Used Mazda MX-5 for sale near Leicester

CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.1%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 400
Average Price: Around £15,000

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 (2015-present), known as the ND generation, is the world's best-selling roadster, renowned for its focus on driving pleasure over practicality. Mazda engineers meticulously designed it to be a great little sports car, maintaining a similar size and weight to the original 1996 model, a significant engineering feat in modern safety standards. Its two-seater cabin is stylish but compact, and the 130-litre boot is small, reflecting its priority on driving experience.

Power comes from smooth and eager Skyactiv petrol engines: a 1.5-litre (129bhp) and a 2.0-litre (initially 158bhp, later 181bhp), both paired with a slick six-speed manual gearbox. The MX-5 offers crisp, accurate steering and an agile chassis, providing immense fun without excessive power. Running costs are low, with excellent fuel economy (easily exceeding 40mpg), reasonable road tax, and manageable insurance and servicing costs, making it an affordable sports car to own.

Best for: Drivers seeking an immensely fun, engaging two-seater sports car for daily use without a huge budget, those who value reliability and low running costs, and buyers prioritising driving thrills over practicality.

Not ideal for: Tall drivers (over six feet), those needing significant cabin or boot space, or buyers who require the latest advanced safety features across all trim levels of early models.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the MX-5 if: You want an immensely fun, engaging, and reliable two-seater sports car that's affordable to buy and run, prioritising driving thrills over absolute practicality.

Consider alternatives if: You are a tall driver, need more cabin or boot space, or require the most advanced safety kit as standard across all trim levels, especially in earlier models.

Competitive Position: The Mazda MX-5 (2015-present) stands out as the world's best-selling roadster, offering an unparalleled blend of driving enjoyment, reliability, and affordability in the sports car segment. While practicality is limited, its focus on driver engagement, low running costs, and accessible performance make it a unique and highly rewarding choice compared to more practical convertibles or its predecessor.

Read our full Mazda MX-5 Review

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