For the same model year, dealers ask 15 points more than private sellers; a salvage title knocks off about 29%; DC is the cheapest state at -9% and MI the priciest at +44%; a manual MX-5 asks +9% against the median of its model year.
Mazda MX-5 price by model year
| Year | Typical price | Spread | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | — | 11 | |
| 2022 | — | 6 | |
| 2020 | — | 6 | |
| 2018 | — | 10 | |
| 2017 | — | 11 | |
| 2016 | — | 11 | |
| 2015 | — | 14 | |
| 2014 | — | 8 | |
| 2013 | — | 6 | |
| 2009 | — | 6 | |
| 2008 | — | 7 | |
| 2006 | — | 14 | |
| 2005 | — | 7 | |
| 2004 | — | 5 | |
| 2003 | — | 7 | |
| 2002 | — | 5 | |
| 2001 | — | 7 | |
| 2000 | — | 8 | |
| 1999 | — | 10 | |
| 1997 | — | 7 | |
| 1995 | — | 13 | |
| 1994 | — | 5 | |
| 1992 | — | 7 | |
| 1991 | — | 5 | |
| 1990 | — | 6 |
Dealer or private seller
On the Mazda MX-5 the dealer markup works out at 15% over a private sale of the same year.
| Seller | Listings | vs median year | Average asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private seller | 438 | +3.4% | $10,709 |
| Dealer | 186 | +18.3% | $14,689 |
What a branded title costs
| Title | Listings | vs median year | Average asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean title | 562 | +9.4% | $11,735 |
| Rebuilt | 23 | -15.6% | $10,815 |
| Salvage | 21 | -28.6% | $9,883 |
Branded titles are harder to insure, finance and resell, so check the exact car first: run its VIN against the records.
How fast price falls with mileage
Measured on the 2006 MX-5, the model year with the most listings, so age does not mix in. Between the 25–50k and 75–100k bands the asking price falls 30%.
| Mileage | Price drop | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 25–50k miles | 12 | |
| 50–75k miles | 19 | |
| 75–100k miles | 10 |
Which options hold value
The single biggest swing on a Mazda MX-5 is transmission: MANUAL asks +9% against the median of its own model year.
| Item | Option | Listings | vs median year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual | 408 | +8.8% |
| Transmission | Automatic | 198 | +3.3% |
Where it's cheaper
States where the Mazda MX-5 asks least and most, measured against the national median for each model year. Most expensive is MI at +44%, cheapest DC at -9% — 53 points apart, which on a $10,495 car is roughly $5,541.
| State | Listings | vs national median |
|---|---|---|
| DC | 15 | |
| CO | 32 | |
| HI | 20 | |
| FL | 47 | |
| CA | 153 | |
| NY | 19 | |
| WI | 17 | |
| MO | 25 | |
| OR | 45 | |
| MI | 14 |
Asking prices are the market. What is that car worth?
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a used Mazda MX-5 cost?
The median asking price is $10,495 across 700 live listings. A 1990 asks about $8,350 and a 2023 about $29,000. The most listed year is 2015, at $9,995.
Is it cheaper to buy a MX-5 from a private seller?
Yes. Against the median for the same model year, dealers ask 18.3% above and private sellers 3.4% above, a gap of about $4,321 on a 2023 at $29,000.
How much value does a MX-5 lose per 25,000 miles?
About 18% of the asking price for every 25,000 miles on the 2006 MX-5, measured from the 50–75k band to the 75–100k band. To price one car by its year and mileage, use the Mazda MX-5 valuation tool.
How much less is a salvage-title MX-5 worth?
A salvage-title MX-5 asks 29% less than the median for its model year (21 listings): about $8,294 off a 2023 at $29,000.
Where is the cheapest place to buy a MX-5?
Of the states with enough listings, DC asks least at -8.8% against the national median, and MI most at +44.0%. On the typical $10,495 MX-5 that spread is about $5,541.
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