Why the Miata Is the Perfect Second Car: 11 Reasons Enthusiasts Keep One In The Garage

If you are wondering why the Miata is the perfect second car, consider this: Miata owners drive an average of just 5,073 miles per year, which shows how often it lives as a cherished weekend toy instead of a worn-out commuter.

Key Takeaways

1. Why The Mazda Miata Makes Sense As A Second Car

The Mazda Miata, or Mazda MX-5, was never meant to replace your family hauler. It was built to sit ready in the garage, waiting for that sunny afternoon or quiet late-night drive when you just want to feel connected to the road again.

As a second car, the Miata plays a very specific role. Your main vehicle covers kids, cargo, and commuting, while the Mazda Miata roadster covers something more important: you.

Costs stay manageable because the car is simple, light, and reliable. Weekend mileage stays low, so wear and tear are limited and maintenance intervals stretch out.

That mix of low running costs and high driving satisfaction is exactly why so many owners keep a MX-5 Miata as their fun backup, often for years.

2. Affordability: Real Sports Car, Second-Car Budget

One reason the Miata is the perfect second car is simple: price. A brand-new 2025 MX-5 Miata Sport with a 6-speed manual starts around $29,330, and used Miatas span an even wider range, from budget NAs to clean NDs.

The entry price is low for a genuine rear-wheel-drive sports car with a manual gearbox. That matters when this is your extra car, not the one you absolutely need for work on Monday.

Because the Miata is light and modestly powered, consumables like tires, pads, and fluids last longer and cost less than on heavier performance cars. Insurance is usually reasonable too, especially when you drive only a few thousand miles a year.

For many of us, this is the only way a true sports car fits the budget. You keep the practical daily, then add a Miata MX-5 for fun without blowing up the monthly numbers.

3. Reliability And Low Running Costs Suit A “Fun” Car

A second car should not be a second headache. This is where the MX-5 Miata shines with simple engineering, proven drivetrains, and a huge knowledge base in the community.

Average annual repair cost for the Miata is around $429, which is low for any sports car. Consumer Reports also notes that the 2025 MX-5 Miata is more reliable than the average new car, which is not something you often hear about a lightweight roadster.

Parts are widely available, from OEM service items to enthusiast-focused Miata aftermarket parts. Because we work only with Miatas, we see every day how easy it is to keep these cars healthy with routine maintenance and a few smart preventative fixes.

That means your second car spends more time ready for drives and less time waiting on rare components at the shop. Reliability lets you plan early morning backroad runs or last-minute weekend trips without worry.

4. Pure Driving Fun You Do Not Get From Your Daily Driver

Your daily usually focuses on comfort, safety tech, and cargo. The Miata focuses on something different: light weight, balance, and driver feedback.

A 2025 MX-5 Miata can reach 60 mph in about 5.7 seconds, but the numbers only tell part of the story. The real magic is in the steering feel, the shifter action, and the way the chassis rotates around you.

Weight distribution sits near the ideal 50/50 mark, with curb weights in the 2,368 to 2,454 pound range depending on trim. On a winding road, that balance matters more than raw horsepower, and it is a big reason owners often keep a Miata even after buying faster cars.

As a second car, this means you can leave the SUV or truck in the driveway when you want to feel the road. You grab the Miata keys, drop the top, and enjoy a type of drive your main vehicle cannot match.

5. Fuel Economy That Makes Extra Miles Easy

Many people worry that a second car will double their fuel bill. With a Miata MX-5, that is rarely the case.

The 2025 MX-5 Miata delivers around 29 mpg combined (roughly 26 city and 34 highway). For a rear-wheel-drive sports car with a manual transmission, that is very efficient.

This efficiency matters when you decide to stretch a short drive into a long loop through your favorite backroads. You can indulge those extra miles without paying V8-level fuel prices.

Because the Miata is light, even older generations like the Miata NA and Miata NB stay relatively fuel efficient when properly maintained. As a second car, that softens the cost of spontaneous weekend drives.

6. Generations NA, NB, NC, ND: Which Miata Is Best As A Second Car?

When people ask us for a Miata buyer guide for a second car, the first question is always about generations. Each one has a different personality, but all share the same core MX-5 DNA.

If you want a simple, analog feel and are happy with older-car quirks, an NA or NB makes a fantastic second car. If you prefer more comfort and plan longer trips, an NC or ND can be a better match.

All four generations respond very well to mild Miata mods. That means you can buy based on budget and condition, then shape the car slowly into exactly the second-car experience you want.

Even future models are carrying that spirit forward, with Mazda planning a lightweight next-gen MX-5 with a 2.5 liter naturally aspirated SkyActiv-Z engine while keeping the manual. That long-term commitment is reassuring when you plan to keep a Miata in the garage for many years.

