Whilst you think of a sports activities automobile, you likely imagine burning rubber and racking up miles on winding roads. However, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, one of the maximum cherished convertibles ever made, isn’t spending lots of time on the road — and that’s exactly what makes it special.
Consistent with a new take a look at , the Mazda MX-5 Miata is officially the least-pushed used car in the United States, averaging just 5,073 miles according to year. That’s barely a third of what most drivers log yearly. So why are Miata owners keeping their keys tucked away?
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The Study That Sparked the Surprise
Researchers analyzed over one million odometer readings from used motors and discovered that the Miata tops the list of least-driven vehicles. In the back of it are the GMC Hummer EV, MINI Hardtop EV, and Mazda MX-30 EV — all cars that share something in common: they’re niche, fun, or futuristic.
For the Miata, that mixture of collector enchantment, natural driving pleasure, and limited practicality might explain why it spends more time in the storage than on the dual carriageway.
The Miata’s Magic: Small, easy, and Iconic
The Mazda MX-5 Miata debuted in 1989 and has due to the fact that come to be the sector’s best-selling two-seater convertible. Why? It’s mild, nimble, and refreshingly clear-cut — a throwback to what using used to be like earlier than everything went touchscreen.
Beneath the hood of the 2025 model, you’ll discover a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine with 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. That might not sound wild, however whilst your automobile weighs simply 2,428 kilos, it’s more than sufficient for amusing weekend drives.
Fuel efficiency doesn’t disappoint either — the Miata delivers 26 MPG town and 35 MPG dual carriageway, proving it’s both exciting and thrifty.
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Trims and charges
Mazda keeps matters easy, imparting four trims for 2025 — all with character to spare:
- MX-5 Miata Sport – beginning at $29,530
- MX-5 Miata membership – beginning at $33,030
- MX-5 Miata Grand travelling – beginning at $34,840
- MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary edition – beginning at $36,250
A 6-speed guide transmission is popular, even as the simplest Grand touring trim offers an automatic choice. Inside, you’ll locate Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and blind-spot monitoring, well-known — plus luxury touches like heated leather seats and a Bose top rate audio device in higher trims.
Why Miata Owners Drive Less
So why does the Miata sit parked so frequently? Some reasons stand out:
Collector popularity: Many owners buy the Miata as a “fun car,” not a commuter. It’s something to experience on the best weekends — no longer day by day visitors.
- Rear-Wheel force: exquisite for overall performance, not so tremendous for snow and ice.
- Compact Cabin: The small interior and trunk make it less perfect for long road journeys or huge grocery hauls.
- Depreciation control: driving fewer miles keeps resale values high for this cult-preferred roadster.
Essentially, Miata owners deal with their cars like quality wine — to be savored, not eaten up each day.
Other Least-Driven Cars in America
The Miata might also lead the listing; however, numerous different motors additionally see quite low mileage. Here’s the relaxation of iSeeCars’ least-pushed lineup of 3-year-old cars:
| Rank | Model | Avg. Miles/Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mazda MX-5 Miata | 5,073 |
| 2 | GMC Hummer EV | 5,205 |
| 3 | MINI Hardtop EV | 6,726 |
| 4 | Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV | 7,039 |
| 5 | Ford Mustang | 7,142 |
| 6 | Ford F-150 Lightning | 7,877 |
| 7 | VW Golf R | 7,990 |
| 8 | VW ID.4 | 8,053 |
| 9 | Ford EcoSport | 8,140 |
| 10 | Subaru WRX | 8,181 |
Apparently, 4 of these 10 cars are EVs, suggesting constrained range may additionally play a function in how frequently they’re driven.
Final Thoughts
Even supposing it’s the least pushed, the Mazda MX-5 Miata remains one of the maximum cherished automobiles on the road. It’s proof that driving amusement isn’t about mileage — it’s about moments.
The Miata keeps to represent affordability, reliability, and pure a laugh — 3 matters that in no way exit of favor.
So even as it can spend extra time in the garage than on the expressway, each mile in the back of the wheel of a Miata is worth remembering.
FAQs
Q1. Why is the Mazda MX-5 Miata the least-driven car?
A. Most owners buy the Miata as a weekend or fun car, not a daily commuter. Its compact size, rear-wheel drive, and collector appeal make it more of a “joyride car” than an everyday driver.
Q2. Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata reliable for daily use?
A. Yes, the Miata is extremely reliable and affordable to maintain. However, its limited space and low ride height may make it less convenient for daily errands or long trips.
Q3. What makes the Mazda MX-5 Miata so popular?
A. The Miata’s popularity comes from its lightweight design, manual transmission, nimble handling, and affordable price — all adding up to an authentic sports car experience.
Q4. How much does the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata cost?
A. The 2025 MX-5 Miata starts at $29,530 for the base Sport trim, while the 35th Anniversary Edition tops out around $36,250.
Q5. Should you buy a Mazda MX-5 Miata in 2025?
A. If you’re looking for a fun, reliable, and engaging sports car that won’t break the bank, absolutely. The Miata offers pure driving joy, impressive fuel economy, and strong resale value.
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