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- Arriving Soon$534/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Machine Gray MetallicMachine Gray Metallic
- Interior color: Black leatherBlack leather
- 4cyl manual
- Independence Mazda (235 mi away)(1)
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$534/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,034 Due at signing
$3,034 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $21,729 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Charlotte, NC / 235 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
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VIN: JM1NDAM74S0657636
Stock: 657636
Listed since: 07-03-2025 - $525/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Jet Black MicaJet Black Mica
- Interior color: Black leatherBlack leather
- 4cyl manual
- Independence Mazda (235 mi away)(1)
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$525/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,025 Due at signing
$3,025 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $21,392 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Charlotte, NC / 235 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2.0L 4-Cylinder DOHC 16V RWD 6-Speed Manual Jet Black Mica
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VIN: JM1NDAM74S0653201
Stock: 12861
Listed since: 06-20-2025 - $555/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Jet Black MicaJet Black Mica
- Interior color: Black leatherBlack leather
- 4cyl automatic
- Peruzzi Mazda (243 mi away)
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$555/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,055 Due at signing
$3,055 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $22,474 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Fairless Hills, PA / 243 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
Jet Black Mica 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring RWD 6-Speed Automatic 2.0L 4-Cylinder DOHC 16V26/35 City/Highway MPG
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VIN: JM1NDAM7XS0655051
Stock: 257650
Listed since: 06-10-2025 - $529/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Jet Black MicaJet Black Mica
- Interior color: Black leatherBlack leather
- 4cyl automatic
- Peruzzi Mazda (243 mi away)
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Estimate Lease Details
$529/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,029 Due at signing
$3,029 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $21,538 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Fairless Hills, PA / 243 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
Jet Black Mica 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring RWD 6-Speed Automatic 2.0L 4-Cylinder DOHC 16V26/35 City/Highway MPG
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VIN: JM1NDAM73S0652346
Stock: 257668
Listed since: 06-25-2025 - $519/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Jet Black MicaJet Black Mica
- Interior color: Black leatherBlack leather
- 4cyl manual
- Mazda of South Charlotte (243 mi away)
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$519/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,019 Due at signing
$3,019 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $21,192 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Pineville, NC / 243 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
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Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NDAM72S0656047
Stock: 0656047
Listed since: 06-10-2025 - $561/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Soul Red Crystal MetallicSoul Red Crystal Metallic
- Interior color: Black leatherBlack leather
- 4cyl automatic
- Mazda of South Charlotte (243 mi away)
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$561/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,061 Due at signing
$3,061 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $22,708 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Pineville, NC / 243 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
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Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NDAM76S0652325
Stock: 0652325
Listed since: 06-19-2025 - $547/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Jet Black MicaJet Black Mica
- Interior color: Black leatherBlack leather
- 4cyl automatic
- Mazda of South Charlotte (243 mi away)
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$547/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,047 Due at signing
$3,047 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $22,207 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Pineville, NC / 243 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
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Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NDAM76S0654544
Stock: 0654544
Listed since: 06-19-2025 - $534/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Soul Red Crystal MetallicSoul Red Crystal Metallic
- Interior color: Black leatherBlack leather
- 4cyl manual
- Mazda of South Charlotte (243 mi away)
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Estimate Lease Details
$534/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,034 Due at signing
$3,034 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $21,736 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Pineville, NC / 243 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
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Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NDAM7XS0654398
Stock: 0654398
Listed since: 06-19-2025 - $580/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Snowflake White Pearl MicaSnowflake White Pearl Mica
- Interior color: Tan Nappa premium leatherTan Nappa premium leather
- 4cyl automatic
- Germain Mazda of Columbus (274 mi away)(320)
- Five Star Dealer
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Estimate Lease Details
$580/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,080 Due at signing
$3,080 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $23,365 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Columbus, OH / 274 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
Snowflake White Pearl Mica 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring RWD 6-Speed Automatic 2.0L 4-Cylinder DOHC 16VRecent Arrival! 26/35 City/Highway M...
