Which Years of Used Mazda Miatas Are Most Reliable?
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Some sports cars are valued for their looks as well as their performance. That’s the case with the Mazda Miata, also called the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Originally introduced in 1989, this car is available in a variety of model years and is highly sought after by roadster fans. If you’re looking for the most reliable Mazda Miata here, you’ve come to the right place, so read on!
Most Reliable Years for the Mazda Miata
Good news – there are multiple stellar years for the Mazda Miata you can pursue, whether you are looking for a used vehicle or a new condition car. The most reliable years for the Mazda Miata include:
THE MAZDA MIATA YEARS TO AVOID
Over the years, Miatas have developed a solid reputation for reliability and easy repairs. Yet, not every model is perfect, so it’s vital to understand what are the Mazda Miata years to avoid.
- 2003 Mazda Miata
- 2008 Mazda Miata
- 2010 Mazda Miata
- 2018 Mazda Miata
- 2005 Mazda Miata
- 2023 Mazda Miata
Each of these model years will provide you with fun, performance, and safety in equal measure. They have excellent consumer reviews and retain the iconic Mazda Miata silhouette that will turn heads as you drive down the road.
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Are Mazda Miatas Generally Reliable?
The Mazda Miata is generally considered to be a fairly reliable vehicle line. According to copilotsearch.com, the Mazda Miata’s 30 years of manufacturing history have led to big improvements over time, like a crisp transmission, an excellent engine, and affordability.
Getjerry.com also backs up this assertion, especially because there are many quality model years you can target as a used car shopper. The Mazda Miata’s best model years are known for powerful engines, sleek looks, affordability, and fun. Indeed, driving a Mazda Miata is enjoyable both because of how it feels and because you can rest assured that your car will stand the test of time, as long as you take it in for regular maintenance.
Which Mazda Miatas Are the Least Reliable?
Just like there are plenty of great years for the Mazda Miata, there are also some years you should avoid. The least reliable Mazda Miata model years include:
- 1999 Mazda Miata
- 1996 Mazda Miata
- 2016 Mazda Miata
- 2000 Mazda Miata
- 2006 Mazda Miata
As you can see, there isn’t a straight collection of model years for the Mazda Miata that is known for unreliability. This is both a good and bad thing, but it does mean you’ll need to do extra research when purchasing a used Mazda Miata to make sure you don’t get a lemon.
The 1999 Mazda Miata is statistically the worst of the bunch. It has 92 recorded complaints, most of which relate to issues with the disc brakes. To keep yourself safe and to get the most value out of your purchase, stay away from 1999 Mazda Miatas if at all possible.
Are Mazda Miatas Expensive to Maintain?
Even if you purchase one of the more expensive Mazda Miatas on the market, rest assured you won’t lose too much money in terms of annual maintenance costs. According to repairpal.com, the average maintenance cost of a Mazda Miata is just $349: talk about affordable! This is much lower than the average annual repair costs for similar cars.
Naturally, certain maintenance troubles might cost you more than others. A powertrain control module replacement, for example, could cost over $1000 at a single visit. In contrast, calling maintenance fixes, like fuel pressure tests and emergency brake cable replacements, won’t cost too much overall.
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Which Mazda Miata is Most Reliable?
To maximize your fun and value for money, consider purchasing the most reliable Mazda Miata year of all: the 2005 Mazda Miata. That’s because, starting in 2004, Mazda gave its signature roadster an upgrade in terms of performance.
According to motorbiscuit.com, the 2005 Mazda Miata has superior power compared to the 2004 Mazda Miata, an improved six-speed transmission, and a clutch-type limited-speed differential. Further additions, like racing wheels, a unique interior trim, and more resulted in phenomenal user reviews when it was released.
The trick? Only 5400 of these vehicles were made for the US market between 2004 and 2005. Therefore, you can expect to pay a little more than average for a used 2005 Mazda Miata, if you are lucky to find one at all.
What Are the Most Common Mazda Miata Problems?
As you search for one of the most reliable Mazda Miata years, keep an eye out for oft-reported problems on vehicle maintenance and history checks. According to enginepatrol.com, the most common Mazda Miata problems often include:
- Airbag problems, including defects with the airbag system or persistent or intermittent lighting up of the airbag warning light
- Transmission problems, such as loss of power and acceleration or stubborn gear shifting
- Road noise (which can happen regardless of model year)
It’s a good idea to take your used Mazda Miata to a mechanic if you encounter any of these problems once or especially consistently. The last thing you want is for your sports car to break down in the middle of the road!
Is The Mazda Miata Worth It?
As you can see, the Mazda Miata could very well be worth it, especially if you get the most reliable Mazda Miata year available. This flashy, stylish roadster is a popular choice for those who like to cruise and go on vacation frequently, though it doesn’t have enough space for a big family and lots of suitcases.
Make no mistake, this is a luxury car that you can sometimes get for budget-friendly prices if you find a used model from an earlier year. That said, just be sure to do some in-depth investigation about a used Mazda Miata’s accident history before buying it. That way, you can rest assured that your Mazda Miata won’t give you too much trouble.
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Final Thoughts
Now you know the best Mazda Miata years to target in your search. Of course, you can always opt for a 2023 Mazda Miata, which includes many of the same upgrades and improvements as previous models, plus far fewer complaints (so far). Just remember that it hasn’t been on the market long enough for anyone to determine whether it’s a truly reliable iteration of this popular car!
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