Used 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata Consumer Reviews
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2500 miles in....what a great car
I've been thinking at some point I am going to come to my senses and realize I've made a huge mistake buying a tiny 2 seat convertible. But then I find myself taking the long way home (again) so I can carve a few more turns with the fall foliage flashing by and the top down. And everything is right with the world. This car actually puts a smile on my face. It is an honest car that does what it is supposed to do. If your idea of a great car is one that does everything possible to insulate you from the job of driving walk away now. But if you truly enjoy feeling connected to the road and the machine....give one of these a test drive. On a sunny day. With the top down. Update - October 2016 - not a single thing has gone wrong with this car. Oil changes, filters, rotate the tires, drive. Everything still tight and rattle free. Added a Bluetooth adapter to pipe phone into audio system. Still a blast to drive. I'm going to keep this one a long time. April 2020 - zero repairs. Did wear a hole in drivers seat bolster, but mechanically no issues. Good quarantine escape machine. April 2021 - 51,000 trouble free miles. April 2023 - 57K, still no significant problems. Runs like a champ. October 2024 - 62K trouble free miles. Took it out for a long top down ride - still brings a smile to my face. The nose has a few stone chips but the paint shines up nicely. The PRHT motor sounds like it's struggling but still works. She's starting to show her age but runs like a top.
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A mind-blowing sports car to drive!
Through my brief history of owning an array of sports cars, this Miata is the least expensive car I've bought, yet it is simply the best out of them all... It may seem hard to believe, but I WILL NOT lie to you. I've owned a '06 Evo IX MR, '09 e90 M3 Sedan, '10 RX-8 R3... and this MX-5 Miata beats them all. I've matured into a smarter and more expererienced driver, expecially after attending several HPDE events... And this particular car is the pinnacle of pure sports cars. It has all the driving enjoyment you could ever want or need. Having the option of going top-down is an exciting bonus. This car really connects with the driver and becomes in harmony with one another.
- Grand Touring Convertible w/Power Hard TopMSRP: $10,500176 mi away
- Club Convertible w/Power Hard TopMSRP: $13,595155 mi away
- Grand Touring Convertible w/Power Hard TopMSRP: $11,99995 mi away
A true sports car at economic price.
An exciting car to drive, despite the lack of horsepower. Has the advantage but also disadvantages of a convertible. Advantage: top down+summer afternoons = heaven on earth. Disadvantage: More moving parts/joints = more creaks, leaks, and breaks, sub-par sound insulation, increased cost and weight with decreased rigidity. Supposedly has a manual shifter from heaven, but I live in a city with traffic from hell (LA) so opted for the auto, which I've learned to love, especially with the paddle shifter and engine braking capability. Compactness of the car has taught me to make do with less.
#1 in Smiles-Per-Mile
I'd never considered driving an MX-5 until I happened to walk past one at a Mazda dealership one day. I'd always thought of them as girly cars, as too small, too slow, too something for me. But I liked the look of this third generation and the price surprised me. I went home that night and researched the car. To my surprise, I found respectable publications and enthusiasts loved the MX-5 for its ease of operation, near-perfect handling and balance, quick acceleration, and reliability. I went back for a test drive and had the keys to one within a week. There are faster cars, bigger cars, and definitely pricier cars out there. But I don't think many below $100k are this fun to drive.