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VIN: JM1NDAM73S0656610
Stock: 23016
Listed since: 07-02-2025 - Arriving Soon$564/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Machine Gray MetallicMachine Gray Metallic
- Interior color: Black leatherBlack leather
- 4cyl automatic
- Byers Mazda (285 mi away)(1)
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$564/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,064 Due at signing
$3,064 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $22,792 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Columbus, OH / 285 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
Machine Gray Metallic 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring RWD 6-Speed Automatic 2.0L 4-Cylinder DOHC 16V This Mazda MX-5 Miata RF has many features...
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VIN: JM1NDAM79S0656126
Stock: M255355
Listed since: 04-07-2025 - Arriving Soon$544/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Jet Black MicaJet Black Mica
- Interior color: Black leatherBlack leather
- 4cyl automatic
- Byers Mazda (285 mi away)(1)
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$544/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,044 Due at signing
$3,044 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $22,083 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Columbus, OH / 285 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
Jet Black Mica 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring RWD 6-Speed Automatic 2.0L 4-Cylinder DOHC 16V This Mazda MX-5 Miata RF has many features and is...
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VIN: JM1NDAM76S0654642
Stock: M255305
Listed since: 06-23-2025 - $545/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Soul Red Crystal MetallicSoul Red Crystal Metallic
- Interior color: Black leatherBlack leather
- 4cyl manual
- Classic Mazda (294 mi away)
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$545/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,045 Due at signing
$3,045 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $22,111 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Mentor, OH / 294 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
Classic Mazda is located in Mentor, Only 20 Minutes East of Downtown Cleveland. We serve all of Northeast Ohio! At Classic Mazda you'll find one of th...
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VIN: JM1NDAM74S0655062
Stock: M30430
Listed since: 06-16-2025 - New Listing$545/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Aero Gray MetallicAero Gray Metallic
- Interior color: Black leatherBlack leather
- 4cyl automatic
- Classic Mazda (294 mi away)
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$545/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,045 Due at signing
$3,045 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $22,125 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Mentor, OH / 294 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
Classic Mazda is located in Mentor, Only 20 Minutes East of Downtown Cleveland. We serve all of Northeast Ohio! At Classic Mazda you'll find one of th...
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VIN: JM1NDAM79S0656790
Stock: M30459
Listed since: 06-25-2025 - $531/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Aero Gray MetallicAero Gray Metallic
- Interior color: Black leatherBlack leather
- 4cyl automatic
- Wayne Mazda (300 mi away)(2)
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$531/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,031 Due at signing
$3,031 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $21,625 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Wayne, NJ / 300 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
Aero Gray Metallic 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring RWD 6-Speed Automatic 2.0L 4-Cylinder DOHC 16V26/35 City/Highway MPG
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Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NDAM70S0650327
Stock: 252967
Listed since: 01-29-2025 - $541/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Snowflake White Pearl MicaSnowflake White Pearl Mica
- Interior color: Tan Nappa premium leatherTan Nappa premium leather
- 4cyl automatic
- Wayne Mazda (300 mi away)(2)
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$541/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,041 Due at signing
$3,041 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $21,970 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Wayne, NJ / 300 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
Snowflake White Pearl Mica 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring RWD 6-Speed Automatic 2.0L 4-Cylinder DOHC 16V26/35 City/Highway MPG
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Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NDAM76S0654057
Stock: 253603
Listed since: 06-16-2025 - $545/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Aero Gray MetallicAero Gray Metallic
- Interior color: Tan Nappa premium leatherTan Nappa premium leather
- 4cyl automatic
- Bass Mazda (302 mi away)(1)
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Estimate Lease Details
$545/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,045 Due at signing
$3,045 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $22,125 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Sheffield Village, OH / 302 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
$1,069 off MSRP! Gray Metallic 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring RWD 6-Speed Automatic 2.0L 4-Cylinder DOHC 16V26/35 City/Highway MPG
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Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NDAM71S0654273
Stock: S0654273
Listed since: 06-09-2025 - New Listing$502/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Aero Gray MetallicAero Gray Metallic
- Interior color: Tan Nappa premium leatherTan Nappa premium leather
- 4cyl manual
- Mazda of Columbia (313 mi away)
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$502/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,002 Due at signing
$3,002 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $20,554 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Columbia, SC / 313 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
South Carolinas best kept secret Mazda of Columbia presents you this NEW 2025 Aero Gray Metallic Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2.0L 4-Cylinder DOH...
