The most reliable Japanese sports car available for under $25,000
If you’ve always wanted a fun, lightweight sports car but thought reliability and affordability were out of reach, the used market says otherwise. For well under $25,000, there’s a Japanese-built two-seater that has quietly become one of the most reliable performance cars you can buy. It delivers the kind of open-air driving experience enthusiasts love, but it’s also inexpensive to operate, easy to maintain, and built to last hundreds of thousands of miles.
Unlike many sports cars that trade reliability for excitement, this one is known for doing both exceptionally well. Owners regularly report minimal problems, low annual maintenance costs, and long-term durability that rivals the most reliable sedans and hatchbacks. Its balanced chassis, high-revving engine and simple mechanical setup make it engaging without being fragile or expensive to keep on the road.
This article explains why this little roadster stands out among used performance cars, especially for buyers on a budget. From its proven reliability to its surprisingly low running costs and timeless driving feel, it’s one of the few sports cars you can buy with your heart and your head. If you want maximum smiles per gallon and rock-solid reliability, this Japanese icon is hard to beat.
To provide you with the most current and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article comes from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, JD Power, and CarEdge.
The Best New Sports Car You Can Buy for Under $50,000
With sleek exterior styling, a ton of technology, and 400 horsepower, this coupe is a real steal.
You can get a five-year-old Mazda MX-5 for well under $25,000.
If you’re a driving enthusiast, you know that one of the most iconic nameplates to ever exist is the MX-5 Miata. It’s not the fastest, nor the flashiest, nor the most luxurious. Its simple, uncluttered approach to driving is what makes it such a desirable car. It is also this simplicity that allows it to resist over time, because it is a fairly affordable and easy to maintain car. That’s why if you’re looking for a modern sports car on a budget, we think there are few better choices.
Versions and prices of the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata
|
Model |
Average used price |
|---|---|
|
Sport |
$21,581 |
|
Club |
$22,672 |
|
Grand Tourism |
$24,330 |
|
Club RF |
$25,078 |
|
RF Grand Tourisme |
$24,037 |
The Mazda MX-5 has been around for decades, making a convertible sports car something accessible. Mazda found a recipe that worked, and while everyone has their favorite generation, every Miata feels like it has stayed true to that recipe. In 2015, for the 2016 model year, Mazda launched the latest generation ND, with aggressive lines and the same dynamic driving dynamics. The 2020 model also gets an update in 2018 that increased power and performance.
In 2019, the 2020 MX-5 would have cost you between $27,525 and $36,695 depending on the version chosen. The depreciation has made the 2020 model now about $10,000 cheaper. We’d personally opt for the Club or Grand Touring version, but you can’t really go wrong here. Choosing between the soft top and the targa-esque RF model really comes down to personal preference, especially since they now cost very similarly.
Reliability and maintenance costs
- Average annual maintenance costs: $429 (Repair)
- Average maintenance costs over ten years: $7,381 (CarEdge)
- Reliability score: 86/100
- Reminders: 0
The MX-5 is considered one of the most reliable sports cars you can buy. It is designed to be driven and enjoyed. In fact, it’s the simplicity of the little roadster that helps make it so reliable, with far fewer complex systems to break down. Everything about the Miata is supposed to be quite robust, from the naturally aspirated engine to the simple manual transmission. That’s why JD Power gives the 2020 model year a rating of 86 out of 100 for quality and reliability.
Mazda doesn’t offer the best warranty plan in North America, which means if something goes wrong, you’ll have to pay the costs. Fortunately, the Miata’s simplicity also makes it a fairly affordable car to maintain in the long run. You don’t need to be a master mechanic to work on Mazda’s small sports car either, making it a great car to learn with.
The Japanese sports car that depreciates less than a Corolla
A performance car that satisfies your sensitive side.
The Miata relies on your connection with the road rather than enormous power
The Mazda Miata has never been a particularly powerful sports car. Rather, Mazda believes in the philosophy of Jinba Ittaiwhich means “horse and rider as one”. The idea is to connect with the car and the road, to feel every turn and feel in complete control. This means keeping the car small, light and naturally aspirated. This ideology has been Mazda’s recipe for success and is why the MX-5 is so special.
2020 Mazda MX-5 Performance Specs
|
Engine |
2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four |
|---|---|
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic |
|
Power |
181 hp |
|
Couple |
151 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
propulsion |
|
0-60 mph |
5.7 seconds |
|
Maximum speed |
143 mph |
Under the hood of every 2020 Mazda MX-5 is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. The 2020 model year benefits from a power update introduced for the 2019 model, where horsepower increased from 155 horsepower to 181 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive is the only configuration here. You can choose between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, but we think it doesn’t really make sense not to get the manual.
The Miata is the ideal sports car for many people. It may not be the fastest car, but it’s a car you can really enjoy wherever you are. You don’t need to take it to a track to feel like you’re getting the most out of it. It’s perfect for enthusiasts looking for a stripped-down driving experience, and it’s perfect for those looking for their first sports car.
Mazda’s roadster is a well-balanced machine. It revs high, shifts quickly and handles like a go-kart. We like the lightness of the steering and the feedback it gives you too. We also like that, despite its sporty character, no Miata has too stiff a ride, which makes it a fairly pleasant car to live with.
Fuel economy
|
Model |
City |
Highway |
Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Auto |
26 mpg |
35 mpg |
30 MPG |
|
Manual |
26 mpg |
34 mpg |
29 mpg |
In addition to being one of the most affordable and reliable sports cars on the road, the MX-5 is also quite light on fuel. The average car in 2025 gets 28 miles per gallon, which the Miata exceeds quite easily. Automatic models are slightly more efficient than manual models, but the difference is rather negligible.
The Best Affordable Luxury Sports Cars with Tech and Performance
We’ve selected the best affordable 2025 sports cars that combine thrilling performance, modern technology, and everyday luxury into one thrilling drive.
The interior of the 2020 Mazda MX-5 is as simple as the rest of the car
If you’re looking for the latest gadgets or luxurious materials, you should probably look elsewhere. Build quality is excellent in the Miata, but it stays true to its philosophy of simplicity. It’s a pretty comfortable fit for two adults and Mazda only includes the absolute essentials. Some might see this as a downside, but we think it’s refreshing.
Comfort and technology
|
Headroom in the first row |
36.8 inches |
|---|---|
|
Front row legroom |
43.1 inches |
|
Loading capacity |
4.5 cubic feet |
Mazda’s roadster is rather small, inside and out. The only thing we suggest to anyone who wants to own one is to give it a try, especially if you are taller. Mazda is not generous with the headroom offered, nor with the cargo space. There is a small compartment in the cabin, but it doesn’t hold much. If you’re looking for a little more space, and perhaps another set of seats, the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ may be worth a look.
Every 2020 MX-5 has a seven-inch infotainment screen that rises above the dashboard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, but only on Club and Grand Touring models. Most models feature a fairly average six-speaker sound system, but higher trims get a nine-speaker Bose setup instead.