Must buy for driving enthusiast, with reservations
This is my second MX-5 Miata. I first purchased a pre-owned 2007 GT model with soft top, automatic transmission and 30K miles on the clock. It was a great car. Drove her hard and she never let me down. Just a perfectly made, fun, zippy car. Now comes the 2012 model, which I have only owned for 5 weeks, and really loving every minute, but with some words of caution. First, as an MX-5 enthusiast, I know that the allure of the car has nothing to do with power. It's about enjoying the top-down experience on twisty roads, running through the gears and just enjoying the connection with the car. This 2012 GT w/ the PRHT and a 6-speed manual gearbox accomplishes those goals. However, the gear shifting is not as crisp as I had hoped. I'm thinking that a swap out of the transmission fluid as recommended on the Miata forums will solve that problem. The power is also unsatisfying. I know it's not about the power; but a few more horses would make this car close to perfect. Getting in and out of this car is a breeze with the hard top down; but you need to strengthen your core to crouch into the car with the top up. Listen, it's a small sports car. If you are expecting Cadillac or Lincoln levels of comfort, you are a confused car buyer. But if you are hefty in the midsection (which my wife tells me I am), or if you have a bad back, then get in and out of this car several times before you buy it. The engine noise is also too intrusive. Perhaps it's the crappy Bridgestone Potenza summer tires that came with the car. I'll swap them out for quality grand touring all season tires in the spring. I won't race this car like many MX-5 enthusiasts do, so all season grand touring tires will serve me best. It's also my daily driver, except in snow or ice, so I will take the extra comfort and sacrifice some performance. Even still, i know the noise levels are always going to be what they are; it just surprised me that my 2007 soft top seemed just a tad less loud than this model. But I digress. Power is pretty solid on the highway, passing with ease in 5th or 6th gear. Fuel economy is a mediocre 25-mpg combined [this is the NC, third generation, Miata; if you want great fuel economy and don't mind spending several thousand more, then get the latest ND model. I, for one, preferred the styling of this model and the dimensions. I almost can't believe Mazda made this car smaller. It's small enough, trust me. But on the whole, this car is just fun, especially when you're able to drive with the top down. If you've never owned or driven a convertible before, then you need to. It's really a great experience that will put a smile on your face. The Miata is particularly good at doing that because it's driving dynamics are just so darn good, even with the few minor complaints noted in this review. These cars are super reliable, and can be had for a reasonable price. I purchased mine for $17,500 with just under 16K miles on the clock. Considering this car was in mint condition, and had the premium and suspension packages, I would say it's a steal! Happy motoring.
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Zoom Zooming
After losing my 1991 to flood damage I researched a replacement for two years. Decided on the 2012 PRHT .. Im in heaven.. The Bose Stereo Kicks .. Dont know why they stated other wise. The car runs smoother than a babies buttocks and handles better than expected. This was a Fantastic choice for an upgrade from an NA.. When the time comes, I will go & get another NA..as I do miss the retractable headlights & the simplicity of the the first Miatas made.
Midlife crisis at 69!
I had never had a sports car, despite my being a car guy. They were always too impractical. But I saw this car at a local dealer, drove it, and fell in love. It is like a perfect vintage car, with Japanese reliability, but with wonderful sounds, sensations, and fun. This car makes running errands a joy. Stuff to consider: 1) This is an extra car, and it needs to be driven 60-80 miles a week to keep charged. Failure to hold a charge has been my only real problem, and I have found that a battery tender (20 bucks) is very useful. I have replaced the battery provided by the dealer with a premium one, and while the problem still exists, the situation is much better. 2) I love the hardtop, because around here, near Philadelphia, it gets cold in the winter. I stay away from the snow, but otherwise use it regularly. I bought Michelin all-weathers, and they work fine. 3) Driving on the freeways/Interstates, etc., is not what the car is for. It's okay, but if that's your movie, get something else. 4) Apparently, the average age of a Mazda buyer is 60. Partly this is because people can't drive stick any more, and I have had friends who have had bad experiences with parking lot attendants. Apparently, then, this is a car from another age. Sad, but, meanwhile, I'm a happy camper.
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Great fun
My wife wanted this car and I did not. I went to the dealership and tried it out. It is hard to get into if you are used to driving a truck but once you get over that, the car is such a blast to drive. It is not oozing performance but the handling and responsiveness is better than many of the more expensive roadsters. The wind noise is not bad at all. I always saw this as a "girls car" but now I drive it more than she does. Will probably get my own one day. If you try it out with an open mind you will be pleasantly surprised and may even have some fun driving it.
