Used Mazda MX-5 for sale near Chelmsford
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Buying Advice
Mazda MX-5: The CarGurus Rating
Shop for Mazda MX-5 »CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Fewer than 500
Average Price: £18,000
FAQs
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4.7 Overall rating
Customers say
The Mazda MX-5 is celebrated by owners for its fun driving experience and engaging performance. Reviewers consistently praise its comfortable ride and value for a sports car, highlighting its ability to deliver smiles on the road. The 2006 model stands out particularly, with drivers noting it as an exceptional sports car compared to competitors. While there are minor critiques, such as issues with heated seats and rust problems in older models, overall satisfaction remains high across all years.
AI generated from the text of customer reviews.
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What people say
Robin I
Reviewed a 2009 Mazda MX-5 on 13 Aug 2025
Very good value for money, a fun car to drive
stuart b
Reviewed a 2009 Mazda MX-5 on 19 Apr 2025
The car was in excellent condition and priced far below other cars that I had viewed, The car drives nice and everything works.
Dave R
Reviewed a 2016 Mazda MX-5 on 27 Feb 2025
A driver's car with excellent all round handling. It doesn't have much storage space but that is not what it's designed for - and I knew that when I bought it. Luckily my wife has a Defender 90.
Paul D
Reviewed a 2008 Mazda MX-5 on 23 May 2022
Fun days out in a car that was initially stripped back to the essentials. Later models come with some toys but it retains the ability to make you smile.
Mazda MX-5 Variants
| Variant type | MSRP |
|---|---|
| 2.0 [184] Homura 2dr | £36,600 |
| 1.5 [132] Prime-line 2dr | £29,990 |
| 1.5 [132] Exclusive-line 2dr | £31,990 |
| 2.0 [184] Exclusive-line 2dr | £34,100 |
Mazda MX-5 price trends
CarGurus tracks the prices of millions of used car listings every year. See how the average price of Mazda MX-5 prices has changed over time.
See more price trendsMazda MX-5: CarGurus Buyer Insights
overall
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 300
Average Price: Around £18,000
Mazda MX-5 (2015-present) Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Irresistibly fun to drive | A bit cramped for tall drivers |
| Extremely reliable | Early cars have less safety kit than later models |
| Affordable to buy and run for a sports car | The boot is small |
Quick Summary
The Mazda MX-5 mk4 (2015-present) is the world's best-selling roadster, combining genuine sports car thrills with everyday practicality and affordability. Launched in 2015, this fourth-generation model maintains the original's compact dimensions and lightweight philosophy whilst meeting modern safety standards. The two-seater cabin is stylish and well-made, though tight on space for taller drivers. The 130-litre boot is modest, but the MX-5 prioritises driving experience over practicality, delivering lively performance with either a 1.5-litre (129bhp) or 2.0-litre (158-181bhp) Skyactiv petrol engine paired with a slick six-speed manual gearbox.
The MX-5 mk4 excels where it matters most: on the road. Crisp, accurate steering and an agile chassis deliver engaging handling, whilst the soft-top roof is easy to operate. Running costs are impressively low for a sports car, with real-world fuel economy exceeding 40mpg and annual road tax between £150 and £205. Servicing costs are reasonable, and the car is extremely reliable. Later models (2018 onwards) benefit from enhanced safety equipment including Front and Rear Smart City Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning, and optional Blind Spot Monitoring. This is a sports car that rewards enthusiast drivers without demanding expert skills or deep pockets.
Best for: Drivers seeking genuine sports car thrills on a budget, those who value reliability and low running costs, and enthusiasts who appreciate engaging, point-to-point driving without excessive power.
Not ideal for: Tall drivers requiring spacious cabins, those needing substantial boot space, or buyers prioritising practicality over driving enjoyment.
Comparison vs Key Rivals
| Vehicle | CarGurus Expert Rating | CarGurus User Rating | Good/Great deals % | Overall CarGurus Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda MX-5 | 5/5 | 4.7/5 | 29.0% | 4.3/5 |
| Fiat 500 Convertible | 3/5 | 4.6/5 | 35.7% | 4.2/5 |
| MINI Convertible | 4/5 | 4.7/5 | 34.7% | 4.4/5 |
| Mazda MX-5 Mk3 | 5/5 | 4.7/5 | 29.0% | 4.3/5 |
The Verdict
You should buy the MX-5 if: You seek genuine sports car thrills on a budget, value reliability and low running costs, or appreciate engaging driving without excessive power or complexity.
Consider alternatives if: You require a spacious cabin for taller occupants, need substantial boot space, or prioritise practicality over driving enjoyment.
Competitive Position: The Mazda MX-5 (2015-present) stands as the finest choice in the convertible sports car segment, delivering superior driving dynamics and reliability compared to rivals. Whilst the MINI Convertible offers slightly better value deals and the Fiat 500 Convertible provides more affordable entry, neither matches the MX-5's combination of engaging handling, real-world performance, and low running costs. The MX-5 mk4 also outperforms its predecessor (mk3) in safety equipment and refinement, making it the definitive modern roadster for enthusiasts seeking authentic sports car satisfaction without compromise.
Read our full Mazda MX-5 Review
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
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