Which Mazda MX-5 trim holds its value better?

By Chad Luckhoff

We compare the two trims of the Mazda MX-5 to see which one holds its value the best after two years. With only two models ever offered, it's a 50/50.



The Mazda MX-5 needs very little introduction, over 1 000 000 examples of the 2-seater roadster have been sold, making it the world's best selling sports car.

South Africa wasn't always deemed a high-volume market for the little car, despite our glorious weather and fantastic scenery. Only a handful of the original 1.6-litre first generation (NA) models were brought into the country with Mazda electing in later years to bring in the 1.8-litre version officially.

Mazda also waited before bringing the second generation (NB) in, waiting until the 2001 facelift before making it available. The third generation fared better and Mazda offered the first and second version of the NC but then dropped the model when the third facelift took place.

The fourth and current generation suffered a somewhat similar fate with Mazda bringing the model in right from launch but then later canning it after only two years. Some believe this to be due to the struggling Rand and low sale volumes.

The RF joined the roadster a year before its demise in 2018 and is still available from Mazda, albeit only as a 2.0-litre with an automatic gearbox. South Africa never received the 1.5-litre model in either the roadster or the Retractable Fastback.


Model range and pricing:

2016 2.0L Roadster Coupe 6-Speed Manual - R389 800
(Discontinued mid-2018)

Average pricing of a 2017 2.0 Roaster Coupe in 2019
R350 000

Percentage loss
10.2%


2017 2.0L RF Roadster Coupe Automatic – R532 800
(Automatic only)

Average pricing of a 2017 2.0 RF Coupe in 2019
R345 000

Percentage loss
35.2%


Verdict

The Mazda MX-5 RF is a depreciation nightmare. 2019 models with demo mileage are retailing for R80 000 below new vehicle price while the soft-top roadster is still selling for over R300 000 comfortably, considerably closer to its original list price.

The reasoning for this could be the lacklustre performance, particularly up at the reef and the lack of practicality. While the MX-5 was never designed to be practical, many soon tire of the limited storage space. The performance issues are compounded by the automatic gearbox and lack of a manual option.

This is a crying shame as the little MX-5 is still enjoyable to drive, in RF guise and particularly in roadster trim. The depreciation factor and low sale volumes may push Mazda into discontinuing the model in South Africa entirely.

The one plus point is the potential future value of the soft-top roadster as sale numbers were limited by the two-year sale span and the manual option. We've seen the original Mk1 / NA model appreciate in price, the fourth generation may just do the same locally.

 

Watch our video review of the fourth generation MX-5 here: 2016 Mada MX-5

Everything you need to know about the Mazda MX-5: Click Here

Read about the brand philosophy here: What creates a Zoom-Zoom?