Should I buy a used Subaru BRZ or Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Choosing between a used Subaru BRZ and a Mazda MX-5 Miata mostly comes down to practicality vs. pure fun.

Quick verdict

• Buy the Subaru BRZ if you want a more usable daily driver. It’s a fixed-roof 2+2 coupe, so it offers more cargo flexibility and a more traditional sporty-car feel.
• Buy the Mazda MX-5 Miata if you want the lightest, most open-air driving experience. It’s a strict two-seater roadster and usually feels more playful and special at legal speeds.

What to know

• Space & usability: The BRZ is the better pick if you want a small back seat for extra stuff and a bit more everyday versatility. The Miata is much tighter inside and is best if you can live with two seats and minimal cargo room.
• Roof style: The MX-5 is a convertible; the BRZ is a coupe.
• Driving character: The BRZ tends to feel more planted and coupe-like, while the Miata feels lighter and more agile.
• Transmission feel: If you care a lot about a manual gearbox, the Miata is widely praised for its shift feel, while the BRZ is still very good but more focused on balance than outright delicacy.

Used-buying tip

If you’re leaning BRZ, the 2022+ second generation is especially appealing because it brings the newer 2.4-liter engine and a more modern interior. If you’re leaning Miata, the 2019+ ND2 cars are the ones to target for the updated engine.

Bottom line

• Choose BRZ for daily usability and coupe practicality.
• Choose Miata for the purest, most joyful driving experience.

When buying either one used, inspect for modifications, track use, accident repairs, and maintenance history. Also check the exact trim and model year, since features and pricing can vary a lot by year and market.