My 3d Miata
I just love Miata. But I had to do a lot of modifications to the 2012 to make it right. The Stereo is horrible. Is it even stereo? The sun visors dont rotate, and are made of cheap plastic. I guess nobody in Japan drives south in the morning or north in the evening, because if they did, they would soon tire of driving with your hand up by your ear to block the sun! And there is a huge area in the corner of the window that isnt blocked by the visor. There are not USB ports! Lastly, the horn! How could they mis-design the horn switch?? It's this tiny little area in the middle of the steering wheel. That said, I couldnt help but get another Miata.
Cruising
Great covertable for as big as i am. Didn't think i would fit at 265 lbs. Love the automatic hard top. Love the paddle shifters too. In and out of traffic is a breeze. Wish it had a little more power.
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Hang on tight
UPDATE: This Miata was so good, we had to have another. We parted with it for a new MX-5 Miata RF. Our 2013 was one sweet handling car. It never gave us one single bit of trouble in 6 years we owned it. We’d have kept our 2013, too, but the garage is full. :-( Our previous review still holds: *** Suspension is firm. Cornering is phenomenal. Handling is just this side of a go-cart! Living in Southern California, suffer the freeways to get to the mountain roads. GT is in name, not long distance comfort. The manual top is a breeze to lower and erect. One latch does it. Reliability is flawless. SiriusXM and hands free phone are not very useful over 60 mph or with the top down. Who cares! It was so much fun to drive.
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Convertible heaven without convenience
I bought this car this spring & have had the summer to drive it. I just love the way it drives and riding with the top down. Despite that, I probably won't buy another. The interior is very badly designed. The drink holders are directly in the line that your arm must move to shift, and so are unuseable unless you want to risk dumping coffee all over the interior. The door pocket holders will hold nothing but a plastic water bottle. The interior material stains easily and may not come clean. The carpet is very cheezy. I live in a rural area and limit how far I take it from home due to the lack of a spare tire. There is no way that I'd find a replacement tire in rural Michigan.
Mid Life Crisis Car
I always wanted a convertible. My Brother had owned a couple of these in the past. Doing research, I found buying used is no bargain, so I bought new. I love this car. Its fast enough, handles like a dream. The top stays down 90+% of the time, when its raining/ bad weather, I drive other car. Plan on keeping this for long time. This car is small and so am I, so its big enough, bigger people may have a problem here. The car is very very basic, although I got the convenience package;I recommend this. There are few things that I would like to have on this car, but the good so outnumber the bad...This is the cheapest convertible you can get, insurance is reasonable the most smiles per $/mile
2013 MX-5 Club Review
So today was probably the perfect scenario for driving the new 2013 Club spec Miata. Sun was shining, not a single cloud in the sky, and traffic was minimul. It took some getting used to with the short throw 6 speed amnual and the quick to react ABS. The 2.0 DOHC puts all 167 horses on the ground thanks to the 4.10 rear end. I am very particualr when it comes to sports cars, but this one kept me smiling. You already expect these sporty special editions to have a horrid ride quality, however mazda found a nice medium between comfort and harshness. I would Highly recomend this car to drivers who want to race the tracks on saturday, and enjoy small trips to the store on monday.
Small but Great
For the car's size, the trunk is quite spacious. Gas mileage is better than I had with a year 2000 Miata. It feels like a bigger car when driving and handles very well in wind and rain. For the number of speakers it has, the radio/cd sound could still be better.
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Fun and Affordable and Reliable
Fun to drive with good acceleration, decent gas mileage, a very reliable sports car that won’t break the bank sticker price. Other than routine maintenance (oil change, tire rotation, etc.) this car required no additional repairs. Great handling on windy roads. Roof lowers and raises easily with one hand. Plenty of storage compartments and trunk space for a sporty car of this size. So much fun to drive top down.
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Great car
Spent a month to find it and now I have it, It is worth the hard work. you wear the car, you do not drive it. great handling, short throws, it is fun driving it. For me, the NC generation is the best, with hydraulic steering, glove box, 4 cupholders, and 5.3 cubic feet in the trunk.
