Used Mazda MX-5 for sale near Colchester

CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 380
Average Price: Around £15,400

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 (2015-present), the fourth-generation mk4, is the world's best-selling roadster with over one million examples sold across four generations. Launched in 2015, it maintains the original's modest dimensions and weight whilst meeting modern safety standards—a remarkable engineering achievement. The two-seater cabin is stylish and well-made, though tight on space for those over six feet tall. The 130-litre boot is small, but the MX-5 mk4 prioritises driving experience over practicality, delivering a spirited performance with modest 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre Skyactiv petrol engines producing 129bhp and up to 181bhp respectively.

The MX-5 mk4 excels in delivering driving thrills without demanding expert skills or excessive horsepower. Its lively engines, crisp steering, and agile chassis make it entertaining at any speed, whilst the manually operated soft-top is easy to use. 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 remain reasonable, and the car is extremely reliable. This is a sports car perfectly suited to modern road conditions, using modest power to deliver maximum reward and enjoyment.

Best for: Enthusiast drivers seeking affordable sports car thrills, those wanting a reliable daily-driver roadster, and buyers prioritising driving enjoyment over practicality.

Not ideal for: Tall drivers requiring spacious cabins, those needing substantial boot space, or buyers seeking early models with comprehensive modern safety equipment.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the MX-5 if: You're an enthusiast driver seeking affordable sports car thrills, wanting a reliable daily-driver roadster, or prioritising driving enjoyment over practicality.

Consider alternatives if: You are tall and require a spacious cabin, need substantial boot space, or want early models with comprehensive modern safety equipment.

Competitive Position: The Mazda MX-5 (2015-present) stands as the superior choice amongst convertible sports cars, earning a perfect expert rating and matching user satisfaction with rivals. Whilst the Fiat 500 Convertible offers better value deals, it lacks the MX-5's driving dynamics and reliability. The MINI Convertible provides a slightly higher overall rating but at greater cost. The older MX-5 Mk3 remains equally entertaining and reliable, though the mk4 benefits from improved safety equipment and refinement. For those seeking an affordable, engaging, and dependable two-seater roadster, the MX-5 mk4 delivers exceptional value and driving satisfaction that rivals cannot match.

Read our full Mazda MX-5 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from April 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.