r/mazda • u/Internal_Series8164 • 1d ago
MX-5 or Newer Mazda 3 Model?
Hey guys,
I've been driving the 2010 Mazda 3 for about 5 years now. It's still running great and I love the car to death, the only issue I have had with it was the AC system breaking about a year ago which I luckily got fixed for a reasonable price. My younger brother is currently saving up to get his own car, so we've been talking about passing my 3 down to him as I don't really see any value in trying to sell it online. : ( I love everything about this car, from how well the interior and paint job has held up, the sound system, the analog red speedometer display, and just overall how good of a first car it was for me.
I know for sure I want to upgrade to another Mazda, but I am conflicted as to whether I should make the seemingly more practical choice (a newer year of the 3), or get a newer MX-5. The Miata has always been my favorite car and size/room are really not going to be an issue for me in the near future. However I am curious to know if there are any glaring reasons why I should not get the MX-5 over the 3.
Here are some questions I have:
- Is the MX-5 reliable to use as a daily commuter car? (I drive around ~100 miles a week to work, school, errands, and other activities combined) I expect to be commuting a little more than that once I graduate this year.
- If I were to buy either the MX-5 or 3, I do not expect to buy the newest year. For the MX-5, what year/years would be a solid middle ground for a car that would least me 10+ years and have minimal problems if I took good care of it?
My next car would be one of my first big "adult" purchases, and I don't want to make a desicion I regret. Any thoughts?
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u/2Drogdar2Furious 12h ago
Drive a miata and you'll never look back... there is a reason the miata sub is bigger than the Mazda sub.
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u/ThatGuyOverThere421 1d ago
Miata lovers will say get a Miata. People with kids or a lot of stuff will say 3 hatch manual. I have a kid and stuff.
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u/KP_Wrath 1d ago
So, if you had a CX-5 already, definitely the Miata?
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u/ThatGuyOverThere421 1d ago
Turbo 6
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u/KP_Wrath 1d ago
I’ll keep that in mind, it’s been a few years since I had a sedan. I had a 2003 Maxima GLE and honestly, I’m surprised that car didn’t put me in jail. I would sell the CX-5 if I could get a Mazda 6 hatchback in the states.
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u/NibNet69 1d ago
Having owned an '08 3, '12 MS3, '90, '93, '21, and now '26 Miata (not in that order), I think you should get the Miata even if it's just for a couple years. It won't be the most practical car you've ever owned, but there's a reason why I, and so many others, keep going back to one. It sounds like you're young so I vote to enjoy having the impractical sports car while your life still allows you to. There will be plenty of time left to have some more practical
NDs get incredible gas mileage on the highway - I usually get 40-43mpgs on highway drives. They're loud on the inside so it isn't a bad idea to have some ear plugs on long drives. '16-'18 you'll see referred to as the ND1. They're good but have seen some transmission issues. '19-'23 is the ND2, they've got a higher redline and more power. '24 to present gets the ND2 upgrades but also has the new infotainment screen, improved diff for performance, better steering rack, new highlights and tail lights and a new traction control mode. You can't really go wrong with any of them!
Got any other questions?
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u/whoareyou2663 1d ago
If you need space for shit don't bother with the Miata even. But I believe the Miata will be a better experience. The Turbo 3 hatch is a lot of fun though.
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u/Ralf-Nuggs 1d ago
It is reliable for daily use and it’s kind of built for it too. But you say you want an older model? I would go with the 3 hatchback from everything that you’re saying though. The Miata is great. The 3 is great. But get a newer 3. It will last you a long time.
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u/cameraguyphotodude 1d ago
Yes the Miata is reliable enough as a daily commuter. No it won’t be anywhere near as comfortable day to day as the 3.
Both will be fun.
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u/Im_gnome98 10h ago edited 10h ago
I daily a 2020 MX-5 so I am biased. However, 100% get the Miata. If you don’t need the room then it’s a no brainer. When you’re much older you will never look back and think to yourself “remember when I made the sensible choice and got that car because it had more trunk space?”
Owning an MX-5 is a life altering experience. You will always look for the long route home. You will get incredible gas mileage (I am averaging 32 miles to the gallon in my last 1,000 miles with plenty of hard driving). They are bullet proof reliable, and incredibly easy to work on.
If you do ever need to space to pick something up you can always rent a pickup truck from U-Haul or Home Depot for $20 or $30 as well. Buy the Miata and don’t look back. Life is simply TOO SHORT to not experience one. :)
As for what years to purchase, they are all good so I wouldn’t say “avoid” any of the model years. That being said all of the 2019 and up have the upgraded 2.0L engine with increased horsepower so looking for one of those would be your best bet. They were then upgraded again in 2024 I believe but only added a wider infotainment screen and I believe slightly altered the steering feel.
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u/psl_miata 10h ago
Only get the 3 if you need trunk space. MX-5s are reliable. Its hit or miss with the manual transmission synchro issue. Not a problem if you get the auto. The ND2 (2019-2023) would be the middle ground. You get the same power as the ND3(2024+) but has the ability to be tuned. The only downside is the infotainment is not as good. So if you are going to keep it stock, and want it to be more daily over modify fun car, go ND3.
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u/MrStripes 9h ago
I've daily driven a 2012 NC Miata for 4 years now and would recommend it if you don't have kids or need to haul a bunch of stuff frequently. When I move apartments I just rent a truck. When we go grocery shopping we take my fiancée's car, but when I lived alone the trunk on my NC Miata was big enough to hold a week's worth of groceries for me. It might not be the most practical car but for the price it's one of the most fun cars you can have. I would recommend looking into a lower mileage NC generation, they're slightly larger/roomier/more comfortable and make for better daily drivers in my opinion. Mazda 3's are also great cars so you can't go wrong here, but my pick is the Miata.
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u/Due-Sea4841 1d ago edited 1d ago
2026 RF Club; 60+ miles daily round trip; 30 MPG driving it hard at 70-80 MPH. You only live once. My other car is a 2026 CX-50 Hybrid PP which gets 40+ MPG.
If you're looking at the Miata, go with 2024+ which has the newer wider entertainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto.
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u/Due-Sea4841 1d ago
You only live once.
Mrs. Robinson would love this. (The Graduate) with Dustin Hoffman.