Best Mazda Miata Year to Buy
There is no single best Mazda Miata year: the right one depends on your budget and what you want from the car. Across 83 verified sales, the 1991 is the most affordable at $13,003 and trades most often (44 verified sales). The 1997 has held its value best, now worth 104% of its original MSRP.
Data: DriveIndex. 3 model years with at least 10 verified sales each, latest sale Sep 9, 2026. Methodology
Ranked across the 3 years with at least 10 verified sales. Years with fewer are in the table below but too thin to rank.
Mazda Miata Value by Model Year
| Year | Value today | Vs. original MSRP | Verified sales | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Miata | $16,113 | 73% | 16 | 3 |
| 2000 Miata | $12,875 | — | 5 · too few to rank | — |
| 1997 Miata | $20,506 | 104% | 16 | 2 |
| 1992 Miata | $12,075 | 86% | 2 · too few to rank | — |
| 1991 Miata | $13,003 | 94% | 44 | 3 |
Value today is DriveIndex's current value for each year, from verified sales. “Vs. original MSRP” compares it with the sticker price when new, not adjusted for inflation: 100% means it is worth exactly what it cost. Years with fewer than 10 verified sales are listed but not ranked.
Which Miata year is appreciating right now?
The table shows what each year is worth. Pro adds the direction: the live Value Signal for every year, how confident it is, a 1–5 year projection, and every sold price behind it. Collector adds the best months to buy and an estimated market-bottom date.
Or see the best months to buy with Collector ($39.99/month), or start with a free account.
Best Mazda Miata Year: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Mazda Miata year to buy?
There is no single best Mazda Miata year: the right one depends on your budget and what you want from the car. Across 83 verified sales, the 1991 is the most affordable at $13,003 and trades most often (44 verified sales). The 1997 has held its value best, now worth 104% of its original MSRP. The table on this page lists every model year with its value today, its value against its original MSRP and how many have sold.
Which Mazda Miata year is the cheapest?
The 1991 Mazda Miata is the most affordable year with enough verified sales to compare, currently valued at $13,003. The most valuable is the 1997, at $20,506.
Which Mazda Miata year holds its value best?
The 1997 Mazda Miata is now worth 104% of its original MSRP of $19,770, the best of the years with enough verified sales to compare. That compares today's value with the sticker price when new, not adjusted for inflation.
How much is a Mazda Miata worth?
Depending on the model year, a Mazda Miata is worth from $13,003 to $20,506 today, based on verified sales. Mileage, condition and options move any single car's price; each year's page shows its recent sales.
Which Mazda Miata year is appreciating?
This page shows what each year is worth today and how that compares with its original price. Whether each year is appreciating, stable or depreciating right now is DriveIndex's Value Signal, which Pro members see for every year along with a 1–5 year projection.