A pure sports car for not that much $$
I've had my CS w 6 speed manual for about a year now. It really is a joy to drive - fun, engaging, the steering feel/handling balance is just right. Sports cars originally were simple, light, rear wheel drive, convertibles. This is that with the added bonus of being affordable and reliable. The seats don't seem like they would be comfortable for a long trip, but I was surprised - after a 10 hour drive (with stops) I was just fine. In comparison my BMW 330i's seats feel much better initially, but wear on me after a few hours. The trunk is small, but if you buy one of those custom made luggage sets online (mine was about $80), you can fit plenty for a week trip for two.
Fun in the Sun Car
Pros: If you want a sports car that receives lots of attention, yet a car you can afford, this car is for you! I love the automatic convertible top which happens when I am sitting in the car with the engine turned on. All I have to do is unlatch the overhead latch and press a button! This is a fun car that gets great car mileage and requires minimal basic maintenance. Cons: This is really meant to be a 2nd car. For instance if it rains a lot then I take my larger car. The trunk was not large enough to fit in a guitar or suitcase. If you are in a car accident with this little car, you won't have much protection. They need to add side air bags, which my Honda HRV has.
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Love this car
This is a great car I've owned a 91 Mazda miata before. I like this one better it's a second car for me. I also have another vehicle I alternate with. I live near the beach so definitely going to work in the morning it's a pleasure with the top down as the Sun's coming up. doesn't get me better. I almost bought a 2017 Mustang convertible great car looks very nice but it just doesn't have that British sports car feel.
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Perfect
I can get golf clubs in the trunk, drive roof up or down with prht, it's fast enough for me, handles like a dream and so is just the perfect 2 seater sports car
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new car
i love the car still new to me ,fun to drive.
Sporty and Fun
Not a luxury car but as much fun to drive as you’ll find in any car.
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Edmund’s Nails It
You said the car was great and you were 100% on the mark
Honey I wish I had a convertible
Great car for fun trips and pleasant drives. Makes my wife happy to have a convertible to drive around town.
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THE BEST SPORTS ROADSTER EVER
Drove an M3, 911, GTI, AUDI TT. There is no comparison to a MX-5. The 2011 Prut is the best. It is not as fast. But, on a quarter mile against a 911 ! It just was behind 5 seconds. I mean for the price, it is unbeatable. No questions ask. Cheap to maintain and reliable than most.
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A great weekend car
It handles great, braking, steering accelaration Fun to drive BUT noisy Cannot hear the radio even in full blast driving over 65
My second Miata
This car does not have Miata on it anywhere. It is a MX-5. I owned a 2000 Miata LS and it was a good car. I had modified it a lot. This 2012 has almost the same mods as I put in the 2000. It also has the same problems as the 2000. Clutch is terrible. Gears grind if you are not careful. I bought it used and it had 25000 miles on it. It leaks easy as the rain rails don't work good. It costs over $400 to get them fixed. The finish is one of the worse. It also has an aluminum body which dings very easily. The car drives ok after you get use to the power assist. The 2000 did not have this and I like feeling the road. The power assist is hard to get use to as it oversteers if you are not careful. The Sport is the low end and it is the low end. Nothing is included hardly. Radio is inferior. On the 2000 it was a Bose system. The power is good after 2nd gear if you wind it up to 6000 RPM. Then when you shift it grinds if you are trying to get it up fast. I think Mazda did a lot of damage to a good car. I keep the 2000 for 8 years and over 100000 miles. This one will probably not get that.
MX5
An excellent choice!
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A CAR NOT WORTH HAVING
I own this car, a 2013 Club edition, and wish I didn't. This car is terrible, has no power what so ever. Going up a hill, this car screams and whines with the gas pedal depressed to the floor, like it is just struggling with all its might to climb a little hill. Driving at 65 miles an hour on the interstate is about the best it gets. Passing another car is a chore. The seats are very uncomfortable, and there is no room for anything in this car. I knew it was going to be short on space, but I did not realize how the cramped space was going to impact my life in such a negative way. Forget a trip, no room for baggage! And LOUD! I can't hardly think while driving this noisy vehicle!