Which used Mazda MX-5 should you buy?

If it’s no-compromise driving enjoyment that you’re after, we question whether you would ever need anything else. The Mazda MX-5 is small, light and nimble, but still comfortable and well equipped inside. 

There have been four generations of the Mazda MX-5 soft-top to date, with the most recent model launched in 2015.

It arrived with two engine options, a 1.5-litre 133PS petrol unit or a 162PS 2.0-litre petrol, and the range also benefited from the addition of a new Mazda MX-5 RF version in 2017.

The RF stands for Retractable Fastback and this features a folding hard-top for greater refinement when driving at speed with the roof up. When the roof is in place, it gives the little Mazda a cosy coupe feel. 

Both versions are popular but the convertible out-sells the RF by around 25%, which translates to a bit more choice on the used market. 

Read our full Mazda MX-5 review

What used Mazda MX-5 trim levels are available?

Since the introduction of the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5, there have been a number of different trim levels, with the basic SE (as well as SE-L and SE-L Nav), plus Sport and Sport Nav, among the more prominent ones. Read on for details of these.

Mazda MX-5 SE / SE-L / SE-L Nav

The Mazda MX-5 SE trim is far from basic, but moving up to the Mazda MX-5 SE-L brings more kit and a limited-slip differential with the 2.0-litre engine, which improves grip when cornering at speed. The Mazda MX-5 SE-L Nav featured sat-nav, but was dropped when navigation was added to later Mazda MX-5 SE-L models.

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Air-conditioning
• Heated seats (SE-L)
• Cruise control (SE-L)
• Climate control (SE-L)
• Android Auto (SE-L, later cars)
• Apple CarPlay (SE-L, later cars)
• Sat-nav (SE-L, later cars)
• Seven-inch display (SE-L Nav)
• Sat-nav (SE-L Nav)

Mazda MX-5 Sport / Sport Tech

The Mazda MX-5 Sport trim adds some important creature comforts, listed below. This trim level has been tweaked over the years, with some previously optional extras becoming standard in later models. There was also a Mazda MX-5 Sport Tech which, as the name suggests, added some tech upgrades.

• Automatic headlights
• Automatic wipers
• Lane-departure warning system
• Cross-traffic alerts
• Leather seats (later models)
• Bose sound system with nine speakers (later models)
• Sports suspension (Sport Tech models)
• Adaptive headlights (Sport Tech models)
• Reversing camera (Sport Tech models)
• Blind-spot monitoring (Sport Tech models)

Mazda MX-5 GT Sport Tech

The Mazda MX-5 GT Sport Tech featured some compelling cosmetic enhancements.

• 17-inch BBS alloy wheels
• Piano black door mirrors
• Light stone coloured Nappa leather interior
• Contrast black roof (RF models)

Is a used Mazda MX-5 a good buy?

For more than 30 years, the Mazda MX-5 has offered a chance for drivers to experience a thrilling two-seater sports car at an affordable price.

The latest version is more refined than ever, and just as usable in the winter months thanks to its snug fabric roof or metal top, depending on which version you go for.

The Mazda MX-5 has seen various rivals come and go over its long life, including the Fiat 124 Spider, which shares its platform with the Mazda, although they have different engines.

Aside from the Fiat, for similar money, wind-in-the-hair options are limited. You could consider more expensive cars like the Porsche Boxster or cheaper but less sporty options like the MINI Convertible.

For many, though, there is nothing to compare with the Mazda MX-5.