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: 29.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: 300
Average Price: £17,000
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: 29.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 300
Average Price: Around £17,000
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, and for good reason. Launched in 2015, it maintains the original MX-5's philosophy of being a lightweight, nimble two-seater sports car that prioritises driving enjoyment over practicality. The mk4 is roughly the same size and weight as the original 1996 model, a remarkable achievement given modern safety requirements. With a choice of 1.5-litre (129bhp) or 2.0-litre (181bhp from 2018) Skyactiv petrol engines, the MX-5 delivers spirited performance without excessive power, making it accessible and rewarding for drivers of all abilities.
The MX-5 mk4 excels in delivering point-to-point thrills whilst remaining practical for daily use. Its crisp steering, agile chassis, and smooth engines make it entertaining at any speed, whilst excellent fuel economy (40mpg-plus in real-world driving) and low running costs make ownership affordable. The manually operated soft-top is easy to use, and later models (2018 onwards) benefit from improved safety equipment including Front and Rear Smart City Brake Support and Lane Departure Warning. Whilst the cabin is tight for taller drivers and the 130-litre boot is modest, these compromises are inherent to the sports car formula and easily forgiven given the driving experience on offer.
Best for: Enthusiast drivers seeking an affordable, reliable sports car for daily enjoyment, those who value driving thrills over practicality, and buyers wanting excellent value in the two-seater roadster market.
Not ideal for: Tall drivers requiring spacious cabins, those needing significant luggage space, or buyers prioritising practicality over driving engagement.
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 | 29.3% | 4.3/5 |
| Fiat 500 Convertible | 3/5 | 4.6/5 | 42.5% | 4.2/5 |
| MINI Convertible | 4/5 | 4.6/5 | 32.7% | 4.4/5 |
| Mazda MX-5 Mk3 | 5/5 | 4.7/5 | 29.3% | 4.4/5 |
The Verdict
You should buy the MX-5 if: You're an enthusiast driver seeking an affordable, reliable sports car for daily enjoyment, value driving thrills over practicality, or want excellent value in the two-seater roadster market.
Consider alternatives if: You require a spacious cabin for taller occupants, need significant luggage space, or prioritise practicality over driving engagement.
Competitive Position: The Mazda MX-5 mk4 (2015-present) stands as the superior choice amongst convertible roadsters, offering the highest expert rating (5/5) and matching user ratings with its rivals. Whilst the Fiat 500 Convertible offers better value deals (42.5%), it lacks the MX-5's driving dynamics and reliability. The MINI Convertible provides a higher overall CarGurus rating (4.4/5) but at greater cost. The older MX-5 mk3 matches the mk4's user rating and expert rating, yet the newer generation benefits from improved safety equipment, more powerful engines, and enhanced comfort features. For those prioritising driving enjoyment, reliability, and affordable sports car ownership, the MX-5 mk4 is the standout choice.
Read our full Mazda MX-5 Review
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.Read full review
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