Why the 2019 Mazda MX-5 is a top contender for a used sports car in Canada

2019 Mazda MX-5 is the perfect blend of usability, reliability, and fun

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 is a rock-solid, dead-reliable automobile. Its lineage is as good as it comes – older models are prized by weekend racers. With 50-50 weight distribution, it is, in the truest sense, a traditional sports car.

What’s the greatest sports car ever made? That’s up for debate, of course. Some might point to legends like the Jaguar E-Type, Shelby Cobra, Ferrari Testarossa, Porsche 911, or Aston Martin DB5.

But let’s narrow things down to something more attainable: usability, reliability, affordability, fun quotient, and ease of service. When you apply those criteria, most exotic and high-end models fall off the list quickly.

Enter the Mazda MX-5, commonly known as the Miata. Over 35 years since its introduction, this two-seater still delivers on its original promise: a dependable, fun-to-drive sports car that won’t break the bank. And while new models have crept up in price, the 2019 MX-5 now represents a great deal as a used car option.

Today, a used 2019 Mazda MX-5 can be found in Canada for around $30,000 to $35,000, depending on condition and mileage. Here’s why it remains a top contender for anyone in the market for a used sports car.

Usability: Yes, the MX-5 is compact, but it’s a well-designed compact. The trunk is small yet usable, and the manually operated soft top can be raised or lowered in about 10 seconds. This top is one of the best-engineered on the market, adding to the overall practicality of this roadster.

Dependability: The 2019 MX-5 continues the model’s reputation for reliability. It’s a rock-solid, daily driver that consistently earns high marks for dependability. Whether for everyday commuting or weekend fun, this car won’t let you down.

Affordability: While a new MX-5 may push the limits of affordability, the 2019 model as a used option represents great value. With good fuel economy (especially with the manual transmission), it’s also one of the most economical sports cars available today.

Fun Quotient: This is where the MX-5 really shines. Even as a used car, it delivers one of the best driving experiences you can find for the price. The 2019 model comes with a lively 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Whether you’re on a twisty road or at the track, the MX-5’s lightweight and balanced chassis makes it a joy to drive.

Parts and Service: Owning a 2019 MX-5 means access to readily available parts and affordable service. The aftermarket scene is vibrant, and performance upgrades are common and relatively inexpensive. If you’re looking to personalize or enhance your MX-5, you’ll find plenty of options.

Overall, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 is an exceptional choice for a used sports car. It’s not the fastest or most luxurious, but it excels where it counts: delivering fun, reliability, and value. Whether you’re just starting out in the sports car world or you’re a seasoned enthusiast, the MX-5 is hard to beat for all-around practicality and excitement.

If you’re in the market for a used sports car, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 should be high on your list. It offers the driving pleasure of more expensive models without the hefty price tag.

2019 Mazda MX-5

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Transmission: six-speed manual
Drive: rear-wheel
Horsepower: 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm
Torque: 151-foot pounds at 4,000 rpm
Fuel economy: 9.0 litres/100 km (city) and 7.0 (highway) with regular gas

Some alternatives: Fiat Spider, Nissan 370Z Roadster, Audi TT, Porsche Boxster.

Ted Laturnus has been an automotive journalist since 1976. He has been named Canadian Automotive Journalist of the Year twice and is past president of the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

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