It’s hard to find good, cheap cars these days, especially when it comes to sports cars. We live in a world where a 30-year-old Honda Accord sells for $8,500 and a 2000 Acura Integra GS-R is raking in Ferrari cash. Even 10-15 year old used hatchbacks, which once sold for less than $5,000, are moving into the $8,000 range. Fortunately, if you are a sports car fan, there is hope. US News & World Report recently published a list of the best used sports cars under $15,000 and includes several intriguing options, including the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Nissan 370Z, Dodge Challenger and Scion FR-S. But at the top of the list, proving once again that the answer is always Miata… is the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
What Makes the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata the Best Used Sports Car Under $15,000?
There are plenty of reasons why the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata landed in first place American news’ list of the best used sports cars under $15,000.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is endlessly entertaining. It offers a lot of usable performance, but the real fun is in the driving experience. The lightweight platform provides excellent driving dynamics. Coupled with quick steering and a short throw gearbox, every ride is worth it.
In the end, it’s a sports car distilled to its purest essence. Still, it offers enough features, comfort and rock-solid reliability to be an everyday car. While other cars like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Nissan 370Z and Dodge Challenger are bigger and offer better 0-100 km/h times, they can’t match the puppy-like fun of the Miata.
Overall, US News reports, “The Miata is the ideal car for affordable performance.”
2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata Prices, Specs and Features
Now let’s see what this used Miata offers. It’s important to note that the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata listed by US News is somewhere in between the now classic Miatas and the current ND version. In fact, it offers the classic roadster experience with modern features such as leather upholstery, heated seats and a premium Bose stereo, making the car more livable every day.
According to US News, the average price paid for the 2010 MX-5 Miata is $12,155, and for that money you get the following specs:
Dimensions:
- wheelbase: 91.7 inches
- Length: 157.3 inches
- Width: 67.7 inches
- Height: 49.4 inches
- Weight: 2,619 pounds
Engine/powertrain specifications:
- Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
- Horsepower: 167 hp
- Couple: 140 lb-ft
- Transfer: 5 or 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
Performance Specifications:
- 60mph: 6.4 seconds
- 1/4-mile: 14.9 seconds
- Fuel economy: 22 – 28 mpg
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is always the answer
There’s no denying that the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata has a lot going for it. After all, it landed number one on US News’ list of the best-used sports cars under $15,000. Although, that shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. The Miata is a simple yet dynamic car that puts driver involvement above outright speed. What’s not to like about that?
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