Mazda MX-5 Makes the List of Sports Cars With the Lowest Ownership Costs in 2024– Twice
Sports cars don’t have a reputation for affordability. No, razor-sharp performance coupes and sun-soaked convertibles trade spaciousness and practicality for smile-inducing antics. As such, you might not expect your sports car to have low ownership costs. Well, some sports cars, like the Mazda MX-5 and Chevrolet Camaro defy the spendy reputation of the segment.
The Mazda MX-5 snags two spots among the sports cars with ownership costs
The Mazda MX-5 is one of the few driver’s cars on the market with a sub-$32,000 starting price. What’s more, the little drop-top MX-5 could save its owners money compared to segment rivals.
| Make and model | Average 5-year depreciation | Average 5-year ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru BRZ | $16,403 | N/A |
| Chevrolet Camaro | $13,852 | $53,107 |
| Mazda MX-5 | $21,836 | $47,172 |
| Mazda MX-5 RF | $23,264 | $49,170 |
However, the MX-5 didn’t just earn a solo spot on the list; the latest Miata takes two top spots. Specifically, the conventional soft-top MX-5 earned a spot, as well as the retractable-hard-top variant, the MX-5 RF.
According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), the soft-top MX-5 has an average five-year ownership cost of around $47,172. That’s good news for sports car drivers who can suffice with the MX-5’s diminutive size, considering the little Mazda convertible costs around $6,000 less to run than a larger, more powerful Chevrolet Camaro.
Opting for the retractable hard-top RF model adds around $1,998 to the MX-5’s half-decade running costs. Understandable, given the added expense of the power-retractable panel. However, both Mazda MX-5 models had maintenance costs of around $4,417.
Of course, the latest Miata isn’t the only sports car with wallet-friendly five-year running costs. The Chevrolet Camaro and Subaru BRZ occupy top spots among the most affordable sports cars. Moreover, the BRZ has a mechanical twin: the Toyota GR86. As such, the GR86 is another affordable driver’s car option.
With a sub-$30,000 price tag, the MX-5 is one of the most affordable sports cars on the market
The 2023 Mazda MX-5 starts at around $29,215, less than a comparable Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86, or Ford Mustang. What’s more, the RF is one of the few cars on the market with a power retractable roof.
Better yet, with affordable maintenance, insurance, and fuel costs, the Miata may still be the answer.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