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Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NDAM76S0653796
Stock: M36655
Listed since: 06-18-2025 - New Listing$526/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Aero Gray MetallicAero Gray Metallic
- Interior color: Tan Nappa premium leatherTan Nappa premium leather
- 4cyl automatic
- Mazda of Columbia (313 mi away)
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Estimate Lease Details
$526/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,026 Due at signing
$3,026 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $21,423 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Columbia, SC / 313 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
South Carolinas best kept secret Mazda of Columbia presents you this NEW 2025 Aero Gray Metallic Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2.0L 4-Cylinder DOH...
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NDAM78S0654464
Stock: M36654
Listed since: 06-18-2025 - New Listing$499/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Soul Red Crystal MetallicSoul Red Crystal Metallic
- Interior color: Black leatherBlack leather
- 4cyl manual
- Mazda of Columbia (313 mi away)
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$499/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$2,999 Due at signing
$2,999 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $20,465 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Columbia, SC / 313 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
South Carolinas best kept secret Mazda of Columbia presents you this NEW 2025 Soul Red Crystal Metallic Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2.0L 4-Cylin...
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NDAM70S0655169
Stock: M36814
Listed since: 06-08-2025 - New Listing$496/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Snowflake White Pearl MicaSnowflake White Pearl Mica
- Interior color: Tan Nappa premium leatherTan Nappa premium leather
- 4cyl manual
- Mazda of Columbia (313 mi away)
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$496/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$2,996 Due at signing
$2,996 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $20,349 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Columbia, SC / 313 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
South Carolinas best kept secret Mazda of Columbia presents you this NEW 2025 Snowflake White Pearl Mica Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2.0L 4-Cyli...
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NDAM7XS0655728
Stock: M36813
Listed since: 06-08-2025 - New Listing$522/mo est.$2,500 down
- Exterior color: Soul Red Crystal MetallicSoul Red Crystal Metallic
- Interior color: Black leatherBlack leather
- 4cyl automatic
- Mazda of Columbia (313 mi away)
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$522/month for 36 months
$2,500 Down payment
$3,022 Due at signing
$3,022 total due at lease signing includes down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit. Total cost to lessee is $21,297 over the lease term. Except as otherwise expressly provided, excludes sales tax, title, registration and other fees. Lessee is responsible for vehicle maintenance, insurance, repairs and charges for excess wear and tear. Actual monthly payments will vary. Not all lessees may qualify; higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Payment estimate based on lease programs in effect through July 31, 2025.
Located in Columbia, SC / 313 miles away from Charlottesville, VA
South Carolinas best kept secret Mazda of Columbia presents you this NEW 2025 Soul Red Crystal Metallic Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2.0L 4-Cylin...
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: JM1NDAM74S0653067
Stock: M36657
Listed since: 06-18-2025
Showing 43 - 63 out of 114 listings
Consumer Reviews for the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Read recent reviews for the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Drive It Like You Stole It
scmtbdoon, 01/16/2020
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
I own a 2019 MX-5 RF. I never considered a soft top to be practical enough for my daily driver. The MX-5 isn’t really that practical (like a Mazda3 hatch), but it is practical enough - it is weather tight and holds my gear. The new 181 hp engine with 7500 rpm redline also provides broader horsepower and torque bands – and a wailing good time!
