Used Mazda MX-5 for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.8%
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 mk4 (2015-present) is the world's best-selling roadster, with over one million examples sold across four generations. Launched in 2015, this fourth-generation model is remarkably similar in size and weight to the original 1996 MX-5, a testament to excellent engineering. The two-seater cabin is stylish and well-made, though tight on space—particularly for those over six feet tall. The 130-litre boot is small, but the MX-5 prioritises driving experience over practicality, making it an engaging daily driver that doesn't demand expert-level skills to enjoy.

The MX-5 mk4 features modest-sized engines that deliver spirited performance: a 1.5-litre four-cylinder producing 129bhp (0-62mph in 8.3 seconds) and a 2.0-litre unit offering 181bhp from 2018 onwards (0-62mph in 6.5 seconds). Both engines are smooth, eager, and paired with a slick six-speed manual gearbox. Crisp steering and an 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 are reasonable, and the MX-5 is extremely reliable, making it an affordable sports car to own and maintain.

Best for: Enthusiast drivers seeking an affordable, fun-to-drive sports car for daily use, those who value reliability and low running costs, and anyone wanting an engaging driving experience without excessive power or complexity.

Not ideal for: Tall drivers needing spacious cabins, buyers requiring a large boot, or those prioritising practicality over driving thrills.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the MX-5 if: You're an enthusiast driver seeking an affordable, fun-to-drive sports car for daily use, value reliability and low running costs, or want an engaging driving experience without excessive power or complexity.

Consider alternatives if: You're tall and need a spacious cabin, require a large boot, or prioritise practicality over driving thrills.

Competitive Position: The Mazda MX-5 mk4 (2015-present) stands out as the finest choice among affordable convertible sports cars. Whilst the Fiat 500 Convertible offers style and the MINI Convertible provides premium appeal, neither matches the MX-5's driving dynamics, reliability, or value proposition. The MX-5 mk4 uses modest engines to deliver impressive performance, making it faster point-to-point than its specification suggests. It's equally entertaining at low speeds as high ones, doesn't demand expert-level driving skills, and remains cheap to run. For those seeking a two-seater sports car that's genuinely fun on a daily basis without breaking the bank, 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 March 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.