Convertible sports cars are a popular ticket item, but some of them can cost you an arm and a leg to own. There are a few little roadsters available on the market, however, that won’t make you break the bank to get your hands on one. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of them that has been around the block for quite a few years.

With all the amenities it now sports for the 2020 model, its starting price is actually a steal when you factor in what it has to offer. CarFax.com lists out which convertibles, in this class, are the cheapest to own and which ones will cost you a ton to have in your garage. 

Where does it rank with the cheapest convertibles list?

CarFax.com listed the Mazda MX-5 as the second cheapest convertible available on the market when it comes to sporty vehicles. It comes in behind the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider, which, interestingly enough, is based on the Miata. It’s also often compared to it as well.

While there are a few differences between the two, the Spider overshadows Mazda’s convertible just by a nose. It’s suggested retail price is barely under $27,000. The Mazda MX-5 Miata price is only about $500 more.

These two-seaters are significantly lower than the third-place offering, which is the Mini Cooper. It comes in at a price of $30,000 unless you choose the higher-grade version, the John Cooper Works, which lists for a hefty price of about $39,000.

How does the Mazda MX-5 Miata rank when it comes to overall value?

It may be the second cheapest convertible on the market, but when you take value into consideration, the Miata slays its competition. This little sports convertible car has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine running at 181 hp. Standard package mates a six-speed manual transmission with it, but you can opt for an automatic if you choose. 

With the manual transmission, you can get 34 highway mpg, while the automatic allows you to get one more mile for an EPA-estimated rating of 35 mpg. Braking is exceptional, garnering short stopping distances in any condition. 

As far as ride and handling go, it’s reminiscent of our go-kart days, as U.S. News explained it. The spirited little convertible zips around corners with ease and turns on a dime, making it a joy to drive. Also, it comes with a longer list of standard features than most other comparable convertibles do. In the end, the inexpensive price makes it number one when it comes to value. 

What trims does the Mazda MX-5 Miata come with?

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has three trim levels to choose from. First, there’s a standard package, known as the Sport trim. This is the one that you can get for a starting price of $27,000. The second trim level is the Club, which is their mid-grade package. 

The Club comes with a few more features, like the Brembo/BBS Recaro package, which adds performance seating. This trim level starts at $30,000, except for the RF version, priced at $33,000, which adds the retractable hardtop.

The last trim is the Grand Touring, the leader of the pack, so to speak. With all the luxury features it adds to the Miata, you can expect to pay around $32,000 to start.  

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has several rave reviews. It may be only the second-best when it comes to price points, but it’s No. 1 when it comes to value for your money.