7. OEM‑Plus Miata Mods: Perfecting Your Second Car

Many owners want their second car to feel special without becoming a harsh project. That is where the OEM plus Miata approach works so well.

OEM-plus means enhancing what Mazda already did instead of trying to turn the car into something it is not. Think slightly firmer Miata suspension upgrades, better tires, improved lighting, and subtle interior tweaks.

Because the Miata platform is so well supported, you can choose upgrades that match your intended use. For a pure weekend toy you might go a little stiffer and lower, while for a date-night cruiser you might prioritize comfort and quiet.

The key is that every part you add should make the car nicer to live with on those special drives. As a second car, the Miata can afford to be a little focused, but it should still be something you enjoy starting every time.

8. The Second‑Car Lifestyle: Community, Events, And Identity

Owning a Miata as a second car is not only about the car itself. It is about the lifestyle that comes with it.

Because the MX-5 Miata community is so strong, you quickly find local drives, track days, and meetups. You are not just buying a weekend toy, you are joining a network of people who understand why a small roadster matters.

Many owners also enjoy the collectible side, especially with special editions like the 35th Anniversary starting around $36,250. As a second car, the Miata can be both a fun driver and a car you keep in great condition as a long-term hobby.

This social aspect is something you rarely get from a random second vehicle. With a Miata MX-5, your spare car often becomes your favorite conversation starter.

9. Practical Limits That Actually Make It Better As A Second Car

When people ask why the Miata is the perfect second car, the answer often includes its limitations. It has only two seats and a small trunk, about 4.6 cubic feet in recent models.

On paper that sounds like a downside, but in real life it is what keeps the car focused. Because you already have a main vehicle for hauling and family duty, your Miata does not need to compromise its shape or weight for practicality.

The small footprint makes it easy to park, store, and maneuver. You can, in many cases, tuck it into a tight garage or corner that a larger second car would never fit.

In a way, those practical limitations protect the car from being dragged into tasks it was not meant for. Your Miata stays what it should be, a driver-focused roadster waiting for the right moment.

10. Planning Your Miata Purchase: Simple Buyer Guide For A Second Car

If you have decided that a Mazda Miata is your ideal second car, the next step is choosing the right one. We suggest starting with a clear list of how you plan to use it.

• Mostly weekend backroads: Any generation works, focus on condition and rust.
• Occasional highway trips: Consider NC or ND for comfort and gearing.
• Track days and autocross: NA, NB, or NC with planned Miata upgrades.
• Collectible vibe: Clean special editions or low-mile examples of any era.

Once you narrow that down, budget for baseline maintenance plus a few key Miata mods like tires, a basic Miata suspension upgrade, and safety checks. We see a lot of cars come alive simply from fresh fluids, alignment, and quality rubber.

Before you buy, compare at least a couple of cars in person if possible. Feel the clutch, steering, shifter, and listen for odd noises, since even a cheap second car should feel mechanically healthy.

If you are unsure about a specific model year or generation details, use owner forums or guides from trusted sources like Mazda USA to cross-check specs and recalls. A careful purchase upfront keeps your second car experience focused on drives, not repairs.

Conclusion

The Miata is the perfect second car because it fits a role most modern vehicles forgot. It is small, honest, reliable, and focused on making simple drives feel special, without asking you to give up practicality in your main vehicle.

Whether you prefer a classic Miata NA, a value-packed Miata NB, a flexible Miata NC, or a sharp modern Miata ND, the formula stays the same. Light weight, rear-wheel drive, and a strong aftermarket give you a car that is easy to own, easy to maintain, and endlessly rewarding to drive.

As enthusiasts ourselves, we built TopMiata to support that exact experience. From everyday service parts to carefully chosen Miata upgrades, our goal is to keep your second car ready for the moments that matter most.

Park something practical in the driveway if you have to. Keep a Miata in the garage because you want to.

FAQ

Is a Miata a good idea as a second car if I have a family?

Yes, as long as your main vehicle covers family and cargo needs, the Miata works perfectly as a dedicated fun car for solo or two-person drives.

Which Miata generation is cheapest to buy as a second car?

In many markets the Miata NB and early Miata NC offer the best price-to-condition ratio, but local pricing and rust levels matter more than the badge on the trunk.

Do I need to heavily modify my Miata second car?

No, many owners stay very close to stock with only mild OEM-plus upgrades like tires, alignment, and small suspension tweaks for a better driving feel.

Can a Miata handle occasional track days as a second car?

Yes, with basic maintenance and smart Miata mods such as good tires, pads, and fluid, the car is very happy doing light track or autocross duty.

Is the Miata comfortable enough for weekend trips?

Later generations, especially the Miata NC and Miata ND, are surprisingly comfortable for short road trips, provided you pack light and accept the two-seat layout.