Mazda Connect is not available.
• Fuel efficiency: The manual transmission returns 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. The automatic is slightly more efficient on the highway and 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 if you want the Miata experience at the lowest starting price. It gives you the core rear-wheel-drive sports-car formula, standard manual transmission, and the basic tech and safety equipment, so it suits you if you care most about value and driving feel.
• MX-5 Club: This is the best-value trim if you want the most engaging setup without jumping to the top price tier. It adds the sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks, limited-slip differential, and front shock tower brace, making it the trim to target if handling matters most.
• MX-5 Grand Touring: This is the trim to choose if you want the most comfort and convenience. It brings the more premium interior treatment and adds more comfort-focused equipment, so it fits you best if you want the Miata’s fun factor with a more upscale feel.

The safety package is broad across the lineup, with useful driver-assistance features standard and a few extras available on higher-spec builds.

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

This is a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you can shop patiently but should move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 38.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 225 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $23,910, 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 $25,492 sits slightly below last year's $25,517.

That small decline suggests the market has been stable rather than volatile, which is helpful if you plan to resell later. A steady price trend usually means you’re less likely to see a sharp drop in value over a short ownership period. Because the Miata has a clear enthusiast audience, well-kept examples should continue to draw interest from buyers who want a fun, affordable sports car.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.7/5, 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 gives you useful everyday protection, and you can add automatic high beams, traffic sign recognition technology, 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 your own inspection of the specific vehicle.

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:

• 38.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 carries over the Miata’s engaging, budget-friendly sports-car formula with few changes.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $27,163, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $25,492 average.
• It adds Kinematic Posture Control and makes the RF Club especially appealing.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2021 is the smarter buy because it keeps the Miata’s core appeal at a lower average price. If you’re willing to pay more for a newer model-year upgrade, the 2022 is worth a look, especially if you want the added chassis refinement.

How does the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata compare to the 2021 Ford Mustang?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata:

• Pros: Fun to drive, Great handling, Manual transmission available.
• Cons: Not much cargo space, Noisy, Outdated technology.

2021 Ford Mustang:

• Pros: Stylish design, Fun to drive, Manual transmission available.
• Cons: Poor visibility, Cramped back seat, Not much cargo space.

Our experts score the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata 5.8/10 and the 2021 Ford Mustang 8.2/10. The Miata is the lighter, more focused choice if you care most about handling and driver involvement. The Mustang brings more power and a broader appeal, but it also comes with more compromises in visibility and rear-seat space. If you want a compact roadster feel, the Miata is the more specialized pick; if you want a more versatile muscle-car experience, the Mustang has the edge.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.