There is a reason that Porsche sells … Boxters and Caymans. They have shown there is a market for a soft and hard top version of basically the same car. Porsche has also shown there is a market for both automatic and manual transmissions in sports cars. It increases the overall sales volume and amortizes the cost of development over more units. This makes a 2 seat vehicle (that appeals to a small fraction of buyers) a more commercially viable proposition.
Mazda is trying to do the same thing, at less than half the price. And unlike the more insulated / isolated Boxter and Cayman the MX-5 can be wrung-out at less than lethal speeds.
My 2019 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring Retractable Fastback has a 6 speed automatic. It stays in automatic when traffic is stop and go. But 99% of the time I drive it in the manual shift gate for more control on curves and grades. I prefer slap-shifting the stick, but the paddles are just as fast. Stomp the gas pedal and it instantly kicks down 2 gears to pass. You can bounce it off the 7500 rpm rev-limiter and it will not shift up. It will shift down automatically – but only as the car rolls to a stop. Every up-shift is a speed shift because you never take your foot off the gas. No power pause between gears.
It looks great with the top up or down. So much control and feedback to all your senses. Bashing about on mountain 2 lane it makes you feel like you are going fast even at 45 mph.
With the top down, you hear the engine, smell the forest, feel the air rush over the car body, feel the road condition through the steering wheel, the suspension and the brakes. All responses are instantaneous, precise and linear – whether turning the steering wheel, pressing the gas pedal, down shifting or applying the brakes.
The steering is very precise, with immediate turn-in. You can place the car exactly where you want it with no steering correction. Good torque as low as 2500 rpm with great torque from about 3500 to 7000 rpm. And it sounds strong and smooth all the way to redline.
In the RF, with the top down and windows up with temperatures in the low 40s you’ll be nice and warm without a jacket or sweater.
EPA says the automatic is more gas-frugal than the manual. Professional reviewers report that 0-60 mph is only about 0.2 seconds slower than the manual – around 6.0 to 6.5 seconds depending on how much you are abusing the engine and transmission.
Head into a posted 30 mph bend at 45, down shift into 2nd gear and start applying gas as you reach the apex. No brakes, just exhaust note as the auto-box does a rev matching down shift, then momentum into apex and 3 seconds of 2nd gear acceleration before entering the next bend.
You’ll be grinning, with no hooligan stunts required – just fast (almost legal) snaking through the S-bends. You’re going 30-60 mph but it feels faster and way-more-fun than a heavier more powerful car.
At 70 mph in 6th gear with the top up the engine and tire noise are not intrusive. You can have a conversation in fairly normal tones. The head rest speakers and speed sensitive volume adjustment work quite well to deliver good sound.
As a daily driver, your size matters. At 5’-10” / 165 lbs. I am 3 notches from maximum seat travel and find the seats very comfortable and supportive – no sliding around, even without huge side bolsters. I have plenty of room for my U.S. size 9.5 feet and my knees don't touch the steering wheel, center console or door. However, at 6’-2” or 200+ lbs. you might have issues. Cockpit storage is small and not very convenient. The (extra cost) Mazda cargo net is about $40 on the web and a Rubber Maid bin from the hardware store is around $20. Both will add flexibility when finding a home for your stuff – and when quickly emptying the trunk so you can go to the supermarket for 3 bags of groceries.
The new telescoping steering wheel will help you find a good seat position. The 4.5 cubic ft. trunk is small, but deep and well-shaped. However, the opening is fairly small. Definitely take your “gear” to the dealership and give the trunk and the cockpit cubbies a fit-test when you go for a test drive.
There is no jack and no spare tire – just a compressor that runs off the car battery and injects magic goo into the tire. If you use the compressor and goo I believe you may be buying at least one new tire, and possibly a set of 4 (if the surviving 3 are visibly worn). This wake-up call from my long-time Michelin tire store. So keep your mobile phone charged and use the free 3 year Mazda roadside assistance to have the car hauled to the tire store so the flat can be patched!
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