You’re Spending Less on a New Miata Today Compared to 36 Years Ago | Carscoops

      It appears that car prices continue to increase, yet one legendary roadster has quietly become more affordable than ever when considering inflation.

      According to reports, the prices of the NA and NB generations now exceed $39,000 when adjusted for inflation, while the ND generation remains the least expensive option when adjusted.

      It's well-known that car prices typically don't decrease, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata has certainly followed this trend. When the Miata debuted in 1989 as a 1990 model, it had a starting price of $13,800. Today, purchasing a new model will set you back at least $29,830.

      Upon closer examination, however, the data suggests a different narrative. A recent study indicates that when adjusted for inflation, the cost of owning a Miata has actually declined over time.

      Analysis of historical pricing shows that during the NA generation's presence in the U.S. from 1989 to 1997, the price increased gradually from $13,800 to $19,125.

      The second-generation NB was introduced in 1998 and carried the model into the early 2000s, ultimately reaching a price of $22,098 before transitioning to the NC. The NC started with a base price of $20,435 and concluded its production years at $25,595.

      Similarly, the current fourth-generation ND began at $25,735 in 2015, with prices rising since then. Nevertheless, when Hagerty adjusted the base price for inflation, it became clear that Miata prices have varied significantly.

      When adjusted for inflation, the costs of the NA and NB generations exceed $39,000 in today's currency. In contrast, the NC ranges between $32,000 and $36,000, depending on the model year and inflation rates.

      The latest ND generation is significantly more affordable and has been cheaper than all preceding Miata models in real terms since 2022. This is quite surprising, especially considering that many enthusiasts regard the current ND as the best Miata ever produced.

      To gain a clearer understanding beyond Hagerty's statistics, we created our own list of original Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs) and adjusted them using the official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation calculator.

      Using the introductory price from the actual debut production year of each generation (not the model year), we adjusted everything to reflect November 2025 dollars. The resulting table facilitates a more straightforward comparison of how the real-world cost of the base model has evolved.

      What's on the horizon for the MX-5?

      Mazda is reportedly developing a new generation of the Miata, expected to launch in 2027. Although official information is limited, early reports indicate it will be equipped with the company’s 2.5-liter SkyActiv Z engine, likely producing just over 200 horsepower.

      Additionally, an interesting aspect is Mazda's target weight. The company aims to keep the next-generation vehicle under 2,205 pounds (1,000 kg), making it lighter than the current ND. It remains to be seen if they can achieve this goal while maintaining the price.